Newark, New Jersey, a bustling city located just outside of New York City, is a vibrant cultural and economic hub. As one of the nation's oldest cities, Newark boasts a rich history reflected in its diverse neighborhoods, historic landmarks, and thriving arts scene. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Newark Museum, the largest museum in New Jersey, showcasing art, science, and natural history exhibits. The city's Ironbound District is renowned for its authentic Portuguese and Spanish cuisine, offering a culinary journey through vibrant markets and family-owned restaurants. Newark is also a major transportation hub, home to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) and bustling train stations connecting travelers to destinations throughout the region. With its dynamic blend of culture, history, and accessibility, Newark offers a vibrant urban 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 Newark, 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.
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 2 Hour 45 Minute 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 EWR - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from EWR - See flight deals
Frontier from EWR - See flight deals
Southwest from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $60+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 2 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 EWR - See flight deals
Southwest from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $70+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 3 Hour 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 EWR - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from EWR - See flight deals
Southwest from EWR - 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 following neighborhoods to step away from the "typical Miami": Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Midtown, Edgewater.
New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 3 Hour 20 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 JFK - See flight deals
Frontier from JFK - See flight deals
Southwest from JFK - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
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 25 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 LGA - See flight deals
AA from LGA - See flight deals
Allegiant from LGA - See flight deals
United from LGA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
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.
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?
AA from EWR - See flight deals
Southwest from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $140+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 2 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 EWR - See flight deals
Southwest from EWR - See flight deals
Frontier 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:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
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?
AA from EWR- See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $30+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Key West, Florida (EYW) - 3 Hour 10 Minute Flight
Why go?
A ridiculously good party scene, strange people, boat tours, scuba diving, museums, culture. Other top attractions.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Key West
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Silver Airways from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Beach-enthusiasts beware. This is NOT a destination with good beaches.
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?
AA from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT) – 2 Hour 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 fromLGA - See flight deals
AA from LGA - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $30+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) - 3 Hour 15 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 EWR - See flight deals
Frontier from JFK - See flight deals
Southwest from JFK- 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.
Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) - 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Here is a list of the BEST things to do in Montego Bay!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Montego Bay
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Frontier from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) - 3 Hour 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 JFK - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
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.
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM) - 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Scuba dive and relax on Seven Mile Beach. Other top attractions.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Grand Cayman
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Cayman Airways from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Bermuda (BDA) - 2 Hour 15 Minute 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 EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) - 4 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing on the west side of the island, culture, and hiking. Oh and you don't need a passport to travel.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in San Juan
When to go?
December - July to avoid hurricanes and tropical storms.
April - June to avoid the busy winter and the upcoming rainy season.
Who can fly you there?
AA from EWR - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU) - 1 Hour 40 Minute 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 EWR - See flight deals
AA from LGA - See flight deals
Southwest from JFK - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $130+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
