17 Best Weekend Getaways from Phoenix & Scottsdale (within a 4-hour flight)
Updated: Jan 20
Phoenix has been one of the fastest growing cities over the past 10 years. Phoenix has lots to do with national parks nearby and some of the best golf courses in the country. If you're looking for a change of pace, read on.
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 Phoenix/Scottsdale 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.
Bear in Mind: When traveling internationally, you may be required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination. Check relevant embassy websites for the most up to date information.
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, bars, sports, rivers!
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
AA from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
Spirit 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: $75+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
For bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.
Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
BBQ! BBQ! BBQ!
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
AA 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: $100+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Visit the Power & Light District for a unique nightlife experience & go to Arthur Bryant's for BBQ.
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 3 Hour 15 Minute Flight
Why go?
Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
AA 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: $75+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 3 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?
AA 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?
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) - 3 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 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: $50+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Visit the REI flagship store. Wow.
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - Just Over a 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Brew pubs, art, nightlife, Mexican food.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta 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: $100+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Lake Tahoe, CA & NV (RNO) - Just Under a 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Gorgeous Lake Tahoe! Skiing, water sports, gambling, great scenery, interesting people. Reno is the closest airport, about 45 minutes away.
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: $200+
Where can you stay?
San Diego, California (SAN) - Just Over a 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Zoo, Mountain Biking, Partying.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
AA from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
Alaska from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Sports, City Life, Culture, Fame, Disneyland, Food.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
United from PHX - See flight deals
Delta from PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
AA from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Portland, Oregon (PDX) - Just Over a 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing on the Oregon coast is only 1 hour away. Mt. Hood is nearby as well for awesome hiking and winter sports.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
AA from PHX - See flight deals
Alaska 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: $50+
Where can you stay?
Los Cabos, Mexico (SJD) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Beaches, fun, great vacations.
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: $350+
Where can you stay?
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 2.5 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 PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Aspen, Colorado (ASE) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Skiing, great scenery, luxury.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
AA from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
It's very expensive, but worth a shot. 3.5 hour drive from Denver if you wish to save some $$.
San Francisco, California (SFO, SJC, OAK) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Tours, Food, Silicon Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Surfing
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
AA from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - Just Over a 1 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 PHX - See flight deals
Spirit from PHX - See flight deals
AA from PHX - See flight deals
JSX from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 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 PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
AA from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) - Just Over a 1.5 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?
AA from PHX - See flight deals
Delta 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: $50+
Where can you stay?
