Views from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. digidreamgrafix/Getty Images
Three words: Cute. Tiny. Airports.
Flying through a major airport has all the convenience of direct and international routes, as well as the sheer quantity of flights. But there’s something special about landing at a charming little airport with, say, fewer than 20 gates. These 10 small US airports are incredibly creative in their design, capturing the essence of the destination they’re in.
1. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
Bozeman, Montana
Whether you’re staying in Bozeman or venturing further afield to nearby destinations like Yellowstone National Park or Big Sky, arriving at BZN is like being welcomed into a cozy Montana mountain lodge. With vaulted, wooden-beam ceilings, stone columns and giant windows that allow for panoramic views of the Bridger Mountain Range, it’s not hard to get into a mountain vacation state of mind.
2. Memorial Airport (ACK)
Nantucket, Massachusetts
In just one tiny terminal, Nantucket’s only airport manages to be one of the most adorable you’ve ever seen. Its single, wood-shingled building is an architectural nod to many of the buildings you’ll see on the island and neighboring Martha’s Vineyard (honorable mention: Martha’s Vineyard Airport, or MVY, has a very similar vibe). The transition from the runway to the rest of the island feels totally seamless.
3. Santa Barbara Airport (SBA)
Santa Barbara, California
Beautiful wooden ceilings, white stucco walls, gorgeous wall murals, arched doorways and red tile roofing – SBA epitomizes the Spanish Colonial Revival architecture you’ll find throughout Santa Barbara. It’s worth arriving at this stunning space early to enjoy its stress-free atmosphere (almost unheard of when we’re talking about airports). There’s even outdoor seating, where you can admire the airport’s manicured lawn while surrounded by local plants (including lemon trees) before heading inside.
4. Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV)
Savannah, Georgia
When an airport has its own town square, you certainly won’t feel like you’re about to board a flight. You’ll find the appropriately named Savannah Square in a light-filled atrium at the front of the airport’s only terminal, lined with colorful shopfronts just like those in the Hostess City’s historic district. Not a bad place to hang out before your flight, huh? Just settle into one of the square’s rocking chairs or wooden benches and enjoy the atmosphere.
5. Jackson Hole Airport (JAC)
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
We had to include another enchanting mountain lodge airport. From Jackson Hole’s only airport, travelers can admire spectacular views of the Teton Mountain Range. In fact, the airport is actually located inside Grand Teton National Park (it’s the only commercial US airport inside a national park), so getting outside as soon as possible is easier than ever. The airport itself feels like a local living room, with stone walls, steel accents, wood ceilings and a grand fireplace – it makes it easier to stay in denial about leaving the majestic Tetons for a little bit longer.
6. Portland International Jetport (PWM)
Portland, Maine
When it’s called a jetport instead of an airport, you know it’s adorable. It may be Maine’s biggest hub, but the jetport still made the cut for the cute and tiny list with a whopping 11 gates. The exterior of the building reads “Jetport” in big, Jetsons-style letters, and the interior is light-filled with tall ceilings made from wooden beams and steel supports, architectural nods to Maine’s maritime history. Pick up your own carry-on live lobster – or just go for a lobster roll – from Linda Bean’s Lobster Cafe.
7. Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM)
Birmingham, Alabama
When you walk into BHM, you might think you recognize the voice on the overhead speaker – is that actually Morgan Freeman? To set the record straight, it’s not, but it does sound an awful lot like him, and it never gets old. Once you breeze through security, take a look around at the art installations and historic exhibits, like an entire wall of native Alabama plants and the Tuskegee Airmen exhibit in Concourse B.
8. Kona International Airport (KOA)
Big Island, Hawai'i
The island lifestyle is a very important feature of KOA. The Big Island’s main airport is made up of pretty vaulted outdoor pavilions dotted with palm trees – almost resembling a small village – where travelers can check in, wait for their flights and hit baggage claim while enjoying the fresh air. Wait for takeoff at one of its covered 11 gates, but if the weather’s nice, bask in the sun while shopping for a handmade lei – it's the best way to say “aloha” to Hawai'i from inside the airport.
9. Burlington International Airport (BTV)
Burlington, Vermont
The Burlington airport is the kind of place you’d want to hang out, even if you haven't booked a flight. A huge draw is the Skinny Pancake, a Vermont staple, which has a restaurant inside the airport, serving up crepes, burgers, poutine and local beers. This is not your typical airport food; in fact, it claims to be the most locally sourced airport restaurant in the US. There’s also a green roof over the parking garage, where you can enjoy views of the runway and the Green Mountains while getting some fresh air.
10. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI)
Palm Beach, FL
Okay, PBI has 32 gates, but we’re counting it anyway because it’s still so darn cute. Fittingly, the Palm Beach airport has a putting green, where for US$3.20 you can practice your golfing skills before hitting the real deal in what many people consider Florida’s golf capital. The rest of the airport will charm you, including an art gallery with rotating exhibitions and Mediterranean-style shop facades. And, of course, the space is decorated with – you guessed it – palm trees.