Top 10 College Towns for Beach Bums

Why take a trip to the beach when you could live on one? Imagine de-stressing from finals week with a run on the beach, or learning surfing for your physical education requirement. These top college towns have students living the Spring Break life year-round.

College Towns in Paradise

Tourism often drives these beach towns, and the party atmosphere is rarely far away. Looking for studies with a side of sand? Check out these top college towns for the seaside life.
  1. San Diego, CA This college town is home to surfers and swimmers drawn to the relaxed atmosphere of life by the ocean. Locals love Coronado Beach, and they're not alone--The Travel Channel recently honored it on its Top Beaches list.

  2. Hilo, HI If you haven't seen Hilo, you don't know Hawaii. This college town avoids much of the touristy feel of other islands. Locals and students kayak on Hilo Bay or head north to surf at Honolii Beach, and geology majors at the University of Hawaii study live volcanoes nearby.

  3. Coral Gables, FL Home to the University of Miami, this upscale suburban college town is ten minutes from Key Biscayne and half an hour from South Beach. Students sail, bodysurf, and enjoy the Latin cuisine that makes for a spicy alternative to dorm food.

  4. Santa Cruz, CA Part eclectic college town, part Bay Area getaway, this beach town attracts surfers, kayakers, and all breeds of beach bums. Afternoon strolls on the beach boardwalk makes for a great end to a day on the water.

  5. Virginia Beach, VA Laying out on the beach is only half the fun in this town. Students travel from nearby Norfolk to experience Atlantic Avenue nights, experiencing the dance clubs, live music venues, and more.

  6. Wilmington, NC This historic college town is packed with activities for sun lovers. Nearby island communities of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, and Wrightsville Beach offer a haven for nature lovers and beachcombers alike.

  7. Corpus Christi, TX Warm water, crystal-clear water and super-fine sand beaches make this college town a destination for students and visitors alike. Corpus Christi Beach was recently named one of five top urban beaches in the nation.

  8. Savannah, GA Southern hospitality and beach access combine in this college town. Students spend the day at Tybee Beach, or go north for a weekend on Hilton Head Island. Historic buildings and shops only enhance the city's charm.

  9. San Luis Obispo, CA Beautiful waves and hidden coves make surfing a top draw for this college town. Montana de Oro, Morro Rock, and Cayucos Reefs offer plenty of opportunities to hang ten.

  10. Ponce, PR Not only is Ponce Puerto Rico's second largest college town, but it is also home to one of Puerto Rico's most beautiful beaches, Playa de Ponce. Study in Ponce and you'll feel like you're on Spring Break all year long.

Beach Towns on a Student Budget

Students of colleges and universities situated near beaches take advantage of the dorm life, which can save money over expensive rental property in the area. Still, be prepared to negotiate with a cost of living that may be higher than what you're used to. The tradeoff for life in paradise may be the expense.

Sources:
City of Corpus Christi
San Diego Beach Guide
Savannah Tourist Attractions
"The Best Colleges for Outdoor Recreation" -- Outside Online
Virginia Beach
Wilmington Beaches