California is a widely celebrated tourist destination for many reasons, from the most beautiful coastal towns in California to rugged Sierra peaks and scenic desert landscapes.
California's highly ranked nine national parks guarantee year-round outdoor fun, while bustling cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles are havens for urban excitement. The Golden State also has a rich history that attracts tourists to Gold Rush towns to see on a California Highway 49 road trip and see where it all began.
Beyond its incredible vacation experiences, California is also known for academic excellence, with the likes of Stanford University constantly ranking among the best national universities in the country. For 2025, these are the best college towns in California to include in your bucket list.
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This beautiful park is home to steaming fumaroles, wildflower-strewn meadows, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes, just like Yellowstone.
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7 Berkeley
The healthiest place to live in America is in California; thanks to its 50+ city parks, great healthcare access, and the city's incredible efforts to promote healthy foods, Berkeley is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in California.
From its vibrant arts community to fun outdoor recreational opportunities to a great culinary scene, the city has a lot to offer. Beyond that, it hosts an educational hub, the University of California, known for its diverse programs and learning resources for students with different academic interests.
Located on the Bay Area's eastern shore, Berkeley uniquely blends college charm with vibrant urban offerings, making it one of the best college towns in California for 2025.
6 San Marcos
San Marcos is famous for being the “Valley of Discovery,” thanks to its rich geologic history and multiple fossils and artifacts that have been found there. With 30+ parks, the city is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, giving access to hiking trails and a variety of fun activities. A visit to Discovery Lake, which doesn’t offer swimming but is perfect for relaxing, birdwatching, and fishing, is a must-do! San Marcos is home to California State University, recognized for its top-notch academic offerings.
5 Stanford
Stanford is famous for Stanford University, a nationally recognized learning institution, constantly ranked among the top universities in the U.S.
The university's campus, which is one of the most beautiful college campuses in California, itself is adventure-filled, featuring incredible art experiences, including the Anderson Collection, which hosts modern and contemporary American art.
You can also visit the B. Gerald Cantor Rodin Sculpture Garden on campus' Cantor Arts Center, which hosts the largest collection of Rodin sculptures outside the museums in Paris.
4 Arcata
Humboldt County’s second-largest city, Arcata, was discovered as the town of Union in 1850 and renamed officially to Arcata in 1860. It’s known for its breathtaking natural beauty with many iconic attractions, including Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, a popular birdwatching spot, and the Arcata Plaza, which hosts plenty of events, festivals, and seasonal farmers’ markets.
Arcata is home to California State Polytechnic University, which makes up nearly half of the total population. The institution is the northernmost California State University and one of the only three polytechnic universities in the system.
3 San Luis Obispo
One of the most scenic but underrated coastal towns in California, San Luis Obispo is America’s most exclusive college town, as only 30% of applicants are accepted into Cal Poly Luis Obispo. The campus is the oldest of the three polytechnic institutions in the California State University system, founded in 1901. It ranks among the top universities in the Western United States thanks to its incredible academic offerings in various fields, including engineering, business, and architecture. Other than excelling in college education, San Luis Obispo’s breathtaking historical architecture, beautiful beaches, and proximity to wine country make it a worth-visiting destination.
2 Davis
Originally referred to as Davisville, Davis was discovered in 1868 and incorporated in 1917. You can explore the town’s rich history in its beautiful architecture and local museums, including the Hattie Weber Museum. With plenty of stunning parks, gardens, and multiple outdoor spaces, the town’s scenery is one of the most scenic in the Sacramento Valley. Davis is another one of the best college towns in California that you don’t want to miss in 2025. The town hosts the University of California campus, which boasts several attractions of its own, including the Davis Arboretum and Public Garden.
1 Claremont
Sometimes referred to as “The City of Trees and Ph. Ds,” thanks to hosting seven institutions, Claremont is a haven for academic excellence and outdoor adventures. Among its seven institutions include two graduate institutions and five liberal arts colleges.
Discovered in 1887, Ponoma College is the largest of the colleges and the largest and most selective of the undergraduate institutions. Claremont McKenna College and Harvey Mudd College rank highly nationwide, while Claremont Graduate University, Keck Graduate Institute, Scripps College, and Pitzer College are also known for their prestigious academic offerings.
Outside the campuses, this town offers plenty of fun activities, including scenic hiking trails, with Claremont Hills Loop in Claremont Hills Wilderness Park.