IAH Layover? 10 Things to Do Near Houston Airport That Don’t Involve Plane Spotting

- Explore the Mercer Botanic Gardens
- Go Shopping and Dining in Old Town Spring
- Hang Out at Deerbrook Mall
- Check In at Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental
- Visit the Humble Museum
- Try Some Tex-Mex at Hacienda Los Arcos Mexican Grill and Bar
- Enjoy Some BBQ at Burns Original BBQ
- Visit Post HTX
- Enjoy xFamily-friendly Fun at Discovery Green
- Photo Op with the Murals at Houston Legendary Graffiti Building
Why waste a whole day just waiting for a flight? When I realized I had to be at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) extra early, I decided to turn it into an opportunity to look for fun things to do near the Houston Airport!
From beautiful gardens and charming towns to delicious food and historical museums–I was surprised by how much there was to do! So, if you ever find yourself with some time to kill before your next flight, don’t just sit around feeling restless.
Instead, check out these awesome spots near the airport:
Explore the Mercer Botanic Gardens
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Website: https://www.pct3.com/MBG
Address: 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX
Contact Details: (713) 274-4160
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8 AM to 7 PM
Distance From the IAH: 8.4 miles
Travel Time (by Car): 15 minutes one way
Less than 10 miles away from the IAH is the Mercer Botanic Gardens, a 400 acre botanical garden and living museum that’s home to numerous cultivated and native plants! This sanctuary is free to visit, so it’s a great place to connect with nature!
If you’re on a very long layover, this place is a perfect addition to your itinerary for a relaxing and rejuvenating break. You can take a peaceful walk along the themed gardens and scenic trails and enjoy the fresh air before the next leg of your flight!
But even if you’re not traveling and you simply love spending nature, you can spend hours at this gem. The plants are labeled so it’s bound to be an educational experience, so bring a notebook to jot down interesting facts or sketch your favorite specimens!
And did you know that this garden is a popular place for photoshoots? It’s a top choice for people to take engagement and family pictures here because it has so many beautiful spots with its colorful flowers, lush greenery, and tall trees.
Pro Tip: Make sure to bring a hat and wear sunscreen when you visit the gardens especially during the summer months! |
Go Shopping and Dining in Old Town Spring
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Website: https://oldtownspringshopping.com/
Address: 403 Main St, Spring, TX
Contact Details:
Operating Hours: Monday – Closed; Tuesday to Saturday – 10 AM to 5 PM; Sunday – 12 PM to 5 PM
Distance From the Airport: 14 miles
Travel Time (by Car): 18 minutes one way
Step back in time and visit Old Town Spring, Texas! This charming village, once a bustling railway hub in the 1800s, now has over 100 unique shops and restaurants. Its small-town atmosphere makes it a perfect escape from big city life!
For a bite to eat, try The Tea Kettle Cafe for a traditional English tea room experience! They offer specialty teas and delicious lunches in an elegant and cozy setting, perfectly complementing the quaint vibe of Old Town Spring.
If you’re looking to shop, you’re in for a treat! This place offers a diverse selection of unique boutiques, gift shops, and specialty stores that sell at affordable prices. You’ll be sure to find something to take home as souvenirs or gifts.
For those with some time to spend while waiting for a flight, this place is a great spot to visit to experience Texas history! Just a short drive from IAH airport, this gem allows you to explore the historic buildings and charming streets of old Texas.
Pro Tip: Old Town Spring is famous for its spooky side! Take a ghost tour and discover why this place is considered one of the most haunted in Texas. |
Hang Out at Deerbrook Mall
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Website: https://www.shopdeerbrookmall.com/en.html
Address: 20131 US-59, Humble, TX 77338, United States
Contact Details: (281) 446-6626
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 8 PM; Friday to Saturday – 11 AM to 9 PM; Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Distance From the IAH: 5.1 miles
Travel Time (by Car): 10 minutes one way
Deerbrook Mall is a major shopping haven that’s right by the IAH! It’s one of the last few traditional malls in the area, so you can expect a one-stop experience for shopping, dining, and entertainment!
There’s a food court with a wide variety of cuisines available to satisfy any craving! Feeling like tacos? Bigotes Street Tacos has you covered with authentic Mexican flavors. If a Philly cheesesteak is calling your name, head over to Charleys Philly Steaks.
Right by the food court is an AMC Theatre so you can watch the latest box office hits! In an era of streaming services, a trip to the movie theater isn’t as common anymore, so it’s a nice treat to enjoy the big screen experience.
For shopping, this mall has everything you need! They have big-name fashion brands, body care and cosmetics, sporting goods, jewelry and watches, hobby stores, electric goods and appliances, hardware, and more!
Pro Tip: Parking at the Deerbrook Mall is always free! Got an EV? They have EV chargers in the vicinity too! |
Check In at Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental
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Address: 18700 John F Kennedy Blvd, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (281) 443-2310
Price Range: Rooms start at $200
Distance From the IAH: 0.2 miles
Travel Time (by Walking): 5 minutes one way
You just stepped off your plane, maybe a little tired from your flight, and within minutes you’re whisked away to the hotel on their convenient underground tram. No waiting for shuttles or battling traffic – just a quick and easy ride to your home away from home!
That’s what makes Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental special. For those with a long layover or have an early flight to catch the next day, this hotel is perfect for its very convenient location and direct access to the airport via tram!
Once you’re there, you can leave all that travel stress behind. Take a dip in the pool, unwind in the fitness center, or just relax in your comfortable room with a good book and a delicious meal from their restaurant.
And speaking of the restaurant, Flight’s Lounge & Grill is a real hidden gem! They specialize in American comfort food and Tex-Mex cuisine. Try their TX – Burger for a taste of Houston or the Three Cheese Chicken Quesadillas for something light.
Pro Tip: The Houston Airport Marriott at George Bush Intercontinental can accommodate pets of any size for an additional fee! You’ll be assigned a pet-friendly room on the ground floor of the North Tower, so be sure to request that when you make your reservation. |
Visit the Humble Museum
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Website: https://www.humblemuseum.com/
Address: 601 Higgins St, Humble, TX
Contact Details: (281) 713-5439
Operating Hours: Monday to Tuesday – Closed; Wednesday to Friday – 11 AM to 6 PM; Saturday – 10 AM to 6 PM; Sunday – 12 PM to 4 PM
Distance From the IAH: 5.5 miles
Travel Time (by Car): 10 minutes one way
Looking for a fun and educational way to spend an afternoon near the IAH? Look no further than the Humble Museum! This hidden gem is conveniently located near downtown Humble, and it’s a great place to visit for history buffs and curious minds.
Step back in time and discover the story of the city, from its humble beginnings to its booming present. Explore exhibits filled with historical artifacts, old photographs, and stories that bring the past to life.
Kids will love exploring the hands-on exhibits and discovering the tools and technologies of yesteryear. And despite its strong focus on the past, the museum itself has modern amenities that will make your visit comfortable.
The best part of visiting? It’s free admission! In exchange for your time, you’ll learn a lot about the city’s heritage.
Pro Tip: Make your visit even better! The museum has an audio guide app that you can download right to your phone. It’s like having a personal tour guide in your pocket! |
Try Some Tex-Mex at Hacienda Los Arcos Mexican Grill and Bar
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/haciendalosarcosmexicangrill
Address: 5856 Farm to Market 1960 Rd E, Humble, TX (in Crossroads Square)
Contact Details: (281) 913-5011
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 9:30 PM; Friday – 11 AM to 10:30 PM; Saturday – 10 AM to 10:30 PM; Sunday – 10 AM to 9:30 PM
Distance From the IAH: 10 miles
Travel Time (by Car): 17 minutes one way
Hacienda Los Arcos is becoming a beloved restaurant in the Humble/Atascocita area, just a short drive away from the IAH! With hand-crafted margaritas and made-from-scratch food, they rival even the most established Houston favorites!
For a satisfying start, try their Chile con Queso. Whether you prefer the classic yellow or a creamy white, this appetizer is a must-try! Don’t forget an order of their fresh, warm chips and salsa to complete the experience.
While Hacienda Los Arcos has a menu with something for everyone, their hand-rolled enchiladas are the stars! The Enchiladas Suizas are a standout. These incredible enchiladas are packed with so much flavor and will leave you wanting more.
Another must-try is the El Toro, a beef fajita with ribs and shrimp brochette. And of course, no meal is complete without something sweet, so indulge in their delicious churros with caramel sauce–the perfect ending to a fantastic meal at this Tex-Mex gem!
Pro Tip: They offer curbside orders! To avail, just call them at (281) 913-5011. |
Enjoy Some BBQ at Burns Original BBQ
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Website: https://burnsoriginalbbq.com/
Address: 8307 De Priest St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (281) 999-5559
Operating Hours: Monday – Closed; Tuesday to Saturday – 11 AM to 7:30 PM; Sunday – Closed
Distance From the IAH: 13 miles
Travel Time (by Car): 17 minutes
Burns Original BBQ is a family affair that started in 1973. For over 40 years, they’ve meticulously smoked their meats low and slow. If you’re looking for a class Texas BBQ joint near the IAH, look no further than this gem!
While their menu has a variety of barbecue staples, the ribs are what we recommend. They’re fall-off-the-bone tender and infused with smoky flavor. The iconic rib sandwich is also a must-try!
For those who want a true barbecue feast, the “3 Meat” platter is the way to go. This platter offers a generous sampling of their smoked meats, including brisket, sausage, and ribs.
And to complete your barbecue experience, Burns BBQ offers a selection of classic cake slices for a perfect sweet ending to your meal!
Pro Tip: It’s best to go visit very early in the day because their food sells out fast! |
Visit Post HTX
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Website: https://www.posthtx.com/
Address: 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 999-2550
Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday – 11 AM to 9 PM; Thursday to Saturday – 11 AM to 10 PM; Sunday – 11 AM to 9 PM
Distance From the IAH: 20 miles
Travel Time (by Car): 24 minutes one way
POST HTX is a hub of entertainment, dining, and culture located in the heart of Houston’s downtown Theater District. This reimagined historic post office offers plenty of activities for all ages, making it perfect for a layover or a day trip from the airport.
Try visiting the POST Market! It’s a food court with futuristic interiors that has a huge variety of food from Houston and around the world. We recommend trying some West African cuisine at ChòpnBlọk.
After your meal, head up to Skylawn! It’s a big park on the roof that has amazing views of Downtown Houston’s skyline. You can take a walk, relax, and even play games. Depending on the date, there’s also live music or even an outdoor movie.
You can also check out any rotating art exhibits and other unique events that may occur throughout the year. And don’t forget to take pictures! With its unique architecture, murals, and rooftop views, you can capture Instagram-worthy moments at every turn.
Pro Tip: Want fresh, local goods? Don’t miss the farmer’s market at POST HTX! It happens twice a month, on the first and third Sundays, from 2:00 to 6:00 in the afternoon. |
Enjoy xFamily-friendly Fun at Discovery Green
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Website: https://linktr.ee/discoverygreen
Address: 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (713) 400-7336
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Distance From the IAH: 20 miles
Travel Time (by Car): 24 minutes one way
If you truly want to feel the energy of Downtown Houston, visit Discovery Green! It’s a quick drive from the IAH so it’s also perfect for a mid-travel break. There’s always something happening here and always worth a visit!
If you’re with kids, there’s a playground where kids can climb, slide, and swing to their hearts’ content. There’s also a Model Boat Pond, a shallow pool where kids can play with remote-controlled, battery-operated toy boats.
For something more relaxing, you can just chill out under the shade of a tree, take a relaxing walk, and enjoy the awesome city views (it’s in the heart of Downtown Houston after all). It’s a great spot to lay down a blanket and enjoy a picnic!
And when hunger strikes, you can choose between The Grove, a fancy restaurant with delicious food and amazing views, or The Lake House, a laid-back spot with grab-and-go meals perfect for enjoying by the lake.
Pro Tip: Discovery Green is home to some amazing artwork. Check out the cool pieces by artists Margo Sawyer and Doug Hollis, and don’t miss the famous “Monument Au Fantome” sculpture. |
Photo Op with the Murals at Houston Legendary Graffiti Building
Media Credit: iamjasonjames
Website: https://houstonmuralmap.com/
Address: 2011 Leeland St, Houston, TX
Contact Details: (409) 245-3778
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Distance From the IAH: 23 miles
Travel Time (by Car): 25 minutes one way
A trip to the Downtown area won’t be complete without a photo op with the city’s murals! While Houston is home to hundreds of street art, the Houston Legendary Graffiti Building in EaDo brings together many murals within walking distance of one another.
In this spot, you’ll find murals celebrating famous people from Houston, like NASA astronauts, the World Series-winning Astros, and even the legendary singer Selena. You might even recognize the mural featured as the Houston Snapchat Geotag!
The coolest part is that the pictures on the walls change all the time, so you can always find something new. Bring a camera and take lots of pictures–you’ll want to have a photograph of every mural there is.
Can’t get enough of the city’s street art? You can also look around the streets nearby, because there are more amazing streets hiding there too!
Pro Tip: Just a heads up: the area around the graffiti building might be a little rough. So, be careful when you’re walking around and keep an eye on your things! |