Are you looking for something fun to do while on a layover at Dulles (IAD) Airport? As alocal, I’ve got you covered on the best historical sites, restaurants, and activities near Dulles to make your layover much more enjoyable.

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Fun Things to Do Near Dulles Airport during a Short Layover ( Less than 7 Hours)

Hang Out in the Airport Lounge

If your layover is short, you may not want to leave the airport at all. Dulles International Airport has lots of lounges and restaurants to choose from. If you have the Priority Pass, you can get free entry to the Turkish Lounge, the Etihad Lounge, or the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse. The pass also comes with a food credit at Chef Geoff’s in Concourse 3.

You can stock up on makeup at MAC or buy some last minute outfits at Ralph Lauren.

Steven F. Udvar Hazy Center

If you love airplanes and history then you should visit the Steven F. Udvar Center, the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Entry is free but parking costs $15.

The museum is enormous, filled with real life airplanes, helicopters, and space artifacts. There’s a few exhibits on various wars and space adventures.

What do people really come for? The ride simulators! You can pretend to be on a space mission or flying a jet all within the walls of the museum. The rides are fun for people of all ages.

There’s also a gift shop where you can find buy space suits, books, and toys. Afterwards, you can have a bite at Shake Shack, which is located in the museum.

Sully Historic Site

the house of enslaved people at Sully Historic Site Plantation

Here’s something most people don’t know:

Dulles Airport was built on a majority African American community called Willard. Freed Black Americans build this community but were pushed out so that the Dulles Airport could be built. It was a bit of a scandal and local community members are fighting hard to spread their story. A lot of those families had ancestors that were enslaved at local plantation now called Sully Historic Site.

The Sully Historic Site offers guided tours or you can park your car and explore the exterior of the living quarters of the enslaved and enslavers. The site also has a small gift shop with books and locally produced items.

Things to Do Near Dulles Airport during a Long Layover ( 8+ Hours)

If you have a longer layover, you have time to visit the center of Washington DC and surrounding areas. During rush hour, normal travel time can double so make sure to leave ample time to get back to the airport. I recommend heading back at least 3 hours before your flight time as check-in lines can get long.

Visit Free and Low Cost Museums in Washington DC

The best part of visiting DC is all of the free museums. Washington DC has over 70 museums and most of them are free. Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is the closest one to Dulles Airport but consider going into DC proper for more options. I recommend the Library of Congress, the Folger Shakespeare Library, and the National Museum of African American History.

If you’re prefer art check out the Hillwood Estate and Mansion, the National Gallery of Art, and the lesser known Art Museum of the Americas. Most of the free Smithsonian Museums are in walking distance to the National Mall, the White House, and the Abraham Lincoln Memorial. Make sure to bring your water bottle to refill at the free water fountains in DC. You’ll be doing a lot of walking.

Go Shopping at Tyson’s Corner or Tyson’s Galleria

If you’re in the mood for some upscale shopping, Tysons Galleria is the place to be. This luxury shopping mall has high-end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton, as well as fine dining options. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely shopping spree or a stylish meal.

A more affordable shopping mall is Tyson’s Corner. They’re only a 5 minute drive or 15 minute walk from each but Tyson’s Corner has more everyday brands like Aritzia, Primark, and Aldo. My favorite shop is Arabian Oud, a boutique that specializes in Arabian oud and incense.

Cha Street Food is one of my favorite restaurants for quick Indian streetfood. Shilla Bakery & Cafe is infamous for their Asian desserts. Their service is amazing!

It’s about 25 minutes from Dulles Airport by Taxi or 35 minutes by train.

Visit Old Town Alexandria

Old Town Alexandria is my favorite city in Virginia. It’s a cozy town with great cafes, historical sites, and waterfront views. Visitors love walking along King Street, hopping into boutique shops, art galleries, and the best dessert shops in the region.

If you need a stretch, rent a bike and enjoy the Mount Vernon Trail along the Potomac River. If you prefer art classes and exhibits head the Torpedo Factory Art Center, a local artisan led art collective.

For more ideas check out this post for the ultimate list of fun things to do in Alexandria.

Hiking at Great Falls

waterfall views from overlook 2

If you’re like me, and enjoy visiting national parks in every state, then you should pack your hiking boots and head to Great Falls Park. Located about 25 minutes from Dulles Airport, the park is known for its gorgeous waterfalls, scenic and accessible overlooks, and hiking trails perfect for all levels. The best time to visit is after a heavy rain.

If you get hungry, you can buy snacks at the visitor’s center or drive fifteen minutes to downtown McLean.

  • Pro Tip: Wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water. The park can get busy on weekends, so aim for a weekday visit or arrive early to secure a parking spot.
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