Even if you’re well beyond your college years, America’s college towns can make great places to visit, particularly for a weekend getaway. College towns tend to be full of nightlife and entertainment, great restaurants, and cultural venues. What’s not to love? Plus, so many of them are often incredibly beautiful.
Here’s our roundup of the most scenic college towns in the country.
campus of University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, VT
Burlington has a bit of a Bohemian vibe, even though it’s a relatively large city. It’s the home of the band Phish, as well as Ben and Jerry, so you know there has to be a hippie charm to be discovered here.
You’ll find everything from craft beer breweries to ample trails for hiking and biking in Burlington.
Along with being scenically beautiful, the food is also part of what makes this city so spectacular.
University Memorial Center of Colorado University Boulder
Boulder, CO
Boulder is set in the shadow of the mountains, has beautiful weather and lots of opportunities for outdoor sports, activities, and adventures. The town is known for having residents who embrace a healthy, active lifestyle.
If you take a visit to Pearl Street you can shop the eclectic boutiques that make up the area.
Boulder is also home to some festivals, including film festivals. In the summer months, you can enjoy the mountain scenery and the idyllic weather Boulder offers visitors and residents.
source: gbj.com
Athens, GA
Athens is located north of Atlanta and is home to the University of Georgia. This southern college town is known for its great live music scene, having launched the careers of groups like the B-52s and R.E.M.
Football also reins supreme in Athens so try to plan your visit around football season. You can visit the large-scale stadium or even participate in some tailgating action if you’re lucky.
Annapolis, Maryland
Annapolis, MD
Annapolis is a Chesapeake region gem. The area is known for its fresh seafood—particularly crabs and items like she-crab soup and crabcakes.
Along with being able to pick up amazingly fresh seafood, the Annapolis area is full of scenic water spots where you can enjoy beautiful boats. There are cafes and wine cellars where you can enjoy tasting locally sourced wines as well.
The Old Well at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Home to UNC-Chapel Hill, the nation’s first public university, Chapel Hill is home to a very diverse group of people.
Walk along Franklin Street, this town’s main area, and enjoy shops and dining. Take a visit to Top of the Hill where you can take in birds eye views of Franklin Street while you have craft beers and great Southern fare.
Chapel Hill is also known for their basketball program, which is where legends like Michael Jordan began their careers, so take a trip to the Dean Dome if you have the opportunity.
City of Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
Berkeley is known for its thriving arts and cultural scene, as well as its eco-minded background and focus on social justice.
Just a short distance from San Francisco, at Berkeley there’s going to be no shortage of independent movie houses, galleries and political events to attend.