University of California, Santa Barbara

UC Santa Barbara sits on a bluff right on the Pacific, with its own beach, a lagoon and views of the mountains. Students bike everywhere, and the culture is relaxed, outdoorsy and tied to surfing and the ocean, yet the academics are serious, with strengths in marine science, physics, engineering and environmental studies. The neighboring community of Isla Vista is the social hub. If you want a top public university with a beach lifestyle, this one stands out.