17 of America's most tourist-friendly cities and towns

The college experience is what you make of it, and for those venturing out on their own for the first time, academics coexist with the thrill of discovering a new town to call home! With over 4,000 four-year universities in the United States, choosing the right city is one of the most important factors when deciding where to spend the next four years of your life.

With football season in full swing while the fall semester winds down, eager students now settled into their newfound independence have the perfect opportunity to discover everything their college cities offer, giving family and friends an excuse to play tourist on a weekend visit. From the waterfront views of the West to the trendsetting, fast-paced hustle of the East, here are 17 of the most tourist-friendly college cities in the U.S.!

1. New York City: It’s no secret why the Big Apple tops every travel and tourist list—America's beacon of culture, innovation, arts, and entertainment warrants several visits of its own. Luckily, students at Columbia University, located in the busy Manhattan brimmed with museums, nightclubs, upscale shops, and restaurants that create tomorrow's trends, and of course, the iconic Times Square, get the unique opportunity to call New York their campus. Columbia connects students to all of New York’s boroughs with its excellent public transportation system to assist your friends and family, who will always be dying to visit, with the freedom to explore the City That Never Sleeps without hassle every semester!
2. Los Angeles: USC and UCLA may be fierce football rivals, but both fanbases can agree that Los Angeles is a paradise for college students. With its beautiful year-round weather, amusement parks galore, nightlife, and entertainment pockets for every niche, L.A. bestows endless occasions for beach days, celebrity spotting, and hikes through the verdant hills of the Los Angeles valley—all just another after-school adventure.
3. Chicago: The Windy City is one of America’s most walkable urban landscapes, blending historic neighborhoods with futuristic skyscrapers. Though the university's college football team still sits at Division III, fans are just as eager to participate in game-day excitement by diving into Chicago’s lively arts, dining, and nightlife scenes. In a city known for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and die-hard sports fandoms, students and their families make unforgettable memories after every game.
4. San Francisco: Driving across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge opens the gates to timeless Bay Area views. From Mission District and Lombard Street to Chinatown, San Francisco is home to some of the best museums, landmarks, and cuisine on the West Coast, alongside a rich history of historical and political movements that transformed the nation. San Francisco is just a short drive from the esteemed UC Berkeley, where football games buzz with unmatched energy when up against their fellow California rivals!
5. Washington, D.C.: While the University of Maryland is technically in College Park, students and their families can't miss out on exploring America’s capital, just four miles away. The imposing glow of the White House and Capitol Hill lights up the city, in addition to endless museums, monuments, and landmarks dedicated to the country's key figures. Unwind from the hectic political atmosphere that shapes our country's politics with football season shenanigans all fall and winter long!
6. Seattle: Glorious sights of the soothing Puget Sound give students plenty to explore, and University of Washington football transforms Seattle’s rainy autumns into the city's most sensational season! After "sailgating" along the wavy Lake Washington, Seattle’s classic landmarks like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, along with nature excursions in and outside the city, await viewing after a peaceful recharge in one of Seattle's many hipster cafes serving up the nation's best coffee.
7. Austin: The Live Music Capital of the World, Austin, which gloats vibrant nightlife and many musical escapades, is a playground for University of Texas students and visitors alike. From Tex-Mex and BBQ to lakes, festivals, and a thriving arts scene, there’s always something happening, and creative types will find refuge in this artsy city—especially during the chaotic energy of football season.
8. Las Vegas: UNLV’s proximity to the Las Vegas Strip—just three miles away—gives students prime access to all the glitzy lights and world-class entertainment Sin City rewards those ready to play and spend. With casinos, top-tier shows, and exclusive nightlife from the nation's most recognizable entertainment brands, students are treated to infinite fun to celebrate good grades and team wins all year long, especially with Vegas's year-round warm weather.
9. New Orleans: Tulane University students and fans of its football team are lucky to experience one of America’s most colorful cities firsthand, with the city's unique blend of African-American, French, and Spanish cultures that create tasty creole and cajun cuisine and diverse architecture, from the famous French Quarter to the city's romantic parks that make every stroll feel like a walk through history.
10. Miami: With summer-like weather, beautiful beaches, and a proud student body, attending the University of Miami is a four-year vacation. Students and their families can soak up the sun at the animated South Beach and taste the city’s tasty Latin and Caribbean flavors to transform their school days into a tropical getaway every day of the year.
11. Portland: This quirky Pacific Northwest town gifts Portland State and University of Portland students the best of both worlds—urban city life surrounded by lush greenery that lets students connect with nature in an open-minded community. With a walkable downtown and nearby harbor filled with shops, cafes, and eateries, Portland’s charm is undeniable, even if you have to brave the occasional rain shower.
12. Nashville: The Tennessee capital, home to Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State, not only shines in college football but also possesses one of the nation's most famed music scenes, along with much-welcomed southern hospitality, wild bachelorette parties, and museums dedicated to country music legends that make the city a hot spot for every type of tourist.
13. Boston: One of America’s oldest cities and birthplace to founding father Benjamin Franklin, Boston is steeped in history, from colonial battles to diverse immigrant neighborhoods that showcase the glory of the East. Boston College students enjoy a rich cultural and educational experience in a city filled with historic architecture and stunning parks, and the drastic season changes only add to the charm of this New England gem.
14. Philadelphia: The City of Brotherly Love, Philly is home to the prestigious University of Pennsylvania. But, beyond this very large campus and its many football wins, a thriving food scene, colorful murals, and historical landmarks, such as the Liberty Bell, anticipate students year after year. Let's not forget to pay homage to Betsy Ross, the designer of the American flag, who once called this city home.
15. Minneapolis: The University of Minnesota grants students access to breathtaking nature at every turn. Summers feature pristine lakes, while winters transform the city into a snowy wonderland. With a prominent arts and music scene, the Twin Cities is a family-friendly atmosphere with big-city amenities that give students a reason to stay upon graduation.
16. Atlanta: Georgia Institute of Technology students are fortunate to be positioned amid one of the South's most important cultural and commercial hubs. Atlanta has something for everyone—hosting many parks, theaters, and museums—and is also a leading city for popular concerts and festivals that are perfect for celebrating a successful midterm grade.
17. San Diego: Coastal views paint sunny San Diego as the perfect seaside escape for those attending San Diego State, with beautiful beaches ripe with sharks and seals, plenty of party spots, authentic Mexican cuisine, and the exquisite blends of European and Western architecture and landmarks to create a fulfilled itinerary day and night.

As the playoffs approach, these top American cities always bring the heat on the field and off. From gorgeous natural sights and hike-worthy mountains to the nation's best museums, restaurants, and year-round entertainment, these cities make sure students and their loved ones live life to the fullest before, during, and after football season!