Best Weekend Flights Departing from SFO and OAK

Living in the Bay Area offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration, but sometimes it’s nice to get away for a little change of scenery. Whether you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway or a longer vacation, there are plenty of options for Bay Area residents to choose from.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best 3-day weekend trips that can be taken from San Francisco, including flights to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Maui.

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Vegas, Baby! A Quick Flight from SFO/OAK

Las Vegas is one of the easiest weekend escapes from the Bay. It’s a quick 1 hour 20 min flight from OAK, and you don’t even need to gamble to make it worth it. Check out the newest hot resorts like The Cromwell and the glimmering Resorts World—both are central, walkable, and with tons to do onsite.

The city is constantly evolving, with new spots opening every month, like Ocean Prime (amazing steaks) and long-running shows like Absinthe that still hold up. Whether it’s a spa day, people-watching, a quick Grand Canyon trip, there’s always something to build an getaway around.

Find nonstop weekend flights to LAS for as low as $64. Explore flights.

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Tall and Majestic: Exploring the Redwoods

If you’re craving a nature escape without going far, the redwoods forests just outside San Francisco offer a quiet, dramatic reset. Head to Muir Woods National Monument (just 30 minutes north) to walk among 250-foot-tall coastal redwoods in a peaceful, mossy canyon. For something less crowded, Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve near Guerneville or Portola Redwoods State Park in the Santa Cruz Mountains offer deeper hikes and fewer people.

These ancient trees—some more than 1,000 years old—create an atmosphere that’s both humbling and calming. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just want to breathe in the stillness for a couple of hours, the Redwoods near SF deliver way more than just scenery.

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Los Angeles: A World of Entertainment

Los Angeles is an ideal weekend escape from the Bay Area, with frequent flights from SFO. Spend an afternoon exploring The Getty Center, stroll along the iconic Santa Monica Pier, or catch a film at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. For shopping, head to Melrose Avenue or The Grove, and don’t miss the vibrant street art and food scene in Downtown LA’s Arts District. With year-round sunshine and beaches like Venice and Malibu, Los Angeles is a perfect warm-weather getaway just a short flight away.

Find nonstop weekend flights to LAX for as low as $88. Explore flights.

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Camping and Hiking in the Sierras

If you’re craving mountain air and wide-open trails, the Sierra Nevada is more accessible than you might think. You can fly from OAK or SFO to Reno-Tahoe International Airport in under an hour, putting you within striking distance of Lake Tahoe, Truckee, and the surrounding wilderness.

From there, it’s an easy drive to countless hiking trails, alpine lakes, and campgrounds. Whether you’re planning a backpacking trip or just want a quiet cabin weekend with trail access, flying into the Tahoe National Forest can turn a regular weekend into something completely restorative.

Find nonstop weekend flights to RNO for as low as $92. Find flights.

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Escape to Paradise: A Weekend in Maui

For those looking for a more tropical getaway, Maui is the perfect destination. With flights departing regularly from SFO to Kahului Airport (OGG), it’s a quick and easy trip to paradise. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, take a hike in the lush Haleakalā National Park, or indulge in some delicious local cuisine, Maui has something for everyone. And with its beautiful resorts and world-class spas, it’s the perfect place to unwind and escape the stress of everyday life.

Find weekend flights to OGG (Maui) for as low as $243. Find flights.

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Portland: Where Chill Meets Craft

Looking for a slower, quirkier pace of life? Portland offers sprawling parks, coffee culture (looking at you, Stumptown), and a food scene that punches way above its weight. With nonstop flights from SFO and OAK clocking in at just under two hours, it’s easy to spend a weekend sipping craft cocktails, perusing Powell’s City of Books, and eating to your heart’s desire at the local chicken and rice hotspot, Nong’s Khao Man Gai. Stroll through the local Japanese Garden, bike along the riverfront, or head into the nearby Columbia River Gorge for epic waterfall hikes. Portland is truly the city for experiencing “The Dream of the 90s” (as the iconic namesake show Portlandia aptly puts it).

Snatch up weekend flights to PDX (Portland) for as low as $152. Find flights.

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