Tucson, Arizona, is a vibrant city known for its stunning desert landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and thriving arts scene. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by five mountain ranges, Tucson offers ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, including hiking, biking, and exploring the unique flora and fauna of Saguaro National Park. The city's cultural diversity is celebrated through numerous events and festivals, such as the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show and the All Souls Procession. Tucson is also home to the University of Arizona, which adds a youthful energy and a wealth of educational and cultural resources to the city. Historic districts like El Presidio and Barrio Viejo feature beautifully preserved adobe architecture and a mix of galleries, shops, and restaurants. With its sunny climate, scenic beauty, and rich blend of traditions, Tucson provides a warm and inviting atmosphere 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 Tucson, Arizona, 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.
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 2 Hour 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 PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $20+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - 1 Hour 30 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?
United from ____ - See flight deals
Delta from TUS - See flight deals
Alaska from TUS - See flight deals
SkyWest from TUS - See flight deals
Horizon from TUS - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 1 Hour 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?
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
Spirit from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $10+
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 PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $20+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Seattle, Washington (SEA) - 3 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?
United from PHX - See flight deals
Delta from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
Alaska from PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - 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 REI flagship store. Wow.
San Diego, California (SAN) - 1 Hour 15 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?
Delta from PHX - See flight deals
Alaska from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $10+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) - 1 Hour 35 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?
Delta from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $10+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Calgary, Alberta (YYC) - 3 Hour 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?
Air Canada from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $90+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 3 Hour 20 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?
AA from PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
United from PHX - 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.
Portland, Oregon (PDX) - 2 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Surfing. Oregon coast is only 1 hour away. Mt. Hood is nearby as well.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Portland
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from PHX - See flight deals
Alaska from PHX - See flight deals
SkyWest from PHX - See flight deals
Horizon from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $90+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 3 Hour 30 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?
Delta from PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 3 Hour 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 PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
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.
Vancouver, British Columbia (YVR) - 3 Hour 15 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 PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 2 Hour 20 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?
AA from TUS, PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 3 Hour 15 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 PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
Cancun & Tulum, Mexico (CUN) - 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Your money goes a long way in Cancun: all-inclusive hotels, nightlife, and activities.
Your money doesn’t go very far in Tulum: boutique hotels (some are grossly overpriced), many hotels have no air conditioning, taxis and bike rentals will try to rip you off.
If you’re looking for clubs and nightlife, go to Tulum Beach.
If you’re looking for culture and less expensive eats, go to Tulum Centro.
Tulum is actually a great experience if you have the right mindset going into your vacation.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Cancun
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Tulum
When to go?
December to April for the best weather.
Avoid March Spring Break travel if you want to be at peace.
Who can fly you there?
Spirit Airways from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) - 2 Hour 30 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?
United from PHX - See flight deals
Frontier from PHX - See flight deals
Southwest from PHX - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
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.
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