The World's 8 Best Plane-Spotting Hotspots

If you've ever craned your neck skywards to watch a plane thunder overhead, you're not alone. For thousands of aviation enthusiasts, plane spotting is more than a fleeting fascination — it's a hobby that turns airports and beaches into front-row seats for some jaw-dropping action. From beaches where jets skim so low you can almost touch them, to parks built specially for watching aircraft up close, these are some of the best places on Earth to soak up the roar of jet engines and the thrill of flight.

Also Read: 7 Surprising Items You Didn't Know You Can't Bring On A Plane

Here Are 8 Amazing Plane-Spotting Destinations Around The World:

1. Maho Beach, St. Maarten, Caribbean

This Caribbean stretch of sand has become the undisputed superstar of plane-spotting. Wedged right next to the runway at Princess Juliana International Airport, Maho Beach attracts sunseekers and aviation fans alike. Incoming planes swoop just metres above the turquoise sea and bronzed tourists. It's a rite of passage to snap a selfie with a Boeing 747 practically brushing your hair — just don't lose your sunglasses in the jet blast!

2. In-N-Out Burger, Los Angeles, USA

Photo: Unsplash

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest in the world, and there's no better place to watch the constant parade of aircraft than the iconic In-N-Out Burger on Sepulveda Boulevard. Order a burger and fries, grab a spot in the car park or patch of grass, and watch as airliners glide in over your head, sometimes barely 60 metres above. Aviation geeks and families alike flock here for lunch with a side of jet fuel.

3. Myrtle Avenue, London Heathrow, UK

Closer to home, Heathrow offers plenty for spotters, but Myrtle Avenue is the crown jewel. Tucked at the end of runway 27L, it's a strip of grass where spotters gather with cameras, ladders and radios tuned to air traffic chatter. It's common to see aviation photographers camping out for hours, hoping to capture a rare livery or a majestic A380 coming in to land. Pack a picnic, bring a flask, and enjoy the spectacle.

4.  Mai Khao Beach, Phuket, Thailand

Photo: Instagram/will_thanat

Phuket's Mai Khao Beach has become world-famous with Instagrammers and aviation buffs alike. The northern end of the beach sits right under the flight path for Phuket International Airport's runway. Jets appear to glide straight out of the Andaman Sea, swooping in low over sunbathers and beach-goers snapping photos. It's a plane-spotter's dream: Powdery sand, clear blue water, and jets practically skimming the umbrellas.

5. Founders' Plaza, Dallas/Fort Worth, USA

At Dallas/Fort Worth International, Founders' Plaza is purpose-built for plane watchers. This viewing park has telescopes, picnic tables and loudspeakers piping in live air traffic control. It's a hit with families and photographers alike — some even bring lawn chairs to watch big international jets lumber into the Texan sky.

6. Polderbaan Spottersplaats, Amsterdam Schiphol, Netherlands

Photo: Unsplash

Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport has a dedicated spotters' area next to the Polderbaan runway. Wide-body jets thunder down the tarmac mere metres away, and the flat Dutch landscape means unobstructed views for miles. It's an all-day affair for local spotters — many bring coffee flasks, sandwiches, and radios to catch the pilot chatter as the next KLM Dreamliner lifts off.

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7. Osaka Itami Sky Park, Japan

Photo: Instagram/tigers_toshi

Japan does plane spotting properly. The Sky Park at Osaka's Itami Airport is a beautifully maintained stretch of lawn and pathways right along the runway. It's a favourite weekend hangout for families who set up picnics while kids squeal in delight as planes roar past at eye level. At sunset, the runway lights flicker on, adding a dash of magic to an already mesmerising scene.

8. Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, Hong Kong

While the legendary Kai Tak Airport closed in 1998, Hong Kong still offers brilliant vantage points for aircraft lovers. The rooftop garden at the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal lets you watch traffic heading into the modern Hong Kong International Airport. It's a stunning place to see planes lined up with the skyscrapers and mountains beyond — a view every spotter should tick off their list.