Why leave the sunny shores of Miami? One word: beignets. Hop on a quick flight and in a few hours, you could sample the sugar-dusted deliciousness on Bourbon Street, rock out on Nashville’s Music Row, or explore the rainforest in Dominica. Where will you go this weekend? We have a few ideas…
5 Nonstop Flights from Miami for a Totally Unique Weekend Escape
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Published Jul 17, 2023
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1. Turks and Caicos
- Flight time from Miami: 1 hour, 50 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: pristine beaches, 340 miles of barrier reef, tropical paradise
- Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Turks and Caicos (from $1,950); Windsong on the Reef (from $382); Como Parrot Cay (from $1,019)
When you live in Miami, taking a beach vacation isn’t exactly groundbreaking. But hear us out: There’s no better place to recharge than TCI, an archipelago of eight large islands and dozens of smaller cays with white-sand beaches and the most vibrant turquoise water you can imagine (yes, even as a Floridian). It’s serene, it’s quiet, it’s relaxing…and it’s under two hours by plane.
2. Nashville, TN
- Flight time from Miami: 2 hours, 20 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: live music, restaurant scene, laid-back vibes
- Where to Stay: 1 Hotel Nashville (from $297); The Russell (from $293); Four Seasons Hotel Nashville (from $560)
If you’re a music fan, taking a pilgrimage to Nashville is a no-brainer. But even if your country knowledge stops at Taylor Swift, Nashville is still worth the trip. There’s the restaurant scene (check out Husk, Lou Nashville and Folk), the walkable neighborhoods bursting with character (Five Points! The Nations!) and a laid-back college vibe thanks to nearby Vanderbilt University.
3. New Orleans, LA
- Flight time from Miami: 2 hours
- Why We Recommend It: jazz music, beautiful architecture, beignets
- Where to Stay: Henry Howard Hotel (from $167); Pontchartrain Hotel (from $139); Maison de la Luz (from $271)
New Orleans is like nowhere else on Earth, so if you haven’t made a weekend trip yet, the time is now. While Mardi Gras may seem like the best time to visit, travelers looking for a more low-key escape should consider visiting in December or January. After exploring the French Quarter (don’t forget to check out the quirky Pharmacy Museum), take a walk through the Garden District and end the evening with live jazz at Preservation Hall.
4. Dominica, Caribbean
- Flight time from Miami: 3 hours, 25 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: tropical paradise, outdoor activities, unique destination
- Where to Stay: Secret Bay (from $888); Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica (from $241); Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa (from $170)
Lucky you: Miami International Airport is the only place you can take a direct flight from the U.S. to Dominica. Nicknamed “Nature Island,” this Caribbean Island is more Jurassic Park than resort town, with natural hot springs, rainforests and native wildlife everywhere you turn. If crowds are more your scene, come in February, when the island’s vibrant Mas Dominick festival is in full swing.
5. Quito, Ecuador
- Flight time from Miami: 4 hours, 15 minutes
- Why We Recommend It: history, great food, beautiful nature
- Where to Stay: Le Parc Hotel, Beyond Stars (from $120); Dann Carlton Quito (from $120); JW Mariott Hotel Quito (from $144)
In a few hours you can touch down in Quito, the capitol of Ecuador, high in the Andean foothills. After exploring the city’s historic center, hike up to the Quilatoa Crater, a can’t-miss-it attraction that features a turquoise lake inside a volcano crater. When you get hungry, there’s everything from traditional street food like empanadas and fritada to fine dining at Zazu.
