Hidden Gems Near Major Airports: Where to Go if You Arrive Early

Flying is a bit of a hassle these days. The whole process can feel like you’re wasting an entire day of vacation. But with a bit of extra planning, you can turn that idle time into an opportunity to explore a new city or enjoy local attractions.

Layovers also don’t have to be a drag. There are some fun places to explore near many airports provided by avid traveler Alison Hoover.

If you’re having your bags checked to your final destination, adventuring out of the airport will be a breeze. Just be sure to keep an eye on the clock and have a plan to maximize your time exploring.

Here are some ideas of hidden gems near major airports – where you can go if you arrive early or find you have an extended layover:

BOSTON – Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)

With just a 4-hour layover, you can easily explore Boston’s city center. If you’re feeling cooped up from air travel, walk a section of the historic Freedom Trail which is a 2.5-mile loop connecting 16 historical sites, including Paul Revere’s house, the oldest public school in the US, and the site of the Boston Massacre.

If you need some reading material for your next flight, head over to Brattle Book Shop which has been selling books since 1825. After that, you’ll have time to go to the North End and try a cannoli at Mike’s Pastry, which I guarantee is worth the effort. Just don’t promise any leftovers to the people at your destination because it’s unlikely you won’t eat them all first.

SEATTLE – Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)

With extra time in the Seattle area, you can visit the iconic Space Needle and take some stunning images for your social media page. Or, if you’re looking to do something at a lower elevation, check out the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum where you will be awed by landscaping and artwork woven together for an immersive experience.

For unusual sites, go meet the Fremont Troll living under one of the city’s oldest bridges, or the Fiji Mermaid at Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. In addition to unique sites, Seattle also boasts an incredible number of breweries and a focus on local food. Instead of another fast food meal in the airport terminal, use your extra time in Seattle to indulge in something unique and delicious.

CHICAGO– Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW) and O’Hare International Airport (ORD)

Both Midway and O’Hare are conveniently close to downtown, albeit on different sides.

Stop for lunch at Lou Malnati’s, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, or enjoy the Riverwalk and stop at the Billy Goat Tavern for a cheezborger.

From O’Hare, grab a famous hot dog at Gene and Jude’s, and then head over to Oak Park to check out Frank Lloyd Wright’s home and studio. With 25 buildings designed by Wright, you can easily fill your layover exploring Oak Park and his ground-breaking designs.

PHILADELPHIA – Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)

There’s a lot to do in Philly that can be done in just one afternoon – or a few hours. If you have some time and a rumbling belly, sample local products and delicacies at Reading Terminal Market, including allergen-free treats at Sparrow’s Gourmet Snacks.

You can visit the traditional sites and soak up some American history or – for something off the beaten path – visit the Cave of Kelpius where the US’s first doomsday cult awaited the end of the world. For another unusual spot, visit the Weaver Historical Dental Museum and learn about Painless Parker’s traveling office which promised pain-free extractions alongside showgirls and trumpeters.

DALLAS – Dallas Fort Worth (DFW)

With some cities, it’s hard to imagine finding anything close enough to the airport worth visiting. But on that front, Dallas will surprise you. Check out The Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch just a few hundred steps from the Farmers Branch DART train station. It’s free and something is always in bloom. Take a break from pressurized cabin air and smell any of the 500 rose varieties.

DC – Reagan National Airport (DCA)

There is so much to see in DC, and a lot of it is well-suited to a few hours at a time. If artwork is your thing, check out the Dupont Underground. This abandoned train station has become an underground collection of incredible street art. Another special spot is the Alma Thomas House. Thomas broke ground as one of the first art students at Howard University. Thomas’ work titled Resurrection was the first piece by a Black woman to hang in the White House.

You can also pop in to one of the Smithsonian museums (11 of the 17 Smithsonians are on the National Mall). There are often countless food trucks lined up in the area, so it will be easy to find something to eat as well. And if you’re drawn to the traditional sites, mix it up by searching for the spelling mistake on the Lincoln Memorial.

With all major cities, but DC in particular, you need to be mindful of traffic. If you plan for transportation to and from the airport, it can be very easy to explore a new city in between flights or before a long day of flying. These are just a few of my favorite places to visit while visiting other great places.

A long-ish layover doesn’t have to be spent reading a book or filled with awkward seated naps and overpriced under-delicious airport food. Consider stretching out your layover so you can explore an extra spot on your vacation.

Alison is a world traveler (three weeks in Europe with a carry-on is one of her greatest accomplishments). When she’s home in Pittsburgh, PA, you can find her playing with her pet rabbit and baking.