Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a vibrant city located in western Michigan known for its rich cultural scene and burgeoning craft beer industry. Nestled along the Grand River, it offers a dynamic blend of historical charm and modern innovation, with attractions such as the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and the Grand Rapids Art Museum. The city is also celebrated for its thriving downtown area, which features a diverse array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. With its strong community spirit and a reputation for being one of the best places to live in the Midwest, Grand Rapids combines the allure of urban excitement with a welcoming, small-town atmosphere that is more engaging than many larger cities.
If you're a local and looking to escape for a weekend, keep reading. 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 Grand Rapids, Michigan 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.
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 3 Hour Flight
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 GRR -Â See flight deals
Southwest from GRR -Â See flight deals
Frontier from GRR -Â See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $20+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
History and cool summertime temps!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Boston
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
Who can fly you there?
Delta from GRR -Â See flight deals
JetBlue from GRR -Â See flight deals
Southwest from GRR -Â See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $40+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
It might not be the same city it was before, but it'll always make for a great weekend getaway.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in New York
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but you’ll pay peak rates for solid hotels.
Winter for Christmas festivities!
Who can fly you there?
AA from GRR -Â See flight deals
Delta from GRR -Â See flight deals
United from GRR -Â See flight deals
Spirit Airways from GRR -Â See flight deals
JetBlue from GRR -Â See flight deals
Southwest from GRR -Â See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, bars, sports, rivers!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Chicago
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
AA from GRR -Â See flight deals
Southwest from GRR -Â See flight deals
United from GRR -Â See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - 1 Hour 35 Minute Flight
Why go?
Museums, walking tours, great mass-transit and cherry blossoms. Fly to DCA for convenience.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Washington DC
When to go?
Year-round (spring season for cherry blossoms)
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from GRR -Â See flight deals
AA from GRR -Â See flight deals
Allegiant from GRR -Â See flight deals
United from GRR -Â See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For avid runners, pack your running shoes and go for daily runs around the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Brew pubs, art, nightlife, Mexican food.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Atlanta
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Frontier from GRR -Â See flight deals
Southwest from GRR -Â See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $60+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 3 Hour 25 Minute Flight
Why go?
Beaches, outdoors activities, clubs, restaurants, culture. I just ask that you please please please venture out beyond Miami Beach.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Miami
When to go?
Any time of the year, but best is October - February for perfect weather. Avoid the spring break crowd in late Feb/early March the best you can.
Who can fly you there?
AA from GRR -Â See flight deals
Spirit Airways from GRR -Â See flight deals
Southwest from GRR -Â See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $80+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the following neighborhoods to step away from the "typical Miami": Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Midtown, Edgewater.
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 2 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Theme parks. Disney & Universal. Bring bug spray and an umbrella if you go during the summer. It's not my favorite city, but there's a reason why it's the #1 tourism city year after year in the US.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Orlando
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from GRR -Â See flight deals
Spirit Airways from GRR -Â See flight deals
Frontier from GRR -Â See flight deals
Southwest from GRR -Â See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Nashville
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
United from GRR -Â See flight deals
Southwest from GRR -Â See flight deals
Frontier from GRR -Â See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $40+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 3 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
Food, Art, Music, BBQ, Tech, Bach Parties, and All-Around Fun!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Austin
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
AA from GRR -Â See flight deals
Southwest from GRR -Â See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
History, sports, cheesesteaks
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Philadelphia
When to go?
Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
AA from GRR -Â See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from GRR -Â See flight deals
Southwest from GRR -Â See flight deals
Frontier Airlines from GRR -Â See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) – 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Diverse Cultural Attractions, Thriving Food Scene, Outdoor Activities, Sports Hub, Historical Significance, Shopping, Festivals and Events.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Charlotte
When to go?
The best times to visit Charlotte are March–May and September–November.
Who can fly you there?
Frontier from GRR - See flight deals
AA from GRR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
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