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If you’re craving adventure this summer, don’t worry. A plethora of airlines got the memo.
There’s at least 5 stunning beach destinations Americans can fly to for the first-time ever this summer — including one stunner right here in the heartland!
But let’s be real. As great as the U.S. may be for beach vacations, summer is the ultimate time to collect passport stamps you’ll look back on years from now, remembering how much of a blast you had.
Make lifelong memories, work on your tan after hours spent at your “9 to 5”, and put your savings to good use with some of the best beach locales in the world now just one flight away.
Americans can now fly to these 5 stunning beach destinations for the first time ever:
Terceira, Portugal
Last week, the inaugural flight from San Francisco took off for one of many Portuguese paradises: Terceira, in the famed Azores.
This beautiful island’s capital, Angra do Heroísmo, is a harborside town brimming with timeless architecture, so much so that the entire town center is UNESCO-protected.
How could it not be with Sé Cathedral, one of the most storied structures in the Azores?
As you peruse this postcard coastal village, you’ll find captivating sites, cozy bed and breakfasts, numerous trails weaving through seemingly untouched nature, world-class food, and, yes, stunningly gorgeous beaches.
TAP Air Portugal carries adventurous travelers to this fascinating island only on Tuesdays through October.
Riviera Nayarit (Tepic), Mexico
Is a beach vacay south of the border ever a bad idea? Negative.
Puerto Vallarta is a constant for beachgoers worldwide, but most notably for Americans and Canadians.
The airport and surrounding coast can be packed during summer as there are endless resorts line PV’s shores, but the truth is neighboring beach towns stretching the coast of Riviera Nayarit are becoming more popular, such as Sayulita, Chacala, and San Blas to name a couple.
Volaris is set to launch the first-ever direct flight from the U.S. on July 16, 2025, so travelers will no longer have to deal with the crowds of Puerto Vallarta.
Travelers will have a rare chance to double dip their itinerary with history and ample beach days as you’ll actually arrive in the inland city of Tepic, a 500-year-old gem worthy of a weekend at the least.
Known Before You Go: There is a newly issued security alert issued by the U.S. Embassy for Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit.
Turks & Caicos (South Caicos)
Turks & Caicos has long been a dream vacation circled upon many travelers’ wishlists, but what you may not know is South Caicos in particular has been a trek to reach.
But with new resorts and the first-ever flight from America, South Caicos is all the rage right now.
Picture virgin white sands, crystal-clear waters, and resorts like newly-opened Salterra that many travelers aren’t even aware have opened their doors.
There’s no longer a need to hop aboard a low and slow cruise here as American Airlines kicked off their inaugural flight already, giving you the green light to venture off to what feels like uncharted territory.
Catania, Italy
If there’s one country in Europe that never gets old visiting, it’s gotta be Italy, right?
Home to unmatched cuisine, ancient marvels, romantic cities, and breathtaking islands, it’s no wonder that so many Americans scope out Italian adventures each summer.
Sicily may not be as well known as it’s typically been harder to reach, but you can now thank Delta for making your travel plans easier to discover one of Italy’s most authentic destinations.
You’ll arrive in the laid-back city of Catania, but don’t feel like you have to stay within the city limits as there’s a treasure trove of little-known escapes ready to welcome you, such as Syracuse, Messina, and Naxos.
Gulf Shores, Alabama
How shocking is it that Gulf Shores opened its airport to the public for the first time last month?
Some question if budget airlines are losing their luster, but Allegiant is gearing up for battle by making history with numerous routes to Gulf Shores.
In fact, Allegiant is the only airline slated for Gulf Shores airport and recently announced even more flights coming in October.
Commonly a road trip destination (obviously), now travelers can spend a majority of their vacation time beachside overlooking Gulf Shores’ paradisal white sands and vibrant blue waters.
But here’s a tip: as Gulf Shores will certainly be more crowded than ever with the newfound ease of travel, check out neighboring Orange Beach for quieter shores.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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