Jersey City, New Jersey, is a dynamic urban hub located just across the Hudson River from Lower Manhattan, offering stunning views of the New York City skyline. As one of the state's largest cities, Jersey City is known for its diverse neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, and rapid development, particularly along its waterfront. The city is home to a mix of historic buildings, modern high-rises, and expansive parks, such as Liberty State Park, which provides access to waterfront recreation and iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. With a robust public transportation network, including ferries and the PATH train, Jersey City offers easy access to Manhattan while maintaining its own distinctive character. The city’s blend of rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, and growing business district make it an increasingly popular place to live, work, and explore.
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 Jersey City, New Jersey 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.
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 2 Hour 40 Minute 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?
Frontier from EWR/JFK - See flight deals
JetBlue from JFK - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $20+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - 1 Hour 10 Minute 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?
Spirit from EWR - See flight deals
JetBlue from JFK - See flight deals
United from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $25+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 3 Hour 10 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?
AA from JFK - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from EWR - See flight deals
Delta from JFK - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $30+
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) - 3 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?
Spirit Airways from EWR - See flight deals
Frontier from JFK - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $20+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 2 Hour 40 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?
Spirit from EWR - See flight deals
JetBlue from JFK - See flight deals
United from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $40+
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.
New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 3 Hour 30 Minute 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 EWR - See flight deals
Spirit from JFK - See flight deals
Delta from JFK - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $30+
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) - 4 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 JFK - See flight deals
Spirit from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $80+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ, YTZ) - 1 Hour 40 Minute 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?
Porter Airlines from EWR - See flight deals
American from JFK - See flight deals
Flair Airlines from JFK - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $40+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - 1 Hour 20 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?
JetBlue from JFK - See flight deals
United from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $90+
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.
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 2 Hour 25 Minute 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 EWR - See flight deals
Spirit from EWR - See flight deals
American from JFK - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $25+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
Montreal, Quebec (YUL) - 1 Hour 25 Minute 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?
Air Canada from JFK/EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) - 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?
JetBlue from EWR - See flight deals
Spirit from EWR - See flight deals
Delta from JFK - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $30+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Quebec City, Quebec (YQB) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Quebec City enchants visitors with its charming old-world atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and the historic beauty of Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in rich history and French culture.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Quebec City
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
United from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Asheville, North Carolina (AVL) - 2 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?
Allegiant from EWR - See flight deals
United from EWR - 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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