17 Best Weekend Getaways from Kansas City (within a 4-hour flight)
Updated: Jan 20
Kansas City. The city where Mickey Mouse was created and home of the best BBQ in the country (fact check me on both). There are some pretty cool things to do in KC and unique venues such as the Power and Light District. However, if you're looking to get away for a weekend and need some inspiration, keep reading.
KC is conveniently situated very close to the middle of the country, so the travel time to many cities is manageable. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Kansas City 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.
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Beaches, outdoors activities, clubs, restaurants, culture. I just ask that you please please please venture out beyond Miami Beach.
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 MCI - See flight deals
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Visit the following neighborhoods to step away from the "typical Miami": Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Midtown, Edgewater.
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - Just Under a 3 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.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Spirit Airways from MCI - See flight deals
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
It might not be the same city it was before, but it'll always make for a great weekend getaway.
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
Winter for Christmas festivities!
Who can fly you there?
AA from MCI - See flight deals
Delta from MCI - See flight deals
United from MCI - See flight deals
JetBlue from MCI - See flight deals
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Museums, walking tours, great mass-transit and cherry blossoms. Fly to DCA for convenience.
When to go?
Year-round (spring season for cherry blossoms)
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
AA from MCI - See flight deals
United from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
For avid runners, pack your running shoes and go for daily runs around the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, bars, sports, rivers!
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
AA from MCI - See flight deals
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
United from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Jazz music, other music, culture, architecture, partying, passionate football fans.
When to go?
Spring, Summer, Fall
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
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.
Seattle, Washington (SEA) - 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Whales, Olympic National Park, Mt. Rainier National Park, North Cascades National Park, gorgeous views, intelligent individuals, good breweries.
When to go?
Summer (you can't really avoid the rain but you can pray)
Who can fly you there?
Delta from MCI - See flight deals
Alaska from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Visit the REI flagship store. Wow.
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Brew pubs, art, nightlife, Mexican food.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from MCI - See flight deals
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
San Diego, California (SAN) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Zoo, Mountain Biking, Partying.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Sports, City Life, Culture, Fame, Disneyland, Food.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Spirit from MCI - See flight deals
Delta from MCI - See flight deals
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, Art, Music, BBQ, Tech, Bach Parties, and All-Around Fun!
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
AA from MCI - See flight deals
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
History and cool summertime temps!
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
Who can fly you there?
Delta from MCI - See flight deals
JetBlue from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
San Francisco, California (SFO, SJC, OAK) - 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Tours, Food, Silicon Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Surfing
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
United from MCI - See flight deals
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Gambling, Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Partying, more Gambling.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
Spirit from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $75+
Where can you stay?
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - Just Under a 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.
When to go?
Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.
Who can fly you there?
United from MCI - See flight deals
Southwest from MCI - See flight deals
Frontier from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Skiing, Salt Flats, Mormons, and great National Parks within a moderate drive.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from MCI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
