Residents of Atlanta are in a unique position geographically and logistically. Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport (ATL) serves more airports than any other city in the US. If you have a hard-to-reach destination, you can probably get there on a direct flight from ATL.
With a vast array of short domestic destinations, there are also many international destinations within reach. Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Atlanta area within a 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 what you want to do at your destination.
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Beaches, outdoors activities, clubs, restaurants, culture. As a current resident in Miami, this is at the top of the list of weekend trips from Atlanta! I just ask that you please please please venture out beyond Miami Beach.
When to go?
Any time of the year, but best is October - February for perfect weather.
Who can fly you there?
AA from ATL - See flight deals
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
Jetblue from ATL - See flight deals
Southwest from ATL - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from ATL - See flight deals
Frontier Airlines from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
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.
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - Just Over 3 Hours
Why go?
Mountains, beer, National Parks, hiking, clean city, nice people.
When to go?
Year-round. Ski in the winter. Hike in the summer.
Who can fly you there?
AA from ATL - See flight deals
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
United from ATL - See flight deals
Frontier from ATL - See flight deals
Alaska from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Turquoise waters, friendly people, and close proximity to Florida make the Bahamas a popular destination.
When to go?
December to July to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms.
May to August to avoid crowds and surcharges.
November to February to avoid the summer heat.
Who can fly you there?
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Rent a car! Be prepared to drive on the left side of the road.
Puerto Rico - 3.5 Hours to San Juan (SJU)
Why go?
Surfing, culture, and hiking. Oh and you don't need a passport to travel.
When to go?
December to July to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms.
April to June to avoid the busy winter and the upcoming rainy season.
Who can fly you there?
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
Frontier from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Great city for history buffs and seafood enthusiasts.
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
Jetblue from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, people, cleanliness, Hockey Hall of Fame.
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
Air Canada from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Montreal, Quebec (YUL) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
More restaurants per capita than any other North American city.
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Museums, walking tours, great mass-transit and cherry blossoms. Fly to DCA for convenience.
When to go?
Year-round (spring season for cherry blossoms)
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from ATL - See flight deals
AA from ATL - See flight deals
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
United Airlines from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
For avid runners, pack your running shoes and go for daily runs around the White House, Washington Monument, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials.
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, bars, sports, rivers!
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
AA from ATL - See flight deals
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
Southwest from ATL - See flight deals
United Airlines from ATL - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
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) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
BBQ! BBQ! BBQ!
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
Southwest from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Visit the Power & Light District for a unique nightlife experience & go to Arthur Bryant's for BBQ.
Bermuda (BDA) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Pink sand beaches and diving.
When to go?
Year-round (might want to avoid hurricane season)
Who can fly you there?
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
History, culture, family-friendly attractions, and watersports.
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Music (not just country), endless bars, brewpubs, hot chicken.
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
Southwest from ATL - 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.
Asheville, North Carolina (RDU) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Art, craft beer, and the Smoky Mountains.
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Cancun, Mexico (CUN) - 2.5 Hours
Why go?
Your money goes a long way: all-inclusive hotels, nightlife, and activities.
When to go?
December to April for the best weather.
Avoid March Spring Break travel if you want to be in peace.
Who can fly you there?
Delta from ATL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $500+
Where can you stay?