Jordan Hinsch
Apr 135 min
Updated: Apr 21
Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant city known for its eclectic arts scene, extensive network of parks and bicycle paths, and a strong emphasis on sustainability. It boasts a dynamic food culture, with a plethora of food carts, coffeehouses, and microbreweries that reflect its diverse community. Renowned for its liberal and progressive values, Portland is often celebrated for its innovative urban planning and environmental initiatives, making it a popular destination for both visitors and potential residents.
With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also some international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Portland, Oregon area within a non-stop 4-hour flight. More importantly, these trips are all possible without having to request PTO (for you M-F 9-5'ers), it just depends on what you want to do at your destination.
Why go?
BBQ! BBQ! BBQ!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Kansas City
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the Power & Light District for a unique nightlife experience & go to Arthur Bryant's for BBQ.
Why go?
Whales, Olympic National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, gorgeous views, intelligent individuals, good breweries.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Seattle
When to go?
Summer (you can't really avoid the rain but you can pray)
Who can fly you there?
Delta from PDX - See flight deals
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the REI flagship store. Wow.
Why go?
Gorgeous Lake Tahoe! Skiing, water sports, gambling, great scenery, interesting people. Reno is the closest airport, about 45 minutes away.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Zoo, Mountain Biking, Partying.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in San Diego
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Spirit Airlines from PDX - See flight deals
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Sports, City Life, Culture, Fame, Disneyland, Food.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Los Angeles
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from PDX - See flight deals
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
AA from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Why go?
Glacier National Park and the great town of Whitefish. I recommend camping, but you can get a boutique hotel in Whitefish or Kalispell.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Glacier National Park and Whitefish
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Why go?
Tours, Food, Silicon Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Surfing
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in San Francisco
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
United from PDX - See flight deals
Frontier from PDX - See flight deals
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Why go?
Gambling, Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Partying, more Gambling.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Las Vegas
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from PDX - See flight deals
Spirit from PDX - See flight deals
Frontier from PDX - See flight deals
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $75+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Why go?
Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Denver
When to go?
Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.
Who can fly you there?
United from PDX - See flight deals
Southwest from PDX - See flight deals
Frontier from PDX - See flight deals
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $75+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Why go?
Skiing, Salt Flats, Mormons, and great National Parks within a moderate drive.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Salt Lake City
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from PDX - See flight deals
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
Frontier from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Why go?
Skiing, Hiking, Waterfalls, Museums, Rivers, and of course Yellowstone National Park (1.5-hour drive). It's possible to do the park in one day from Bozeman, but if going to the park is your goal, I'd recommend staying closer to the park in West Yellowstone.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Bozeman
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?