These Are The 5 Airports With The Most Stunning Outdoor Spaces In The World

Even if you love traveling and you're embarking on your dream vacation, it's no secret that the whole process of flying can be incredibly stressful. You might feel overwhelmed because you have to arrange transportation to the airport, navigate traffic, hunt for parking, pass through long security lines, search for your gate, and then kill time by purchasing overpriced airport food while you wait to board — often at some crazy early morning hour.

Many airports are uncomfortable and overcrowded, making it difficult to even find a space to sit down for a few moments after the ordeal of going through security. Personally, I always feel a bit claustrophobic after passing through airport security. As someone who suffers from anxiety, the oppressive fluorescent lights, big crowds, loud noises, and lack of fresh air can be overstimulating. Nature is my happy place, and the realization that I can't step outside for some fresh air without leaving the secure area can sometimes cause feelings of panic, and I know I'm not alone. Airport anxiety is extremely common, and while airport lounges are helpful in finding some peace and quiet, they don't allow visitors the freedom of fresh air and sunlight. Thankfully, some airports have solved the problem by creating incredible outdoor spaces within the terminals. If you find yourself passing through any of these airports, make sure you set some time aside to visit their beautiful outdoor areas where you can relax as you wait for your flight to depart.

Singapore Changi Airport is one of the top rated airports in the world. If you're lucky enough to pass through, carve out some extra time to explore because the airport is a tourist experience in its own right. More than 40 million people fly through Singapore Changi Airport each year on their way to 145 cities in 49 different countries around the world. As they wait for their departing flight, there are tons of incredible passenger experiences and entertainment for them to enjoy throughout the expansive terminal. You can go rock climbing, take in immersive art displays, visit the world's largest indoor waterfall, or wander through a recreated traditional village.

There are multiple beautiful indoor gardens, like the Butterfly Garden, the Canopy Park, and the Hedge Maze. The Arrival Garden, the Water Lily Garden, the Enchanted Garden, and others will make you feel as though you're immersed in nature. For an outdoor experience with fresh air, head to the rooftop Cactus Garden, which has more than a hundred species of cactus and an outdoor bar serving craft cocktails. The garden is open 24 hours a day. If you have a long layover, there's a hotel within the airport with a rooftop swimming pool. Guests staying at the hotel can use the pool for free, but any passenger traveling through Singapore Changi can visit for a fee. Sunbathe, swim, sip a cocktail at the poolside bar, soak in the jacuzzi, and shower all without ever leaving the airport.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is pretty chill as far as airports go. It's a midsize airport that was built in 1999. Passengers can depart on international and domestic flights from Austin, and it was recently ranked among the top 30 midsize airports in the United States, by the Wall Street Journal. There are two terminals servicing airlines like Delta, Southwest, Allegiant, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, among others.

The South Terminal is the smaller airport, and most of the flights that depart are domestic. The airport terminal is small and not very fussy, and security is usually stress-free. Once you pass through security, you'll have access to plenty of amenities. It was recently renovated in 2016, and it's filled with fun retro design elements. The improvements include a wonderful outdoor space where you can relax and wait for your flight in a fenced area that is literally on the tarmac. Passengers can enjoy views of airplanes departing and arriving and soak up some of the Texas sunshine before boarding their flight. But note that it was converted into the Chase Sapphire Terrace in 2023 and is only accessible to card members. When I worked as a flight attendant, Austin-Bergstrom was always the crew's favorite place to fly into due to the delicious food trucks located in the outdoor patio space. Choose between mouthwatering tacos from De Nada Tacos, as well as grab-and-go options from a concession stand.

Punta Cana International Airport is a major arrival hub for tourists visiting the Dominican Republic, and the country's busiest airport. Its unique open-air design makes you feel as though your vacation begins the moment you step off of the aircraft. After landing, you'll usually deplane on the tarmac before making your way towards the airport, which has a thatched roof and no walls.

Under the roof, you'll find an expansive food court area with plenty of dining options, both major international chains and more locally inspired cuisine, and tons of seating where you can spread out and enjoy the views of palm trees and planes. Luxury travelers who have access to the VIP lounge will feel like the airport is an extension of their all-inclusive resort. Make sure to keep your swimsuit in your carry-on luggage, because there is an expansive patio overlooking the tarmac with a massive outdoor swimming pool so that travelers can soak up the last moments of their vacation before boarding their flight home. The VIP lounge was designed by a famous architect from the Dominican Republic. The $50 admission fee includes two free alcoholic beverages per person. Before your flight departs, you can dry off with a provided towel and change back into your travel clothes in the comfortable changing rooms.

Southern California is famous around the world for having some of the prettiest beaches and near-perfect weather. The temperatures stay pleasant and mild throughout the year, and the sun is almost always shining. There's nothing worse than being trapped in an airport on a gorgeous day, especially if you're experiencing a long flight delay. Long Beach Airport solved the problem with a vast outdoor space that's open to all travelers.

The concourse opened in 2012 and was one of the first airports in the United States to incorporate a large outdoor space within the airport. Encompassing 20,000 square feet, the courtyard features carefully manicured gardens full of palm trees, benches, and walkways for stretching your legs. There's a big outdoor fire pit surrounded by local eateries. Grab a bite to eat and relax in the artfully designed outdoor oasis as you breathe in the fresh air and bask in the SoCal sunshine before your flight.

Koh Samui is one of the most incredible places for tourists in Thailand. The stunning Thai island is the country's second largest and is well known for it's gorgeous beaches, quaint villages, rainforests, nature preserves, and a towering golden Buddha statue. Most tourists who visit never want to leave, but the Koh Samui Airport softens the goodbye with its beautiful atmosphere.

The airport is entirely open air. It's one of the most relaxing airports you could possibly imagine. Surrounded by beautiful mountain views and decorated with comfortable wicker furniture, you'll hardly feel as though you're waiting to board an aircraft. There's an outdoor shopping mall that's perfect for picking up last-minute souvenirs or gifts for loved ones back home. You can wander around the lush gardens filled with tropical plants or grab a bite to eat. For families traveling with kids, there is also a playground. The entire facility looks more like a beautiful resort than an airport. 

Over the past few years, more airports around the world are beginning to consider the value of outdoor spaces within airport terminals, so this is by no means an exhaustive list. When selecting our top choices, we focused on a variety of factors including passenger experience, airport size, location, and amenities. While working as a flight attendant for nearly a decade, I had the privilege of visiting many of these terminals, so there's a little bit of my personal opinions and favorite recommendations thrown in the mix.