When flying VFR, I typically go to the ATC controls, and when I close to my destination, I click "nearest airports".  When mine shows up, I see the option to tune atis or tower, but not approach (like we'd do in real life).  Is this just the way MSFS is?

In real life (in US) if you fly VFR squawking 1200 (no flight following) you contact directly  tower

Even if flying into a class B or C airport?  We'd always call approach first.

23 minutes ago, SpaceForceCapt said:

Even if flying into a class B or C airport?  We'd always call approach first.

If airport in class Bravo like LAX you would have to ask permission to enter airspace which is equal to flight following, where ATC will give you squawk code and vector you around. However, a lot of small airports reside under class bravo and there are ways to get in and out without contacting approach. For example, KMYF surrounded by two overlaping class B airspaces, but there is way to come in and come out without talking to approach.

Class C requires pilot to establish two way communication. So calling tower prior entering class C qualify for that. Note: In real life you don't need to have explicit clearance to  transition class C (just two way radio communication where ATC read back you tail number). Explicit clearance apply applies only for class B. Meaning you have to hear words "clear to class Bravo" from ATC just have radar contact and be on frequency with approach won't cut it.

So, in VFR, the way I'm doing it in the sim, I can't talk to approach?  I've gotten flight following before, but think I've always cancelled before getting very close to the destination.

12 minutes ago, SpaceForceCapt said:

So, in VFR, the way I'm doing it in the sim, I can't talk to approach?  I've gotten flight following before, but think I've always cancelled before getting very close to the destination.

Typically we only talk to approach if we want flight following or transition class Bravo - which technically also flight following. So MSFS in this respect it's pretty close to real life.

IRL If you squawk 1200 and decided to contact approach/departure you need some kind of request. Request could be VFR flight following to destination, pop up IFR clearance or VFR instrument practice approaches. In all cases you need to provide type of airframe and equipment (ex. Cessna 172 /G) and then request. It doesn't make sense to contact approach within normal range of a tower! In this case you most likely you will be schooled or "nicely" suggested to switch to tower LOL   It rare occasion ATC can refuse services especially when they overwhelmed, and understaffed . Once I loitered for 20 minutes in VFR over clouds just trying get pop up IFR clearance for ILS approach