Things to Do in State College, PA
Your complete guide to activities, dining, entertainment, and attractions in Happy Valley.
Downtown State College
The heart of Happy Valley beats on Allen Street and the surrounding downtown area, featuring dozens of restaurants, shops, bars, and entertainment venues within walking distance.
Dining
Over 100 restaurants ranging from fine dining to casual eateries, food trucks, and international cuisine representing cultures from around the world.
Shopping
Unique local boutiques, bookstores, outdoor gear shops, and specialty stores. Nittany Mall for traditional retail.
Entertainment
State Theatre (live performances), movie theaters, bars and music venues, comedy shows, and seasonal festivals.
Best Restaurants in State College, PA
From award-winning Thai and Indian cuisine to classic Italian pizzerias and upscale American steaks, the downtown Allen Street district is a culinary hub for Happy Valley.
State College features a diverse dining scene serving residents, students, and visitors:
| Restaurant | Type | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| The Corner Room | Fine Dining | Contemporary American, extensive wine list |
| Cafe 210 West | American | Brunch, craft cocktails, local ingredients |
| The Deli | Casual | Sandwiches, local favorite since 1977 |
| Faccia Luna Pizzeria | Italian | Authentic pizza, pasta, Italian wines |
| Spats Cafe | Upscale Casual | Steaks, seafood, Sunday brunch |
Cuisine Variety: Downtown State College offers Thai, Indian, Mexican, Japanese, Korean, Mediterranean, Chinese, Vietnamese, and more within walking distance.
State College Movies & Cinema
Looking for movies in State College? The area offers a mix of historic charm and modern multiplexes:
- The State Theatre: A historic, community-owned gem in downtown State College (College Ave) featuring independent films, live performances, and HD broadcasts.
- UEC Theatres (North & 12): Major multiplexes located on North Atherton and near the Nittany Mall for the latest Hollywood blockbusters and IMAX experiences.
Pro Tip: Check local listings for student discounts and "First Friday" special screenings downtown.
Outdoor Activities
State College's location in the Nittany Valley provides exceptional access to outdoor recreation year-round.
Hiking & Nature
🥾 Mount Nittany
Distance: 6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
360-degree views of Happy Valley from the 2,077 ft summit. Most popular hike in the area with well-marked trails and scenic overlooks.
🌲 Rothrock State Forest
Size: 96,000+ acres
Extensive trail network for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Contains Tussey Mountain ski area and numerous recreation areas.
Water Activities
- Whipple Dam State Park: Swimming, kayaking, fishing (25 min)
- Bald Eagle State Park: Boating, beach, trails (30 min)
- Fisherman's Paradise: Trophy trout fishing area (15 min)
Winter Sports
- Tussey Mountain: Downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing
- Cross-country skiing: Trails throughout Rothrock State Forest
- Snowshoeing: Mount Nittany and local trail systems
Museums & Cultural Attractions
In State College:
- State Theatre: Historic theater hosting concerts, comedy, films, and special events
- Downtown Arts Scene: Galleries, live music venues, and cultural events
- Centre Furnace Mansion: Historic ironmaster's home with guided tours
Nearby Attractions (< 30 minutes):
| Attraction | Location | Distance | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boal Mansion Museum | Boalsburg | 4 miles | Historic home, chapel from Columbus family castle |
| Military Museum | Boalsburg | 4 miles | PA military history, birthplace of Memorial Day |
| Penn's Cave | Centre Hall | 18 miles | America's only all-water cavern, wildlife park |
| Indian Caverns | Spruce Creek | 35 miles | Underground caverns and gemstone mining |
Seasonal Events & Festivals
🎨 Central PA Festival of the Arts
When: July (5 days)
50+ years running. 400+ artists, outdoor shows, sidewalk sales, food vendors, and live music throughout downtown.
🍂 First Night State College
When: New Year's Eve
Family-friendly celebration with performances, activities, food, and midnight festivities downtown.
🎃 Community Events
Year-round:
Farmers markets, First Friday events, outdoor concerts, holiday celebrations, and cultural festivals.
Weekly & Monthly Events
- State College Farmers Market: Year-round at multiple locations
- First Friday: Monthly downtown event with galleries, shops, restaurants
- Live Music: Multiple venues offer shows throughout the week
- Outdoor Concerts: Summer concert series in local parks
State College Parking
Downtown parking can be challenging, especially during events. Here are your best options:
Parking Garages
| Garage | Location | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fraser Street Garage | Fraser St & Beaver Ave | Hourly/Daily | Closest to downtown core |
| Pugh Street Garage | Pugh St | Hourly/Daily | Near campus area |
| Beaver Avenue Garage | Beaver Ave | Hourly/Daily | Central downtown location |
Parking Tips
Day Trip Ideas from State College
State College's central location makes it ideal for exploring Central Pennsylvania:
🏙️ Pittsburgh
2.5 hours
Museums, sports venues, restaurants, cultural attractions
🏙️ Philadelphia
3 hours
Historical sites, art museums, food scene
🏞️ Raystown Lake
45 minutes
Boating, fishing, hiking, camping, water recreation
🌊 Ricketts Glen
90 minutes
21 waterfalls along Falls Trail, exceptional hiking
⭐ Cherry Springs
90 minutes
International Dark Sky Park, world-class stargazing
Practical Visitor Information
Best Time to Visit
- September-October: Beautiful fall colors, pleasant weather, local events
- July: Arts Festival, warm weather, outdoor activities
- May: Spring blooms, comfortable temperatures, events
Getting Around
- CATA Bus: Free local transit with extensive routes
- Walking: Downtown is very walkable
- Bike: Bike lanes and trails throughout the area
- Ride-share: Uber/Lyft available