10 U.S. Airports With Outdoor Lounges Any Traveler Can Access

During a recent visit to Hawaii, I had a layover at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye Airport, where I was pleasantly surprised to find manicured gardens and tranquil lagoons within the post-security public area. What traveler wouldn’t prefer relaxing under a shaded tree over sitting in a crowded terminal? As it turns out, airport planners across the country are increasingly incorporating green spaces and outdoor terraces into terminal designs — and you don’t need a business-class ticket or status with an airline to access them. Here are 10 U.S. airports ahead of the trend.

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport – Honolulu, Hawaii

Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, formerly known as Honolulu International Airport, serves more than 21 million passengers annually. For many visitors, it’s their first stop in the Aloha State, and the terminal is a breath of fresh air (quite literally). Among the airport’s standout features are its Cultural Gardens, which are open to all ticketed passengers. The Chinese, Hawaiian, and Japanese gardens surround the Terminal 2 lobby and E gates, connected by scenic bridges and pathways. Travelers can relax on a quiet bench or enjoy a stroll among carp-filled ponds and weeping willow trees before boarding their flight.

San Francisco International Airport – San Francisco, California

San Francisco International is one of America’s busiest airports, welcoming nearly 55 million passengers in 2025, but it’s filled with thoughtful amenities to combat the stress of a travel day. For those with time to spare, SFO offers yoga rooms, therapy animals, and even a dedicated aviation museum. 

There are also two outdoor spaces: International Terminal G’s outdoor terrace, which features seating and a 180-degree view of the busy airfield, and SkyTerrace, located atop Terminal 2 before the security checkpoint. Travelers and even plane spotters without a ticket are welcome to enjoy the latter outdoor viewing area during opening hours, which are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays through Mondays. Both outdoor spaces are free to enter, and food and beverages are permitted.

Denver International Airport – Denver, Colorado

Known for its outdoor-loving culture, Denver doesn’t disappoint when it comes to open-air amenities at its busy airport. There are three outdoor decks, all located post-security, at the ends of Concourses A, B, and C. Each deck offers comfortable seating, cozy fire pits, and pet relief stations, along with views of the busy tarmac and scenic mountain range in the distance. The decks are open daily to all ticketed passengers, weather permitting.

Long Beach Airport – Long Beach, California

Located in Los Angeles County, Long Beach Airport takes full advantage of Southern California’s year-round sunshine with its distinctive indoor-outdoor design. The airport was among the first in the U.S. to incorporate an outdoor space within a concourse. Its 20,000-square-foot courtyard features alfresco seating, dining options, and a wine bar. Additionally, the airport doesn’t use indoor jet bridges. Instead, passengers board planes via outdoor stairs and ramps, evoking the nostalgia of early air travel.

Kahului Airport – Maui, Hawaii

Kahului Airport is the second-busiest airport in Hawaii. Its open-air design provides natural ventilation, with the island breeze wafting through the baggage claim areas and walkways. Adding to the airport’s outdoor space, a recently opened garden deck features landscaped garden beds overlooking Maui’s misty mountains, and it’s accessible to any passenger seeking a breath of fresh air while they wait for their flight. The deck is attached to a new expanded indoor air-conditioned waiting area, with 17,000 square feet of space for up to 460 passengers.

San Diego International Airport – San Diego, California

San Diego Airport’s Terminal 1 is undergoing a major renovation that will feature updated security checkpoints and amenities. As of early 2026, the refurbished terminal is partially complete, with new gates, more dining and shopping opportunities, and an outdoor deck. This covered terrace boasts unbeatable views of the downtown skyline and the bay — the perfect place to enjoy a snack or unwind during a layover.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport – Austin, Texas

Head to the east end of the Barbara Jordan Terminal at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to find an outdoor patio open to all ticketed passengers. Previously, this area was exclusive to Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholders, but as of 2025, any traveler can access the space after passing through security. Open daily, the patio features lounge chairs, tables, and dedicated restrooms. Another public outdoor space with views of downtown Austin is slated to open in 2027. Part of the terrace will be open to the public, while the other part will be reserved for American Airlines’ new Admirals Club.

John F. Kennedy International Airport – New York, New York

JFK’s Terminal 5, primarily used by JetBlue, is home to some of the airport’s best dining and shopping, as well as a rooftop deck. The space is open daily to all passengers and features a dog walk and seating overlooking the tarmac. Due to the airport’s security setup, passengers who are not flying out of Terminal 5 must exit and reclear security to access this space.

Palm Springs International Airport – Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs International Airport, another sunny Southern California airport, has mastered the art of indoor-outdoor terminal design. Passengers exit the main terminal check-in area into an open-air courtyard, which has restaurants with alfresco dining, cafes, specialty shops, a wine bar, and restrooms. For those traveling with children or pets, there is also a playground and a pet relief area. The space is accessible to all ticketed passengers who have cleared security.

Pittsburgh International Airport – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh International Airport unveiled a new $1.7 billion terminal in November 2025, with soaring ceilings, upgraded security checkpoints and gate areas, and local design touches. And the airport isn’t done yet: Upcoming plans include incorporating green spaces into the layout. The airport will feature four terraces, two before security and two after security, each with views of the airfield. These outdoor areas will not require a special membership — all ticketed passengers will be welcome to use them.