32 College Towns That Feel Like a European Vacation Without Leaving the U.S.

16. Galveston, Texas – A Coastal Italian Riviera

Galveston, perched on the Gulf of Mexico, feels like a coastal escape to Italy’s Cinque Terre or the Amalfi Coast. Home to Texas A&M University at Galveston, this charming town is filled with historic mansions, pastel-colored buildings, and waterfront promenades, evoking the seaside beauty of Mediterranean villages.The town’s Strand Historic District, lined with 19th-century architecture, open-air cafés, and boutique shops, mirrors the charm of Positano’s winding streets. Along the seafront, visitors can explore palm-lined esplanades, scenic beaches, and vibrant fish markets, reminiscent of Italy’s Ligurian coast. Galveston also boasts a strong Italian influence, with authentic pizzerias, gelaterias, and seafood restaurants serving dishes that would feel at home in Naples or Sicily.