Top 10 Beach Getaways with Nonstop Flights from Salt Lake City

Skip the crowds. These peaceful coastal gems offer direct flights from SLC and a whole lot of breathing room.

Looking for a beach vacation without battling crowds or spending half the day in transit? If you're based in Salt Lake City, you're in luck. There are a surprising number of underrated beach destinations you can reach in under four hours—all with nonstop flights from SLC.

From the glassy shores of Mendocino to turquoise bays in Baja Sur, these less-crowded beaches offer the ultimate escape for travelers who crave nature, quiet, and charm. Forget Malibu. Let’s dive into the top 10.

1. Glass Beach – Mendocino, California

• Airport: Santa Rosa (STS)

• Flight Time: 2h 10m direct + 2h scenic coastal drive

• Why Go: Sea glass sparkles across the sand, surrounded by rugged cliffs, foggy forests, and cozy coastal inns. Think Pacific Northwest without the rain.

• Best beach road trips from Santa Rosa | Quiet beaches near Mendocino

2. Pfeiffer Beach – Big Sur, California

• Airport: Monterey Regional (MRY)

• Flight Time: 2h 30m direct + 25m drive

• Why Go: This hidden beach is famous for its purple sand and raw, rugged coastline. No cell service—just ocean, cliffs, and calm.

• Big Sur hidden beaches | Non-touristy beaches in California

3. Shell Beach – Pismo Beach, California

• Airport: San Luis Obispo (SBP)

• Flight Time: 2h 5m + 20m drive

• Why Go: Shell Beach is low-key and walkable, with sea cliffs and secret coves—ideal for a quiet coastal weekend.

• Underrated beach towns near SLO | Best beaches near San Luis Obispo

4. Avila Beach – San Luis Obispo, California

• Airport: San Luis Obispo (SBP)

• Flight Time: 2h 5m + 15m drive

• Why Go: A peaceful cove with warm waters, hot springs nearby, and a charming village feel. No big resorts—just sea breezes and local cafés.

• Quiet beach destinations on California’s Central Coast

5. Hendry’s Beach – Santa Barbara, California

• Airport: Santa Barbara (SBA)

• Flight Time: 2h direct + 15m drive

• Why Go: Known locally as Hendry’s Beach, Arroyo Burro is dog-friendly, bluff-lined, and ideal for sunset hikes and low-key vibes.

• Best dog-friendly beaches in California | Santa Barbara hidden beaches

6. Shaw’s Cove – Laguna Beach, California

• Airport: John Wayne (SNA)

• Flight Time: 1h 50m direct + 25m drive

• Why Go: Laguna’s most peaceful cove. Great snorkeling, scenic bluffs, and far fewer people than Main Beach.

• Best hidden snorkeling coves in Southern California

7. Windansea Beach – La Jolla, San Diego, California

• Airport: San Diego International (SAN)

• Flight Time: 1h 55m direct + 25m drive

• Why Go: Home to sea lions and mellow surf breaks. Windansea and Torrey Pines offer crowd-free beauty just minutes from downtown La Jolla.

• Find La Jolla secret beaches and Where to surf in San Diego without crowds

8. Loreto – Baja California Sur, Mexico

• Airport: Loreto (LTO)

• Flight Time: 2h 30m direct

• Why Go: Island hopping, marine sanctuaries, and no tourist traps. Snorkel with sea lions, explore white-sand coves, and feel off-grid in the best way.

• Best Mexico beach towns without resorts and direct flights to Loreto from SLC

9. La Paz – Baja California Sur, Mexico

• Airport: La Paz (LAP) or via Los Cabos (SJD)

• Flight Time: 2h 45m

• Why Go: Balandra Beach is famous for its shallow turquoise waters, sandbars, and peaceful vibe. Stay for the malecón and ceviche sunsets.

• Top hidden beaches in Baja, La Paz vs Cabo beaches

10. Los Barriles – East Cape, Baja Sur, Mexico

• Airport: Los Cabos International (SJD)

• Flight Time: 2h 45m + 1.5h scenic drive

• Why Go: No mega-resorts here. Paddleboard at sunrise, kite surf in the afternoon, and chill in barefoot cafés.

• East Cape Mexico travel for the best quiet beach towns in Baja

Travel Tips from SLC:

• All destinations have nonstop flights from Salt Lake City.

• Visit midweek for smaller crowds and lower hotel rates.

• For Baja beaches, bring your passport, pesos, and a laid-back mindset.

Salt Lake City is more than a mountain hub—it's a launchpad to some of the most beautiful, uncrowded beaches on the Pacific. In just a few hours, you can go from skis to sand and swap powder for peace. Hidden beaches, local charm, and the best nonstop-accessible getaways from SLC!