20 college towns perfect for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts

Reno, NV

Bright lights, towering mountains, and a beautiful lake—Reno is the ultimate Nevada experience for the state’s best nature spots.

Boulder, CO

Snow or sun, Boulder is a Colorado favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.

Boise, ID

Discover Idaho’s capital inside and out, with lots of stunning nature escapes to unwind in.

Los Angeles, CA

Warm weather invites students to the beach, mountains, and the city’s many parks to enjoy the outdoors.

Asheville, NC

One of the South’s best-kept secrets, Asheville is a lively city with lots of outdoor activities that showcase the beauty of the region.

Tuscon, AZ

Sunshine and deserts, Tuscon is one of the Southwest’s best cities for outdoor adventures.

Miami, FL

Beachgoers will find paradise in tropical Miami, especially for those who enjoy water activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.

Albuquerque, NM

New Mexico is home to the country’s most mystifying landscapes. Skip a class or two and spend the day going on desert adventures near Albuquerque.

Madison, WI

Begin your Great Lakes tour in Madison by checking out the state’s several rivers, lakes, and forests.

Salt Lake City, UT

Salt Lake City stuns all four seasons. Between picturesque views of the Great Salt Lake and the Wasatch Mountains, there’s lots to do in this capital.

Minneapolis, MN

The land of 10,000 lakes is a favorite for kayakers, paddleboarders, and those who thrive amid the gorgeous views of natural blue waters.

Evanston, IL

Just under an hour from Chicago, the Northwestern University campus sits along the great Lake Michigan.

Seattle, WA

The hub of the Pacific Northwest offers more than just city living in Seattle—explore outside of this major Washington city to discover the region’s best sights.

Lubbock, TX

America’s biggest state means many adventures, and Lubbock is an underrated Texas territory for outdoor escapades.

Phoenix, AZ

Hot year-round, head outside of the Arizona capital for hikes, cacti, and the desert in its natural state.

Lawrence, KS

Kanas is a haven for fresh air and breathtaking sights. Follow the flow of the Kansas River and set forth on a soothing Midwestern journey.

San Diego, CA

Surf’s up in San Diego! Surfing, kayaking, and seal watching are just a few outdoor activities to do in the majestic Pacific Ocean.

Corvallis, OR

Corvallis is a top Oregon location for experiencing the magic of the state. Endless green views, towering trees, and magnificent forests—days spent outside create the fondest of memories.

Tuscaloosa, AL

With rivers, state parks, and wildlife, Tuscaloosa’s characteristically southern charm is a breath of fresh air for outdoor enthusiasts new to the city

Missoula, MT

From fly fishing to hot springs, Missoula has everything needed to appreciate the outdoors.

Between study sessions, football games, formals, and lectures, breathing in the crisp airs of nature is a calming way to unwind busy college students, and ample outdoor time is necessary to exercise the body and the mind.

Nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those with an appreciation for all of Earth’s most spectacular geographical creations—here are 20 cities in the United States perfect for stimulating the senses indoors and out.

Reno, Nevada: Kayak the calming waters and lay upon the sandy shores of the translucent Lake Tahoe during Nevada’s warm springs and summers or heat your body with some physical activity sledding the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Reno, home to the University of Nevada. The Biggest Little City in the World offers more than just a walkable downtown adjacent to campus, a river that runs through the city hosting several events and festivals, and casinos—it’s one of the West’s best college towns for outdoor enthusiasts who adore the amenities of a city in addition to water, forests, and mountains.
Boulder, Colorado: Snowbirds live for winters in Boulder and its surrounding areas, where access to the country’s best skiing and snowboarding makes winter the preferred season in this Colorado town. Nature lovers cannot go wrong with attending college at UC Boulder, especially with an intense winter football season that adds to the snowy festivities!
Boise, Idaho: Boise excels in more than just football—the beautiful surroundings of Idaho’s capital city make connecting with nature a year-round occasion. Warm your body during the frosty winters in the region’s many hot springs and pitch a tent while soaking in the landscapes of Idaho’s Rocky Mountains and the Great Basin. Rivers, mountains, and a collection of ponderosa pine, Engelmann spruce, Douglas-fir, and lodgepole pine of the Boise National Forest—every day is a postcard at Boise State.
Los Angeles: Californians love to keep fit, and it’s hard not to in sunny Los Angeles, where UCLA and USC students have their choice of swimming, surfing, lounging on Southern California’s beautiful coastline, or hiking the valley’s many trails that gracefully overlook the city. If you can’t brave the cold, moving to California for your college years is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise of warm weather, scenery to make those in the East envious, and a soothing escape from city life into nature.
Asheville, North Carolina: Asheville and the surrounding Buncombe area hide many of the country’s gems within the Blue Ridge Mountains, like idyllic rivers and waterfalls, an abundance of trails, and outdoor activities such as fishing, kayaking, and more that keep its community and the students of UNC Asheville active and in tune with nature!
Tucson, Arizona: Get lost in gorgeous deserts that characteristically color the Southwest with year-round weather that gifts students of the University of Arizona some of the region’s best state and national parks, like Saguaro National Park, purple mountain peaks perfect for hikers of all levels, rock climbing, canyoneering, biking, camping, and more to de-stress from studying.
Miami, Florida: With tropical weather and Caribbean views every day of the year, it’s hard not to spend your days outside! Students of the University of Miami are fortunate to go to school surrounded by the country’s best beaches and are rewarded with plenty of snorkeling, kayaking, diving, scuba diving, fishing, and more when being on land gets a bit too hectic! Swim with the colorful and vibrant marine life of Florida, go dolphin spotting, and breathe in the moist air of this tropical paradise.
Albuquerque, New Mexico: The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque showcases the wonders of the desert. Surrounded by the Sandia Mountains, this city, with its unique blend of Spanish and indigenous history, is not only reflected in its beautiful Pueblo-style architecture but also in outdoor recreation like biking, camping, trails, and year-long outdoor festivities that keep students busy and active.
Madison, Wisconsin: Wisconsin produces our country’s agricultural staples with its vast lands built for not only farming but exciting recreational activities. For students of the University of Wisconsin, Madison is just a stone’s throw away from lakes Mendota and Monona, which means water sports like kayaking, canoeing, kite surfing, and more are unofficially a part of the UW Madison curriculum. But don’t let the state’s notoriously cold weather discourage you—a drive from the city places you alongside several ski resorts and slopes, with lovely state parks to keep you busy between seasons.
Salt Lake City, Utah: Utah’s capital and the University of Utah might not be known for wild nightlife and crazy parties like you’ll find in other cities, but its convenient placement around the largest saltwater lake in the Western Hemisphere allows for leisurely walks and SUP activities, with the nearby Wasatch and Oquirrh mountain excursions great for hikers and snowbirds.
Minneapolis, Minnesota: America’s heartland, the Midwest, prizes unparalleled views, and Minnesota, the land of 10,000 lakes, is no exception. Luckily, students at the University of Minnesota are blessed to have 13 lakes nearby, which is why students enjoy life at this college—big city living paired with some of the country’s most breathtaking natural destinations, from rapid waterfalls to the Mississippi, Minnesota, and St. Croix rivers, all located within the Twin Cities.
Evanston, Illinois: Right on the edge of Lake Michigan sits the prestigious Northwestern University, where students, when the weather permits, can enjoy activities like swimming and sunbathing at the sandy, riverfront Clark Street Beach or venturing around the city’s many parks and green spaces.
Seattle, Washington: Like many destinations in the Pacific Northwest, nature and outdoor activities are unmatched when the skies are clear of rain. The University of Washington has the privilege of being in the region’s largest city and cultural hub while sitting beside Puget Sound’s waters, islets, and several state and national parks like Olympic, North Cascades, and Mount Rainier.
Lubbock, Texas: Home to Texas Tech, students in one of the nation’s largest states will find unmatched natural views at every turn. Lubbock is a short drive to many state parks, including Big Spring, Palo Duro Canyon, and Monahans Sandhills, that make weekends an excuse to go on many of the Wild West’s most thrilling adventures.
Phoenix, Arizona: If you love the heat, you’re in luck, because not only is the valley hot year-round, but its nearly 365 days of sun are a reminder that the Southwest’s most famous destinations await discovery. Near Arizona State University, you can climb Camelback Mountain or trek through the area’s unlimited trails to see the region’s characteristic boulders and rock formations. If you’re parched for water, the Lower Salt River is perfect for kayaking in between cactus spotting at the many nearby state parks.
Lawrence, Kansas: Clinton Lake and the scenic Kansas River are just a few natural attractions for students of the University of Kansas. The Sunflower State and Lawrence offer endless adventures, from exciting kayak trips to the serenity of the calming Midwestern landscapes.
San Diego, California: The southernmost part of California promises Pacific Ocean views and steep hills that make for incredible hikes and viewpoints for San Diego State students. With a thriving surf culture and several state parks, San Diego is a paradise for lovers of the sea.
Corvallis, Oregon: Hiking, fishing, kayaking, camping, and more—Oregon once again makes the list for its variety of outdoor recreation. The central western town of Corvallis, home to Oregon State University, is a natural escapade of trails, parks, and wildlife. Students can paddle the Willamette River water trail, go bird watching, or take a rip-roaring mountain bike expedition and breathe in the fresh pine scent of the Siuslaw National Forest.
Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Alabama’s rich history is reflected in its unique geographical formations showcased in the Moundville Archaeological Park, once home to the country’s indigenous populations, and Lake Lurleen State Park, a favorite for fishing, hiking, and camping with plenty of wildlife to observe. Take a stroll along the Black Warrior River and enjoy the fresh air of the South’s lush vegetation between classes at the University of Alabama.
Missoula, Montana: Last but certainly not least, this fly fishing hot spot is a dream for those who live for the euphoria nature graces. In The River City, named for its presence of the Clark Fork River that happily unites the city, trout, hot springs, elk, and more of the west’s vivid wildlife and parks sit ready for the adventurous University of Montana students year after year.