Need your next weekend getaway? After analyzing weekend flight availability patterns out of Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX), we've identified the top 8 cheapest nonstop roundtrip destinations reachable from Phoenix on a 3-day weekend. Every city here is connected by direct, roundtrip flights—no layovers eating into your trip.
Here's what we found. The top 8 cheapest weekend destinations from Phoenix:
- Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
- Denver, CO (DEN)
- Santa Ana, CA (SNA)
- Seattle, WA (SEA)
- Portland, OR (PDX)
- Los Angeles, CA (LAX)
- San Francisco, CA (SFO)
- San Diego, CA (SAN)
1) Las Vegas, NV (LAS) for $50
Based on our 2026 flights study, Vegas from PHX barely appeared in our research. Just a handful of cheap fares surfaced, split evenly across Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon schedules. The Fri–Mon fares are the better deal. The 8:27 pm Friday departure is the one to book. Rare, but the price when it shows up is genuinely excellent.
Top things to do: Las Vegas, NV
Vegas delivers maximum sensory experience—the Strip's architectural spectacle, the Bellagio fountains and conservation, and the Fremont Street vintage neon each tell Vegas stories. Monorail and rideshares eliminate the need for a car; everything is walkable. Exceptional restaurants and rooftop bars add genuine sophistication beyond the casinos. Check out our Weekend Guide to Las Vegas for even more travel ideas.
2) Denver, CO (DEN) for $100
Our flights study reveals that Denver from PHX is one of the most reliable cheap weekend routes on this list. Denver appeared in every single search with both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares fully covered. The Fri–Mon fares are consistently cheaper, and the 6:45 pm Thursday departure is the most common time we've seen despite the Friday fares being the better deal. Worth checking both schedules, as Fri–Mon tends to be the cheaper option.
Top things to do: Denver, CO
Denver blends high-altitude adventure with urban culture—Red Rocks for hiking and concerts, the RiNo Art District for street art and breweries, and easy Rocky Mountain access. Light rail and rideshares work; a rental car opens wilderness access. The altitude adjustment takes a day, but the crisp air and abundant sun make it worth it. Check out our Weekend Guide to Denver for even more travel ideas.
3) Santa Ana, CA (SNA) for $100
According to data from our study, Santa Ana from PHX is consistently available, but here's the key insight: the Thursday-departing fares are dramatically cheaper than the Friday fares. One of the biggest pricing gaps in our research. The 8:32 pm Thursday departure is by far the most common time we've tracked, and Thursday is often the much cheaper option here.
Top things to do: Santa Ana, CA
Santa Ana opens doors to Orange County culture—the historic downtown galleries and restaurants, nearby beaches at Huntington and Laguna, and the agricultural heritage create surprising depth. Rideshares and rental cars both work; downtown is walkable and expanding. The Vietnamese and Mexican food scenes are exceptional and authentic. Check out our Weekend Guide to Santa Ana for even more travel ideas.
4) Seattle, WA (SEA) for $150
Statistically speaking, Seattle appears in every search from PHX with both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares fully represented. But the Thu–Sun fares are cheaper, which is worth noting since most routes go the other way. The 6:17 pm Thursday departure dominates this route. The Thursday departure is often the better deal here, which runs counter to what you'd expect.
Top things to do: Seattle, WA
Seattle offers cooler climate relief and genuine urban culture—Pike Place Market, Elliott Bay waterfront, and the surrounding mountains create Pacific Northwest character. Public transit and bicycles dominate; a car is optional downtown. The coffee obsession, creative energy, and neighborhood character create genuine appeal. Check out our Weekend Guide to Seattle for even more travel ideas.
5) Portland, OR (PDX) for $200
Our research found that Portland appeared across nearly all our research with both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares on the table. The Thursday-departing fares are consistently cheaper, and the 7:38 pm Thursday departure is the most common time we've tracked. Another route where booking Thursday saves you real money.
Top things to do: Portland, OR
Portland celebrates local character and food culture—Powell's Books, the Pearl District galleries, and Forest Park trails offer walkable exploration. Bicycles and public transit handle transportation; a car is optional. The local-first philosophy means exceptional food, genuine community, and embraced weirdness. Check out our Weekend Guide to Portland for even more travel ideas.
6) Los Angeles, CA (LAX) for $200
Based on our weekend flight analysis, LA from PHX is one of the most dependable cheap weekend routes. LA appeared in every search with full coverage across both schedules. The Fri–Mon fares are cheaper here, and the 6:55 pm Friday departure is the most frequently appearing time in our research. Easy, reliable, and consistently available.
Top things to do: Los Angeles, CA
LA's sprawl rewards planning—Santa Monica Beach and Pier, the Getty Center, and Silver Lake's restaurant scene require a rental car but deliver endless variety. Beach culture, mountain access, and diverse neighborhoods create California's most complex city. The food scene's international depth is unmatched anywhere in America. Check out our Weekend Guide to Los Angeles for even more travel ideas.
7) San Francisco, CA (SFO) for $200
Our flight data shows that SFO from PHX shows up in nearly all our research with solid coverage across both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon schedules. The Fri–Mon fares edge out on price, and the 7:33 pm Friday departure is the most common time we've tracked. Dependable and consistently available on short notice.
Top things to do: San Francisco, CA
San Francisco is compact and walkable—the Mission District's character, Alcatraz's history, and the Golden Gate Bridge are iconic for good reason. Public transit and bicycles work well; a car is optional downtown. The neighborhood diversity, food obsession, and genuine culture make it feel alive. Check out our Weekend Guide to San Francisco for even more travel ideas.
8) San Diego, CA (SAN) for $300
According to our 2026 research, San Diego from PHX surfaces only occasionally. San Diego doesn't appear constantly, but both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares show up when San Diego does appear, with the Fri–Mon fares edging out on price. The 7:22 pm Friday departure is the one to grab. Low frequency, great value when you find it.
Top things to do: San Diego, CA
San Diego delivers year-round beach culture—La Jolla Cove's tide pools, Balboa Park's museums and gardens, and the Pacific Beach boardwalk blend high culture with coastal relaxation. Rideshares and rental cars both work; neighborhoods are distinct and interesting. The weather and fish tacos are genuinely exceptional. Check out our Weekend Guide to San Diego for even more travel ideas.
Ready to escape Phoenix for a weekend?
On Skyweekend, you could find cheap, last-minute weekend flights from Phoenix to anywhere across the US. Our flights are roundtrip and perfectly-timed for a weekend getaway. Explore flights.
