Need a quick weekend getaway? We've tracked weekend flight prices and booking patterns out of San Diego International Airport (SAN) and built a list of the top 8 cheapest nonstop roundtrip destinations reachable from San Diego on a 3-day weekend. Every destination here is served by direct, roundtrip flights—so your travel time stays minimal and your weekend stays full.
Here's what we found. The top 8 cheapest weekend destinations from San Diego:
- Salt Lake City, UT (SLC)
- Las Vegas, NV (LAS)
- San Jose, CA (SJC)
- Sacramento, CA (SMF)
- Eugene, OR (EUG)
- San Francisco, CA (SFO)
- Phoenix, AZ (PHX)
- Seattle, WA (SEA)
1) Salt Lake City, UT (SLC) for $100
Our research found that Salt Lake City only showed up as a cheap fare on the Thu–Sun schedule, and with limited frequency. The price when it appears is excellent. If you spot a cheap Thursday departure, don't wait around. These don't last.
Top things to do: Salt Lake City, UT
Salt Lake City offers mountain escapes and surprising urban culture—the nearby Wasatch peaks provide hiking and skiing, Temple Square connects you to the city's religious history, and the Sugar House neighborhood buzzes with local restaurants and galleries. Rideshares and rental cars both work; downtown is walkable and public transit is improving. The outdoor recreation access is unmatched for a city this size.
2) Las Vegas, NV (LAS) for $150
Based on our weekend flight analysis, Vegas is a guaranteed find from SAN. Vegas appeared in every search with both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares available. The Thursday-departing fares are cheaper on this particular route, which runs counter to what you'd expect. The 8:59 pm Thursday departure is the most common time we've tracked.
Top things to do: Las Vegas, NV
Vegas delivers sensory overload in the best way—the Strip's architectural spectacle rivals world capitals, Fremont Street's vintage neon tells Vegas's original story, and the Red Rock Canyon scenic loop is a stunning contrast to the casino crowds. Monorail, rideshares, and taxis eliminate the need for a car; everything is compact and walkable. Exceptional restaurants and rooftop bars add sophistication to the entertainment. Check out our Weekend Guide to Las Vegas for even more travel ideas.
3) San Jose, CA (SJC) for $150
Our flight data shows that SJC from SAN is one of the most predictable cheap weekend routes on this list. SJC appeared in every search, split evenly across both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon schedules. The Fri–Mon fares win on price, and the 8:30 pm Friday departure is the dominant time. Consistent and reliably available.
Top things to do: San Jose, CA
San Jose blends tech culture with genuine character—the Rosicrucian Museum offers unexpected art and history, the Municipal Rose Garden delivers surprising botanical beauty, and the Vietnamese community creates some of California's best pho. Rideshares work well; downtown is walkable and light rail connects neighborhoods. Tech workers have transformed the dining scene with international sophistication. Check out our Weekend Guide to San Jose for even more travel ideas.
4) Sacramento, CA (SMF) for $150
According to our 2026 research, Sacramento is a solid mid-frequency option from SAN. Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares both show up with reasonable regularity, and the Fri–Mon fares are the better deal. The 9:03 pm Friday departure is the most frequently appearing time in our research. Not always available, but when it is, the price is reliably good.
Top things to do: Sacramento, CA
Sacramento reveals California's capital charm—the restored Gold Rush-era Old Town offers history and atmospheric restaurants, the State Railroad Museum showcases vintage trains, and the American River trail system provides urban biking and wildlife viewing. Rideshares and rental cars both work; downtown is walkable and compact. The farm-to-table movement originated here; local ingredients and farmer's market culture dominate. Check out our Weekend Guide to Sacramento for even more travel ideas.
5) Eugene, OR (EUG) for $150
Our study indicates that Eugene from SAN has Thursday-departing fares showing up a bit more often, but the Fri–Mon fares are where the better price is when both are available. The 7:57 pm Friday departure is the one to prioritize. It won't always be there, but when it is, it's worth booking.
Top things to do: Eugene, OR
Eugene is a college town built for outdoor enthusiasts—Spencer Butte offers panoramic views over the valley, the Cascades are 90 minutes away, and the Willamette River invites kayaking and wildlife watching. Bicycles and buses are the local transport; the downtown is compact and walkable. The creative, activist community means excellent coffee, vegetarian food, and a genuine alternative-culture edge.
6) San Francisco, CA (SFO) for $200
Based on flight data from our analysis, SFO from SAN is one of the most reliable cheap weekend options on this list. SFO showed up in every search with full coverage across both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon schedules. The Fri–Mon fares are cheaper, and the 8:59 pm Friday departure dominated our research. A completely dependable route for a quick Bay Area trip.
Top things to do: San Francisco, CA
San Francisco offers world-class charm and coastal drama—the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz are iconic for good reason, but the Mission District's murals and taquerias, and the Presidio's wooded trails offer local character. Public transit is excellent; a car is optional downtown but helpful for coastal exploration. The food obsession runs deep—from Michelin-starred fine dining to extraordinary casual cooking. Check out our Weekend Guide to San Francisco for even more travel ideas.
7) Phoenix, AZ (PHX) for $200
Our flight research demonstrates that Phoenix from SAN surfaces occasionally. Phoenix doesn't appear constantly, but when Phoenix does appear, the Fri–Mon fares come in cheaper. The 9:21 pm Friday departure is the one to look for. Low frequency, but a great price if you catch it.
Top things to do: Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix surprises with desert beauty and creative energy—Camelback Mountain's steep hike rewards with city views, the Desert Botanical Garden showcases desert plant life, and the Roosevelt Row Arts District delivers murals, galleries, and innovative restaurants. Rideshares and rental cars both work; the city sprawls, so having a car helps. The food scene has exploded with serious chefs and adventurous cooking. Check out our Weekend Guide to Phoenix for even more travel ideas.
8) Seattle, WA (SEA) for $250
Data from our study shows that Seattle from SAN has Fri–Mon fares that are cheaper, and the 7:35 pm Friday departure is the most common time in our research. Not quite as consistent as the top routes, but reliable enough to plan around on short notice.
Top things to do: Seattle, WA
Seattle is water, mountains, and coffee—Elliott Bay views, the Pike Place Market's sensory overload, and easy ferry access to Bainbridge Island or Puget Sound islands create Pacific Northwest atmosphere. Public transit, ferries, and bicycles handle transportation; a car is optional. The coffee culture is the real deal—third-wave roasters, specialty importers, and genuine enthusiasm everywhere. Check out our Weekend Guide to Seattle for even more travel ideas.
Ready to escape San Diego for a weekend?
On Skyweekend, you could find cheap, last-minute weekend flights from San Diego to anywhere across the US. Our flights are roundtrip and perfectly-timed for a weekend getaway. Explore flights.
