Things To Do
in State College
State College, Pennsylvania is a lively college town anchored by Pennsylvania State University and known locally as "Happy Valley." The downtown area combines student-oriented shops, bars and eateries with cultural venues, museums and seasonal festivals. Outdoors enthusiasts find easy access to nearby ridgelines, forests, lakes and ski areas within a short drive.
The town feels small and safe compared with larger cities, but gets very busy on football weekends and during the academic year.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the historic downtown area, where you can grab breakfast at one of the charming cafes. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined streets, admiring the beautiful architecture of local shops and buildings. Don't forget to stop by the iconic Allen Street for a dose of local culture and perhaps some handmade crafts.
Head to the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts if you're visiting in July, or explore the many art galleries in the area. For lunch, indulge in some classic Penn State fare at a local favorite diner. Afterward, consider a visit to the Palmer Museum of Art, where you can immerse yourself in an impressive collection of American and European art.
As the sun sets, enjoy a delightful dinner at a farm-to-table restaurant that showcases local produce. After your meal, catch a live performance at the historic State Theatre, which often features a variety of local and touring acts. Conclude your evening with a nightcap at a cozy bar, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the nightlife.
Begin your day with a refreshing hike through the beautiful Rothrock State Forest, where you can breathe in the fresh mountain air. Pack a light breakfast to enjoy at one of the scenic overlooks, providing a perfect backdrop for your morning meal. Take your time to explore the trails and spot local wildlife as you wander through the lush greenery.
After your hike, head to the nearby Shaver's Creek Environmental Center for an educational experience about local ecology. You can enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds, surrounded by the serene landscape. Consider participating in one of their guided tours or workshops to learn more about the area's natural history.
Return to State College for a relaxed dinner at a local pizzeria famous for its unique toppings and friendly atmosphere. After dinner, take a stroll through the Penn State University campus, where the buildings are beautifully lit up at night. Finish your evening with a visit to a local coffee shop for dessert and a warm beverage.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $3-5 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $4-7 |
| 🚕Local bus fare / short ride-share | $2-15 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $100-180 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong cultural and dining scene for a town of its size thanks to the university
- Easy access to outdoor recreation—hiking, paddling and winter sports nearby
- Safe, walkable downtown and lively events tied to the academic calendar
- Extremely busy and pricier during Penn State football weekends
- Nightlife and entertainment heavily oriented toward students, which may not suit all visitors
- Limited late-night public transit and few direct long-distance transport options
Places to Visit in State College
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic campus architecture and tree-lined walkways—best in early morning or golden hour for classic campus shots.
Panoramic views of the valley and surrounding ridges; excellent for sunrise, fall foliage, and wide landscape compositions.
Massive college football stadium with intense crowd energy and tailgating scenes—capture action, crowds, and traditions during home games.
Seasonal plantings, walking trails and quiet garden spaces that work well for macro, portrait and nature photography.
Street scenes, murals, cafés and bustling nightlife—good for urban, candid and street photography.
Food in State College
State College Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Hearty eggs, pancakes, home fries and coffee—diner breakfasts are a staple around campus and downtown, great for fueling a day of exploration.
Must-Try!
Pennsylvania-style soft pretzels and bakery items show up at markets and cafés; look for local bakeries and farmers market stalls.
Many local pubs offer handcrafted burgers and sandwiches that pair well with the area's craft beers.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Open seasonally (spring–fall), this market showcases local produce, baked goods, cheese and prepared foods—ideal for sampling local flavors and buying picnic supplies.
Food trucks and pop-ups appear around campus and downtown during warm months, offering tacos, BBQ, ethnic street foods and desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Show respect on campus—obey posted rules, keep noise down in residential areas and follow directions from campus police and signage.
Football weekends have a strong tailgating culture —participation is festive but follow rules, clean up after yourself and respect private property.
People tend to be friendly and polite; wait your turn in lines, greet servers and say thank you after service.
Safety
Tipping in State College
Ensure a smooth experience
Standard tipping in the U.S.: 15–20% for sit-down restaurant service, $1–2 per drink at bars or 10–15% for takeout if service was provided; tip taxi drivers and ride-share drivers around 10–15% or round up. Gratuities for hotel staff and delivery drivers are customary.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payment (Apple Pay/Google Pay) is common. Cash is accepted but not necessary in most places. Smaller vendors at markets may prefer cash—bring small bills for convenience.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot days, humid conditions, lots of outdoor events and farmers markets. Great time for hiking, kayaking and festivals, but expect some evenings with mosquitoes and occasional thunderstorms.
Crisp days, spectacular fall foliage on ridgelines and in campus trees—prime season for hiking and photography. Football Saturdays are busy with high prices and limited lodging if you don't book early.
Cold with regular snow and ice; good for skiing, snowboarding at nearby Tussey Mountain and winter hikes, but prepare for slippery roads and occasional travel delays.
Variable weather—muddy trails early in the season and gradually warming with blooming trees. Good time for fewer crowds and lower accommodation rates compared with fall football season.
State College at Night
Hiking in State College
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Iconic ridge with well-used trails and multiple viewpoints—moderate difficulty and close to town, popular for sunrise and fall foliage.
Extensive trail networks for hiking, trail running and mountain biking through mixed hardwood forests and ridge-top scenery.
Trails around lakes and reservoirs with picnic areas and paddling opportunities—family-friendly and scenic.
Trails around the ski area and ridgeline walks with views of the valley; also a destination for sledding and winter sports.
Shorter nature trails and interpretive walks ideal for wildlife viewing, birding and family outings managed by the environmental center.
Airports
How to reach State College by plane.
Small regional airport serving State College with limited commercial flights—convenient for quick regional connections and short ground travel to town.
Approximately 1–1.5 hours by car—larger airport with more flight options and rental car services; a common alternative for many travelers.
About 2–3 hours by car depending on traffic—major airport with many domestic and international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A large portion of the population is Penn State students (undergraduate and graduate), creating a youthful, transient and diverse community during the academic year.
Long-term residents working for the university and affiliated institutions who contribute to local culture and services.
Permanent residents and families who live in neighborhoods outside the central campus area and who use regional parks and community services.
Penn State's international students and visiting scholars add cultural diversity and support for international restaurants, events and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Penn State Nittany Lions football is a cultural centerpiece—home games draw large crowds, tailgating and lively community events.
Penn State has a highly successful collegiate wrestling program and matches draw enthusiastic local and student support.
Club sports and intramural athletics are popular among students, and local interest supports hockey, lacrosse and soccer at various levels.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting State College.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many cafés and newer restaurants offer vegetarian mains and salads; downtown spots typically have vegetarian options but choices may be limited at traditional diners.
Vegan options are increasing (plant-based burgers, dairy-free coffee milks), but you may need to call ahead for strict vegan meals in some places.
Restaurants can usually accommodate gluten-free requests, though cross-contamination is possible at bakeries and busy kitchens—ask staff for details.
Limited dedicated halal or kosher establishments in town; for strict dietary needs, consider grocery options, campus international student services, or bring specialty items.