karens

SW goes to Phila.

I'd vote for SF or NYC.

Andrew

Southwest does have flights from Dallas to Portland or to Philadelphia that make only one stop (no change of planes), so presumably the same would be true for most other cities. I think that's pretty good actually.

One thing I don't think anyone else has mentioned is that you could also do an open jaw ticket if you choose. Fly into New York (Long Island), out of Philly, or into Portland, out of Seattle. Just yet one more possibility.

yk

Dallas Love Field & Wright Amendment

That's the reason why most Southwest flights out of Dallas Love Field requires at least 1-stop to get anywhere.

< The Wright Amendment of 1979 is a federal law governing traffic at Dallas's Love Field Airport. It originally limited most nonstop flights to destinations within Texas and neighboring states. >

yk

A better quote :

< What is the Wright Amendment?

In 1979, Congress passed the federal law commonly referred to as the " Wright Amendment ", which restricts travel into and out of Dallas Love Field for commercial flights with more than 56 seats. This federal law makes it illegal to fly from Love Field to points beyond the four states surrounding Texas. The Wright Amendment also contains marketing restrictions, prohibiting Southwest Airlines from offering or advertising the availability of any connecting flights between Love Field and any city outside the Wright Amendment "service area." In 1997, Congress passed the Shelby Amendment, which added Alabama, Kansas, and Mississippi to the Wright Amendment service area. Legislation passed in 2005 added Missouri to list of states to be liberated from the restrictions of the Wright Amendment. >

blondiepopo

I live in Las Vegas and my choice would be San Francisco. You could make a day trip to the Napa Valley while you were there. Our favorite restaurant is Tommy Toy}s (forgive this keyboard - I{m in Mexico right now). It{s pricey, but the food was wonderful. It says it{s French-Chinese but it is nothing like the typical Chinese restaurant. Very nice inside. I loved Lake Tahoe but if you{re going in late October-November you could have problems with snow storms. I was from the Midwest and didn{t have any experience with high elevations and how much snow and how early in the season they do receive it. I wasn{t impressed with Reno, but did enjoy our day trip to Virginia City.

pat

I`d pick Seattle or San Francisco. And I live in Reno, and wouldn`t pick it.

JulieVikmanis

mireau7, No one has mentioned that you deserve a prize for the most carefully crafted, information filled query I've seen posted here. This should be a model that gets sent to posters who idly query "what should I do?" As a result you've gotten some very useful replies as well. Kudos.

mireaux7

thanks Julie. to some people, i would be considered long-winded.

but i view it as "information filters". you got to know what to ask, what to tell others, and know what to specify to attain the results you desire.

being vague can garner vague responses

lennyba

Seattle and Portland are both fantastic cities, but IMO aren't at their best in November (early October tends to be nice but isn't always). Seattle's public transpo downtown is good, which might be all you want to see in 3-4 days, but it's great for getting farther afield.

Of your list, I'd pick Boston or DC.

TokachiM

Boston is an extremely walkable city, and the fall foliage should be spectacular. That said, I don't know about transportation from the airport to downtown.

New York would be perfect for a four-day adventure. You get there on day one, maybe go up the Empire State Building for the night view, and then go to bed early. Next day, get on the Staten Island Ferry, then go see the Statue of Liberty. Day three, go get a ticket to a matinee performance of a Broadway show in the morning, stroll around the ethnic villages (Little Italy, Chinatown, or Greenwich Village), then head back for the matinee in the afternoon. Day 4, have a good breakfast at a fancy hotel, and get ready to go home. A day trip to Atlantic City is also entirely possible!

I was in New York when I was a poor college student, so this itinerary reflects cheap thrills and a reluctance to go out at night . But seriously, New York is a great city in small doses. You'll want to go again someday, so you might as well use this as a scouting trip.

San Francisco is also very beautiful, and I had a great time there. It's very walkable in the Fisherman's Wharf area.

But if you have your sights on Reno, you should go for that.

mireaux7

I think of all the cities Ive listed, i seem to be gearing much attention towards the prospects of Fort Lauderdale and San Francisco.

This is not to say that Ive automatically excluded all other cities from continual consideration, cause thats hardly the case. But my area of current study is lying in these two towns primarily as it stands for now.

Of all the Floridan cities Southwest flies to, Fort Lauderdale strikes me with the most interest. One of the main reasons is that since ive never stepped foot in Florida, I want to say that my first trip there I got to experience the beach. (and also the Atlantic coast). From what Im reading about it, I like that it offers a vibrant nightlife (this is important as Im a single guy)

It was also interesting to read that Fort Lauderdale has an intricate system of canals, and is so dubbed "Venice of America". Are there boats that travel these canals? If so, whats the fare to ride them? (anything like San Antonio's Paseo del Rio?)

San Francisco has always intrigued me with its scenic beauty nestled in the hills by the bay. The fact that the city is somewhat small is also favorable. I am particularly interested in visiting Chinatown, Japanese Tea Gardens, pier 49, fishermans wharf, golden gate bridge.

Anyone have any recommendations for decent lodging in the heart of San Francisco (walking distance to attractions named above) that wont break the bank, so to speak.

Im not familiar with what rooms go for in San Francisco, but I have heard San Francisco being labeled as a "New York City of the west", and if thats the case, Im expecting to pay at least $100.00 a night for a room or more.

I have also even thought about getting a rental car to take a sidetrip down to Santa Cruz to visit the famous Beach Boardwalk. Is this a good idea?

For some reasons, Fort Lauderdale strikes me as being a more friendly and hospitable place to visit than San Francisco would be. Of course this would just be a random speculation (stereotypical observation perhaps) that i couldnt possibly support since Ive never visited either locale.

with that being the case, im reliant upon feedback of those who have been to either (or preferably both) places to provide their input and/or comparisons.

kelliebellie

I spent some time in Ft. Lauderdale and I really don't think it is what you are looking for. The Venice part is not as cool as it sounds. All the canals are in people's back yards. It really isn't like Venice or even San Antonio that way.

If you are heart-set on Florida, I would recommend Miami Beach. Great beach, better hotels than Ft. Lauderdale and much more to do in a walkable way.


San Fran is wonderful and always worth a visit.


I'm going to throw my two cents in for Chicago. Wonderful place to be and no need for a car.

irishswampyankee

If you choose Boston, consider flying into Providence instead of Manchester. Not sure of transpo from either airport into city.

Boston is very walkable, scenic and interesting if you're into Revolutionary War history. Also, public transportation (the T) can get you around. Downtown hotels, however, are quite expensive but you might catch a deal on priceline or similar.

garyt22

I would also recommend South Beach in Miami.... plenty to see, do, eat and the people watching is the best... you could side trip to the Keys or everglades... it offers all of the requirements you set in your post and is a must see destination for any traveler...

chgeeb

I'm going to lobby for BOSTON!
I live here and I love it here! In 4 days there is a TON to do. You don't need a car whatsoever. I love Boston cause it has a big city feel, but you can actually walk anywhere. Just for a day it's fun to get off the train at Kenmore (Fenway Park) and just walk to the ocean..taking you through Newbury Street, Copley Square, Boston Common, Beacon Hill, Washington Street, State House, Quincy Market, Aquarium, and the North End.
It's a blast, SO much to see, a lot of history. It's really a beautiful city, and honestly, has some of the best food I've ever had.
You would have a lot to see and it's a beautiful city!

traveler24

I have been to all the cities except Flordia..I have used SWA for 12 years...
I would pick Boston over all..except it is time consuming getting from Manchester to town
My picks are San Francisco or Seattle --You would not need a car..
SF--Bart from airport to downtown
You can book a day trip to wine country..many online sources
IMO into Long Island to get to NYC--is a pain.
note..my current free RT was earned last month and is good for a year...
The idea for "open" jaw is a great idea..
I flew into DC and 2 days later took train to Philly to fly home..
Letr us know what you decide...

dfr4848

Just a couple of additional points.

I don't consider Ft Lauderdale to be any more or less friendly than San Francisco. We love both places and they're both very hospitable.

Costs in NY and SF are high, but think you're going to find it VERY difficult to find a central location in SF for $100. Maybe others have some different/better experience than we and can give you some suggestions, but I think you need to double that at a minimum.