14 Best Weekend Getaways from Mesa, Arizona (within a 4-hour flight)
Mesa, Arizona, is a dynamic city located in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Known for its stunning desert landscape and warm climate, Mesa offers residents and visitors a wealth of outdoor activities, including hiking, golfing, and exploring nearby Saguaro Lake. The city is also rich in cultural attractions, with highlights such as the Mesa Arts Center, which hosts concerts, theater productions, and art exhibitions. Mesa is steeped in history, with attractions like the Mesa Grande Cultural Park and the Arizona Museum of Natural History showcasing the area's Native American and pioneer heritage. With its family-friendly atmosphere and thriving economy, Mesa continues to attract new residents and businesses alike.
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 Mesa, Arizona 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.
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 4 Hour 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?
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Jazz music, other music, culture, architecture, partying, passionate football fans.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in New Orleans
When to go?
Spring, Summer, Fall
Who can fly you there?
United from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Check out Bourbon Street for a little bit, but don't get sucked in. It's absolutely disgusting. Chartres Street is better for those looking to maintain their cleanliness.
Cancun & Tulum, Mexico (CUN) - 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Your money goes a long way in Cancun: all-inclusive hotels, nightlife, and activities.
Your money doesn’t go very far in Tulum: boutique hotels (some are grossly overpriced), many hotels have no air conditioning, taxis and bike rentals will try to rip you off.
If you’re looking for clubs and nightlife, go to Tulum Beach.
If you’re looking for culture and less expensive eats, go to Tulum Centro.
Tulum is actually a great experience if you have the right mindset going into your vacation.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Cancun
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Tulum
When to go?
December to April for the best weather.
Avoid March Spring Break travel if you want to be at peace.
Who can fly you there?
Spirit Airways from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 1 Hour Flight
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 PHX - See flight deals
Spirit from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - 1 Hour and 30 Minute Flight
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?
United from PHX - See flight deals
Delta from PHX - See flight deals
Alaska from PHX - See flight deals
SkyWest from PHX - See flight deals
Horizon from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
San Francisco, California (SFO, SJC, OAK) - 2 Hour Flight
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 PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $90+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Seattle, Washington (SEA) - 3 Hour Flight
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?
United from PHX - See flight deals
Delta from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
Alaska from PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - 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.
San Diego, California (SAN) - 1 Hour and 15 Minute Flight
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?
Delta from PHX - See flight deals
Alaska from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $70+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 3 Hour and 15 Minute 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 PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
United from PHX - 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.
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 2 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 PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $80+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Portland, Oregon (PDX) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing. Oregon coast is only 1 hour away. Mt. Hood is nearby as well.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Portland
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from PHX - See flight deals
Alaska from PHX - See flight deals
SkyWest from PHX - See flight deals
Horizon from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 3 Hour and 30 Minute 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?
Delta from PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 2 Hour and 30 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 PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 3 Hour and 15 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 PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
