Top 15 destinations for pilots in 2021

January 2, 2022 VOL 5, ISSUE 1

Explore the world from the airport out.

Hudson Valley history by air, land, river

Ohio and North Carolina

Visit places rich in aviation history

Immerse yourself in aviation history by visiting First Flight Airport as well as airports, museums, and more in the National Aviation Heritage Area.

Battle Creek, Michigan

Have a taco, watch a Waco being made

Chow down on a Waco Taco or Barnstormer Burger at the Waco Kitchen at the Waco Aircraft factory while overlooking the production floor and ramp.

New York and Ontario

Explore Thousand Islands

Thousand Islands, a chain of 1,864 islands in the St. Lawrence River, is a popular getaway easily accessible to pilots.

San Diego

Visit 'Top Gun' sites ahead of sequel release

Visit iconic locations depicted in the blockbuster film Top Gun before the long-awaited sequel is released in May.

Moab, Utah

High desert splendor

Explore national parks and recreation areas such as Arches, Canyonlands, and Glen Canyon while also enjoying awe-inspiring aerial views.

Visit airports at the farthest corners of the US

When you need to get away, consider these airports that are as close to leaving the country as you can get, without actually leaving the country.

Chicago

City with a view

On a clear day, you can spot the majestic city of Chicago rising above the shockingly flat Midwestern prairie from 50 miles away.

Telluride, Colorado

'Most Colorado Place on Earth'

The approach at Telluride Regional Airport is just the start of an adventure in the self-proclaimed "Most Colorado Place on Earth."

Mammoth Lakes, California

Summer playground

Hiking, camping, sightseeing, golfing, horseback riding, rock climbing, and kayaking are some of the activities available in the Eastern Sierra Nevada.

Roy, New Mexico

Extreme experiences at Canyon Madness Ranch

A lodge surrounded by an outdoor activity nirvana deep in the Southwest's ranching country could be a perfect getaway for adventurers.

Hot Springs, Arkansas

Unique national park experience

Soak in hot springs, hike 26 miles of trails, and sample craft beer for a national park experience like none other.

Southern California

Plane spotting in LaLa Land

From flying boats to landing spacecraft, airplane manufacturing, and movie making, here are 10 must-visit attractions in Southern California.

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Natural wonder

The Cape is a wonderful flying destination with six airports that are all within easy reach of many of the area's charming features.

Traverse City, Michigan

Sun, sand, and cherries

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, skiing, and the famous cherry festival are a few reasons to visit the "Cherry Capital of the World" year-round.

Aviators, airplanes, adventure with AOPA's Mike Fizer

AOPA Senior Photographer Mike Fizer has traveled the world to bring you stories of exotic landscapes, scores of aircraft, and interesting pilots through his photographs and videos. Fizer retired from AOPA at the end of 2021. Look back at Fizer's career and his favorite videos featuring aviators; airplanes; and destinations such as the Lewis and Clark Recreation Area, Iceland, and backcountry Arkansas.

Travel Tools

WEATHER

AIRPORTS

PILOT PASSPORT

IFLIGHT PLANNER

Our goal at AOPA is to inspire you to embark on fascinating adventures, using general aviation airplanes as your magic carpet. We not only provide you with the photos, stories, and videos to get you dreaming, but we also offer you the right tools and member discounts to help make those plans a reality.

Travel Pilot Editor:
Alyssa Cobb

Production Team:
Elizabeth Linares
Melissa Whitehouse

Contributors:
Niki Britton
Sarah Deener
Tom Haines
Dave Hirschman
Sylvia Schneider Horne
Tom Horne
Cayla McLeod
Jim Moore
Kollin Stagnito
Jill Tallman
David Tulis
Ian Twombly
Julie Summers Walker

Advertise in Travel Pilot:
Initial advertising inquiries:
Donna Stoner, 301-695-2336

Eastern and Central United States, Canada, and International:
Jeff Rockwood, 301-695-2089

Western United States:
Jonathan Taylor, 301-695-2338

AOPA Advertising website

421 Aviation Way Frederick, MD 21701
800-872-2672
301-695-2375 Fax