Many homeowners with estates along the California coast also own private jets and personal planes that they use for both business and pleasure. Whether you’re flying in for a weekend at your Montecito beach house, heading to Napa for a private wine tasting, or escaping to Catalina Island, the right private airport makes your journey far more enjoyable. Thankfully, California is home to some of the most exclusive private airports in the country.
From Santa Barbara Airport to smaller, scenic airfields like Half Moon Bay, these airports offer state-of-the-art FBOs, VIP lounges, and direct runway access. They accommodate everything from self-piloted turboprops to ultra-long-range Gulfstreams. Whether you’re seeking a quiet alternative to LAX, a gateway to the Pacific, or a direct flight to your vineyard estate, these are the best private airports in California for coastal homeowners.
These Are the Best Private Airports in California for Coastal Homeowners
Van Nuys Airport (VNY)
Conveniently located in the San Fernando Valley of Southern California, Van Nuys Airport is the busiest private jet hub in the United States. It has two asphalt runways, a state-of-the-art air traffic control tower, and world-class private aviation services. The airport serves Hollywood elites, Fortune 500 executives, and high-net-worth travelers. With multiple top-tier Fixed Base Operators (FBOs)—including Jet Aviation and Clay Lacy Aviation—VNY offers VIP lounges, concierge services, and direct runway access.
The airport supports all private aircraft sizes—from light jets to Gulfstreams and Bombardier Global Express models. Its proximity to Beverly Hills, Bel Air, and Malibu makes it ideal for those needing quick, discreet travel without the congestion of LAX’s commercial flights.
Santa Monica Airport (SMO)
Once a major hub for private flights in Southern California, Santa Monica Airport has seen operations restricted in recent years. Plans are to close the airport by 2028. Despite these changes, SMO is still a popular pick for general aviation in Los Angeles County. It accommodates smaller self-piloted aircraft and turboprops.
Located near downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica’s exclusive coastline, the airport provides quick access to Hollywood, Venice Beach, and Pacific Palisades. One runway limits larger aircraft, but private aviation clients still enjoy fast arrivals and departures from this municipal airport.
Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) – Signature Aviation
Santa Barbara Airport is the closest airport for private jets heading to Montecito’s ultra-luxury estates. With Signature Aviation’s FBO services, SBA supports private aviation, charter flights, and general aviation. It offers VIP facilities, fueling, and hangar services.
Located along the Pacific Ocean, the airport provides quick access to Santa Barbara’s vineyards, Michelin-starred restaurants, and exclusive beachside resorts. It is just 10 miles from downtown Santa Barbara, making it a convenient option for business aviation and leisure travelers alike.
Long Beach Airport (LGB) – Atlantic Aviation
Long Beach Airport is a privately owned business aviation hub that offers private flights, general aviation, and commercial services. Unlike Los Angeles International Airport, LGB offers less congested airspace, making it ideal for private jet travelers in Orange County and downtown Long Beach.
The airport is located near Torrance Municipal Airport and Hawthorne Municipal Airport, making it a valuable regional alternative for private aviation. With two runways and a modern air traffic control tower, it’s a top choice for executives, VIP travelers, and weekend getaways along the Southern California coastline.
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport (SBP) – ACI Jet
A commercial and private jet airport on California’s Central Coast, San Luis Obispo Airport supports business aviation and private flights with luxury FBO services from ACI Jet. The airport is located near Paso Robles’ wine country, which is ideal for those who love local wineries like J. Lohr and Daou.
Private jets land here for direct access to coastal retreats, world-class vineyards, and boutique resorts. With one runway, SBP is a strategic gateway for travelers who want to depart quickly while avoiding commercial flights.
Oxnard Airport (OXR)
Oxnard Airport is a low-traffic alternative to Van Nuys and Los Angeles International Airport. It serves private jets, charter flights, and general aviation. Located along the Pacific Ocean, the airport is near Ventura, Malibu, and the Channel Islands, which makes it perfect for weekend getaways and yachting excursions. The municipal airport features one runway and supports turboprops, light aircraft, and mid-size jets. It also provides private aviation clients with quick departures and arrivals.
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)
One of the leading private airports in California, Monterey Regional Airport is a top choice for private jet travelers heading to Big Sur, Pebble Beach, and Carmel-by-the-Sea. With private aviation services, FBO lounges, and business aviation support, private jets land here daily for golf retreats, luxury resorts, and fine dining experiences.
The airport is located along California’s scenic coastline. It offers quick access to wine country, high-end golf courses, and nature reserves.
Half Moon Bay Airport (HAF)
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, Half Moon Bay Airport is one of the quietest private airports in California. It offers business aviation and self-piloted flights for Silicon Valley executives. Private jets land here for a low-traffic alternative to San Francisco International Airport. The airport is located near tech hubs like San Carlos Airport and Stockton Metropolitan Airport, offering executive travelers a discreet option for private flights.
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) – Private Aviation Terminals
Though a major commercial airport, San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers dedicated private aviation services through VIP terminals and exclusive FBOs. Private jets frequently land here for business aviation, charter flights, and international arrivals. The airport is located near Silicon Valley, downtown San Francisco, and Napa County Airport, making it a strategic hub for high-net-worth travelers.
Catalina Airport (AVX) – “Airport in the Sky”
As the only airport on Santa Catalina Island, Catalina Airport (AVX) is a privately owned aviation hub that caters to self-piloted aircraft and luxury charter flights. Located in a remote mountain area, it offers private aviation access to yacht clubs, private beaches, and exclusive island retreats.
San Diego McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD) – Carlsbad Jet Center
One of the top private jet airports in California, McClellan-Palomar Airport serves downtown San Diego, Rancho Santa Fe, and Del Mar’s ultra-wealthy homeowners. With FBO services, luxury hangars, and direct runway access, private jets land here daily for business aviation and leisure travel.
Napa County Airport (APC)
A leading destination for wine country travelers, Napa County Airport is the closest airport for private aviation, business aviation, and charter flights to Napa’s vineyard estates. Supporting self-piloted aircraft, turboprops, and mid-size jets, the airport is located near luxury resorts, Michelin-starred restaurants, and Napa’s most exclusive wineries.
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
While not exclusively private, Palm Springs International Airport is still one of the most popular private jet airports in California. It serves celebrities, executives, and ultra-wealthy travelers. The airport is located near Coachella, La Quinta golf resorts, and desert estates, and it provides VIP aviation services, FBO lounges, and rapid departures.
Answering Your FAQs About Private Flights in California
Which California airports let both small, self-piloted planes and private jets land?
Several coastal California airports accommodate private jets and smaller, self-piloted aircraft. Van Nuys Airport (VNY), Santa Barbara Airport (SBA), Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), and McClellan-Palomar Airport (CRQ) are among the most well-equipped. They provide runway access, fueling, hangar space, and pilot amenities for both large jets and personally flown planes. LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) also has private runways and hangars, but it is extremely busy.
For those seeking quieter, more convenient alternatives to major hubs, Half Moon Bay Airport (HAF), Oxnard Airport (OXR), and Napa County Airport (APC) also cater to a mix of light aircraft, turboprops, and private jets. Many of these airports have Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) that offer concierge services, aircraft maintenance, and VIP facilities.
What is the best airport in California for private jet travel?
Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is widely considered the top private aviation hub in California and one of the busiest general aviation airports in the world. It serves Hollywood elites, business executives, and high-net-worth travelers. Other top-tier private jet airports include McClellan-Palomar Airport (CRQ) for San Diego, Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) for the Central Coast, and Napa County Airport (APC) for wine country estates.
Which private airports offer the most exclusive VIP services?
For the most exclusive, luxury-focused private aviation experiences, consider Los Angeles International Airport’s (LAX) Private Suite (PS), which offers a hyper-exclusive VIP terminal with private TSA screening, chauffeur services, and direct tarmac access to your jet. Van Nuys Airport (VNY) and San Francisco International Airport (SFO) also have high-end private jet terminals with top-tier FBOs, luxury lounges, and concierge services.
What is the best private airport for wine-country travel?
Napa County Airport (APC) is the premier private aviation hub for Napa and Sonoma wine country, offering direct access to vineyards, estates, and wine-tasting experiences. SLO Airport is another option if you prefer Paso Robles-area wineries like J. Lohr, Daou, and Austin Hope. Many vineyard owners and collectors fly into APC via private jet or personally piloted aircraft.
Are there private airports for quick access to coastal getaways?
Yes! Many coastal private airports in California provide direct access to luxury beach destinations. Santa Barbara Airport (SBA) is ideal for Montecito homeowners, Oxnard Airport (OXR) is a great option for those traveling to Ventura and the Channel Islands, and Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) provides seamless access to Pebble Beach and Carmel-by-the-Sea.
For island getaways, Catalina Airport (AVX), known as the “Airport in the Sky,” is the only private aviation option for Santa Catalina Island.
Can private flights land at major airports like LAX or SFO?
Yes, but major commercial airports like LAX (Los Angeles International Airport) and SFO (San Francisco International Airport) are extremely busy, and private travelers often prefer less congested alternatives. However, both LAX and SFO have dedicated private terminals and FBOs that provide seamless private jet services, including direct tarmac access, expedited security, and VIP lounges.
What is the most discreet airport for private flights in the Los Angeles area?
For those seeking privacy and discretion, Camarillo Airport (CMA) and Oxnard Airport (OXR) are excellent alternatives to Van Nuys Airport (VNY). Although private, VNY still sees significant celebrity and executive traffic. These low-traffic airports offer quieter departures and arrivals for high-profile travelers.
