Two NC College Towns Land on List of Most Underrated U.S. Destinations

Two NC College Towns Land on List of Most Underrated U.S. Destinations

Chapel Hill snagged the No. 4 spot. Boone claimed No. 6. Both made Kayak’s roster of the nation’s most underrated college towns worth visiting in 2025. The trip planning website…

An aerial view of the University of North Carolina campus and surrounding area in Chapel Hill.

Getty ImagesChapel Hill snagged the No. 4 spot. Boone claimed No. 6. Both made Kayak's roster of the nation's most underrated college towns worth visiting in 2025.

The trip planning website released its rankings March 25, drawing from hotel search data and pricing trends. They combed through online hotel searches Americans made for 2025 trips, then cross-referenced average hotel costs to pinpoint destinations offering solid bang for your buck.

"Our research found that 84% of travelers are interested in exploring smaller, lesser-known destinations, and 63% are opting for shorter weekend trips," Kayla Inserra DeLoache, director of communications for Kayak, told The News & Observer in a Friday, July 10 email. "North Carolina's college towns offer exactly the kind of experience many travelers are looking for today: walkable downtowns, vibrant local culture, great food, and an easy escape that's close to home."

The Triangle town holds roughly 63,000 residents. Hotel rooms there average $204 per night. As home to UNC's flagship campus, Chapel Hill pulses with what Kayak dubbed "timeless college energy."

"Chapel Hill offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and a vibrant downtown centered around Franklin Street," the travel website wrote in its report. "With unique shops, celebrated dining, and enriching events, there's something for everyone."

Boone landed at No. 6. Average hotel cost? $167 nightly. This mountain town of 20,000 sits about 85 miles west of Winston-Salem and houses Appalachian State University. Kayak praised its mountain backdrop.

"Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone is equal parts walkable college town and outdoor playground," Kayak wrote in its report. "From hiking trails to scenic drives, it's a year-round destination with serious charm."

These picks aren't new to the spotlight. Earlier in 2026, both towns earned spots among the South's best college towns, The News & Observer had reported.

Clemson, South Carolina, topped Kayak's rankings as the nation's most underrated college town. Davis, California, took second place, with West Lafayette, Indiana, grabbing third. Oxford, Mississippi, rounded out the top five.