After years of exploring college towns and campuses across the country, I’ve come to appreciate the ones that truly stand out. If you’re looking for a school with serious wow-factor, these cool college campuses deliver with iconic architecture, natural beauty, and that electric student energy you can feel as soon as you arrive. I’ve walked these quads myself—and trust me, you’ll want to explore them too.

Highlights I Always Recommend:

  • Walk the ivy-covered paths at Princeton and Yale—every time I visit, I feel like I’m stepping into history with a side of academic prestige.
  • Explore UC Santa Barbara’s beachfront campus. I’ve seen students surf between classes—yes, really—and the sunsets are unforgettable.
  • Visit the University of Washington in spring. I timed one trip for the cherry blossoms, and with Mount Rainier in the distance, it’s absolutely breathtaking.
  • Experience the buzz in Ann Arbor at the University of Michigan. I’ve wandered from quirky bookstores to game-day crowds—it’s the full college-town package.
  • Admire the gothic towers and live music scene at UT Austin. I’ve caught street performers and taco trucks on the same stroll—it’s Austin through and through.

Cool College Campuses:

Take a Tour of Pepperdine University

Courtesy of estervig - Fotolia.com

Take a Tour of Pepperdine University - Oceanfront learning and Malibu breezes meet world-class academics                                     

Find Balance and Beauty at Furman University

Furman University

Find Balance and Beauty at Furman University - Lakeside charm, rigorous programs, and Southern hospitality in one scenic package                                    

Explore Ivy League Tradition at Princeton University

Courtesy of glynspencer - Fotolia.com

Explore Ivy League Tradition at Princeton University - Timeless architecture and elite scholarship make this a scholarly dreamscape                                     

Discover Mountain Majesty at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College

Discover Mountain Majesty at Dartmouth College - Intellectual adventure and outdoor thrills converge in New Hampshire’s Upper Valley                                    

Walk in Jefferson’s Footsteps at the University of Virginia

University of Virginia

Walk in Jefferson’s Footsteps at the University of Virginia - Neoclassical grandeur, honor culture, and academic excellence define this historic campus                                    

Thrive in the Heart of Atlanta at Emory University

Emory University

Thrive in the Heart of Atlanta at Emory University - Top-tier research meets urban energy and global impact                                    

Live the Legacy at the College of William & Mary

College of William & Mary

Live the Legacy at the College of William & Mary - Second-oldest in the nation, steeped in Revolutionary history and academic rigor                                    

Stand Where History Lives at Gettysburg College

Courtesy of jonbilous - Fotolia.com

Stand Where History Lives at Gettysburg College - A liberal arts powerhouse just steps from America’s most iconic battlefield                                     

Experience Excellence at Harvard University

Courtesy of Bastos - Fotolia.com

Experience Excellence at Harvard University - Harvard Yard, innovation hubs, and centuries of influence await in Cambridge                                     

Make Your Mark at Indiana University-Bloomington

Indiana University-Bloomington

Make Your Mark at Indiana University-Bloomington - Big Ten spirit, artsy downtown charm, and a beautiful, wooded campus vibe                                    

In Summary...

(and if you want to revisit my photo journey)