๐บ๏ธ Top Attractions Near Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Explore Before or After Your Flight
March 24, 2025
William Cartwright
๐บ๏ธ Top Attractions Near Philadelphia Airport (PHL): Explore Before or After Your Flight
Got time to spare before your flight or just landed in Philly? You donโt need to go far to enjoy some of the best local attractions near Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). From scenic parks to cultural gems and iconic Philly eats, hereโs a list of the top places to visit within 30 minutes of the airport.
๐ Top 10 Attractions Near Philadelphia Airport
1. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge (5 minutes away)
๐ 8601 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
๐ฟ Perfect for: Birdwatching, nature walks, photography
โ
Free entry | Great for a peaceful layover walk
2. FDR Park (10โ15 minutes away)
๐ 1500 Pattison Ave & S Broad St, Philadelphia, PA
๐ฏ Perfect for: Scenic views, picnics, relaxing before a flight
โ
Known as “The Lakes” โ ideal for stretching your legs
3. Sports Complex (Wells Fargo, Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field) (10โ15 minutes away)
๐ Broad & Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA
๐โพ๐ Catch a Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, or Sixers game!
โ
Food, beer, and stadium vibes close to the airport
4. Bartramโs Garden (15 minutes away)
๐ 5400 Lindbergh Blvd, Philadelphia, PA
๐บ Historic botanical garden along the Schuylkill River
โ
Peaceful and educational for solo or family travelers
5. The Navy Yard (15 minutes away)
๐ South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA
๐ณ๏ธ Repurposed naval base with walking trails, events & views
โ
Trendy, quiet area for a creative break from airport bustle
6. Historic Fort Mifflin (5โ10 minutes away)
๐ 6400 Hog Island Rd, Philadelphia, PA
๐ฐ Revolutionary War-era fort with rich military history
โ
Underrated and interesting for history lovers
7. Darby Creek Trail (5 minutes away)
๐ Near Heinz Refuge & Tinicum Township
๐ถโโ๏ธ Scenic trails, good for biking or a quick walk
โ
Close to Smart Park โ great for stretching after parking
8. Chickieโs & Peteโs โ South Philly (10 minutes away)
๐ 1526 Packer Ave, Philadelphia, PA
๐ Grab famous Crabfries, beer, and catch a game on TV
โ
A Philly must-eat and sports bar favorite
9. American Swedish Historical Museum (10โ12 minutes away)
๐ 1900 Pattison Ave, Philadelphia, PA
๐ธ๐ช Cultural museum nestled in FDR Park
โ
Educational and low-key โ great for short visits
10. Downtown Philadelphia (Center City) (25 minutes away)
๐ Take I-95 North
๐ฝ Visit Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Reading Terminal Market
โ
Worth the trip if youโve got 4+ hours to explore
๐ Need Parking While Exploring? Use Smart Park Philadelphia
Whether you’re sightseeing between flights or picking up a guest and making a day of it, Smart Park Philadelphia is the perfect base.
โ Why Smart Park?
- Secure, affordable offsite parking
- Free 24/7 shuttle service to all terminals
- Easy access to local attractions via car or rideshare
๐งณ Final Tips for Visiting Attractions Near PHL
โ๏ธ Most spots are 15 minutes or less from the airport
โ๏ธ Many are outdoor, free, or family-friendly
โ๏ธ Always check hours if visiting museums or historical sites
โ๏ธ Use Smart Park if you’re leaving your car while exploring
Whether you’re on a long layover, picking someone up, or just landed early, these attractions near Philadelphia Airport offer a perfect mix of nature, history, food, and funโwithout straying too far from your gate.