Summer is the season for adventure, and while the Gulf Coast is a classic, heading West unlocks a completely different world. Whether you’re craving the crisp air of the Rockies, the neon glow of the desert, or the iconic Pacific coastline, the Western U.S. offers legendary experiences that feel worlds away from Central Alabama.
For travelers in the River Region, the West is closer than you think. Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is your secret shortcut to the Pacific coast, the high desert, and the Rocky Mountains. Skip the long drive to Birmingham or Atlanta—your journey starts right here at home.
If you’re planning a summer trip, these are some of the best summer destinations you can fly to from Montgomery, all worth adding to your list.
1. Denver, Colorado
Best for: Mountain scenery, outdoor adventure, and escaping the humidity
Denver is the kind of city that earns its reputation. High-altitude sunshine, a genuinely great food and arts scene, and the entire Rocky Mountain range sitting right in its backyard make it one of the most satisfying summer trips you can take.
What to do in Denver:
- Rocky Mountain National Park: Just a short drive away for world-class hiking and the stunning Trail Ridge Road.
- Red Rocks Amphitheatre: Catch a live show at one of the most unique outdoor venues in the country.
- RiNo Art District: Explore Denver’s “River North” for incredible street art, food halls, and local breweries.
Pro Tip: Pack layers! Even in July, evening temperatures in the mountains can dip significantly once the sun goes down.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
Best for: Entertainment, quick getaways, and surprisingly great day trips
Las Vegas is one of the easiest western cities to visit for a long weekend, and it offers much more than just the Strip.
While summer temperatures can be high, most activities take place indoors in comfortable, air-conditioned spaces, and the surrounding desert is home to some of the Southwest’s most iconic scenery.
What to do in Las Vegas:
- The Sphere and live shows: Experience the cutting edge of entertainment at the Sphere or a classic Cirque du Soleil production.
- Grand Canyon Day Trips: Take a helicopter tour or a scenic drive to the West Rim.
- Red Rock Canyon: Located just 20 minutes from the Strip, it offers stunning crimson sandstone cliffs and scenic loops.
Pro Tip: Start your outdoor adventures early. Sunrise in the desert is spectacular, and you will have the best spots to yourself before the heat sets in.
3. Phoenix, Arizona
Best for: Resort stays, relaxation, and desert scenery at its most dramatic
In the travel world, summer in Phoenix is known as “Resort Season.” When temperatures rise, so do the deals at some of the most luxurious properties in the country.
If a cabana, poolside cocktails, and a world-class spa sound like a good summer to you, Phoenix in July delivers all of it at a fraction of the peak-season price.
What to do in Phoenix:
- Resort Hopping: Spend your days at “dive-in” movies and cabanas at resorts like the Arizona Biltmore or the Phoenician.
- Desert Botanical Garden: See the unique beauty of the Sonoran Desert in full bloom.
- Sedona Day Trip: Drive two hours north to experience the cooler air and “vortex” energy of the Red Rocks.
Pro Tip: Book your resort stay midweek. Rates drop even further from peak weekend pricing, and the pools and amenities are noticeably less crowded.
4. Salt Lake City, Utah
Best for: National parks, scenic drives, and the ultimate American road trip
Salt Lake City is the best starting point in the country for a National Parks summer.
Within a few hours of landing, you can be standing at the edge of Zion, winding through Bryce Canyon, or watching the sun rise over Arches. The scenery starts the moment you step off the plane.
What to do in Salt Lake City:
- Zion, Bryce Canyon, and Arches: Three of the most breathtaking parks in the country are all within driving distance.
- Park City: Just 35 minutes away, this former Olympic site offers alpine slides, mountain biking, and luxury dining in cooler mountain air.
- The Great Salt Lake: Visit Antelope Island for unique views and bison sightings.
Pro Tip: Rent a car with a sunroof. The scenic byways out of SLC are some of the most beautiful drives in the world.
5. Los Angeles, California
Best for: Beaches, culture, and the kind of trip that has something for everyone
Few cities deliver summer quite like Los Angeles.
By July, the coastal morning clouds give way to warm, clear afternoons perfect for the beach, and the city’s sheer variety means there is genuinely something for every kind of traveler.
What to do in Los Angeles:
- Santa Monica & Malibu: Enjoy the Pacific breeze and iconic surfing spots.
- Griffith Observatory: Get the best view of the Hollywood Sign and the sprawling L.A. basin.
- Theme Parks: Spend a day at Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood for world-class thrills.
Pro Tip: Use the Metro or base yourself in a walkable neighborhood like Santa Monica. Traffic in LA is its own adventure, and not always the fun kind.
How to Get There from MGM
From Montgomery Regional Airport, the West is one connection away.
Flights through Houston (IAH) and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) connect you to Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Los Angeles with just one stop, making cross-country travel far more manageable than most travelers expect.
Starting your trip at MGM makes the entire experience easier, thanks to a compact terminal, convenient parking, and an efficient security process.
You can move through the airport with ease, making the start of your trip feel just as smooth as the destination itself.
Your Western Adventure Starts at MGM
The West is one of the most rewarding regions in the country to explore, and from Montgomery, it is well within reach.
Whether you are drawn to the national parks of Utah, the resort towns of Arizona, or the coastline of Southern California, the trip starts with a single connection and a surprisingly smooth departure from MGM.
Start exploring your flight options today and take the first step toward planning your summer trip out west.