While college seems like it was 100 years ago to some of us (or maybe it's just me), there are several college towns in Arizona where anyone can have fun or even a relaxing weekend getaway. While ASU in Tempe is the best-known university in the state, there are many others including Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, the University of Arizona in Tucson, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott. With these towns teeming with students when college is in session, there's plenty of fun to be had. However, there are also many ways to relax if you're craving a peaceful getaway. Here are our favorite college towns in Arizona:

1. Prescott

Prescott is one of those towns that reminds me of the Old West with Whiskey Row and all of the saloons found there. Nightlife in Prescott is always a good time with people of all ages out and about. There are also antique stores and tourist shops to peruse along with incredible restaurants like Dinner Bell Cafe and the Palace Restaurant & Saloon. But you can also find ways to find some peace and quiet around town as well, especially if you go for a hike at the incredibly picturesque Watson Lake.

Need a place to stay in Prescott? Make a reservation at Hotel St. Michael located in Prescott's historic downtown.

2. Flagstaff

Flagstaff is a picture-perfect college town with a charming historic downtown area where you'll find dining options, breweries, and boutiques. Then there's Snowbowl for skiing and snowboarding in the winter and hiking year-round. Other notable attractions include the Lowell Observatory which discovered Pluto back in 1930, the Lava River Cave for a hiking adventure, and The Arboretum at Flagstaff. If you plan on spending a weekend in town, the Americana Motor Inn is a fun retro option.

3. Phoenix

There is so much to do in Phoenix that you can spend years here and not see or experience it all (I am speaking from experience). However, I can give you a few highlights! First of all, you would really be missing out if you didn't visit the Musical Instrument Museum (aka the MIM). As the largest museum of its kind in the world, you can peruse exhibits on music and instruments from all corners of the globe. You should also check out the museum's concert schedule. I attended a concert here a few years ago and was blown away by the venue's acoustics! There's also the Phoenix Zoo, the Desert Botanical Garden, the Heard Museum (a personal favorite of mine), and Papago Park where you can take the whole family on an easy hike.

If you would like to explore the dining scene, you can try Wren & Wolf downtown, Chelsea's Kitchen which sits on the canal, and The Gladly on Camelback. Planning on spending a few nights in town? Try the Cambria Hotel which has an epic rooftop bar or The Phoenician if you prefer luxurious accommodations.

4. Tempe

Tempe is home to ASU with nearly 75,000 students. When school is in session, the bars along Mill Ave. fill up with college students. However, there is so much more to Tempe than Mill Ave. and games at Mountain America Stadium where the ASU Sun Devils play.

You can always spend time in a canoe or kayak for a paddle at Tempe Town Lake, head to Tempe Marketplace for shopping and a movie, or take the kids to the Legoland Discovery Center at Arizona Mills.

For an overnight stay, consider Marriott Phoenix Resort Tempe at The Buttes which has two outdoor pools and is home to Top of the Rock Restaurant that offers panoramic views.

5. Tucson

If you plan on heading to southern Arizona, Tucson is such an incredibly fun college town to spend time. Hit the town at night for drinks at The Shelter Bar on Grant Rd. or Good Oak Bar on Congress St. For exceptional dining, you can try Vivace Restaurant which offers an extensive wine list, or Seis Kitchen for classic Mexican cuisine. There are attractions aplenty in Tucson as well. The Pima Air Museum is a crowd favorite along with Reid Park Zoo and San Xavier del Bac Mission.

For those of you who are on the hunt for a hotel close to where all the action is, try The Leo Kent Hotel, Tucson, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel downtown. The Leo Kent has a fitness center, an on-site restaurant, and several additional amenities for a comfortable stay.

After living in Arizona for 15 years, I have certainly explored all of these college towns. You can't go wrong with a getaway to any of them as each offers its own charm, attractions, dining options, outdoor adventure, and so much more. Which of these towns is your favorite and why? Let us know!