I've written quite a few weekend getaway posts and I can confidently say that Minneapolis has the most destinations within a 4 hour flight. That says something about the tremendous reach MSP offers its locals!
Here are some weekend getaway ideas for locals in the Minneapolis 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.
Miami, Florida (MIA, FLL) - 3.5 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 MSP - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from MSP - See flight deals
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - 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 following neighborhoods to step away from the "typical Miami": Wynwood, Brickell, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Midtown, Edgewater.
Orlando, Florida (MCO) - 3 Hour 15 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?
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
Frontier from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
New York, New York (JFK, LGA, EWR, ISP, HPN) - 2 Hour 45 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 MSP - See flight deals
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
United from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
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 MSP - See flight deals
WestJet from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - 2.5 Hour 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 MSP - See flight deals
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
Frontier Airlines from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
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.
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 MSP - See flight deals
AA from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
United from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
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.
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 1.5 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 MSP - See flight deals
Southwest from MSP - See flight deals
United from MSP - See flight deals
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
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.
Kansas City, Missouri (MCI) - 1.5 Hour 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?
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - 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.
Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - 2 Hour 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?
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Southwest from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Stay in the Gulch or near printer's alley.
New Orleans, Louisiana (MSY) - 2.5 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?
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - 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.
Seattle, Washington (SEA) - 3.5 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?
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Alaska from MSP - 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 REI flagship store. Wow.
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 2.5 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 MSP - See flight deals
Frontier from MSP - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Raleigh, North Carolina (RDU) - 2.5 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 MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Lake Tahoe, CA & NV (RNO) - 3 Hour 40 Minute Flight
Why go?
Gorgeous Lake Tahoe! Skiing, water sports, gambling, great scenery, interesting people. Reno is the closest airport, about 45 minutes away.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Lake Tahoe
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
San Diego, California (SAN) - 4 Hour 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 MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Los Angeles, California (LAX, BUR, SNA, LGB, SBA, ONT) - 4 Hour 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?
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $100+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Austin, Texas (AUS) - 2 Hour 40 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?
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Southwest from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Jackson Hole, Wyoming (JAC) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Bears, Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, skiing, golfing, horseback riding, rustic boutique hotels, cool people.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Jackson Hole
When to go?
Year-round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $500+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Make sure you have time to visit both Yellowstone and Grand Teton. Jenny Lake is a must.
Boston, Massachusetts (BOS) - 3 Hour Flight
Why go?
History and cool summertime temps!
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Boston
When to go?
Summer for the best weather, but peak rates for solid hotels.
Who can fly you there?
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
JetBlue from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
San Francisco, California (SFO, SJC, OAK) - 4 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?
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS) - 3.5 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?
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
Southwest from MSP - See flight deals
Spirit from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Denver, Colorado (DEN) - 2 Hour 15 Minute 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?
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
United from MSP - See flight deals
Southwest from MSP - See flight deals
Frontier from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $50+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Salt Lake City, Utah (SLC) - 3 Hour 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 MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $300+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Charleston, South Carolina (CHS) - 2 Hour 45 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?
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
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?
Allegiant from MSP - 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) - 2.5 Hour 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?
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Air Canada from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $250+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Bozeman, Montana (BZN) - 2.5 Hour Flight
Why go?
Skiing, Hiking, Waterfalls, Museums, Rivers, and of course Yellowstone National Park (1.5-hour drive). It's possible to do the park in one day from Bozeman, but if going to the park is your goal, I'd recommend staying closer to the park in West Yellowstone.
What to do?
Click here to view The BEST Things to Do in Bozeman
When to go?
Year-Round
Who can fly you there?
Delta from MSP - See flight deals
Sun Country from MSP - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
