23 Best Weekend Getaways from Washington DC (within a 4-hour flight)
Updated: Feb 6
There's not much that needs to be said about DC. As an outsider, it's a fun place to visit for sightseeing, history, or nightlife. I know a bunch of people who live there and they absolutely love it. DC is also situated in a great part of the country where you can fly just about anywhere. Read on for my weekend getaway suggestions for residents of DC!
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 Washington DC area (IAD, DCA, and BWI) 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.
Pro Tip: need a ride to IAD? Consider using Swift Limousine - Dulles International Airport (IAD) Car Service!
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 2.5 Hour 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 DCA - See flight deals
Spirit from BWI - See flight deals
Frontier from BWI - See flight deals
United from IAD - See flight deals
JetBlue from DCA - See flight deals
Southwest from DCA, BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
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) - 2.5 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?
AA from DCA - See flight deals
Spirit from BWI - See flight deals
Frontier from BWI - See flight deals
JetBlue from DCA - See flight deals
United from IAD - See flight deals
Southwest from DCA, BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - Just Over a 1 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 DCA - See flight deals
Delta from IAD, DCA - See flight deals
United from IAD, DCA - See flight deals
JetBlue from DCA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ, YTZ) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, people, cleanliness, Hockey Hall of Fame.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Toronto
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from IAD, DCA - See flight deals
AA from DCA - See flight deals
Porter Airlines from IAD - See flight deals
United from IAD - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - 1 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 DCA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - Just Over a 2 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 DCA - See flight deals
Southwest from BWI - See flight deals
United from IAD, DCA, BWI - 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.
Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
BBQ! BBQ! BBQ!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Kansas City
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
United from IAD - See flight deals
AA from DCA - See flight deals
Southwest from DCA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
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) - 2 Hour 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 IAD - See flight deals
AA from DCA - See flight deals
Delta from DCA - See flight deals
Southwest from DCA, BWI - See flight deals
Allegiant from IAD - 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) - 2.5 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 IAD - See flight deals
AA from DCA - See flight deals
Southwest from DCA - 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.
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - Just Under a 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?
Delta from IAD, DCA, BWI - See flight deals
AA from DCA - See flight deals
Frontier from BWI - See flight deals
Spirit from BWI - See flight deals
United from IAD - See flight deals
Southwest from DCA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $30+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Outdoors activities, restaurants, college sports, booming tech sector.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Raleigh
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Delta from DCA - See flight deals
AA from DCA - See flight deals
United from IAD - See flight deals
Southwest from BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Cancun & Tulum, Mexico (CUN) - 3.5 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 from BWI - See flight deals
Frontier from BWI - See flight deals
United from IAD - See flight deals
Southwest from BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 3.5 Hour 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 IAD - See flight deals
United from IAD - See flight deals
Spirit from BWI - See flight deals
Southwest from BWI - See flight deals
Allegiant from IAD - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $75+
Where can you stay?
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - 1.5 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 DCA, BWI - See flight deals
JetBlue from DCA - See flight deals
United from IAD - See flight deals
AA from DCA - See flight deals
Southwest from BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - Just Under a 4 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 IAD - See flight deals
Southwest from IAD, BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Turquoise waters, friendly people, and close proximity to Florida make the Bahamas a popular destination.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Nassau
When to go?
December - July to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms.
May - August to avoid crowds and surcharges.
November - February to avoid the summer heat.
Who can fly you there?
AA from DCA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Rent a car! Be prepared to drive on the left side of the road.
San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) - Just Under a 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing on the west side of the island, culture, and hiking. Oh and you don't need a passport to travel.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in San Juan
When to go?
December - July to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms.
April - June to avoid the busy winter and the upcoming rainy season.
Who can fly you there?
United from IAD - See flight deals
JetBlue from DCA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) - Just Under a 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
History, culture, family-friendly attractions, and water sports.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Charleston
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
AA from DCA - See flight deals
United from IAD - See flight deals
Southwest from BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Asheville, North Carolina (AVL) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Art, craft beer, and the Smoky Mountains. I'd recommend driving instead of flying, but it's your call!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Asheville
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
AA from DCA - See flight deals
Allegiant from BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $75+
Where can you stay?
Montreal, Quebec (YUL) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
More restaurants per capita than any other North American city.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Montreal
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
United from IAD - See flight deals
Air Canada from IAD, DCA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Here is a list of the BEST things to do in Montego Bay!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Montego Bay
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
United from IAD - See flight deals
Southwest from BWI - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM) - 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Scuba dive and relax on Seven Mile Beach. Other top attractions.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Grand Cayman
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
United from IAD - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Key West, Florida (EYW) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
A ridiculously good party scene, strange people, boat tours, scuba diving, museums, culture. Other top attractions.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Key West
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
United from IAD- See flight deals
AA from DCA- See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Beach-lovers beware. This is NOT a city with good beaches.
