10 of the cutest tiny airports in the USA

22.06.2024 - 08:19 / lonelyplanet.com / Jackson Hole

Jun 21, 2024 • 5 min read

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. Usually, these hubs are more creative in their design, capturing the essence of the destination they’re in.

Here are 10 airports in the US that do just that.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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,