30 Most Beautiful Coastal College Campuses

(16 points)

Located on Pensacola Bay, which connects to the Gulf of Mexico, University of West Florida is a paradise for students who enjoy beach life and water sports. The university owns part of Pensacola Beach, which is in turn used for both recreation and legitimate research. Much of the campus is located within a wilderness preserve, so birds, gators, and other critters are not a rare sight. Students have plenty of hiking and mountain bike trails within a short distance from campus, while those who prefer to explore the Escambia River can do so with a rented kayak or canoe. Whatever one's preferred way to spend the day, it can be done in Pensacola, where the average winter low is just 42.8 degrees.

(16 points)

Students interested in marine biology flock to South Carolina's Coastal Carolina University due to the school's prime coastal location. Just minutes from vacation hotspot Myrtle Beach, the 631-acre campus consists of 102 main buildings, including the Coastal Science Center and the Burroughs & Chapin Center for Marine and Wetland Studies. Students receive plenty of hands-on experience at Waties Island, an 1,100-acre barrier island owned by the university and used exclusively for the study of marine science and wetland biology. Amateur golfers may also enjoy swinging a club towards the view at the 18-hole General James Hackler Golf Course at Coastal Carolina University.

(15 points)

Florida Gulf Coast University is pure Floridian paradise in every sense of the word. The university totals nearly 800 acres, with plans to build on only 400 due to the fact that the campus doubles as a nature preserve. Wildlife — including gators! — abound on the clean grounds and look right at home amongst the cool Florida architecture. A university-owned beach is located within walking distance, and is the perfect spot for swimming, jet skiing, or renting a boat. The economic wealth of nearby Fort Myers and Naples contribute to the university atmosphere as well; students have plenty of high-end shopping and restaurant options within easy access to the campus.

(15 points)

Once upon a time, Mount Desert Island was a summer escape for wealthy families looking to get away from the heat of the cities. Today, most of these large summer homes are gone, though a little Gilded Age charm still exists. The Turrets, a stone castle built in 1895, now acts as College of the Atlantic's main administrative building, while other homes have been purchased and renovated into residence halls. Amazingly, the College's 350 or so students consider Acadia National Park as their backyard and personal research laboratory. The charming town of Bar Harbor is the epitome of New England charm, and offers lighthouse tours, sailing classes, aviation trips, and coastal bike tours. And in May through October, humpback whales grace the waters surrounding the town.

(15 points)

Located in historic and charming Wilmington, North Carolina, this state university is a well-known — and well-respected — coastal university. The campus neighbors a number of beautiful beaches and island communities, the most famous of which is Wrightsville Beach, one of the barrier islands on the Cape Fear Coast of the Atlantic Ocean. This mellow beach community is a popular vacation destination, though students have year-round access for surfing, boating, kayaking, and more. But University of North Carolina isn't just known for its pretty scenery; it has the #1 surf team in the world, and is second in the state for the highest four-year graduation rate.

(14 points)

Due to its history as an educational site founded by the Theosophical Society of America, many of Point Loma Nazarene University's buildings have been designated as historical sites. The school's Greek amphitheatre was the first of its kind in the United States, and its Cabrillo Hall previously housed Madame Katherine Tingley, the leader of the Theosophical Society. More modern additions blend architectural styles, giving the university a unique sense of style. The university's location offers a chance at natural beauty as well, including views of the Pacific Ocean and the San Diego Bay.

(14 points)

Students at the University of California-Santa Barbara not only get to spend their college years in one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, but also get to spend their class time surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on three sides. When not in class, UCSB students can enjoy the beach-front college-town that is Isla Vista. Otherwise, the 1,000-acre campus sits adjacent to man-made Goleta Beach, a popular locale for sunbathing and fishing, and a prime surfing spot. UC Santa Barbara consistently ranks among the nation's top public schools, and has even been recognized by Public Ivy Universities as one of the top research facilities in the United States.

(14 points)

Located 90 miles from Seattle, Western Washington University is a peaceful Pacific Coast refuge that has been described as "magical" on more than one occasion. Red-brick pathways wind their ways through the conifer-scented campus and are enjoyed by both students and the local deer population. Campus gems include the Wilson Library Reading Room (nicknamed "The Harry Potter Room"), Haskell Plaza and its grassy mounds organized into a rough map of the San Juan Islands, and the impressive Performing Arts Center Plaza. Views of the aforementioned islands and Bellingham Bay are visible from most of campus, while the nearby town of Bellingham boasts pubs, live music venues, and a number of well-received restaurants.

(13 points)

Consisting of many Mediterranean-style buildings, Palm Beach Atlantic University fits right into its Palm Beach, Florida setting. Situated directly across the Intracoastal Waterway from some of the city's best public beaches, students at Palm Beach Atlantic often find themselves studying or attending class on the beach. The Christian liberal arts school's prime location means it's also within easy walking distance to myriad restaurants, cultural centers, stores, and churches. True beach lovers will also love the university's easy proximity to John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, an 11,000-acre barrier island where hiking, snorkeling, and scuba diving are all popular pastimes.

(13 points)

Located on 1,200 acres on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean and in the heart of the biotech community on the La Jolla mesa, the University of California, UC San Diego is home to the world-renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography and the UC San Diego Health System. One of the top 15 research universities worldwide, UC San Diego fosters a culture of collaboration that sparks discoveries, advances society and drives economic impact. Students and visitors can stroll through campus on palm tree-lined walkways, while the warm southern California sunshine warms the terra cotta rooftops and frequent grassy spaces.

(12 points)

Perched on a hillside overlooking Honolulu on the island of Oahu, University of Hawaii at Manoa is literally surrounded by coastal scenery and the Pacific Ocean (not surprisingly, one of the university's most popular majors is Oceanography). The campus is less than 45 minutes from Queens, Makaha, Pipeline, and every other surf spot on the island. For students interested in tanning, more casual surfing, snorkeling, swimming, or just taking a walk on the beach, world-famous Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana Beach are mere minutes away and are pleasant year round.

(12 points)

Florida Institute of Technology is a technical research university situated right on Florida's Atlantic side. The 130-acre campus sits directly across the Intracoastal Waterway from Indiatlantic and the Sebastian Inlet, two of the best beaches for surfing on the East Coast. Perhaps, then, it's appropriate that Florida Institute of Technology has a respectable surfing team. On campus, students can enjoy over 200 different species of palm trees and the more than 30 acres of botanical gardens. Though Aviation and Aerospace remains the school's most popular major, the Institute's proximity to water has proven a draw to plenty of students interested in Marine Biology as well.

(12 points)

Nicknamed "The Island University" because it's situated on South Texas' Oso Island, near the Gulf of Mexico, Texas A&M-Corpus Christi is the perfect school for anyone in love with water sports. In fact, much of the campus encompasses part of Padre Island which is well-known for its white-sand beaches and resident nature preserve. As if the average 223 days of sunshine weren't awesome enough, high wind speeds are very common in the Corpus Christi area, making it perfect for anyone whose day isn't complete before a round of wind surfing, sailing, or kite boarding, all of which are extremely popular. The campus's myriad nearby beaches are also perfect for surfing, swimming, boating, or just hanging out in the sunshine.

(11 points)

As if ocean views, palm trees, and an outdoor swimming pool weren't enough to land a school a solid spot on this list, Flagler College also owns one of Florida's most beautiful historic buildings. Originally built in 1888 as a luxury hotel, the Ponce de Leon building is now used as a residence hall for Flagler students. The Spanish Renaissance revival, located mere blocks from the beach, boasts a marble staircase, beautiful rotunda, and castle-like turrets. In addition to Ponce de Leon, Flagler has been steadily purchasing other historic buildings in the area to renovate and add to their gorgeous campus.

(10 points)

Seattle Pacific University sits in the beautiful and historic Seattle neighborhood of Queen Anne Hill. The 43-acre campus is home to charming brick buildings, state-of-the-art facilities, and some of the oldest trees in all of Seattle. The most iconic building on campus is surely Alexander Hall. Called only the "Red Brick Building" when it was first built to house the Seattle Seminary, Alexander Hall is now the oldest building on campus. Students of the main campus may also enjoy taking the occasional trip to Seattle Pacific's two satellite campuses located on Whidbey Island and Blakely Island. Despite the university's location in urban Seattle, students often frequent nearby Alki Beach and Madonna Beach, where fishing, boating, and scuba diving are all popular pastimes.

(9 points)

Like its neighbors in the University of Hawaii system, the campus at Hilo is literally surrounded by beautiful views and ocean access. Hilo's large, spacious campus is located in a tropical setting perfect for taking the books for an outside-study session. On sunny days, students who choose to stay on campus can often be found under one of the hundreds of trees. Other students choose to spend their free-time enjoying all that the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer. In fact, the island is a natural living laboratory complete with active volcanoes, deep oceans, and rich cultural landscapes.

(9 points)

Founded in 1933, Monmouth University sits on 156 acres less than a mile from the Atlantic coast. In fact, the campus is situated less than a mile from the famous — infamous? — Jersey Shore. Monmouth students especially enjoy frequenting the Seven Presidents' Oceanfront Park, a popular New Jersey destination for sunbathing, swimming, surfing, and more. Students interested in this beach college who also enjoy urban comforts will be happy to know that Monmouth is a mere 40 miles from New York City, while those looking for a cozier beach town environment will surely enjoy the grassroots surf community that West Long Branch has become.

(7 points)

Students at Mitchell College have the unique privilege of experiencing both a quaint New England town and a local beach scene. Located in Connecticut between the Thames River and the Long Island Sound, Mitchell students have access to the college's small private beach where they can boat, fish, sunbathe, and more. Even better, New London's 50-acre Ocean Beach Park is nearby, and boasts a white sugar sand beach that National Geographic recently called one of the best beaches in the United States.

(5 points)

Despite being a large commuter campus, California State University-Long Beach retains plenty of beach-y Southern California charm. The pedestrian-friendly campus is home to the iconic Walter Pyramid, plenty of stores and popular restaurants, fountains, and even the world's largest Lego piece. Students who wish to get off campus can easily take the free shuttle system to L.B. hotspots such as 2nd Street (known for its boutiques and unique cuisine), the Pike (home to the aquarium and other touristy venues), the port from which cruise ships leave, or any of the local beaches.

(4 points)

Perched on the North Shore of the Massachusetts Bay, Endicott College is situated a convenient twenty miles north of Boston. Yet despite the close proximity to the big city, Endicott has a classic New England feel to it. The oceanfront campus includes three private beaches on Salem Sound, all of which are exclusively for the use of students. When not in class, students often take advantage of the nearby town and myriad of other nearby beaches to tan, play at water sports, or enjoy a warm bowl of New England clam chowder.