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Our Northeast college road trip took us through 11 universities in 7 cities over 7 nights. It was fast-paced, sometimes tiring, but an unforgettable way for our kids to picture life beyond California.

Large stone university building with a central archway, two towers, and detailed Gothic architecture. During a Northeast College Tour, people walk up wide steps toward the entrance under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Boston University (Boston, MA)

A modern, glass-covered building with stacked, offset sections rises against a blue sky with clouds—an iconic sight on the Northeast College Tour—surrounded by trees and city infrastructure, including a tram stop in the foreground.

Our first stop was Boston University (BU), founded in 1839 along the Charles River. The campus stretches down Commonwealth Avenue, seamlessly extending into city streets lined with shops and traffic. There are no clear boundaries, which makes it feel very urban.

We liked how students had direct access to Boston’s culture and history, even if the campus didn’t have a traditional “college town” atmosphere. The Tsai Performance Center and Marsh Chapel garden were two of our favorite spots.

Tufts University (Medford, MA)

A grassy campus lawn with colorful Adirondack chairs in a circle under large trees, in front of a red brick building with white columns—an inviting scene perfect for your Northeast College Tour on a sunny day with blue sky and clouds.

Just north of Boston, Tufts offered a very different feel. Its hillside campus was full of green space, red-brick buildings, and a classic collegiate look. It felt smaller and more intimate, yet still close to Boston by car or transit.

We especially enjoyed the quiet setting and the views of downtown Boston from the top of campus.

Brown University (Providence, RI)

Two people stand on either side of a large bear statue on a stone pedestal in an outdoor plaza during their Northeast College Tour, surrounded by trees and brick buildings under a partly cloudy sky.

An hour and a half south, we visited Brown University, founded in 1764. The campus felt like a retreat, with open lawns, historic buildings, and tree-lined paths.

We liked how it sat in a quiet neighborhood while still being steps from downtown Providence. The mix of history and calm made it one of the most charming stops.

Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, RI)

A large abstract metal sculpture sits on a grassy lawn in front of a tall red brick building—an inspiring sight for any Northeast College Tour—framed by patterned windows, trees, and a partly cloudy sky.

Right next to Brown is RISD, known for its creative spirit. Built on a hill between downtown and the Providence River, its campus felt urban and artistic.

The RISD Museum of Art blew us away. With over 100,000 objects, it became a highlight of our trip.

Yale University (New Haven, CT)

Grand, vaulted interior of a Gothic-style library—a highlight on the Northeast College Tour—with arched windows, striped stone columns, chandeliers, and a mural above a dark wood reading area at the far end.

Yale’s Gothic architecture felt like stepping onto a Harry Potter set. Founded in 1701, it sits in downtown New Haven and has an enclosed, walkable campus.

We spent hours exploring, but the Yale University Art Gallery left the strongest impression. Seeing works by Van Gogh, Mondrian, and Kandinsky was an incredible surprise.

Columbia University (New York, NY)

A large neoclassical university building with tall columns, surrounded by green lawns and people walking or riding bikes in the foreground under a partly cloudy sky—an iconic scene on any Northeast College Tour.

In upper Manhattan, Columbia felt like a green oasis in the middle of New York City. Its enclosed campus and large quad offered a sense of calm amid the bustle of Manhattan.

We loved how students here had the best of both worlds—quiet campus life and endless city opportunities.

Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)

Ivy-covered stone building with tall arched windows and a central white clock tower, surrounded by green trees under a bright blue sky—an iconic scene on many Northeast College Tour stops.

Just over an hour from New York, Princeton was one of the most beautiful campuses we saw. The 600-acre grounds were full of historic stone buildings, quiet paths, and trees.

We explored Nassau Hall, Blair Arch, and the grand chapel using a visitor’s walking map. Our kids said Princeton was one of their favorites visually.

University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)

The entrance to The Wharton School, a red-brick building with large glass windows and greenery under a clear blue sky, welcomes visitors—an iconic stop on any Northeast College Tour. Steps lead up to the front doors.

UPenn was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740 and sits just across the river from downtown Philadelphia. Locust Walk was the highlight for us, with its student activity and tree-lined charm.

Even though city streets cross through campus, it still felt cozy and welcoming. We also enjoyed spotting the Benjamin Franklin statue.

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)

A historic brick building with a white clock tower and columns stands between large green trees on a sunny day, with a well-kept lawn in the foreground—a classic stop on any Northeast College Tour.

In a quiet residential area north of downtown, Johns Hopkins had a peaceful and expansive feel. The Homewood campus, with its shady walkways and brick architecture, was beautiful.

We did keep in mind that Baltimore’s crime rate is higher than some of the other cities we visited, something families may want to consider.

Georgetown University (Washington, DC)

Two people stand smiling in front of a large historic stone building with a clock tower, surrounded by flowers and greenery under a bright blue sky. An airplane soars above, marking an exciting stop on their Northeast College Tour.

Our final stop was Georgetown, located in the historic neighborhood near the Potomac River. The enclosed campus was walkable and full of energy.

We admired Healy Hall’s iconic arch and the river views. With its proximity to federal institutions, it seemed like a dream campus for students interested in politics, law, or public policy.

How to Get There

We flew into Boston and out of Washington, DC to make the most of a one-way road trip. Renting a car gave us the flexibility to explore at our own pace. Here’s how long each drive took:

  • Boston to Providence – 1.5 hours
  • Providence to New Haven – 2 hours
  • New Haven to New York City – 2 hours
  • New York to Princeton – 1 hour
  • Princeton to Philadelphia – 45 minutes
  • Philadelphia to Baltimore – 2 hours (we detoured to Lancaster Amish Village)
  • Baltimore to Washington, DC – 1 hour

We found that staying near each campus or city center made early morning visits easier. Plan for at least two to three hours at each school for a comfortable tour.

Takeaway from Our Northeast College Tour

Touring campuses in person gave our kids a much clearer sense of what type of environment they preferred—city versus suburb, compact versus sprawling, modern versus historic.

Each university had its own character, and exploring them as a family turned into a bonding trip full of new conversations. If your child is considering East Coast schools, we highly recommend doing a road trip like this. No brochure or virtual tour can replace the feeling of walking through the campus yourself.

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