Providence, Rhode Island, is a charming and historic city known for its rich cultural scene, prestigious educational institutions, and vibrant waterfront. As the capital and largest city of Rhode Island, Providence boasts a blend of historic charm and modern innovation. The city is home to renowned institutions such as Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), which contribute to its lively arts and academic communities. Visitors can explore the historic Federal Hill neighborhood, famous for its Italian heritage and culinary delights, or stroll along the scenic Riverwalk, which hosts the spectacular WaterFire art installation during summer and fall. Providence's downtown area features a mix of historic architecture, trendy boutiques, and diverse dining options. With its dynamic blend of history, culture, and scenic beauty, Providence offers a welcoming and enriching experience for residents and visitors alike.
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 Providence, Rhode Island, 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.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - 1 Hour 35 Minute 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?
AA from BOS - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from BOS - See flight deals
Southwest from BOS - See flight deals
Frontier Airlines from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $10+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 3 Hour 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?
Delta from BOS - See flight deals
Southwest from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $80+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 2 Hour 45 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 BOS - See flight deals
Southwest from BOS - See flight deals
Frontier from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
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 BOS - See flight deals
Frontier from BOS - See flight deals
Southwest from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $90+
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.
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?
Southwest from BOS - See flight deals
AA from BOS, PVD - See flight deals
Allegiant from BOS - See flight deals
United from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $30+
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) - 1 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?
AA from BOS, PVD - See flight deals
Delta from BOS - See flight deals
United from BOS - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from BOS - See flight deals
JetBlue from BOS - See flight deals
Southwest from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $30+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
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?
Allegiant from BOS - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from BOS - See flight deals
Frontier from BOS - See flight deals
Southwest from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $60+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 3 Hour 25 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 BOS - See flight deals
JetBlue from PVD - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from BOS - See flight deals
Southwest from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $40+
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.
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 3 Hour 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?
AA from BOS, PVD - See flight deals
Southwest from BOS - See flight deals
United from BOS - 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 bourbon enthusiasts, visit Untitled Supper Club on W Kinzie for an incredible speakeasy experience.
Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) - 2 Hour 15 Minute 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?
AA from PVD - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $30+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ, YTZ) - 2 Hour 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?
Air Canada from BOS - See flight deals
WestJet from BOS - See flight deals
Swoop from BOS - See flight deals
Flair Airlines from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
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?
AA from BOS - See flight deals
Delta from BOS - See flight deals
United Airlines from BOS - See flight deals
Air Canada from BOS - 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 20 Minute 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?
AA from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $40+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Bermuda (BDA) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Pink sand beaches and diving.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Bermuda
When to go?
Year-round (might want to avoid hurricane season)
Who can fly you there?
AA from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) – 2 Hour 20 Minute Flight
Why go?
Diverse Cultural Attractions, Thriving Food Scene, Outdoor Activities, Sports Hub, Historical Significance, Shopping, Festivals and Events.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Charlotte
When to go?
The best times to visit Charlotte are March–May and September–November.
Who can fly you there?
Frontier from BOS - See flight deals
AA from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $30+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Outdoors activities, restaurants, college sports, booming tech sector.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Raleigh
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Delta from BOS - See flight deals
AA from BOS - See flight deals
Southwest from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) - 3 Hour 25 Minute Flight
Why go?
Turquoise waters, friendly people, and close proximity to Florida make the Bahamas a popular destination.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Nassau
When to go?
December - July to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms.
May - August to avoid crowds and surcharges.
November - February to avoid the summer heat.
Who can fly you there?
AA from BOS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Rent a car instead! Be prepared to drive on the left side of the road.