When choosing a university, academics and campus culture are often top priorities, but for nature lovers, the setting can be just as important. Some schools offer breathtaking landscapes, from mountain peaks and ocean vistas to rolling hills and lakeside serenity. These 16 universities not only provide world-class education but also boast views that rival some of the most stunning national parks in the country. Whether you love the mountains, the ocean, or rolling green valleys, these campuses have something special to offer. Let’s take a look at the most scenic universities in the U.S.
1. University of Colorado Boulder – Colorado
Nestled at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado Boulder offers sweeping views of the Flatirons, iconic rock formations that change color with the seasons. Students here enjoy direct access to hiking, rock climbing, and skiing just a short drive away. The university’s open green spaces and tree-lined walkways create a picturesque setting, making it one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. The Norlin Library steps provide one of the best vantage points, where students can study while gazing at the stunning mountain backdrop.
Beyond the campus, Boulder itself is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with over 150 miles of hiking and biking trails. According to Forbes, Boulder consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in the U.S., thanks to its balance of natural beauty and urban amenities. Chautauqua Park, just minutes from campus, offers some of the most scenic trails in the state, while Eldora Mountain Resort provides skiing opportunities less than an hour away. With so much natural beauty surrounding it, CU Boulder truly feels like a university inside a national park.
2. Pepperdine University – California
Perched on the cliffs of Malibu, Pepperdine University overlooks the vast Pacific Ocean, offering students an unmatched coastal view. With palm trees lining the campus and waves crashing below, every study break can feel like a vacation. The sunsets here are legendary, painting the sky with brilliant hues of orange and pink. The university’s Mediterranean-style architecture complements the breathtaking surroundings, making it one of the most photogenic campuses in the world.
Students at Pepperdine have direct access to some of California’s most beautiful beaches, including Zuma and El Matador, just minutes away. National Review notes that Malibu’s scenic coastline draws visitors from around the world, but for Pepperdine students, it’s simply home. The school also offers easy access to the Santa Monica Mountains, where students can explore miles of hiking trails with panoramic ocean views. Whether studying on the lawn or heading out for a beachside jog, Pepperdine’s setting is undeniably one of the most spectacular in the country.
3. Dartmouth College – New Hampshire
Dartmouth College, located in Hanover, New Hampshire, is surrounded by the picturesque landscapes of New England. The campus is framed by rolling hills, dense forests, and the serene Connecticut River. In the fall, the trees explode into brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, creating one of the most stunning autumn displays in the country. Winter brings a blanket of snow, turning the campus into a winter wonderland that rivals any national park.
Outdoor activities are a major part of life at Dartmouth, with students enjoying hiking, skiing, and canoeing throughout the year. According to The New York Times, the Dartmouth Outing Club—founded in 1909—is the oldest collegiate outing club in the nation and helps students connect with nature. The nearby White Mountains provide excellent skiing and hiking opportunities, while the Appalachian Trail passes close to campus. For those who love outdoor adventure, Dartmouth offers both an Ivy League education and a national park experience.
4. University of Hawaii at Mānoa – Hawaii
The University of Hawaii at Mānoa is set against the stunning backdrop of lush mountains and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Located in Honolulu, this tropical paradise offers students the opportunity to study with breathtaking ocean views just minutes from Waikiki Beach. The campus is filled with palm trees, vibrant tropical flowers, and open green spaces, making it feel like an island retreat. Whether you’re sitting under a banyan tree or walking to class with Diamond Head in the distance, the scenery is truly unbeatable.
Beyond the campus, students have access to some of the world’s most incredible outdoor experiences. National Geographic ranks Hawaii among the top destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, and students at UH Mānoa can explore volcanic craters, waterfalls, and pristine beaches right in their backyard. The nearby Koʻolau Mountains provide challenging hiking trails with sweeping island views, while the warm waters offer year-round surfing and snorkeling. Studying in paradise has never been so real.
5. University of Montana – Montana
Tucked between the Clark Fork River and the rugged peaks of the Northern Rockies, the University of Montana is a dream for nature lovers. The campus is surrounded by rolling hills and towering mountains, offering students a front-row seat to Montana’s breathtaking wilderness. The iconic “M” Trail, a popular hike up Mount Sentinel, provides panoramic views of the campus and the city of Missoula below. Whether covered in snow or blooming with wildflowers, the scenery is always spectacular.
Outdoor adventure is a way of life here, with endless opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Missoula is known as the gateway to some of the country’s most stunning natural areas, including Glacier National Park, just a few hours away. Students can take weekend trips to explore alpine lakes, glaciers, and scenic drives that rival any national park experience. With a mix of rugged beauty and outdoor adventure, the University of Montana is an ideal choice for students who love the great outdoors.
6. Appalachian State University – North Carolina
Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Appalachian State University offers students a stunning mountain landscape that changes dramatically with the seasons. In the fall, the hills turn fiery red and orange, drawing visitors from all over to witness the famous Blue Ridge Parkway foliage. Winter brings snow-covered peaks, while spring and summer offer lush greenery and wildflowers. The campus itself is beautifully designed to blend with the natural surroundings, creating a peaceful, picturesque learning environment.
Students here have easy access to some of the best outdoor recreation in the Southeast. Boone, North Carolina, is a hub for hiking, skiing, and river rafting, making it a paradise for adventure seekers. Grandfather Mountain and Linville Gorge, often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the East,” are just a short drive away. Whether exploring mountain trails or enjoying a quiet moment by a scenic overlook, students at Appalachian State get to experience nature at its finest.
7. Stanford University – California
Stanford University’s campus is known for its striking combination of Spanish-style architecture and sweeping views of the surrounding foothills. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the university boasts open green spaces, tree-lined pathways, and stunning sunset views over the Santa Cruz Mountains. The nearby Dish Trail offers students a scenic hike with panoramic vistas, while Palm Drive provides an iconic approach to the campus, lined with towering palm trees.
Beyond the campus, Stanford students have access to some of California’s most breathtaking landscapes. The Pacific Ocean is less than an hour away, offering opportunities for surfing and coastal hikes. Meanwhile, Yosemite National Park, one of the country’s most famous natural wonders, is within a weekend’s reach. The university’s commitment to sustainability and outdoor recreation makes it an excellent place for those who love nature and adventure while pursuing a world-class education.
8. University of Vermont – Vermont
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Green Mountains and Lake Champlain, the University of Vermont offers some of the most picturesque views in the Northeast. In the fall, the foliage transforms into a spectacular display of red, orange, and yellow, drawing leaf-peepers from across the country. The campus itself is beautifully maintained, with historic brick buildings and open green spaces that make it feel like a peaceful retreat from city life.
Students at UVM don’t have to go far to experience outdoor adventure. Burlington, Vermont, is consistently ranked as one of the most livable small cities in America, thanks to its scenic location and thriving outdoor culture. The nearby Adirondack Mountains provide excellent hiking and skiing opportunities, while Lake Champlain offers sailing, kayaking, and waterfront relaxation. Whether you love mountain trails or lake views, UVM provides a stunning natural setting that rivals any national park.
9. University of Washington – Washington
The University of Washington in Seattle is surrounded by water, mountains, and lush greenery, creating a stunning environment for students. The campus offers breathtaking views of Mount Rainier, one of the most iconic peaks in the Pacific Northwest, as well as glimpses of the Puget Sound. During spring, the famous cherry blossoms in the Quad transform the university into a pink and white wonderland, drawing visitors from all over the city.
Outdoor enthusiasts at UW have endless options for exploration. The nearby Olympic and Cascade Mountains offer world-class hiking, skiing, and mountaineering opportunities. Just a short drive from campus, students can visit the rugged coastline of Olympic National Park or kayak through the scenic waterways of the Puget Sound. With so much natural beauty surrounding it, the University of Washington is truly a paradise for students who love the outdoors.
10. University of Virginia – Virginia
Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia seamlessly blends classic architecture with a breathtaking natural landscape. Nestled in the rolling hills of Charlottesville, the campus offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which provide a scenic backdrop throughout the year. The university’s historic Lawn, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most picturesque collegiate settings in the country.
Beyond the campus, students can explore Shenandoah National Park, just a short drive away. The Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway offer some of the best scenic drives on the East Coast, with countless opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. Charlottesville itself is known for its vineyards, outdoor festivals, and thriving arts scene, making it a vibrant place to live and study. With its combination of history and natural beauty, UVA offers an unparalleled setting for students.
11. Colorado College – Colorado
Colorado College sits at the base of Pikes Peak, offering students spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains. The campus is surrounded by towering peaks, open grasslands, and the striking red rock formations of the nearby Garden of the Gods. Whether covered in snow or glowing in the warm hues of sunset, the scenery is always stunning. Students often find themselves pausing to take in the beauty of their surroundings as they walk to class.
Adventure is a way of life here, with Colorado Springs serving as a gateway to some of the best outdoor recreation in the country. The city is home to world-famous rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and hiking trails that lead to breathtaking overlooks. Students can take weekend trips to Rocky Mountain National Park or ski in world-class resorts like Breckenridge and Aspen. For those who crave both academics and adventure, Colorado College is the perfect place to be.
12. Lewis & Clark College – Oregon
Perched on a wooded hillside in Portland, Lewis & Clark College offers a secluded, forested campus with breathtaking views of Mount Hood in the distance. The university’s lush surroundings make it feel like a retreat deep in the Pacific Northwest wilderness. With its towering evergreen trees and winding nature trails, it’s easy to forget you’re just minutes away from the bustling city.
Outdoor lovers at Lewis & Clark have access to some of Oregon’s most stunning natural attractions. The Columbia River Gorge, famous for its waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, is just a short drive away. The Oregon Coast, with its dramatic cliffs and sandy beaches, is also within easy reach. Whether students want to explore volcanic peaks, paddle through wild rivers, or simply enjoy a peaceful walk in the woods, Lewis & Clark offers a campus experience unlike any other.
13. Sewanee: The University of the South – Tennessee
Sewanee’s campus, known as “The Domain,” spans 13,000 acres of pristine wilderness on the Cumberland Plateau. The university is surrounded by rolling hills, deep forests, and stunning limestone bluffs, making it one of the most beautiful campuses in the South. Students often describe the campus as feeling like a national park, with its scenic overlooks and miles of hiking trails.
Outdoor activities are central to life at Sewanee, with students frequently hiking, biking, and rock climbing in the surrounding area. The nearby Fiery Gizzard Trail and Savage Gulf State Park offer breathtaking landscapes that rival those found in national parks. In addition to its natural beauty, Sewanee has a strong sense of tradition and community, making it a truly unique place to live and learn.
14. Middlebury College – Vermont
Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, Middlebury College is surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in New England. The campus itself is beautifully maintained, with classic stone buildings and open meadows that blend seamlessly into the landscape. In the winter, the surrounding mountains are blanketed in snow, creating a postcard-perfect setting.
Middlebury students have unparalleled access to outdoor adventure, with skiing, hiking, and kayaking all within easy reach. The nearby Adirondacks and White Mountains provide endless opportunities for exploration, while Lake Champlain offers a peaceful retreat for water lovers. The college’s strong emphasis on environmental stewardship makes it an ideal choice for students who appreciate both academics and the natural world.
15. University of Alaska Fairbanks – Alaska
For students who love the rugged beauty of the Arctic, the University of Alaska Fairbanks offers an unparalleled setting. The campus is surrounded by vast wilderness, with views of snow-covered peaks, boreal forests, and the aurora borealis dancing across the sky. The crisp, clean air and dramatic landscapes make this one of the most unique university settings in the country.
Students at UAF have access to some of the most remote and pristine natural areas in the world. Denali National Park, home to North America’s tallest peak, is just a few hours away. The nearby Chena River State Recreation Area provides opportunities for hiking, dog sledding, and even soaking in natural hot springs. For those seeking adventure and a true connection with nature, UAF offers an experience unlike any other.
16. University of California, Santa Cruz – California
UC Santa Cruz is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering students jaw-dropping coastal views. The campus is surrounded by towering redwoods, creating a peaceful, almost otherworldly atmosphere. With its combination of ocean vistas and forested trails, UCSC feels like a national park in itself.
Beyond the campus, students can explore some of California’s most famous natural landmarks. Big Sur, with its dramatic cliffs and rugged coastline, is just a short drive away. The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary provides incredible opportunities for whale watching and marine exploration. Whether hiking through the redwoods or relaxing by the ocean, UCSC students are immersed in one of the most beautiful environments in the world.
