Explore 10 of the most scenic colleges in the U.S.

Key takaways for choosing a college with a view

• A scenic campus can boost your mood, motivation, and overall college experience.
• Coastal, mountain, lakeside, forested, and historic campuses each offer unique vibes.
• Beautiful surroundings can reduce stress and make day-to-day life more enjoyable.
• Explore campuses fully by going beyond the tour and visit in different seasons.
• Choose a college that fits your lifestyle, academics, and budget, not just the view. 

College is a huge chapter, and the setting can make a big difference. Whether you’re surrounded by mountains, forests, beaches, or historic buildings, the vibe of a campus shapes your day-to-day experience—and can even boost your mental health.

So while things like academics and cost matter a lot, going to a college with a scenic campus adds a major bonus. Let's look at some prettiest college campuses by setting—coastal, mountain, lakeside, historic, and forested—plus tips on how to find the view (and the school) that fits you best.

1. Ocean views = instant serotonin

Pepperdine University (Malibu, California)

Perched on a cliff above the Pacific Ocean, Pepperdine looks more like a luxury resort than a college campus. The Mediterranean-style buildings, palm trees, and sweeping ocean views make it one of the most beautiful colleges in America. Sunset study sessions? Yes, please.

2. Perfect mountain vibes

University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, Colorado)

With the Flatirons towering in the background, CU Boulder is basically a postcard brought to life. Red-roofed buildings, green quads, and those mountain views make it a dream for hikers, skiers, and nature lovers alike.

3. Beach, but make it tropical

University of Hawaii at Mānoa (Honolulu, Hawaii)

Few schools offer both beach access and lush green mountains in one glance, but UH Mānoa does just that. It’s tropical, tranquil, and one of the most picturesque college campuses in the world.

4. Forestcore meets vintage fantasy

Sewanee: The University of the South (Sewanee, Tennessee)

Sewanee sits atop the Cumberland Plateau and is surrounded by 13,000 acres of forests and hiking trails. Its Gothic architecture and foggy mornings give it serious Hogwarts vibes. It’s one of those colleges with the best campus views—and the most peaceful atmosphere.

5. Ocean, trails, and big "Maine" character energy

College of the Atlantic (Bar Harbor, Maine)

Steps away from Acadia National Park and the Atlantic Ocean, this eco-friendly school is perfect for outdoorsy students. Expect fresh ocean air, forest trails, and even whale sightings. It’s small, but seriously stunning.

6. City life, but make it scenic

University of Washington (Seattle, Washington)

With views of Mount Rainier, cherry blossoms in the spring, and a lakeside location, UW Seattle balances urban life with jaw-dropping nature. The cherry trees on the quad alone make this one of the prettiest college campuses in the country.

7. This campus is basically a national park

Berry College (Mount Berry, Georgia)

Fun fact: Berry has the largest college campus in the U.S.—over 27,000 acres of forests, lakes, and trails. You’ll share your study space with deer, turkeys, and maybe a few horses. It’s ideal for students who thrive in the outdoors.

8. Classic beauty with California sunshine

Stanford University (Stanford, California)

It’s hard to beat Stanford’s blend of sandstone architecture, rolling hills, and palm-lined streets. The views stretch from the Santa Cruz Mountains to the San Francisco Bay. Academic prestige with a side of sunshine.

9. Cozy mountain town energy

University of Vermont (Burlington, Vermont)

Lake Champlain to one side, the Green Mountains to the other—UVM is classic New England beauty. Bonus: Burlington is a charming, walkable college town with great vibes in every season (yes, even winter).

10. Hogwarts meets Ivy League

Princeton University (Princeton, New Jersey)

Princeton looks like a storybook. From the ivy-covered buildings to the perfectly manicured lawns and arched walkways, it’s timeless. It’s one of the most beautiful college campuses if you’re into classic East Coast aesthetics.

Why a scenic campus might matter more than you think

Choosing a scenic colleges isn’t just about the view. Natural or architectural beauty can help reduce stress, boost your mood, and make daily life more enjoyable. 

A beautiful campus can even help with motivation—if you're excited to walk to class or take a study break outside, that’s a win. And let’s not ignore the fact that your phone’s camera roll is about to go off.

Tips for visiting scenic campuses

• Walk the whole campus: Don’t just stick to the tour route. See what it really feels like to live there.
• Check out outdoor spots: Where do students hang out? Is there space to chill, hike, or get fresh air?
• Visit in different seasons: If you can, visit in fall or spring to get the full scenic effect.
• Ask students: Locals know the best hidden spots for views, quiet time, and late-night walks.

Start planning with our guide to making the most of college visits.

How to choose the right college—for you

A scenic view is great. But make sure the school fits you beyond the landscape. Think about academics, campus vibe, location, cost, and support systems. A good starting point is our step-by-step guide to choosing a college.

If you’re thinking about going far from home, check out how to prepare for college far away. And don’t forget the money side—in-state vs. out-of-state tuition can affect your options and your budget.

Start your search with Scout College Search, and check out Scholly Scholarships to help cover the cost.