17 Best Weekend Getaways from Salt Lake City (within a 4-hour flight)
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  • Writer's pictureJordan Hinsch

17 Best Weekend Getaways from Salt Lake City (within a 4-hour flight)

Updated: Jan 20


17 Best Weekend Getaways from Salt Lake City (within a 4-hour flight)

Salt Lake City. Yes, there's actually a lake there and it's bigger than you think. The city was founded by Mormon pioneers and people believe there are monsters in the lake. Since the pandemic, Salt Lake City has seen a surge in population which has no signs of slowing down. Located in one of my favorite areas of the USA, SLC residents have a lot of options for a quick weekend trip if you're trying to take a break.


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 Salt Lake 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.


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) - Just over a 3 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Food, bars, sports, rivers!

What to do?

When to go?

  • Summer

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $300+

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!

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $300+

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) - Just Over a 3 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Spring, Summer and Fall

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $300+

Where can you stay?

Pro Tip:

  • Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.





Moab, Utah (CNY) - Just over a 1 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Arches National Park, Canyonlands National Park, Dead Horse Point State Park, Camping, Hiking, Sky Diving, Off-Roading, and anything else you can do in the outdoors.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $200+

Where can you stay?

Pro Tip:

  • Do not sit around indoors!




New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - Just Over a 3 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Jazz music, other music, culture, architecture, partying, passionate football fans.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Spring, Summer, Fall

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $300+

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) - 2.5 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?

When to go?

  • Summer (you can't really avoid the rain but you can pray)

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $250+

Where can you stay?

Pro Tip:

  • Visit the REI flagship store. Wow.




Lake Tahoe, CA & NV (RNO) - 1.5 Hour Flight


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?

When to go?

  • Year-Round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $200+

Where can you stay?



San Diego, California (SAN) - 2 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Surfing, Hiking, Zoo, Mountain Biking, Partying.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $100+

Where can you stay?




Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - 2 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Surfing, Hiking, Sports, City Life, Culture, Fame, Disneyland, Food.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $100+

Where can you stay?



Glacier National Park, Montana (FCA) - 2 Hour Flight


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?

When to go?

  • Year-Round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $300+

Where can you stay?




Portland, Oregon (PDX) - Just Over a 2 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Surfing. Oregon coast is only 1 hour away. Mt. Hood is nearby as well.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-Round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $300+

Where can you stay?





Austin, Texas (AUS) - 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Food, Art, Music, BBQ, Tech, Bach Parties, and All-Around Fun!

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-Round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $200+

Where can you stay?





Jackson Hole, Wyoming (JAC) - 1 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Bears, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, skiing, golfing, horseback riding, rustic boutique hotels, cool people.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $300+

Where can you stay?

Pro Tip:

  • Make sure you have time to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Jenny Lake is a must.




San Francisco, California (SFO, SJC, OAK) - 2 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Tours, Food, Silicon Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Surfing

What to do?

When to go?

  • Summer

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $100+

Where can you stay?





Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 1.5 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Gambling, Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Partying, more Gambling.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-Round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $50+

Where can you stay?



Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 1.5 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $50+

Where can you stay?






Bozeman, Montana (BZN) - 1.5 Hour Flight


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?

When to go?

  • Year-Round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $300+

Where can you stay?










Hey! I'm Jordan, a native New Yorker who is addicted to adventure travel, photography, content creation, investing, and fitness. Read on, enjoy, and Never Run Out of First Times!

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