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Florida's Most Scenic College Campuses Highlighted by Travel + Leisure

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. lege-campuses-highlighted-by-travel-leisure.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 15:37 GMT by The Daytona Beach News-Journal

Florida's Most Scenic Campuses: A Look at Travel + Leisure's Top College Picks

A recent Travel + Leisure article spotlighted Florida’s most beautiful college campuses, moving beyond sunshine and beaches to highlight the architectural and natural beauty woven into the state’s higher education institutions. The News-Journal Online reported on the list, which singled out Flagler College in St. Augustine and Southern New Hampshire University’s Florida campus in Winter Park as particularly noteworthy. This article will summarize the Travel + Leisure findings, delving into what makes these campuses – and others on the list – stand out, and providing further context on their history and unique features.

The Travel + Leisure piece, compiled through expert input, focuses on campuses that offer more than just academic rigor; they provide visually stunning environments conducive to learning and exploration. The list isn't solely about grandiose architecture, but also about how campuses integrate with their surrounding landscapes, creating a holistic and aesthetically pleasing experience.

Flagler College: A Renaissance Revival Gem

Topping the list, and receiving significant praise, is Flagler College in St. Augustine. Originally the Ponce de Leon Hotel, built in 1888 by Henry Flagler, the campus is a breathtaking example of Spanish Renaissance architecture. Flagler, a railroad magnate and key figure in developing Florida as a tourist destination, envisioned a luxury hotel that would attract wealthy northerners. The building's opulent design, featuring intricate mosaics, stained-glass windows (reportedly over 79!), and a stunning 160-foot-tall observation tower, served that purpose perfectly.

The Travel + Leisure article highlights the college's commitment to preserving this historical landmark. The building was meticulously restored and repurposed as a college in 1968, maintaining its architectural integrity while adapting it for academic use. A self-guided tour on the Flagler College website ([ https://www.flagler.edu/visit/campus-tours/ ]) details the stunning interior, showcasing the grand dining hall, the rotunda, and the meticulously maintained courtyards. The campus, now a National Historic Landmark, offers a truly immersive experience, transporting students and visitors back to the Gilded Age. Beyond the main building, the campus blends seamlessly with the historic charm of St. Augustine, the nation’s oldest city.

Southern New Hampshire University – Florida: Modern Design & Natural Integration

The second Florida campus highlighted by Travel + Leisure is the Winter Park location of Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). This campus represents a completely different aesthetic than Flagler. While Flagler evokes history, SNHU's Winter Park campus emphasizes modern design and a connection to the natural environment. The article notes the campus’s contemporary architecture, which prioritizes open spaces and natural light.

This campus is a comparatively recent addition to the Florida higher education landscape, focusing on serving working adults and offering flexible learning options. SNHU’s focus extends beyond aesthetics; it prioritizes a supportive and collaborative learning environment. The campus features state-of-the-art learning spaces designed to foster innovation and engagement. While details are less focused on historical grandeur, the article implies that the thoughtful integration of landscaping and modern building design contribute to a peaceful and inspiring learning atmosphere.

Rounding out the List: Other Scenic Florida Campuses

The Travel + Leisure article also included several other Florida campuses recognized for their beauty. These include:

• University of Miami: Known for its lush tropical landscaping and coral rock buildings, reflecting a distinct South Florida aesthetic. The campus offers a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
• Rollins College: Located in Winter Park (near the SNHU campus), Rollins College boasts a beautiful waterfront location on Lake Virginia and features Collegiate Gothic architecture. The campus is known for its signature oak-lined paths.
• Florida Southern College: Situated in Lakeland, Florida Southern College is famed for its unique architecture, largely designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright’s “Florida Southern College Campus Plan” resulted in a collection of buildings incorporating his signature organic architecture, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
• University of Tampa: Another campus showcasing historical architecture, the University of Tampa is housed in a former hotel – the Tampa Bay Hotel – designed in the Moorish Revival style.
• Eckerd College: Located on the waterfront in St. Petersburg, Eckerd College features a striking modernist architectural style and beautifully maintained waterfront views.

Beyond Aesthetics: The Importance of Campus Environment

The Travel + Leisure article implicitly suggests that a beautiful campus environment plays a significant role in the overall student experience. Aesthetically pleasing surroundings can reduce stress, boost creativity, and foster a sense of community. These campuses aren't merely places to learn; they are environments designed to inspire and nurture.

The convergence of historical significance, architectural beauty, and natural landscapes presented by these Florida campuses demonstrates that the Sunshine State offers more than just sunshine and beaches. It provides enriching and visually stunning educational experiences for students from around the globe.