Downtown State College, State College

Condé Nast TravelerOct 23, 2025

Where to rest between tailgates, campus tours, or fall foliage walks.

hums with restaurants, bars, and shops

13 things in this story

Beaver StadiumSightsecond-largest 'city' in Pennsylvania on game day
Old MainSightwithin walking distance of campus life
The Arboretum at Penn StateParkmanicured gardens meet wild woodlands
Palmer Museum of ArtMuseumworks ranging from classical to contemporary
Mount NittanyTrailhike on the mountain
Downtown State CollegeNeighborhoodhums with restaurants, bars, and shops
Happy ValleyNeighborhoodrolling hills for scenic drives
The Field Burger & TapRestaurantThe Field Burger and Tap offers a farm-to-table experience with hand-formed burgers, local craft beer, and hand-spun…
Spring Creek Canyon TrailheadTrailscenic walks or morning coffee by the water
Lederer ParkParksurrounded by quiet streets and trees
Berkey CreameryIce cream shopfamous downtown spot
Penn State UniversitySight
Happy Valley Brewing CompanyRestaurant

Downtown State College