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Writer's pictureJordan Hinsch

12 Best Weekend Getaways from Riverside, California (within a 4-hour flight)


12 Best Weekend Getaways from Riverside, California (within a 4-hour flight)

Riverside, California, nestled in the heart of the Inland Empire, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, scenic beauty, and dynamic cultural scene. As the birthplace of California's citrus industry, it boasts charming neighborhoods, historic landmarks like the Riverside National Cemetery and the Mission Inn, and a thriving arts community. Surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, Riverside offers a blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, with access to outdoor activities, lively downtown areas, and a diverse population. With a warm climate and a range of cultural, educational, and recreational opportunities, Riverside embodies the relaxed yet energetic spirit of Southern California.


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 Riverside, California 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.




Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 1 Hour 10 Minute 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: $20+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


San Francisco, California (SFO, SJC, OAK) - 1 Hour 30 Minute 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: $50+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?





Seattle, Washington (SEA) - 2 Hour 45 Minute 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: $90+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?

Pro Tip:

  • Visit the REI flagship store. Wow.


Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR) - 3 Hour Flight


Why go?

  • Vancouver boasts a stunning blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking natural beauty, offering visitors a unique experience of world-class dining, diverse cultures, and abundant outdoor activities all in one place.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Year-Round

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $140+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?





Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 2 Hour 15 Minute 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: $80+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Portland, Oregon (PDX) - 2 Hour 20 Minute 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: $20+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 3 Hour 35 Minute 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: $150+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?

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.




Austin, Texas (AUS) - 2 Hour 40 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: $350+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?



Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 3 Hour 45 Minute 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: $400+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?

Pro Tip:

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


Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 4 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: $200+

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.






San Diego, California (SAN) - 1 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: $320+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?


Calgary, Alberta (YYC) - 3 Hour 15 Minute Flight


Why go?

  • Calgary is a vibrant city that serves as a gateway to the majestic Rocky Mountains, offering a dynamic mix of modern attractions, rich cultural festivals, and immediate access to outdoor adventures.

What to do?

When to go?

  • Summer

Who can fly you there?

How much will it cost to get there?

  • Airfare: $200+

Where can you stay?

Who will pick you up?






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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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