Rochester, New York, nestled along the southern shore of Lake Ontario, is a city celebrated for its rich history, cultural diversity, and innovative spirit. Known as the "Flower City" for its historic ties to the floral industry, Rochester boasts a stunning array of parks and gardens, including the renowned Highland Park, home to the annual Lilac Festival. The city is also famous for its contributions to photography, with landmarks like the George Eastman Museum honoring the legacy of Kodak founder George Eastman. Rochester's vibrant arts scene thrives with theaters, galleries, and music venues showcasing local talent and international performances. The city's culinary landscape is equally diverse, with a thriving food scene ranging from classic diners to upscale eateries. With its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and innovative spirit, Rochester offers a dynamic and welcoming 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 Rochester, New York, 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.
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 ROC - See flight deals
Delta from ROC - See flight deals
United from ROC - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from ROC - See flight deals
JetBlue from ROC - See flight deals
Southwest from ROC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $80+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Chicago, Illinois (ORD, MDW) - 2 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 ROC - See flight deals
Southwest from ROC - See flight deals
United from ROC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $130+
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.
Washington, DC (IAD, DCA, BWI) - 1 Hour 10 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 ROC - See flight deals
AA from ROC - See flight deals
Allegiant from ROC - See flight deals
United from ROC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $200+
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.
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 ROC - See flight deals
Spirit Airways from ROC - See flight deals
Frontier from ROC - See flight deals
Southwest from ROC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $150+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Atlanta, Georgia (ATL) - 2 Hour 10 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 ROC - See flight deals
Southwest from ROC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $400+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
Pro Tip:
Walk some of the BeltLine and stop at stores, bars, and restaurants.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (PHL) - 1 Hour 10 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 ROC - See flight deals
Spirit Airlines from ROC - See flight deals
Southwest from ROC - See flight deals
Frontier Airlines from ROC - 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 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 ROC - See flight deals
AA from ROC - See flight deals
How much will it cost to get there?
Airfare: $350+
Where can you stay?
Who will pick you up?
