Things To Do
in State College
State College is a vibrant and bustling college town located in central Pennsylvania, United States. It is home to Pennsylvania State University, known for its prestigious academic programs and passionate sports culture. The downtown area is filled with charming shops, restaurants, and lively bars, catering to both students and residents alike.
With its beautiful surrounding natural landscapes and tight-knit community feel, State College offers a well-rounded and dynamic living experience.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $80 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your morning with a stroll through the beautiful Penn State campus. Visit the iconic Old Main building and grab a coffee at a nearby café.
Explore the Arts, Sciences, and Humanities building to see local art and exhibits. Have lunch at one of the local eateries on College Avenue.
Catch a show at the HUB-Robeson Center's performance space. Enjoy dinner at a popular restaurant with a cozy ambiance.
Begin the day with breakfast at a local diner famous for its pancakes. Afterward, head to the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts if it's the right season.
Participate in a cooking class showcasing local ingredients. Enjoy a relaxed afternoon eating what you just prepared.
Dine at a fine restaurant to experience the region's culinary excellence. Wind down with a walk around downtown to soak in the evening ambiance.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Strong academic institutions, including Penn State University.
- A vibrant college-town atmosphere with plenty of cultural and social activities.
- Diverse dining and shopping options.
- Beautiful outdoor spaces and parks for recreation.
- Community events and festivals throughout the year.
- Higher cost of living compared to nearby areas.
- Limited job opportunities outside of the academic sphere.
- Traffic congestion during the academic year due to student population.
- Seasonal weather, with cold winters and hot summers.
- Potential challenges in finding affordable housing.
Best Activities in State College
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic trails and enjoy breathtaking views of State College from the summit of Mount Nittany.
Play a round of frisbee golf in the beautiful park setting at Circleville Park, which offers a challenging and fun course for players of all skill levels.
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Bellefonte Central Rail Trail, a picturesque route that offers a mix of wooded areas and open fields.
Tours
Uncover the best of State College with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in State College
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular spot to get a panoramic view of State College and the surrounding area.
A beautiful garden with various themed areas, perfect for photography and leisurely walks.
An iconic and picturesque spot for a photo with the Penn State Nittany Lion statue.
Food in State College
State College Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A local favorite, grilled stickies are a sweet, sticky bun filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and topped with a vanilla or cream cheese icing. Found at The Diner and Ye Olde College Diner.
Must-Try!
Indulge in rich and creamy ice cream from Penn State's Berkey Creamery, offering a variety of unique flavors made with local dairy. Located on the Penn State University campus.
Savor delicious handmade pierogies, a nod to the area's Eastern European heritage, filled with various fillings like potatoes, cheese, and onions. Available at popular spots like The Tavern and Polish-American Club.
Unique Experiences
Get to know State College better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market features fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat treats from food vendors. Open on Tuesdays and Fridays, it's a must-visit for local flavors.
Experience a variety of cuisines from the eclectic food trucks that gather at State College's regular food truck rallies, offering everything from gourmet tacos to wood-fired pizzas.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In State College, it is important to respect personal space and maintain an appropriate distance when interacting with others.
Punctuality is valued in State College, so it's important to be on time for appointments and social gatherings.
Using polite language and showing courtesy towards others is a cultural norm in State College, and it is appreciated in social interactions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of State College with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in State College
Ensure a smooth experience
In State College, tipping is a common practice in restaurants, bars, and for other service providers. The standard tip for good service is generally 15-20% of the total bill.
Payment in State College is commonly made using credit or debit cards, as well as cash. Most establishments accept major credit cards, and contactless payment options are becoming increasingly popular.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into State College.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and outdoor activities.
Ideal for warm weather, outdoor events, and festivals.
Great for vibrant fall foliage and harvest festivals.
Suitable for winter sports, holiday events, and a festive atmosphere.
State College at Night
Hiking in State College
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular hiking destination with stunning views of State College and surrounding areas, featuring various trails of differing difficulty levels.
A scenic trail offering a moderate hike through the beautiful woods near State College, perfect for both experienced hikers and beginners.
This area features multiple trails for hiking and exploring, with options for different skill levels and breathtaking views.
Offers guided tours and hiking options, allowing visitors to enjoy both natural beauty and educational experiences.
A vast state forest with numerous hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of Pennsylvania, suitable for long hikes and day trips.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into State College through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach State College by plane.
Located approximately 135 miles west of State College, this airport serves as a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Situated about 190 miles southeast of State College, this airport is one of the largest in the United States, providing extensive international connections.
Located around 180 miles south of State College, BWI is a key airport serving the Baltimore and Washington D.C. metropolitan areas with a variety of international flights.
Approximately 115 miles southeast of State College, ABE offers regional and some international flights.
Located about 200 miles east of State College, this major airport provides extensive international flight options.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population, primarily of European descent.
Includes individuals of East Asian, South Asian, and Southeast Asian descent.
Includes individuals of Spanish-speaking origin or descent.
Includes individuals of Black or African descent.
Individuals identifying with two or more racial categories.
Includes individuals of Indigenous descent.
Includes individuals of Pacific Islander descent.
The Soul of State College
Discover the essence of State College through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is immensely popular in State College, especially with the presence of Penn State University. The Penn State Nittany Lions football team has a strong following and attracts large crowds to Beaver Stadium.
Basketball is also popular in State College, with both men's and women's teams at Penn State University competing in NCAA Division I. The community supports the teams during their seasons.
Baseball enjoys popularity during the summer, with local leagues and youth teams, as well as support for the Penn State Nittany Lions baseball team.
Soccer has been growing in popularity in State College, with youth programs, adult leagues, and support for the Penn State Nittany Lions women's soccer team.
Wrestling has a strong tradition at Penn State, with the university's wrestling team being one of the most successful in the country, garnering a dedicated fan base.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting State College.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in State College offer creative vegetarian and vegan options, with dedicated menus that cater to plant-based diets. Check out places like CoreLife Eatery and The Green Bowl for wholesome vegetarian and vegan fare.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can enjoy a range of gluten-free dishes at restaurants such as Cozy Thai Bistro and My My Chicken, with gluten-free labeling and accommodating staff.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of State College with these cultural adventures.
