Even though I prefer flying direct and avoiding layovers at all costs, sometimes they can’t be helped.
The most popular domestic layover cities have massive airports with hundreds of flights leaving each day, positioning them perfectly for stops between smaller cities. Many times they're hubs for one of the major U.S. airlines.
What these layover cities scattered throughout the United States have in common, though, is that they’re all worth a vacation in their own right. Here are five cities that travelers commonly pass through just for a connection, but should reconsider as their end destination.
In this article
Chicago
The Windy City has something for everyone: sporting events, Michelin-starred dining experiences, legendary architecture, and, of course, lots and lots of pizza. It also helps that pretty much any airline offers a direct flight.
It’s a big city with a homey, Midwestern feel, but to get a true feel for this domestic layover city, I recommend the Chicago Architecture Center’s 90-minute boat tour along the Chicago River. From there, you’ll learn about every historic landmark from expertly-trained volunteer docents.
Afterward, walk through Millennium Park to snap a photo at the legendary Cloud Gate (a.k.a. “The Bean”), or take in the views below on The Ledge at Willis Tower Skydeck (a glass box that hangs 103 floors above the street) and Tilt at 360 Chicago in the former John Hancock building. And don't miss The Art Institute of Chicago, home to nearly 300,000 famous works of art from the likes of Georges Seurat and Vincent Van Gogh. The museum itself also played a starring role in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
Other notable offerings include The Second City comedy club, which has famous alumni like John Belushi, Chris Farley, Tina Fey, and Amy Poehler; or spotting Sue, the T. rex at the Field Museum. Sports fans will love that Chicago is home to multiple teams: choose from baseball (the Cubs at Wrigley Field or the White Sox), basketball (Chicago Bulls), football (Chicago Bears), or hockey (Chicago Blackhawks).
My favorite thing about Chicago is the food, from fine dining to quick-service. No visit is complete without a meal at Portillo’s, home to the best hot dogs (do yourself a favor and get the Chicago dog with mustard, tomatoes, sport peppers, and a full pickle), Italian beef sandwiches, and chocolate cake milkshakes.
Grab a slice of Chicago-style deep dish pizza at Giordano’s or Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. Or, treat yourself to an iconic dining experience with the two-starred Michelin restaurant (and “Chef’s Table” favorite) Alinea. My mom and I went years ago and we still think about every single course, especially the edible balloons. And don’t forget to grab a bag of Garrett Popcorn’s Garrett Mix (caramelcrisp and cheesecorn mixed together) for the road.
Salt Lake City
While many people’s first impression of Salt Lake City relates to its deep connection to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), in reality, there’s so much more to explore. The city, nicknamed the Crossroads of the West, teems with museums, stunning views, world-class skiing, and a lively bar and restaurant scene.
Speaking of the Mormon church, it’s worth stopping at the official headquarters in Temple Square. Take in sights like the Salt Lake Temple, Brigham Young Historic Park, the Great Salt Lake, and the Salt Lake Tabernacle, home to an organ with over 11,600 pipes and where the Tabernacle Choir performs.
Avid skiers will appreciate the four ski resorts in the Wasatch Mountains and the Oquirrh Mountains—Alta, Brighton, Snowbird, and Solitude—each located within 30 miles of downtown Salt Lake City.
Another can’t-miss attraction is the Red Butte Garden & Arboretum, one of the largest botanical gardens in the Intermountain West with close to 600,000 bulbs that bloom each spring.
Denver
Seeing James Taylor in concert at Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre spurred my trip to Denver last year, and it quickly became so much more than a city with a popular layover airport. I was blown away by the sheer number of outdoor activities, vibrant neighborhoods, and quirky stops throughout the city.
Whether you’re there for a concert, morning yoga, or the annual film series, Red Rocks Park, located a whopping 6,450 feet above sea level, is a must-visit. Not only is it the only naturally-occurring, acoustically-perfect amphitheatre in the world, but you’re surrounded by majestic red rocks towering above at every turn.
There’s an endless array of only-in-Denver happenings. Meow Wolf is an immersive art experience like no other, where you’ll wander endlessly through interactive, alien-inspired exhibits—you truly have to see it to believe it. Oakwell Beer Spa is exactly what it sounds like, combining a taproom with rotating Colorado-based brewery partners with private spa suites that have beer-infused herbal baths, infrared saunas, and rain showers.
Or, stroll through the Denver Botanic Gardens, which includes a stunning variety of gardens and plants from around the world, like a beautiful bonsai pavilion and a Monet-inspired pool covered in water lilies.
I especially love exploring all of Denver’s vibrant neighborhoods. The industrial-meets-creative River North Arts District (RiNo) has colorful murals, craft breweries, and food halls like Denver Central Market. Cherry Creek, Capitol Hill, Five Points, and Golden are all worth visiting, too.
The food and drink scene is also unparalleled. My favorites include the three-time Michelin Bib Gourmand winner Ash’Kara, the kitschy-cute Hey Kiddo, and the cocktail bar Lady Jane. And I’m already planning another trip to the over-the-top Casa Bonita, owned by the creators of “South Park.”
Houston
Everything may be bigger in Texas, and that’s certainly the case with Houston. It's not only the biggest city in the state, but the fourth largest nationally. Houston may be best known for NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Space Center Houston, but there are plenty of activities beyond immersing yourself in the stars, too.
There are 19 museums within the Museum District, like the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Children’s Museum Houston, Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, Holocaust Museum Houston, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
The Galleria is a mecca for the shopping-obsessed, housing 400 stores, an ice rink, two hotels, swimming pools, and multiple restaurants. It spans 2.4 million square feet, making it the largest shopping center in Texas and the fourth largest in the country.
Don’t forget to eat, although it might be hard to choose a restaurant, since there are 13,000 of them throughout the city. You can’t go wrong with good old-fashioned Texas BBQ, and spots like Pinkerton’s Barbecue or Blood Bros. BBQ are bursting with meat, meat, and more meat.
Charlotte
Southern hospitality abounds in Charlotte, nestled in the Piedmont region of south-central North Carolina. It’s an ideal vacation spot for a mix of fine dining and outdoor adventures.
Get your heart racing at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, which houses classic and present-day cars, realistic racing simulators, racing highlights, and often-changing exhibits.
For something truly different, go whitewater rafting, rock climbing, or kayaking at the U.S. National Whitewater Center; ride scream-inducing roller coasters at Carowinds amusement park; or take a hot air balloon ride in Statesville, located about 45 minutes north of Charlotte.
Foodies will appreciate North Carolina’s recent addition to the Michelin guide, and Counter’s multi-course tasting menu earned the state its first Michelin star. NoDa (North Davidson), Charlotte’s art district, is worth a stop, too. The lively neighborhood is lined with colorful murals, craft breweries, and art galleries galore.
The Shortcut
Chicago and Houston are two of United's top hubs, but their food scenes and museums give you plenty of reasons to leave the airport.
Charlotte is American's second largest hub in the U.S., but many frequent fliers only pass through. Next time, check out the city's outdoor offerings, like the world's largest manmade whitewater river.
As one of Delta's hubs, Salt Lake City sees plenty of connectors who miss out on its four ski resorts, all within 30 miles of downtown.
