Time for a mini weekend vacay? After researching weekend flight pricing from LAX and BUR, we've compiled the top 8 cheapest nonstop roundtrip destinations reachable from Los Angeles on a 3-day weekend. Every destination on this list is served by direct, roundtrip flights—so you're spending your hours at the destination, not in a connecting terminal.
Here's what we found. The top 8 cheapest weekend destinations from Los Angeles:
- Provo, UT (PVU)
- Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
- San Francisco, CA (SFO)
- San Jose, CA (SJC)
- Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
- Seattle, WA (SEA)
- Portland, OR (PDX)
- Monterey, CA (MRY)
1) Provo, UT (PVU) for $50
Our research found that Provo consistently appears across both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon schedules, and the Fri–Mon fares are dramatically cheaper than the Thu–Sun alternative. The 7:09 pm Friday departure is the most common time in our research. If you need a cheap Utah escape, this is your best bet.
Top things to do: Provo, UT
Provo offers mountain access without city chaos—the nearby Cascades and Wasatch peaks provide hiking, mountain biking, and paragliding opportunities, while downtown Provo has revitalized into a genuine walkable district. A rental car opens wilderness access; downtown is bikeable. The young, creative population means excellent coffee, international food, and outdoor-focused culture.
2) Las Vegas, NV (LAS) for $50
Based on our weekend flight analysis, Vegas from LAX is near-universal in our research. Vegas appeared in almost every search with both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares well covered. The Fri–Mon fares win on price, and the 7:05 pm Friday departure is the most common time we've tracked. The easiest cheap weekend flight you'll find from LAX.
Top things to do: Las Vegas, NV
Vegas is a designed experience of maximum intensity—the Strip's architectural stunts and fountains, Fremont Street's neon nostalgia, and the sheer entertainment engineering create pure escapism. Monorail and rideshares handle everything; the city is compact and walkable. The restaurant scene surprises with legitimate world-class cooking and innovation. Check out our Weekend Guide to Las Vegas for even more travel ideas.
3) San Francisco, CA (SFO) for $100
Our flight data shows that SFO is the most consistently available cheap weekend flight from LAX. SFO appeared in every single search with both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares equally represented. The Fri–Mon fares are cheaper, and the 8:01 pm Friday departure is by far the most common. A completely predictable, dependable route.
Top things to do: San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is compact, walkable, and genuine—the Mission District's murals and burritos, the Haight's counterculture history, and the coastal Cliff House offer variety within a small footprint. Public transit and bicycles dominate; a car is unnecessary downtown. The food obsession, neighborhood character, and genuine weirdness make it endlessly interesting. Check out our Weekend Guide to San Francisco for even more travel ideas.
4) San Jose, CA (SJC) for $100
According to our 2026 research, SJC from LAX is a rare find. SJC only appeared in a handful of searches, and only on the Fri–Mon schedule. But the price when it shows up is excellent. The 6:07 pm Friday departure is the one to watch. Rare enough that it's worth acting quickly when it surfaces.
Top things to do: San Jose, CA
San Jose blends tech culture with surprising charm—the Rosicrucian Museum offers unexpected art and history, the rose gardens deliver botanical peace, and the Vietnamese community creates exceptional pho and Asian cuisine. Rideshares work well; light rail increasingly connects neighborhoods. The tech-driven prosperity has transformed the dining and cultural scene. Check out our Weekend Guide to San Jose for even more travel ideas.
5) Phoenix, AZ (PHX) for $100
Our study indicates that Phoenix from LAX has both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares well represented, but the Thursday-departing fares are actually cheaper here. The 7:48 pm Thursday departure is the most common time we've tracked. Don't assume Friday is cheaper. It's not on this route.
Top things to do: Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix surprises with desert beauty—the Camelback Mountain hike, the Desert Botanical Garden's plant collections, and the Roosevelt Row Arts District's street art create an aesthetic experience beyond the heat. Rideshares and cars both work; sprawl is real. The food scene has evolved significantly—serious chefs are exploring Southwestern and innovative cuisines. Check out our Weekend Guide to Phoenix for even more travel ideas.
6) Seattle, WA (SEA) for $200
Based on flight data from our analysis, Seattle shows up almost constantly from LAX. Both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares are well covered, and the Fri–Mon fares are the better deal. The 7:40 pm Friday departure is the most common time in our research. Reliable and easy to find last-minute.
Top things to do: Seattle, WA
Seattle delivers coffee, rain, and authenticity—Pike Place Market's sensory experience, Elliott Bay waterfront walks, and the nearby mountain and island escapes create Pacific Northwest character. Public transit and bicycles handle transportation well; a car is optional. The coffee culture is genuine—third-wave roasters and specialty importers set the world standard. Check out our Weekend Guide to Seattle for even more travel ideas.
7) Portland, OR (PDX) for $200
Our flight research demonstrates that Portland is one of the most predictable cheap weekend flights from LAX. Every search turned up results, with both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares fully represented. The Fri–Mon fares win on price, and the 6:19 pm Friday departure is the most common outbound time we've seen. A rock-solid option.
Top things to do: Portland, OR
Portland rewards wanderers and foodies—Powell's Books is a full afternoon's exploration, the Pearl District galleries and breweries, and the Forest Park urban trails offer unexpected nature. Bicycles are the local transport; walkable neighborhoods eliminate the need for a car. The food philosophy emphasizes local, seasonal, sustainable—and the results are genuinely exceptional. Check out our Weekend Guide to Portland for even more travel ideas.
8) Monterey, CA (MRY) for $200
Data from our study shows that Monterey barely surfaced in our research, appearing only once per schedule. That rarity makes it a real find when the price is right. The 8:59 pm Friday departure is the one to watch. If you see a cheap MRY fare from LAX, grab it.
Top things to do: Monterey, CA
Monterey captures California's coastal romance—the Monterey Bay Aquarium is world-class, the scenic 17-Mile Drive offers dramatic coastlines, and nearby Big Sur provides extraordinary hiking and views. A rental car is necessary; the town itself is walkable. Fresh seafood from the working waterfront is exceptional, and the marine life and otters add genuine joy.
Ready to escape Los Angeles for a weekend?
On Skyweekend, you could find cheap, last-minute weekend flights from Los Angeles to anywhere across the US. Our flights are roundtrip and perfectly-timed for a weekend getaway. Explore flights.
