State College Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Central Pennsylvania showing wetlands and mist or fog
Central Pennsylvania which includes tranquil scenes
Central Pennsylvania which includes a lake or waterhole and a small town or village
Central Pennsylvania showing a garden
Central Pennsylvania

Visit the home of Penn State University to explore its academic history, then stay a while to enjoy its distinctive small-town delights.

Discover the charm and diverse cultural attractions of State College, home to Penn State University. The town was founded in the mid-19th century to provide housing and resources for the university. Today State College is one of Pennsylvania’s most popular destinations.

Head to Beaver Stadium during football season to watch the Nittany Lions play on their home turf. State College transforms into a hub of activity on game days as fans flock from all over the country. Learn more about the university’s athletic accomplishments at Penn State All-Sports Museum.

Visit the Palmer Museum of Art, which has 11 galleries filled with everything from modern pieces to centuries-old paintings. Watch a play at the Centre for the Performing Arts or enjoy live music at the historic State Theatre. In July, experience the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, a celebration of the region’s artistic and cultural pursuits that attracts over 100,000 visitors.

Admire the region’s famous fall foliage at the Arboretum at Penn State. The university’s picturesque campus is the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or play a game of catch.

The historic downtown area borders Penn State’s campus. Satisfy your appetite at one of the ethnic restaurants, coffee shops or bistros that line the streets. Admire the historic architecture as you browse the neighbourhood’s shops and galleries. Enjoy State College’s nightlife, enlivened by the student community.

Hike Mount Nittany, a natural landmark located just 3 miles (4.8 kilometres) east of State College in Lemont. Bring the kids on a beginner trail or challenge yourself on one of the paths for more experienced hikers.

State College is 86 miles (138 kilometres) from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital city. University Park Airport flies to many U.S. cities and is located just minutes from the downtown area. State College delights visitors by combining natural attractions with the vitality, style and culture of a university town. Root on Penn State teams or explore the lively downtown in this unique Pennsylvania destination.

The Nittany Lion Inn

The Nittany Lion Inn

3 out of 5
200 West Park Avenue, State College, PA
Stay at this 3-star historic hotel in State College. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Bryce Jordan Center and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,039 reviews)
"Likes: Location, staff, cleanliness, ambiance"

Reviewed on 24 Sept 2025

The Nittany Lion Inn
The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center

The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center

3.5 out of 5
215 Innovation Boulevard, State College, PA
The price is AU$177 per night from 30 Oct to 31 Oct
AU$177
30 Oct - 31 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in State College. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,125 reviews)
"Room was very updated, very clean"

Reviewed on 23 Sept 2025

The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center
Toftrees Golf Resort

Toftrees Golf Resort

3 out of 5
1 Country Club Ln, State College, PA
The price is AU$152 per night from 30 Sept to 1 Oct
AU$152
30 Sept - 1 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this golf resort in State College. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,048 reviews)
"Price was right"

Reviewed on 22 Sept 2025

Toftrees Golf Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
2.5 miles from Stadium/Downtown Newly Renovated, Family-Friendly PSU Rental Home

2.5 miles from Stadium/Downtown Newly Renovated, Family-Friendly PSU Rental Home

State College
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in State College. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attractions Beaver Stadium and Bryce ...
10/10 Exceptional! (138 reviews)
"Very clean property and was perfect for a football weekend at state college! Owner was super helpful and very easy to communicate with. Checking in and out was a breeze and everything was as described."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

2.5 miles from Stadium/Downtown Newly Renovated, Family-Friendly PSU Rental Home
PSU - 1 bedroom apartment in State College 4 miles to Beaver Stadium!!

PSU - 1 bedroom apartment in State College 4 miles to Beaver Stadium!!

State College
Stay at this apartment in State College. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker and air conditioning. Popular attractions Bryce Jordan Center and Beaver Stadium are located ...
"This was such a great location and a perfect place for us to stay on a football weekend! The listing does not do the actual space justice... way bigger than anticipated and a perfect space for my family and I. Extremely clean, king bed was very comfortable, futon was great for my kids... just a really ..."

Reviewed on 14 Sept 2025

PSU - 1 bedroom apartment in State College 4 miles to Beaver Stadium!!
Spacious 6-bedroom house in State College! Perfect for football weekends!

Spacious 6-bedroom house in State College! Perfect for football weekends!

State College
Stay at this vacation home in State College. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Bryce Jordan Center and Beaver ...
Spacious 6-bedroom house in State College! Perfect for football weekends!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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