Vancouver, Washington, is a vibrant city located just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon, offering a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience. As the fourth-largest city in Washington state, Vancouver is known for its rich history, with landmarks such as the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and the Pearson Field Historic District, which celebrate the region’s early settler and aviation history. The city is surrounded by scenic landscapes, including the nearby Columbia River Gorge and numerous parks and trails, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. With a thriving downtown area filled with restaurants, boutiques, and cultural attractions, as well as excellent schools and a growing economy, Vancouver offers a high quality of life. Its proximity to Portland and ease of access to major highways make it an attractive option for those looking to enjoy the benefits of the Pacific Northwest while remaining just outside the bustle of Portland’s urban core.
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 Vancouver, Washington 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) - 2 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
Gambling, Hoover Dam, Death Valley National Park, Valley of Fire State Park, Partying, more Gambling.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Las Vegas
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Frontier from PDX - See flight deals
Spirit from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $10+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - 2 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Sports, City Life, Culture, Fame, Disneyland, Food.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Los Angeles
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Frontier from PDX - See flight deals
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
Delta from PDX - See flight deals
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) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Tours, Food, Silicon Valley, Golden Gate Bridge, Surfing
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in San Francisco
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
United from PDX - See flight deals
Frontier from PDX - See flight deals
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $10+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
San Diego, California (SAN) - 2 Hour 30 Minute Flight
Why go?
Surfing, Hiking, Zoo, Mountain Biking, Partying.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in San Diego
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $60+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 2 Hour 30 Minute 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 PDX - See flight deals
Southwest from PDX - See flight deals
Frontier from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $25+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Seattle, Washington (SEA) - 1 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?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Seattle
When to go?
Summer (you can't really avoid the rain but you can pray)
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $60+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the REI flagship store. Wow.
Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR) - 1 Hour 10 Minute 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?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Vancouver
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from PDX - See flight deals
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $80+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 3 Hour 50 Minute 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?
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Calgary, Alberta (YYC) - 1 Hour 45 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?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Calgary
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
WestJet from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) - 1 Hour 50 Minute Flight
Why go?
Skiing, Salt Flats, Mormons, and great National Parks within a moderate drive.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Salt Lake City
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Frontier from PDX - See flight deals
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
Delta from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) - 3 Hour 25 Minute 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?
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Visit the Power & Light District for a unique nightlife experience & go to Arthur Bryant's for BBQ.
Lake Tahoe, CA & NV (RNO) - 1 Hour 25 Minute 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?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Alaska from PDX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $60+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
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