State College, Pennsylvania, is a lively college town and home to Penn State University. Nestled in the scenic Appalachian Mountains, it features a vibrant downtown with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Known for its sports, outdoor activities, and welcoming community, it’s a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-campus energy.
If you're a local and looking to escape for a weekend, keep reading. With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also some international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the State College, Pennsylvania, area within a non-stop 4-hour flight. More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers), it just depends on what you want to do at your destination.
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 2 Hour 46 Minute Flight
Why go?
Theme parks. Disney & Universal. Bring bug spray and an umbrella if you go during the summer. It's not my favorite city, but there's a reason why it's the #1 tourism city year after year in the US.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Orlando
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from PIT - See flight deals
Spirit from PHL - See flight deals
Frontier from PHL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $53+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?York
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 2 Hour 3 Minute Flight
Why go?
Brew pubs, art, nightlife, Mexican food.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Atlanta
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Frontier from PHL - See flight deals
Spirit from BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $24+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - 1 Hour 27 Flight
Why go?
History and cool summertime temps!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Boston
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
Who can fly you there?
Spirit from BWI - See flight deals
Frontier from PHL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $26+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 2 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Jazz music, other music, culture, architecture, partying, passionate football fans.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in New Orleans
When to go?
Spring, Summer, Fall
Who can fly you there?
Spirit from BWI - See flight deals
Southwest from BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $43+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Check out Bourbon Street for a little bit, but don't get sucked in. It's absolutely disgusting. Chartres Street is better for those looking to maintain their cleanliness.
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 2 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Beaches, outdoors activities, clubs, restaurants, culture. I just ask that you please please please venture out beyond Miami Beach.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Miami
When to go?
Any time of the year, but best is October - February for perfect weather. Avoid the spring break crowd in late Feb/early March the best you can.
Who can fly you there?
American from PIT - See flight deals
Spirit from PIT - See flight deals
Frontier from BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $34+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the following neighborhoods to step away from the "typical Miami": Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Midtown, Edgewater.
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Nashville
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Spirit from PHL - See flight deals
Southwest from PIT - See flight deals
American from PHL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $43+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 3 Hour 35 Minute Flight
Why go?
Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Denver
When to go?
Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.
Who can fly you there?
United from PIT - See flight deals
Southwest from PIT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $165+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, bars, sports, rivers!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Chicago
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
American from PIT - See flight deals
Southwest from PIT - See flight deals
Frontier from BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $24+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - 1 Hour 2 Minute Flight
Why go?
History, sports, cheesesteaks
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Philadelphia
When to go?
Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
American from SCE - See flight deals
Frontier from SCE - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $34+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Museums, walking tours, great mass-transit and cherry blossoms. Fly to DCA for convenience.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Washington DC
When to go?
Year-round (spring season for cherry blossoms)
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from PIT - See flight deals
United from PIT - See flight deals
American from PIT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $90+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For avid runners, pack your running shoes and go for daily runs around the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 3 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, Art, Music, BBQ, Tech, Bach Parties, and All-Around Fun!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Austin
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from PIT - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $144+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ, YTZ) - 1 Hour 8 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, people, cleanliness, Hockey Hall of Fame.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Toronto
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from PIT - See flight deals
American from PHL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $231+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Montreal, Quebec (YUL) - 1 Hour 42 Minute Flight
Why go?
More restaurants per capita than any other North American city.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Montreal
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from PIT - See flight deals
American from PHL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $244+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) - 1 Hour 43 Minute Flight
Why go?
History, culture, family-friendly attractions, and water sports.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Charleston
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Breeze from PIT - See flight deals
Southwest from BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $39+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Quebec City, Quebec (YQB) - 1 Hour 54 Minute Flight
Why go?
Quebec City enchants visitors with its charming old-world atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and the historic beauty of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in rich history and French culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Quebec City
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
American from PHL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $356+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Asheville, North Carolina (AVL) - 1 Hour 54 Minute Flight
Why go?
Art, craft beer, and the Smoky Mountains. I'd recommend driving instead of flying, but it's your call!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Asheville
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
American from PHL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $399+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Key West, Florida (EYW) - 2 Hour 47 Minute Flight
Why go?
A ridiculously good party scene, strange people, boat tours, scuba diving, museums, culture. Other top attractions.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Key West
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from PIT - See flight deals
American from PHL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $64+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Beach-enthusiasts beware. This is NOT a destination with good beaches.
Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) – 1 Hour 53 Minute Flight
Why go?
Diverse Cultural Attractions, Thriving Food Scene, Outdoor Activities, Sports Hub, Historical Significance, Shopping, Festivals and Events.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Charlotte
When to go?
The best times to visit Charlotte are March–May and September–November.
Who can fly you there?
Frontier from PHL - See flight deals
Southwest from BWI - See flight deals
American from BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $29+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
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