From Runway To Beach Day: Cheapflights.com Helps You Make The Most Of A Travel Day

Spotlights Where to Find a Stretch of Golden Sand Close to Major Airports

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Jun 20, 2017, 14:55 ET

BOSTON, June 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Waiting around in airports is never fun, but during summer the feeling of being cooped up on a beautiful day can be pure torture. But there's no reason to spend the whole day on travel. Many airports are within striking distance of an ocean (or lake), and prime beaches can be just a short ride away. To help you make a break for the sun, Cheapflights.com, the leader in finding and publishing online travel deals, has scouted out 14 top airports for a bonus beach escape, with the details on where a cab, or even public transit, can whisk you away to a lovely expanse of sand, leaving thoughts of cramped seats and airport security lines far behind.

If you find yourself stuck at the airport or have a few hours to spare before, after or between flights, Cheapflights.com's blog post 'Runway to Beach Day: 14 top airports for a bonus beach escape' features the skinny on where to go for a little added fun in the sun at some of the most popular travel spots around the world. For an easy beach break certain to take the edge off your next travel day or layover check out www.cheapflights.com/news/beaches-near-airports/

Here are a few of the airports where an easy added beach escape awaits travelers before, after or even in between flights:

San Diego International Airport, California: Mission Beach – There is plenty to keep you busy on a visit to San Diego's Mission Beach, whether you're traveling alone, with kids or as a couple. The beach itself offers the chance to swim, play a game of volleyball on the sand or walk along the adjacent boardwalk. Belmont Park amusement park is nearby if you feel like riding a roller coaster, and Mission Beach is also home to many bars, restaurants and cafes, as well as showers in case you need to rinse off before heading to the airport.
Getting there: The trip from the San Diego airport to Mission Beach takes under 20 minutes, and a taxi is your most convenient option.

Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Florida: Fort Lauderdale Beach Park - You don't need to go too far after getting off a plane in Fort Lauderdale to hit the beach. One of your best options is to make your way to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, which has plenty to keep beach-goers of all ages happy. Here you'll find a long stretch of soft sand, volleyball courts, outdoor grills, picnic tables, outdoor showers and a playground for kids. You'll also find plenty of cafes and restaurants right across from the beach.
Getting there: Fort Lauderdale Beach Park is only about 15 minutes from the airport. The quickest option is to take a taxi.

Cancun International Airport, Mexico: Playa Tortugas - Although this beach can get crowded on weekends, the turquoise water and white sand of Cancun make it worth finding your own spot among the throngs of beachgoers. There are lounge chairs here to rent, and the water is clean and shallow making it good for swimming. You can also rent snorkel equipment if you want to check out what's going on beneath the waves. If you're feeling really adventurous, brave the on-site bungee tower where jumpers leap into the water below. Restaurants and food vendors abound so there's plenty to eat and drink, and there are public restrooms nearby. Playa Tortugas is also an access point for the ferry to Isla Mujeres, so you can add in a visit to that charming island, if you have enough time.
Getting there: Playa Tortugas is less than 30 minutes by car from the airport, so we'd recommend taking a taxi.

Tampa International Airport, Florida: Clearwater Beach - The closest beach to Tampa International for your sunbathing pleasure is Clearwater Beach, one of the prettiest stretches of sand in Florida. Cabanas, chairs and sun umbrellas are available for rent, volleyball nets are set up on the sand, restrooms and showers are located on-site and a plethora of restaurants and bars are close by. If you happen to be at the beach close to sunset, head to Pier 60 for the daily festival Sunsets at Pier 60, celebrating the famous sunsets over Clearwater Beach. There are buskers, live entertainment, craft vendors and live music. The fun takes place from two hours before to two hours after sunset.
Getting there: Clearwater Beach is roughly a 35-minute taxi ride from Tampa International.

Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, San Juan, Puerto Rico: Isla Verde Beach - Isla Verde Beach is the longest and widest one in San Juan and it's conveniently close to the airport. The calm and clear water makes this a good snorkeling spot, with equipment for rent at several kiosks on the beach. Being a popular resort area, you also won't have to search long for a place to eat or grab a drink by the water.
Getting there: Isla Verde Beach is only about a 10-minute taxi ride from San Juan Luis Muñoz Marín Airport.

Next time you find yourself in an airport wishing you could be anywhere other than the terminal you are pacing, fear not. On top of the five choice spots listed above, here are nine more airports where a bonus beach escape waits: Chicago O'Hare International Airport, Illinois: Ohio Street Beach; Miami International Airport, Florida: South Beach; Los Angeles International Airport, California: Marina Del Rey; Sangster International Airport, Montego Bay, Jamaica: Doctor's Cave Beach; Honolulu International Airport, Hawaii: Ala Moana Beach Park; Punta Cana International Airport, Dominican Republic: Playa Bavaro; Barcelona–El Prat Airport, Spain: Barceloneta Beach; Athens International Airport, Greece: Edem Beach and Toronto Pearson Airport, Ontario, Canada: Sunnyside Beach. For more details and Cheapflights.com's complete list of top airports for a bonus beach escape, head to www.cheapflights.com/news/beaches-near-airports.

About Cheapflights.com, part of the Momondo Group
Founded in 1996, Cheapflights is a leading global flight comparison and deals publishing platform. It is now a market leader in the UK, U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand generating over $3 billion in global downstream revenue for its partners as it expands into numerous other territories. More than 120 million users visit its websites and apps each year, receiving more than two billion search results a month from across 900,000 routes. The 10 million strong opt-in subscribers to the Cheapflights newsletter receive the best deals from over 120 travel businesses – for whom it has driven more than $65 million in revenue this year. Together, the Cheapflights platforms generate enough bookings for its partners to fill a Boeing 747 every five minutes.

In 2011, Cheapflights became part of the privately owned online travel search and inspiration network, Momondo Group.

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