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Southwest Community Development Corporation
For many visitors, the Philadelphia International Airport is the gateway to Philadelphia and the surrounding region.
Located seven miles southwest of Center City Philadelphia, the airport serves 30 million people each year via 25 airlines and counting.
But while the airport may be the most trafficked part of Southwest Philadelphia, there’s more to do in the area than take off and land.
Attractions and museums welcome residents and visitors looking for a relaxing respite in nature (Bartram’s Garden, John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge), an in-depth examination of the international racing scene (Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum) or an engrossing experience at a significant Revolutionary War site (Fort Mifflin).
The 2,000-plus acre Philadelphia International Airport is the only major airport serving the seventh-largest metropolitan area in the U.S.
Folks with a short (or long) layover can get a taste of Philadelphia without leaving the airport thanks to an impressive collection of eats throughout the airport’s seven terminals. Hungry travelers should be on the lookout for coffee (La Colombe), gourmet burgers (Mo’ Burger), sushi (Noobar), pizza (Mezzogiorno) and, of course, cheesesteaks (Tony Luke’s, Geno’s).
Elsewhere, the Philadelphia International Airport Exhibitions Program promotes the visual arts through exhibits and installations that celebrate Philadelphia’s distinct culture. Hundreds of rotating exhibits have been on display since the program began in 1998, in media ranging from photography and painting to ceramics and woodworking.
Two Bugattis, three Ferraris, two Ford GTs and a Cobra Daytona coupe are just a few of the jaw-dropping cars on display at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum in Southwest Philly. — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Outdoor enthusiasts can find a lot to love in Southwest Philly, starting at Bartram’s Garden, North America’s oldest botanical garden. Visitors can tour the 1730 Bartram House, view historic trees — including the oldest Ginkgo biloba in North America — and take advantage of a recreational trail and free kayaking on the Schuylkill River every Saturday from April to October.
In 1777, Fort Mifflin withstood bombardment by British forces of 1,000 cannon rounds every 20 minutes.
With 1,000 acres, 10 miles of trails and many species of native wildlife and plants, the John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum protects the largest fresh water tidal marsh in Pennsylvania. The marsh is well-known among birdwatchers — 80 species nest here and 300 have been recorded. As for recreation, the network of low-lying trails attracts joggers as well as walkers, and there’s a boat ramp for canoe and kayak access.
The allure of gleaming chrome and classic auto design enchants visitors to the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum, where more than 60 of the world’s rarest and most famous race cars recount the history of international racing.
And history buffs can’t miss Fort Mifflin, where, in 1777, 400 hungry, sick soldiers withstood the greatest bombardment of the American Revolution and fended off British ships trying to resupply Philadelphia, giving George Washington and the Continental Army time to flee to Valley Forge.
At Bartram's Garden, botany and outdoor enthusiasts can stroll the grounds among historic trees and take advantage of a recreational trail and free kayaking on the Schuylkill River. — Photo by R. Kennedy for Visit Philadelphia
Located seven miles from Center City Philadelphia, the airport is easily accessible via the Airport Regional Rail line or a number of SEPTA buses.
Those driving (or taking a taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft) can head to the airport via Interstates 76, 95 or 476. The airport grounds include nearly 19,000 parking spots for both long- and short-term stretches.
Elsewhere, the Media/Elwyn Regional Rail line services Southwest Philadelphia, as do four SEPTA Subway-Surface Trolley lines.
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