6 Best Weekend Getaways from Columbia, South Carolina (within a 4-hour flight)
- Jordan Hinsch
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Columbia, South Carolina, is the state's capital and largest city, known for its rich history, vibrant arts scene, and strong educational institutions like the University of South Carolina. Located in the heart of the state, it offers a blend of Southern charm, outdoor recreation, and cultural attractions, including the Riverbanks Zoo, the South Carolina State House, and Congaree National Park.
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 Columbia, South Carolina, 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.
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 2 Hour 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?
Frontier from CAE - See flight deals
Southwest from CAE - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $53+
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.
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 1 Hour 45 Minute 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?
American from CAE - See flight deals
Spirit from CAE - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $29+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the following neighborhoods to step away from the "typical Miami": Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Midtown, Edgewater.
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 1 Hour 30 Minute 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?
Allegiant from CAE - See flight deals
Spirit from CAE - See flight deals
Frontier from CAE - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $42+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?York
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - 1 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Museums, walking tours, great mass-transit and cherry blossoms. Fly to DCA for convenience.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Washington DC
When to go?
Year-round (spring season for cherry blossoms)
Who can fly you there?
Southern Airways Express from CAE - See flight deals
American from CAE - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $61+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
For avid runners, pack your running shoes and go for daily runs around the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - 2 Hour 15 Minute 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?
Delta from CAE - See flight deals
United from CAE - See flight deals
JetBlue from CAE - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $74+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - 2 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?
American from CAE - See flight deals
Frontier from CAE - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $64+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
