Best college town in every state

Best college towns in America: Berkeley, California (Home of UC Berkeley)

This one might come as a surprise. UCLA and USC are literally in Los Angeles, one of the biggest tourist cities in the United State, but there is something about the feel of Berkeley, California that feels more like home. The city is still on the West Coast, so beaches and the Pacific Ocean are still a factor, but there’s so much more to this city than a sandy day in saltwater.

The stadium for the Cal Golden Bears is right in the middle of the city. That gives Saturdays a buzz that hits just about everyone. Tailgate Town sounds like just the most fun for families, students, and tourists alike. There are games, beer tents, prizes, and even pregame concerts. It’s taking tailgating to another level, especially for those who don’t have the RV packed every weekend.

Sproul Plaza is bumping on game day. The school band and the cheerleaders put on a show before kickoff, and then you can walk with the team to the stadium.

There is plenty of art around Berkeley. The artisan nature of the area helps keep creativity alive. Some of it can be seen at the Berkeley Marina, which has a little something for everyone. The Marina is home to the Adventure Playground, which is an oasis of fun where kids can do everything from ziplining to building crafts. People may be distracted by San Francisco just down the street from here, but Berkeley is the real gem of California.