Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful place to live, but travel is necessary to escape the heat and explore other areas of the country and world. 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 Fort Lauderdale 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.
Bear in Mind: When traveling internationally, you may be required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test or proof of vaccination. Check relevant embassy websites for the most up to date information.
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 1 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.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Spirit Airways from FLL - See flight deals
Silver Airways from FLL - See flight deals
Southwest from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
It might not be the same city it was before, but it'll always make for a great weekend getaway.
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?
Delta from FLL - See flight deals
United from FLL - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from FLL - See flight deals
JetBlue from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $75+
Where can you stay?
Toronto, Ontario (YYZ, YTZ) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, people, cleanliness, Hockey Hall of Fame.
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Air Canada from FLL - See flight deals
WestJet from FLL - See flight deals
Flair Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $75+
Where can you stay?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - Just Under a 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
History, sports, cheesesteaks
When to go?
Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
AA from FLL - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
Frontier Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - 2.5 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 FLL - See flight deals
AA from FLL - See flight deals
JetBlue from FLL - See flight deals
United from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $125+
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) - Just Over a 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, bars, sports, rivers!
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
AA from FLL - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
Southwest from FLL - See flight deals
United from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
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) - Just Over a 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
BBQ! BBQ! BBQ!
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Visit the Power & Light District for a unique nightlife experience & go to Arthur Bryant's for BBQ.
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?
JetBlue from FLL - See flight deals
Southwest from FLL - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $75+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Jazz music, other music, culture, architecture, partying, passionate football fans.
When to go?
Spring, Summer, Fall
Who can fly you there?
JetBlue from FLL - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
Southwest from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $75+
Where can you stay?
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.
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - Just Under a 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Brew pubs, art, nightlife, Mexican food.
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from FLL - See flight deals
Frontier from FLL - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
JetBlue from FLL - See flight deals
Southwest from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU) - 2 Hour Flight
Why go?
Outdoors activities, restaurants, college sports, booming tech sector.
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Delta from FLL - See flight deals
Avelo from FLL - See flight deals
JetBlue from FLL - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
Southwest from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
Food, Art, Music, BBQ, Tech, Bach Parties, and All-Around Fun!
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Spirit Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
Southwest from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Cancun, Mexico (CUN) - 2 Hour Flight
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 at peace.
Who can fly you there?
Spirit Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
JetBlue from FLL - See flight deals
Southwest from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $175+
Where can you stay?
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - Just Over a 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
History and cool summertime temps!
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
Who can fly you there?
Delta from FLL - See flight deals
JetBlue from FLL - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
Turquoise waters, friendly people, and close proximity to Florida make the Bahamas a popular destination.
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?
JetBlue from FLL - See flight deals
Bahamasair from FLL - See flight deals
Tropic Ocean Airways from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Rent a car! Be prepared to drive on the left side of the road.
San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Surfing, culture, and hiking. Oh and you don't need a passport to travel.
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?
JetBlue from FLL - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
Southwest from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
History, culture, family-friendly attractions, and water sports.
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
JetBlue from FLL - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
Silver Airways from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
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!
When to go?
Spring, Summer and Fall
Who can fly you there?
Allegiant from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $40+
Where can you stay?
Montreal, Quebec (YUL) - Just Under a 3.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
More restaurants per capita than any other North American city.
When to go?
Summer
Who can fly you there?
Flair Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
Air Transat from FLL - See flight deals
Air Canada from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ) - 1 Hour 45 Minute Flight
Why go?
Here is a list of the BEST things to do in Montego Bay!
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
JetBlue from FLL - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from FLL - See flight deals
Southwest from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM) - 1.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Scuba dive and relax on Seven Mile Beach. Other top attractions.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Southwest from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Key West, Florida (EYW) - 1 Hour Flight
Why go?
A ridiculously good party scene, strange people, boat tours, scuba diving, museums, culture. Other top attractions.
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Silver Airways from FLL - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Pro Tip:
Beach-lovers beware. This is NOT a city with good beaches.
