Skip to content
Search
Search
  1. Travel
  2. Vacation Ideas
 

9 Great College Towns for a Fun Getaway — or Retirement

These vibrant cities, from Vermont to Oregon, have lots to offer visitors and residents of all ages

by Kitty Bean Yancey, AARP, September 16, 2021

Downtown Eugene in the fall

Melanie Griffin / EugeneCascadesCoast.org

Eugene, Ore

En español | Time to go back to school? Increasing numbers of people 50 and older are learning that college communities offer year-round cultural and recreational opportunities, as well as amenities such as high-quality health care or a low cost of living. Whether for an enjoyable weekend or a fantastic roost for retirement, consider these appealing choices.

a a r p membership card

AARP Membership -Join AARP for just $9 per year when you sign up for a 5-year term

Join today and save 43% off the standard annual rate. Get instant access to discounts, programs, services, and the information you need to benefit every area of your life. 

Kitty Bean Yancey, a former USA Today deputy managing editor, is a travel writer and the winner of multiple Lowell Thomas Awards from the Society of American Travel Writers.

More on Travel

AARP Travel Center

Call: 1.800.675.4318

Search Flights

Enter a valid date

Enter a valid date

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Enter a valid date

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Enter a valid date

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Flight 2

Enter a valid date

Flight 3

Enter a valid date

Flight 4

Enter a valid date

Flight 5

Enter a valid date

Add Another Flight

Search Hotels

Enter a valid date

Enter a valid date

Room 1

Room 2

Room 3

Room 4

Room 5

Room 6

Room 7

Room 8

Search Packages

Enter a valid date

Enter a valid date

Child under 2 must either sit in laps or in seats:

Room 1

Room 2

Room 3

Room 4

Room 5

Search Cars

Enter a valid date

Enter a valid date

Search Cruises

Select a valid location

Select a month

Search Things to Do

Enter a valid date

Enter a valid date

aarp member benefits logo

Featured AARP Member Benefits

See All  >

  • Travel

    AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia: Car Rentals

    Members save on car rentals and more

    learn more
    See more Travel offers >
  • Car Rentals

    Avis

    Members save up to 30% on base rates and more

    learn more
    See more Car Rentals offers >
  • Hotels & Resorts

    Country Inn & Suites® by Radisson

    Members save 10% off the best available rate

    learn more
    See more Hotels & Resorts offers >
  • Gas & Auto Services

    Valvoline Instant Oil Change

    Members save 15% on drive-thru, stay-in-your-car oil changes

    learn more
    See more Gas & Auto Services offers >