Alright fellow parents, it’s really happening – your tiny little baby – I mean teenager, is about to embark on the journey to pick a college. And as someone who has just been there, done that, I can tell you it’s going to be a busy year with a heaping helping of emotions. But hey, why not make it fun and turn those campus visits into mini-vacations? Sure, they’re important, but they can also be a chance to explore, eat some good food, and create memories with your soon-to-be collegiate. This is your guide to the best cities for college tours to help narrow down your mini-vacation options.
Why Combine College Tours with Vacations?
You might be wondering, “Why combine a college tour with a vacation?” Well, because planning campus tours doesn’t need to be a draining, whirlwind of stress. Think of it more like educational travel, where you and your teen can explore the potential new home away from home, and also sneak in some relaxation (and maybe some good eats). So here’s why:
- Feel the Vibes: You’ll be able to get a real sense of the city that surrounds each university, which is key for your child (and for you, too) to be happy with the final decision.
- Bonding Time: Between campuses, you’ll actually get to spend some quality time together—whether it’s at a hip cafe or chilling by the pool.
- Efficiency: Knock out multiple campus visits in one trip – all while getting to explore a new city.
- Relax: Let’s face it—tensions can run high during these big life decisions (especially with a teenager), so throw in some fun activities for balance.
- Great Memories: It is guaranteed you will create memories you both can look back on, even if the tours themselves are a blur of brochures and admissions talks.
Best Cities for College Tours and Vacation Experiences
Now for the big question – where to go. Below are the best cities for college tours, which not only are home to some of the most esteemed universities in the country, but also offer tons of activities to make the trip enjoyable for everyone.
1. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is a college town like no other, home to renowned universities like Harvard, MIT, Boston University, and Northeastern (and I can go on). Boston is loaded with colleges and in the #1 spot for a reason. But beyond academia, the city is packed with history, entertainment and great food. Here’s what you can do when you’re not attending a university open house event:
- Explore: Walk the Freedom Trail to dive into American history, or take a famous Duck Boat Tour to learn more about the city by land and water.
- Shopping: Check out Newbury Street, Faneuil Hall, or Harvard Square where you’ll find a mix of iconic shopping, great food, and street performers.
- Catch a Game: Swing by Fenway Park for a tour of the park or a Red Sox game (nothing says bonding like ballpark hot dogs).
- Boston Eats: Don’t miss the North End for some of the best Italian food and pastry shops this side of the Atlantic.
2. New York City, New York
NYC is the ultimate in urban colleges—think Columbia, NYU, and Fordham. But it’s also a city where you can balance big campus tours with unforgettable tourist experiences. Here’s what to try and squeeze in:
- The Classics: Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park—check!
- Cultural Immersion: Visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art or catch dinner and a Broadway show.
- Neighborhood Vibes: Get a little lost wandering through SoHo or Greenwich Village or walk the High Line for Insta-worthy spots and great food trucks and tons of spots to eat.
- Get High (in the Air): NY is famous for its skyscrapers and has tons of cool observation deck experiences, like The Edge at Hudson Yards, The Empire State Building (the OG), Summit One Vanderbilt. Each one is a totally unique experience everyone will love.
3. Washington, D.C.
D.C. is home to Georgetown University, George Washington University, and American University, making it a prime spot for planning campus tours while soaking in some national treasures. A few D.C. must-dos:
- Monuments Galore: Lincoln Memorial, U.S. Capitol, and the White House are practically mandatory.
- Smithsonian Museums: You could spend days here, and they’re free!
- Georgetown: Wander around this historic neighborhood filled with trendy shops and cool eateries and water views.
- Cherry Blossom Season: If you time it right, (generally in early April) the cherry blossoms make the whole city feel like you’re walking in a dream land.
4. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is where you’ll find Northwestern University, DePaul University, and the University of Chicago, so you’ll have no shortage of school tour options. But beyond the campuses, you can also enjoy:
- Architectural Tours: Take a riverboat cruise for a great view of Chicago’s stunning skyline.
- Millennium Park: Visit Millennium Park and snap a selfie with “The Bean” and stroll through the gardens.
- Navy Pier: A Ferris wheel ride and waterfront dining make for a relaxing afternoon.
- Deep Dish Pizza: Now I’m a NY pizza girl – but I admit there’s (maybe) also room to co-exist with deep dish – and if you’re going to try it, Chicago’s is the place for this famous pizza.
5. San Francisco, California
With Stanford University and UC Berkeley nearby, San Francisco is a great jumping-off point for California campus tours. And when you’re ready for a break from academia, here’s what to do:
- Golden Gate Bridge: Iconic photo-op, Check!
- Chinatown: Explore the colorful shops, grab some dim sum, and even visit the Fortune Cookie Factory to see how fortune cookies are made (and grab some samples!).
- Fisherman’s Wharf & Pier 39: If the street performers, shops, and restaurant aren’t enough – check out the 7D Experience and other games and rides in this fun spot.
- Ride the Iconic Cable Cars: A quintessential San Fran experience and fun way to explore the city. Ride from Fisherman’s Wharf to Union Square for the best views and shopping.
Planning College Visits for Maximum Fun, Minimum Stress
When you’re in the midst of college tours, planning is key to make the most of your time (and keep it stress-free). Here are some campus visit tips to ensure you balance work and play:
- Book Lodging in Advance: College towns fill up fast during peak tour season, so lock in that hotel with the prime location early.
- Time it Right: This is super important – visit top-choice schools during the school year to see the campus in full swing. You get a better feel for the campus vibes when classes are in session.
- Reserve your Tour: Universities have scheduled tours and info sessions that usually fill up during busy times, so make sure you reserve your tour online or by phone in advance.
- Pack Smart: Comfortable shoes are a must, and make sure you bring a tote or backpack for all those campus brochures.
- Leave Room for Fun: Plan downtime for non-college activities. Whether it’s exploring the neighborhood, or finding a great spot to eat, this helps give you all a much needed mental break.
Making the Most of Your College Tour Vacation
Before you start mapping out dorm room layouts, make sure you take the time to reflect and enjoy the journey. These college tour trips mark a big moment in your child’s life, so make sure you savor the experience despite the stress. Stay flexible and embrace the unexpected challenges (because they will inevitably happen) as part of the adventure. So, whether your kiddo is planning to attend a university open house event or you’re just scouting out campuses, combining college tours with vacation time is a win-win. You’ll get to see the schools, spend time together, and make memories along the way. So book that trip, and enjoy the journey—this is just the beginning of your next big adventure!
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