State College

Travel Guide

Central Pennsylvania showing wetlands and mist or fog
Central Pennsylvania which includes landscape views and tranquil scenes
Central Pennsylvania showing a lake or waterhole and a small town or village
Central Pennsylvania which includes a garden and a river or creek
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.

Toftrees Golf Resort
Toftrees Golf Resort
3 out of 5
1 Country Club Ln, State College, PA
The price is P5,535 per night from Jul 15 to Jul 16
P5,535
P6,144 total
Jul 15 - Jul 16
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! (1,000 reviews)
"Friendly staff, good food. Easy access to town. I’ve stayed here multiple times"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Toftrees Golf Resort
The Nittany Lion Inn
The Nittany Lion Inn
3 out of 5
200 West Park Avenue, State College, PA
The price is P9,059 per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
P9,059
P10,056 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,006 reviews)
"The hotel itself has been renovated and it’s clean, quiet, and in a good location. The only thing I didn’t like was that other than the complimentary coffee in the room, there is no complimentary coffee or drinks in the lobby. Otherwise, great location. Will stay here again."

Reviewed on Jul 4, 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
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 ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
"Staff was very accommodating, room was spacious and clean. We stayed during remodel, so update was pending."

Reviewed on Jun 29, 2025

The Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center
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.
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
3.5 out of 5
4630 Island Ave, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
7.6/10 Good! (1,172 reviews)
"Newly renovated room was great and staff is so accommodating"

Reviewed on Jul 4, 2025

Philadelphia Suites-Extended Stay
4211 Suites
4211 Suites
4.5 out of 5
4211 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and valet parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square ...
9/10 Wonderful! (352 reviews)
"Great location to Penn Presbyterian. Very clean. Friendly & helpful staff."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

4211 Suites
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District
Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District
3.5 out of 5
325 North 13th Street, Philadelphia, PA
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Philadelphia. Enjoy a rooftop terrace, a fitness center, and concierge services. Popular attractions Rittenhouse Square and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (553 reviews)
"This was a perfect size for our family of 6. The loft for our boys, the couch for our girls, and the bedroom for us. Two bathrooms was a must and everything was clean enough. Definitely could use some fresh caulking around the shower. Loved the industrial vibes. The AC made a crazy noise when not ..."

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2025

Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy The Heid Apartments Loft District
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.

Popular places to visit

Other places like State College