10 Great Destinations for US Solo Travelers
Wonderful Places to Discover on Your Own
This guide to great destinations for US solo travelers includes top cities, towns, and resorts to explore on your lonesome, mostly within the United States. Each of these unmissable places is known either for its intriguing historical sights, breathtaking natural landscapes, or unmissable options for adventure and exploration.
A highly popular paradise beach resort is also thrown into the mix, where you can enjoy a getaway that’s just across the border and only less than a 2-hour flight from Miami. Read on and discover all the inspiring and wonderful places to discover in the US on your own.
1. Cancun
A popular seaside retreat, just across the border
Good for: Adventure, Nightlife, Photo
Cancun and the northeast coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula offer solo travelers spectacular sights and places to visit. Beachgoers are in for a treat with Cancun’s long golden-sand shores like Zona Hotelera’s Playa Delfines. If you’re a diver, a trip to discover the mesmerizing sunken sculptures of MUSA, the Underwater Museum of Art, is not to be missed.
Traveling alone to Cancun is a great way to make friends with locals and other solo travelers. Put your bargaining skills to the test as you browse through the stalls at Cancun’s Green Market. Want to escape the crowds and the Hotel Zone altogether? The surrounding area has national parks with amazing caves, underwater rivers, and lush jungle to explore. Read more…
Location: Quintana Roo, Mexico
Cancun
2. Fort Lauderdale
Historical sites and great nightlife
Good for: History, Nightlife, Photo
Fort Lauderdale, particularly the downtown area, treats solo travelers to trendy and fun-filled neighborhood scenes. The city’s nightlife is more affordable than Miami’s, and the Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District, as well as the many nightclubs around town, offer exciting evenings, whether you wish to explore on your own or meet new friends.
With all the time on your hands, you can visit the city’s historical sites and take in their charms at your own pace. The Historic Stranahan House Museum is where you can learn about Fort Lauderdale’s oldest home. Admire Latin-American artworks within the NSU Art Museum or browse through fascinating preserved classic automobiles at the Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum. Read more…
Location: Florida, USA
Fort Lauderdale
3. San Diego
A feature-rich American seaside city
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
San Diego with its pleasant year-round weather is a great destination for solo travel. Visiting the Californian seaside city on your own brings you wonderful beaches, seascapes, and nature hikes. There are numerous galleries and museums to absorb local art and history.
Down on the coast, the deep harbor with its large active naval fleet and the USS Midway military ship museum will truly inspire. In town, the vast Balboa Park is home to many different attractions. Join a hop-on, hop-off guided bus tour or even attend a lecture at the University of California. Looking for a fun way to make new friends? Join a San Diego Pub Crawl to bond with like-minded travelers over a couple of beers. Read more…
Location: California, USA
San Diego
4. Gatlinburg
Fun in the “gateway to the Smokies”
Good for: Budget, Nightlife, Photo
Gatlinburg is where you can take in gorgeous scenery and breathe fresh mountain air, all at your own pace. For the great outdoors, hike the National Park or drive along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Discover spots like The Place of a Thousand Drips with its several narrow falls deep within a forest.
In town, it’s all fun with sites, such as the top of the 407-ft Space Needle observation tower. For some laughs, see a show at the various cowboy-themed theaters in town, some of which even include good old western meals. For accommodation, Gatlinburg features great cabin rentals where you can truly get away from it all. Read more…
Location: Tennessee 37738, USA
Gatlinburg
5. Portland
Green spaces, local breweries, art, and history
Good for: Adventure, History, Photo
Portland is a great destination for hip solo travelers looking for relaxation and green spaces. The city features wonderful scenery with biking paths along the Columbia and Willamette rivers, with Mount Hood serving as the backdrop. The ocean is only an hour’s drive west while the mountains are within an hour eastward.
Traveling on your own through the city streets, particularly Portland’s Distillery Row between the Industrial District and Slabtown District, is a pleasant experience. It has plenty of local breweries where you can join a tour and taste unique brews like black beers or organic IPAs. Admire art and history at spots such as Portland Art Museum, the Oregon Historical Society, and Pittock Mansion. Read more…
Location: Oregon, USA
Portland
6. Yellowstone National Park
Some of the country’s greatest landscapes
Good for: Adventure, Budget, Photo
Yellowstone National Park is a great destination for solo traveling, especially if you love grand natural scenery to enjoy in peace and quiet. The Old Faithful Geyser and Grand Prismatic Spring are some of the most popular sights in the park, but there are many other ways to escape the selfie-stick-touting crowds.
Even better, you can plan a solo camping adventure in neighboring communities and lush forests just outside the park grounds. You may want to opt for a stay in Cody, or any of the other towns near the East Entrance of Yellowstone. The Grand Teton National Park, just south of Yellowstone, has fewer visitors if you prefer a quieter retreat. Read more…
Location: Wyoming 82190, USA
Phone: +1 307-344-7381
Yellowstone National Park
7. Niagara Falls
Iconic scenery and nature to explore
Good for: Adventure, Budget, History, Photo
Niagara Falls may be a top destination for honeymooners and families, but the trip to see this natural wonder is just as good for those traveling solo. The grand waterfalls are visible in all their glory, day or night, and particularly beautiful as the sun sets.
Besides the iconic landmark, you can go on a scenic drive through the region or explore the many hiking trails the area has to offer. Back in town, admire the works at the Castellani Art Museum before unwinding with a soothing massage and glass of wine. You can also catch up on some history at Old Fort Niagara, the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center, and the Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum.
Location: New York, USA
Niagara Falls
8. Summit County
You and the big mountains in Colorado’s “playground”
Good for: Adventure, Luxury, Photo
Summit County in Colorado is home to 4 world-class ski resorts and great alpine scenery. Of course, it’s a bucket-list winter destination for those with a penchant for adventure, especially singles looking to conquer the ski runs of Arapahoe Basin, Breck, Keystone, and Copper Mountain, or pros who are brave enough to try heli-skiing.
Even if you’re a novice, taking a skiing lesson is all fun. You can meet fellow beginners from all over the world. Summit County features plenty of cozy inns and other lodging options in main towns such as Breckenridge. You can also make use of free bus services to take you to Frisco, Silverthorne, and Keystone, among others.
Location: Colorado, USA
Summit County
9. Sedona
Majestic landscapes for spiritual wellness
Good for: Adventure, Photo, Shoppers
Sedona is a dreamy destination for solo travelers, complemented by its otherworldly red rock landscapes. It has great year-round weather to take it all in and those looking for soul-searching and quiet reflection are treated very well with its collection of sacred and mystic sites, such as Airport Mesa, Cathedral Rock, and Boynton Canyon.
Sedona isn’t just all about catering to pursuits of spiritual wellness, amazing hiking trails, and the great outdoors. Back in town, you can find a vibrant arts scene on a pleasant stroll through Uptown Sedona with its wonderful galleries. Check out the Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village to purchase various one-of-a-kind art pieces. Read more…
Location: Arizona 86336, USA
Sedona
10. San Antonio
Everything’s even bigger for solo travelers in Texas
Good for: Food, History, Photo
San Antonio, just like anywhere in Texas, is known for its wide spaces and vast desert countryside, some of the most scenic in the state. Even so, within the vibrant city itself, you’ll find plenty of historical sights to explore, such as impressive Spanish colonial missions and the unmissable Alamo.
As a solo traveler with plenty of time on your hands, you can freely enjoy San Antonio’s eclectic offerings. Go on a culinary journey and discover the different flavors that make up its food scene. Ride a hop-on, hop-off tour bus of San Antonio’s top attractions. The city is also home to amazing distilleries where you can learn about the local brewing scene. Read more…
Location: Texas, USA
San Antonio
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