State College

Travel Guide

Central Pennsylvania featuring wetlands and mist or fog
Central Pennsylvania showing tranquil scenes
Central Pennsylvania featuring a lake or waterhole and a small town or village
Central Pennsylvania which includes 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 Center 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 neighborhood’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 kilometers) 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 kilometers) 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! (1,001 reviews)
"The hotel was beautiful!"

Reviewed on Mar. 24, 2025

The Nittany Lion Inn
Hyatt Place State College
Hyatt Place State College
3 out of 5
219 W Beaver Ave, State College, PA
The price is CA $129 per night from Apr. 27 to Apr. 28
CA $129
CA $143 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in State College. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"Like that is in in the heart of happy valley and also the staff is excellent."

Reviewed on Mar. 26, 2025

Hyatt Place State College
Sleep Inn near Penn State
Sleep Inn near Penn State
2.5 out of 5
111 Village Dr, State College, PA
The price is CA $129 per night from Apr. 20 to Apr. 21
CA $129
CA $143 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 20 - Apr 21
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in State College. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
"I was pleasantly surprised with the room at how clean it was. The shower size was great, it was a different looking shower than I have seen in other hotels and its wonderful. Beds were very comfortable and clean. Two items to fix is the lock on the bathroom door and better pillows for the bed. I ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 28, 2025

Sleep Inn near Penn State
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.
GREAT PLACE TO VISIT FOR FALL AND WINTER FUN. ONLY A COUPLE MILES TO PSU STADIUM
GREAT PLACE TO VISIT FOR FALL AND WINTER FUN. ONLY A COUPLE MILES TO PSU STADIUM
State College,
Book a stay at this ski vacation home in State College. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
10/10 Exceptional! (150 reviews)
Wonderful cozy home
"warm and inviting"

Reviewed on Dec. 24, 2024

GREAT PLACE TO VISIT FOR FALL AND WINTER FUN. ONLY A COUPLE MILES TO PSU STADIUM
Penn State Retreat - walkable 4 b / 2 b with game room
Penn State Retreat - walkable 4 b / 2 b with game room
State College
Stay at this vacation home in State College. Enjoy a garden, a pool table, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Bryce Jordan Center and Beaver ...
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
Great news place
"Fantastic place for visiting Penn state with families"

Reviewed on Feb. 17, 2025

Penn State Retreat - walkable 4 b / 2 b with game room
Luxurious, Meticulous, Charming, Beautifully appointed 3bedroom in State College
Luxurious, Meticulous, Charming, Beautifully appointed 3bedroom in State College
2 out of 5
State College
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in State College. Enjoy an in-room coffeemaker, housekeeping, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Bryce ...
10/10 Exceptional! (6 reviews)
Visiting Penn State
"While visiting my son who is a student at Penn State we stayed at this lovely home. The house was super clean and fresh, the kitchen and bathrooms were filled with everything you need, and the living room was very warm and comfortable. Distance to school wasn't as close as I thought (will need car ..."

Reviewed on Mar. 18, 2025

Luxurious, Meticulous, Charming, Beautifully appointed 3bedroom in State College
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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