The Ultimate Guide to Parking in State College, PA

Downtown State College Parking 

Downtown State College offers an eclectic mix of shopping boutiques, delectable dining options, and lively entertainment venues, creating an atmosphere that's both inviting and exhilarating. 

When it comes to parking in downtown State College, you have a few different options: 

Whether you opt for street parking, parking garages, or parking lots, downtown State College ensures that visitors can navigate its bustling streets with ease. So, park your worries aside and immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of downtown State College as you explore its myriad attractions and experiences. 

Street Parking 

Street parking is readily available throughout the entirety of the downtown area, offering convenient access to shops, restaurants, and attractions. However, it's important to note that street parking in downtown State College operates on a metered system, requiring payment for the duration of your stay. 

Parking Garages 

For those seeking more structured parking solutions, several parking garages dot the downtown landscape, providing safe and convenient options for those exploring the area. You'll find parking garages situated on the 100 block of South Fraser Street, the 100 block of South Pugh Street, and the 200 block of West Beaver Avenue. These garages offer a hassle-free parking experience, allowing visitors to park with ease and venture into downtown State College with peace of mind. 

Parking Lots 

In addition to parking garages, parking lots are also scattered throughout downtown, providing additional options for those in search of parking convenience. You can find parking lots located in the 200 block of Allen Street, the 100 block of McAllister Street, and in the 100 block of West Beaver Avenue. These lots offer convenient parking solutions, allowing visitors to park their vehicles securely while they explore all that downtown State College has to offer. 

Overnight Parking in State College 

For visitors and residents alike in State College, the need for overnight parking solutions is a common concern, especially for those without off-street parking options. While daytime parking may offer more flexibility, navigating overnight parking can pose unique challenges. 

Unfortunately, overnight parking on the street is restricted between the hours of 2:00 am and 6:00 am throughout downtown and most of the borough. As a result, street parking becomes unavailable during these crucial overnight hours, necessitating alternative parking solutions for those in need. 

Additionally, many parking lots in the area enforce a maximum five-hour time limit, further limiting options for overnight parking. This restriction aims to discourage long-term parking in these lots, prioritizing turnover and availability for shoppers, diners, and other visitors throughout the day. 

However, there is some good news for anyone seeking overnight parking options in downtown State College! The following parking garages remain open and available for parking 24/7, providing a secure and convenient option for overnight stays: 

• 100 block of South Fraser Street 
• 100 block of South Pugh Street 
• 200 block of West Beaver Avenue 

Whether you're a visitor in need of a temporary parking spot or a resident without off-street parking, these garages serve as a dependable resource for overnight parking needs. 

Safety Tips for Overnight Parking 

When parking overnight in State College, it's essential to prioritize safety and adhere to best practices. Here are a few tips to ensure a safe and stress-free overnight parking experience: 

1. Choose well-lit areas: Opt for parking spots in well-lit areas or near security cameras to enhance safety and deter potential risks. 
2. Secure valuables: Remove any valuables from plain sight or consider storing them in the trunk to minimize the risk of theft or break-ins. 
3. Lock your vehicle: Always lock your vehicle and ensure all windows are closed before leaving it unattended overnight. 
4. Follow parking regulations: Familiarize yourself with parking regulations and adhere to posted signs and restrictions to avoid citations or towing. 

Bonus: Secret Parking Tips for Penn State Football Games 

Penn State football games attract tens of thousands of fans from far and wide so, naturally, finding parking can become quite the ordeal. Lucky for you, we have a few tips you can use to reliably locate a spot: 

• On-Campus Lots After 5:00 pm on Fridays: While parking lots can fill up quickly on game days, there's a hidden gem awaiting savvy parkers. After 5:00 pm on Fridays, on-campus lots open up for parking, offering a chance to secure a spot even amidst the pre-game rush. While these lots closer to Beaver Stadium might reach capacity early, consider venturing to westside lots further from the stadium for greater availability. 
• Neighborhood Street Parking: When on-campus options are scarce, look no further than the neighborhoods south and southwest of Penn State's campus. While State College typically enforces parking restrictions between 2:00 am and 6:00 am, these rules are often relaxed during weekends featuring football games. 
• Park and Ride: Embrace the spirit of adventure and opt for parking further away from Beaver Stadium, then hop on a bus or shuttle for a hassle-free journey to the game. Services like the CATA bus offer free rides on game weekends, providing a convenient and cost-effective transportation solution for football enthusiasts. 

State College Parking Rates 

Whether you're opting for street parking, utilizing parking garages, or parking in designated lots, being aware of the associated costs and hours of operation can help you plan your visit efficiently. 

Parking Rates for Meters 

Parking meters offer a convenient solution for short-term parking needs in State College. Here's what you need to know about metered parking: 

• Cost: The typical rate for metered parking is $1.25 per hour, with a minimum payment of $0.75 for credit card transactions. 
• Payment Options: You can pay directly at the meter using coins or credit cards. Additionally, remote payment via the Parkmobile app is available for added convenience. 
• Enforcement Hours: Metered parking is enforced from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on most days, with Sundays often exempt from enforcement. 

Parking Garage Rates 

For those seeking more structured parking options, parking garages provide secure and reliable solutions. Here's a breakdown of the typical rates and hours for these facilities: 

• Free Period: The first 30 minutes of parking in garages are often free. 
• Daytime Rate: From 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., the rate is $1.00 per hour. 
• Evening Rate: From 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., the rate drops to $0.75 per hour. 
• Maximum Daily Rate: The maximum daily rate for parking in garages is typically $18.00. 
• Special Events: During special events, such as Penn State football games, the hourly rate may increase to $2.25 per hour, with a maximum daily rate of $32.00. 

Parking Lot Rates 

Parking lots also provide a more secure and reliable solution than street parking. Here’s a breakdown of the typical rates and hours for these lots: 

• Cost: Parking in lots typically incurs a rate of $1.25 per hour, with a maximum five-hour time limit. 
• Enforcement Hours: Parking lot rates and time limits are enforced from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 
• Payment Options: Pay at the kiosk using credit card or exact change (in bills and/or coins) or utilize the Parkmobile app for convenient remote payment.