Time for a weekend getaway? After studying weekend flight pricing across the DC-area airports—DCA, IAD, and BWI—we've identified the top 8 cheapest nonstop roundtrip destinations reachable from Washington, DC on a 3-day weekend. Every city on this list is connected by direct, roundtrip flights so you maximize time at your destination.
Here's what we found. The top 8 cheapest weekend destinations from Washington:
- Detroit, MI (DTW)
- Newark, NJ (EWR)
- Denver, CO (DEN)
- Chicago, IL (ORD)
- Houston, TX (IAH)
- Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL)
- Tampa, FL (TPA)
- Kansas City, MO (MCI)
1) Detroit, MI (DTW) for $100
Our research found that no cheap Thursday options showed up. But the Friday pricing is genuinely excellent, and the 6:38 pm Friday departure is totally consistent. If you're flexible on departure day, this one's a reliable cheap find.
Top things to do: Detroit, MI
Detroit is a city of surprising cultural depth—the Detroit Institute of Arts rivals world museums, the Motown Museum celebrates music history, and the revitalized Downtown and Corktown neighborhoods buzz with restaurants and galleries. Rideshares work; a rental car helps explore the wider neighborhoods. The comeback story is real—serious chefs, artists, and entrepreneurs are reshaping the city. Check out our Weekend Guide to Detroit for even more travel ideas.
2) Newark, NJ (EWR) for $200
Based on our weekend flight analysis, Newark is a strong performer from DCA. Newark appeared across nearly all our research with both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares represented roughly equally. The Fri–Mon fares are cheaper, and the 8:10 pm Friday departure is the most common time we've tracked. Easy to find, solid price, great for a quick Northeast hop.
Top things to do: Newark, NJ
Newark delivers authentic Northeast character and unexpected food—the historic performing arts center hosts world-class shows, the Ironbound District's Portuguese and Spanish communities create exceptional restaurants, and the nearby Hackensack riverfront is developing into a genuine destination. NJ Transit and rideshares work well; a car is optional. The food authenticity here rivals coastal cities at a fraction of the cost. Check out our Weekend Guide to Newark for even more travel ideas.
3) Denver, CO (DEN) for $250
Our flight data shows that Denver is the most consistently available cheap weekend flight from DCA. Denver appeared in every single search with both Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares fully covered. The Fri–Mon fares are cheaper, and the 6:00 pm Friday departure is nearly universal on this route. A safe pick on the whole list.
Top things to do: Denver, CO
Denver offers mountain escapes and urban creativity—Red Rocks Amphitheatre for hiking and concerts, the thriving RiNo District for street art and breweries, and easy access to Rocky Mountain adventures. Light rail and rideshares cover the city; a rental car opens wilderness access. The altitude takes adjustment, but the reward is crisp air, abundant sunshine, and genuine outdoor culture. Check out our Weekend Guide to Denver for even more travel ideas.
4) Chicago, IL (ORD) for $300
According to our 2026 research, Chicago from DCA is reliably available with strong representation across both schedules. The Fri–Mon fares win on price, and the 6:30 pm Friday departure is the most common time we've seen. A dependable option when you need a quick Midwest getaway.
Top things to do: Chicago, IL
Chicago is a city that actually delivers on its hype—the Art Institute, the Field Museum, and world-class architecture touring showcase cultural depth, while the food reputation is earned from deep-dish to Michelin fine dining. The 'L' train and buses make cars optional; neighborhoods are connected. The lake, the grid, and the energy create a genuinely exciting city. Check out our Weekend Guide to Chicago for even more travel ideas.
5) Houston, TX (IAH) for $350
Our study indicates that Houston from DCA is one of the most dependable cheap weekend routes on this list. The Fri–Mon fares are consistently cheaper, and the 7:59 pm Friday departure is the most common outbound time in our research.
Top things to do: Houston, TX
Houston sprawls across cultures and cuisine—the Museum of Fine Arts and Museum of Natural Sciences are world-class, the Theater District delivers Broadway shows, and the city's diversity means exceptional food from Vietnamese to Ethiopian to Colombian. A rental car is necessary; the city is car-dependent but traffic is manageable. The food scene may be America's most underrated. Check out our Weekend Guide to Houston for even more travel ideas.
6) Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) for $350
Based on flight data from our analysis, Fort Lauderdale from DCA is a moderate-frequency route. Fri–Mon fares show up more often than Thu–Sun, and they're the better deal when they do. The 7:00 pm Friday departure is the most common time we've tracked. Not always available, but a great grab when it appears.
Top things to do: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale blends beach culture with unexpected sophistication—Atlantic beachfront walks, the Las Olas Boulevard for galleries and restaurants, and the Intracoastal Waterway for boat access create waterfront living. Rideshares and rental cars both work; beaches are accessible and walkable areas exist downtown. The waterfront food scene is excellent, and weather is warm year-round.
7) Tampa, FL (TPA) for $500
Our flight research demonstrates that Tampa from DCA shows up with solid frequency. Fri–Mon fares are both more common and cheaper, and the 6:37 pm Friday departure appears more consistently than any other time on this route. A dependable Florida option when you're looking for warmth on a budget.
Top things to do: Tampa, FL
Tampa offers warm beach culture and growing sophistication—the Ybor City historic district combines Cuban heritage with galleries and nightlife, the waterfront park system provides excellent walking, and nearby Clearwater Beach offers white sand and water sports. Rideshares and rental cars both work; the city sprawls but is car-navigable. The Cuban food tradition and evolving restaurant scene create food culture depth. Check out our Weekend Guide to Tampa for even more travel ideas.
8) Kansas City, MO (MCI) for $550
Data from our study shows that Thu–Sun and Fri–Mon fares appear with roughly equal regularity, and the Fri–Mon fares edge out on price. The 6:30 pm Friday departure is the most common time we've tracked. Not a guaranteed find, but worth checking when you want something different.
Top things to do: Kansas City, MO
Kansas City delivers surprising jazz heritage and excellent barbecue—the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum honors baseball history, the River Market district is walkable and atmospheric, and the barbecue reputation is real and worth the time investment. Rideshares work; a rental car helps explore neighborhoods. The music culture runs deep—live jazz, blues, and innovative sounds fill intimate venues. Check out our Weekend Guide to Kansas City for even more travel ideas.
Ready to escape Washington for a weekend?
On Skyweekend, you could find cheap, last-minute weekend flights from Washington to anywhere across the US. Our flights are roundtrip and perfectly-timed for a weekend getaway. Explore flights.
