When flying out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV), planning a budget-friendly, beach getaway to some of the best beaches the continental U.S. has to offer is easy. Whether you are looking for oceanfront views, clear waters and beautiful sunsets, or nightlife, high-end shopping, fun and adventure, your perfect beach destination awaits. Plan a cheap beach vacation today to any of the following destinations and take advantage of the affordable airfare offered by Allegiant when you book a nonstop flight out of BLV today.
Destin/Fort Walton
Perfectly situated in the center of Northwest Florida’s panhandle on the dazzling Gulf of Mexico, the soft, white sand beaches and charming towns of Destin, Fort Walton Beach, and Okaloosa Island make up the heart of the Emerald Coast.
Explore miles of beaches, enjoy endless shopping and dining options, or hit the greens of eight championship golf courses. The region’s clear, emerald/turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, fishing, jet skiing or paddleboarding, as well as for exploring sea life via snorkeling or scuba diving. Visit the Air Force Armament Museum or the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum for a free opportunity to see the rich history behind Destin. And be sure to check out the Destin Harbor Boardwalk to experience festivals, art walks, concerts and shops.If you’re feeling adventurous, take a drive down scenic 30-A toward Panama City Beach and experience the calm, charming beach towns you’ll pass along the way.
A popular destination among tourists, Destin and surrounding beach towns offer some of the most affordable vacation rentals up and down the coast. Allegiant offers low-cost, nonstop flights between BLV and Destin-Fort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) year-round, making it easy to take a beach trip any time of year.
Gulf Shores
Another jewel found along the Emerald Coast, Gulf Shores, Alabama, and neighboring Orange Beach and Fort Morgan are hotspots for tourists. The two cities are filled with a number of beachfront and beach-adjacent vacation rentals. From condos and hotels to large homes situated on the area’s beautiful beaches, there’s a rental to fit every budget.
Want to relax and soak up the sun? There are many great beaches along the Alabama coast that are perfect for sunbathing. If you are feeling more adventurous and seeking outdoor and watersport activities, go kayaking, paddle boarding, parasailing, snorkeling or rent a boat and sail the crystal-clear turquoise waters or check out one of the many themed cruises that are available. For those who are looking to explore the area’s natural beauty and have some fun away from the water, Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers a variety of trails that are perfect for biking, walking and hiking, as well as numerous beautiful parks to explore – from state parks, nature preserve and wildlife refuges to dog parks.
While vacationers love the natural beauty Alabama’s Gulf Coast offers, they also enjoy the variety of options for dining, shopping, nightlife and family-friendly attractions available. Just a short drive from the shores, the SPECTRA laser light show and Ferris Wheel in the Wharf Entertainment District offer fun for the entire family. Adventurous visitors can go gator-spotting at one of Gulf Shores’ many gator hotspots, while those interested in more social activities can check out the events calendar for local festivals, or experience one of the area’s free museums, including the Coastal Arts Center of Orange Beach. With so many things to choose from, Gulf Shores is the perfect affordable getaway for families, couples or friends.
Getting to Gulf Shores from the St. Louis region has never been faster or easier. Beginning in May 2025, travelers can fly nonstop from BLV to Gulf Shores International Airport (JKA) throughout the popular summer months.
Fort Lauderdale
Located along Florida’s southeastern coast, Ft. Lauderdale offers 23 miles of beaches and 31 distinct neighborhoods to explore. There are several ways to vacation in this vibrant city on the cheap, starting with affordable flights out of BLV and taking advantage of vacation rentals that fit your budget.
However you like to vacation, Ft. Lauderdale provides the sunshine and amenities to make it an unforgettable experience for families and individual vacationers. Shop the high-end Sawgrass Mills Mall or the massive indoor-outdoor Yellow Green Farmer’s Market. Explore Fort Lauderdale’s vast array of nature parks and preserves. The whole family will enjoy traveling on the Sun Trolley and visiting the bright-pink feathered friends at the Flamingo Gardens. Experience an evening of music on the beach at one of the public concerts, or visit the NSU Art Museum for a cultural addition to your vacation. Grab a cone at Jaxon’s Ice Cream Parlor or snap your best Instagram pics along the Downtown Hollywood Mural Project – all available through nonstop flights from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on Allegiant.
For those who want to be in the water, Ft. Lauderdale also has an artificial reef to explore while snorkeling or scuba diving – complete with a replica shipwreck. Jet skis and paddleboards are also ideal ways to enjoy the warm Atlantic waters, which never dip below 72 degrees. Visitors can also take a free surfing lesson from Island Water Sports offered on Saturday mornings.
Miami is located just 26 miles south of Fort Lauderdale and is an easy drive from Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport. The city is a cultural and high-end destination and is also a popular spot from which travelers often embark on cruises, taking them as far away as Europe, as well as to Cozumel, Mexico, and the Caribbean areas of Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Both Fort Lauderdale and Miami are great places to visit – whether you are vacationing in the offseason or peak season.
Ft. Myers/Punta Gorda
Florida’s west coast is the perfect getaway for friends, couples or families. This area features anything you could want in a beach vacation – from pristine beaches, water sports, outdoor adventure and even a relaxing island paradise to great shopping options, fine and casual dining and a variety of attractions and activities.
There are so many great places to explore when you are visiting Florida’s west coast. Ft. Myers Beach is popular among tourists, locals and families, offering seven miles of sandy beaches in the Gulf of Mexico. It’s one of the safest areas to swim due to its shallow, tranquil ocean waters and offers great nightlife, retail destinations and a variety of restaurants, along with watersport activities, including kayaking, jet skiing and parasailing. Nearby on the mainland, the Ft. Myers River District, located in downtown Ft. Myers, offers a mix of arts and culture, entertainment, boutique shopping and dining options.
Historic Gasparilla Island is the perfect spot to sit back and relax or connect with nature. Considered the “Shelling Capital of the World,” the beaches that make up Sanibel and Captiva islands are among the best family beaches in the U.S. Both destinations feature fun activities for all ages.
Located about 38 miles north of Ft. Myers Beach, Punta Gorda is another popular destination among visitors and locals. It offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation, natural beauty and small-town charm. Punta Gorda lies in the dynamic Charlotte Harbor, perfect for boating, fishing, and water sports. Experience more of Punta Gorda’s rich history at the History Park for an affordable and enjoyable addition to your trip.
All these destinations offer a great mix of excitement and adventure and can be easily reached by flying nonstop from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) on Allegiant Airlines. With flights offered year-round, a cheap beach vacation to Florida’s west coast is a breeze to plan any time of year!
Hilton Head and Tybee Island
Accessing popular beach destinations in South Carolina and Georgia has never been more affordable when you fly from BLV to Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV).
Tybee Island, located about 25 miles from SAV, is one of 15 barrier islands located along the east coast of Georgia. The popular and charming beach town features five miles of beautiful beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, sandcastle-building, surfing, water sports activities, sand volleyball, or taking in the views of the Atlantic Ocean. Tybee Island features many family-friendly attractions, as well as historic attractions, including Tybee Lighthouse – one of the nation’s oldest lighthouses. The town is pedestrian and bike-friendly and features more than 800 residences that serve as vacation rentals. With so many options, you’re sure to find a rental that fits your budget.
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, is located about 39 miles east of Savannah, Georgia. The barrier island is one of the largest on the east coast, at about 12 miles long and five miles wide, and has plenty to offer. Hilton Head is known for its championship golf courses but also features natural beauty, white-sand beaches, beautiful sunsets, up-scale shopping, fine and casual dining options and a variety of family friendly attractions. Don’t forget to capture the moment at the picture-perfect Harbour Town Pier.
Both beach towns offer many outdoor activities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, canoeing, dolphin sightseeing tours and fishing charters.
When visiting Tybee Island or Hilton Head Island, be sure to spend time in Savannah as well. The city is one of America’s oldest and is one of the best places in the country to see antebellum architecture and American history. Tours are plentiful and entertaining. Explore the city via Segway or a horse-drawn carriage, or take part in a walking haunted ghost tour and learn why Savannah is considered one of America’s most haunted cities. The town also features delightful shops, galleries and restaurants.
Myrtle Beach
Along some of the best beaches in South Carolina lies Myrtle Beach. Year-round sun meets southern charm in this delightful city.
A quick, affordable nonstop flight from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, Myrtle Beach is a destination designed to make family memories. Graceful white-sand beaches line the cityscape, offering endless fun above and below the waves. And the unforgettable Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is more than a mile of fun and activities. From arcades to museums, dining to rides, the Boardwalk has something for everyone.
The Myrtle Beach SkyWheel is the biggest on the East Coast and provides incredible views of the Atlantic. Add in rooftop bars, more than 80 golf courses, and fine dining in “the seafood capital of South Carolina,” and you’ve got a perfect vacation for people of all ages.
For those who prefer a bit of a slower pace when compared to bustling downtown Myrtle Beach, there are several quaint beach towns located within 20-30 minutes of Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR). North Myrtle Beach is family friendly and offers a large selection of oceanfront and beachside vacation rentals. Murrell’s Inlet, located to the south of Myrtle Beach, is a historic fishing village that offers some of the best seafood on the eastern coast, and is home to Goat Island, the perfect place to please your inner animal lover. Little River, located southwest of Myrtle Beach offers a majestic nature experience at the Vereen’s Memorial Gardens. Surfside Beach, which boasts quiet beaches and a calm atmosphere, is a seaside town that is popular place for retirees and families, alike. If you are interested in exploring beautiful beaches in North Carolina during your visit, Sunset Beach, located just past the Carolina border, is only a 45-minute drive from Myrtle Beach.
No matter where you choose to vacation in or around Myrtle Beach, there are multiple affordable vacation rentals and activities to make it a cheap beach vacation.
There is plenty of affordable beach fun and adventure to be had, and it all starts when you book an inexpensive, nonstop flight out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.
There is plenty of affordable beach fun and adventure to be had, and it all starts when you book an inexpensive, nonstop flight out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.
