Sun Country Airlines: Affordable Nonstop Flights to Stunning Beach Destinations
Beach vacations top the list for many travelers, yet not every U.S. city offers easy access to pristine shores. For landlocked adventurers, Sun Country Airlines provides an ideal solution—a reliable low-cost carrier offering nonstop flights from over 50 U.S. airports to sought-after beach spots across the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America.
Founded to whisk winter-weary passengers from the Upper Midwest to sunny escapes with budget-friendly fares, Sun Country has expanded significantly while staying true to its beach-focused roots. Secure a low fare, pack a carry-on beach bag, and reach paradise in under five hours.
Cancun
Flies from: Austin, Dallas (DFW), Houston (Bush), Milwaukee, Minneapolis, San Antonio
Must-Visit Beach: Cancun's Hotel Zone boasts 13 miles of exceptional beaches lined with luxury hotels and all-inclusive resorts. For a standout experience beyond your resort, head to Playa Delfines (Dolphin Beach)—one of the city's largest, offering ample space, vibrant turquoise waters, and dolphin sightings without high-rise obstructions. Note the stronger waves here for safe swimming.
Beyond the Beach: Explore Mayan ruins like Chichen Itza or Coba, or dive into cenotes—natural sinkhole pools. An hour south lies Puerto Morelos, a quaint fishing village renowned for scuba and snorkeling at its protected coral reef. While Tulum shines on Instagram, Isla Holbox north of Cancun offers an authentic, less-touristed vibe.
Southern California
Flies from: Minneapolis to Los Angeles, Orange County & San Diego
Must-Visit Beach: Sun Country serves three SoCal gateways—LAX, Orange County, and San Diego. Iconic Santa Monica Beach delivers Beach Boys vibes, sunset views at the pier, and historic volleyball sands. In Orange County, Huntington Beach rules the surf world—perfect for spectating. North of San Diego, La Jolla (“the jewel”) dazzles with diverse shores: wide sands, cliffs, coves, tide pools, reefs, and sea caves.
Beyond the Beach: Food lovers flock to San Diego's Little Italy for outdoor dining or chase LA's food trucks like Guerrilla Tacos and Kogi BBQ. Hike Runyon Canyon or admire murals in San Diego's Barrio Logan.
Punta Cana
Flies from: Dallas (DFW), Minneapolis
Must-Visit Beach: While Bavaro Beach spans 30 stunning miles, Playa Juanillo on the southern coast rivals it with fewer crowds, powdery white sand, palm trees, and crystal-clear waters—shared by upscale resorts like Eden Roc Cap Cana, a Relais & Châteaux property.
Beyond the Beach: Adventure awaits at Scape Park: zipline into waterfall pools, swim caves, or float in the vivid Hoyo Azul cenote.
Florida's West Coast
Flies from: Duluth, Green Bay, Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Rochester, and St. Louis to Fort Myers; Minneapolis also to Punta Gorda, Sarasota, St. Pete/Clearwater & Tampa
Must-Visit Beach: Southwest Florida shines for seashells and sunsets, especially on Sanibel and Captiva islands. Hunt shells at low tide near Blind Pass. Tampa Bay dominates TripAdvisor lists: St. Pete Beach (2021 top U.S.), Siesta Beach (2020 #1), and Clearwater Beach (2019 leader)—all with signature sugar sands.
Beyond the Beach: Ferry to pristine Cayo Costa State Park for off-grid camping. Kayak mangroves at Tarpon Bay (Sanibel) or Lover's Key State Park, spotting manatees. Culture calls at St. Pete's Dalí Museum or thrill rides at Busch Gardens Tampa.
Cozumel
Flies from: Dallas (DFW), Minneapolis
Must-Visit Beach: Skip the cruise crowds with Sun Country's nonstop service. Playa Palancar on the southwest coast delivers uncrowded bliss: powdery sands and turquoise waters.
Beyond the Beach: Cozumel is a diver's paradise, featuring the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—the world's second-largest—with warm waters and sites for all skill levels.
Turks & Caicos
Flies from: Minneapolis
Must-Visit Beach: Grace Bay Beach consistently ranks among the world's best, protected by an offshore reef ensuring calm, clear waters ideal for families and snorkeling. Part of a 7-mile strollable stretch with nearby dining and resorts.
Beyond the Beach: Paddleboard or kayak through Chalk Sound National Park's turquoise lagoon dotted with tiny islands.
Puerto Vallarta
Flies from: Dallas (DFW), Minneapolis
Must-Visit Beach: Mexico's Pacific gem boasts AAA Five Diamond resorts and vibrant culture. Venture from Nuevo Vallarta marina to Hidden Beach on the Marietas Islands—a surreal cove limited to 100 daily visitors (book ahead).
Beyond the Beach: Stroll Puerto Vallarta's Romantic Zone for boutiques, eateries, and galleries. Sample tequila locally or tour Tequila town (designated driver advised).
Montego Bay, Jamaica
Flies from: Minneapolis
Must-Visit Beach: For quick access, Doctor's Cave Beach offers calm waters amid Montego Bay's lively Hip Strip. For serenity, seek Frenchman's Cove in Port Antonio—a tranquil eastside haven.
Beyond the Beach: Climb Dunn's River Falls near Ocho Rios, a terraced cascade perfect for photos and exploration.
