Colleges by the Beach: 12 Schools Where the Ocean is Your Neighbor
- Danielle Mulligan
- Sep 14, 2025
- 2 min read
For students who dream of sand between their toes and ocean breezes in their dorms, beachside colleges offer the perfect blend of academics and coastal living. Whether you’re into surfing, swimming, or just relaxing on the shore after class, these campuses bring the beach lifestyle right to your college years.
Here are 12 schools where the beach is part of student life:
1. University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) – Santa Barbara, CA
Beachfront campus life and a vibrant surf culture make UCSB a dream for ocean lovers.
2. University of Hawaii at Mānoa – Honolulu, HI
Just minutes from Waikīkī, students here can surf, snorkel, or relax on some of the world’s most famous beaches.
3. Pepperdine University – Malibu, CA
Set on bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Pepperdine offers breathtaking views and quick access to Malibu beaches.
4. University of Miami – Coral Gables, FL
Students enjoy year-round sunshine and easy access to Miami’s famed beaches and water sports.
5. San Diego State University (SDSU) – San Diego, CA
A short drive to Mission Beach and Pacific Beach, SDSU is perfect for surf and sand enthusiasts.
6. College of Charleston – Charleston, SC
Historic charm meets coastal living, with nearby beaches like Folly Beach just a short trip away.
7. University of California, San Diego (UCSD) – La Jolla, CA
La Jolla Shores and Black’s Beach are practically part of campus culture.
8. Florida International University (FIU) – Miami, FL
With Biscayne Bay next door, FIU students balance academics with paddleboarding, sailing, and beach life.
9. Endicott College – Beverly, MA
New England charm meets beach living with private campus beaches on the Atlantic.
10. Loyola Marymount University (LMU) – Los Angeles, CA
LMU students enjoy LA’s proximity to both Santa Monica and Venice Beach.
11. Eckerd College – St. Petersburg, FL
Known for its “barefoot, beach-loving” student culture, Eckerd offers waterfront dorms and sailing programs.
12. University of Rhode Island (URI) – Kingston, RI
URI combines academics with access to Narragansett Beach and New England’s coastal culture.
