25 Best Places for Solo Travel in the USA For Beginner Solo Travelers

1. Sedona, Arizona

2. Big Sur, California

3. Daytona Beach, Florida

Miami and Southern Florida get ALL the attention but I’m here to tell you – don’t sleep on Northern Florida! Sunshine, sandy beaches, and a laid-back vibe make Daytona great for solo beach days. Walk the boardwalk, catch a local race, or just relax with a book by the water. You’ll find that Northern Florida has a slower pace, and to me it felt much more relaxing! Want an even smaller beach-town feel? Try Cocoa Beach – it’s another favorite of mine!

4. Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is an island paradise that’s solo traveler-friendly with plenty of adventure. The island is just big enough for plenty to keep you busy, but small enough that it feels very safe. Snorkel with turtles, hike past waterfalls, or enjoy a sunset at Poipu Beach. Don’t forget to try the local shave ice, and remember to be respectful of local culture and rules here – it is a paradise to you but it is also native Hawaiians’ home!

5. Bend, Oregon

Skip Portland and instead head to my FAVORITE outdoor-lover’s city: Bend. If you love craft beer, nature, and outdoor adventurers from hiking to mountain biking, rock climbing, rafting, and more – Bend is absolutely for you. Bend has an artsy, outdoorsy, and overall friendly vibe that is very welcoming to solo travelers – and you might just meet your new adventure buddy! Bend is also incredible for winter adventures if that’s your solo travel scene – ski or snowboard and enjoy the snow!

6. Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Fly into Reno, AKA “The Biggest Little City in the World,” and jump on over to Lake Tahoe. Whether summer or winter, Lake Tahoe is absolutely stunning and I personally can’t get enough of it! Hike, ski, paddle board, or just enjoy the crystal-clear lake views – there is so much to explore. The outdoor community here is welcoming too, making it easy to meet fellow adventurers. Just make sure to have a life jacket for any water adventures, and check the weather before heading into the lake (and remember: mountain lakes are MUCH colder than you’d expect)!

7. Seattle, Washington

Coffee, music, incredible food, and unique architecture await in Seattle – it’s a solo travel city-lover’s dream city! Explore Pike Place Market, ride the ferry, and take in views from the Space Needle. It’s a city with a warm heart and plenty to discover solo – and with multiple forms of public transit from the bus to the trains, streetcars, and more, it’s pretty easy to get around as well. There’s even a train directly from the airport to the city – so skip renting a car and grab an Orca card!

8. Moab, Utah

For solo travelers craving epic desert landscapes and outdoor adventures, Moab is a must. Moab’s small town feel is great for beginner solo travelers who also love being close to nature; hiking in Arches National Park is a do-not-miss – if you’re anything like me you’ll be staring in awe at the epic red-rock formations the entire trip. If you want even more of a thrill, try out mountain biking, hiking, off-roading or whitewater rafting expeditions.

9. Sitka, Alaska

I always love sharing underrated places that deserve more love, so I had to include Sitka on this list of the best places for solo travel in the US – because it absolutely blew me away! Often overlooked for Anchorage or Juneau, Sitka is undeniably one of the most beautiful small towns you’ll ever visit. Sitka’s downtown is small and easily walkable, and with friendly locals and abundant tour guides, you won’t ever get lost! Sitka will draw you in with its quiet beauty, wildlife adventures, and quaint Alaskan charm. It’s perfect for a solo traveler wanting to unplug and reconnect to nature – I’d highly recommend visiting for at least a few days!

10. Boise, Idaho

Boise is a hip city with a small-town feel – perfect for first-time solo travelers. Check out the art scene, grab coffee in the vibrant downtown, and hike the nearby foothills. It’s easy to navigate and full of friendly faces, and there are sooo many incredible hikes closeby. Make sure you also don’t miss out on one of the best parts of visiting Idaho – relaxing in one of the natural hot springs!

11. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe blends art, culture, and southwestern charm – and trust me, the food is to die for! Explore galleries, indulge in local cuisine, and wander through historic adobe streets – it’s such a unique place and truly so lovely. Sante Fe is a cultural solo travel dream! And if you want to turn your visit into a road trip adventure, take the drive out to White Sands National Park – it’s well worth the long drive!

12. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

One of the best parts about visiting and traveling around the United States is just how ridiculously beautiful and varied the landscapes here are. Jackson Hole is a fantastic example of this – nestled up against mountains and barely a 10-minute drive to the iconic Grand Teton National Park, it will remind you why the US National Parks are the country’s best idea! If you love the mountains and want to enjoy classic western vibes, definitely head to Jackson Hole. Hiking, wildlife watching, and mountain views create the perfect solo getaway for fresh air and adventure.

13. Boulder, Colorado

Boulder is active, outdoorsy, and super welcoming – every weekend you’ll find the trails full of nature-lovers happy to share Colorado’s beauty with you! Boulder is less busy than Denver, but still has PLENTY to enjoy as a city. Hike the Flatirons, explore local breweries, and enjoy a vibrant downtown. It’s a great balance of nature and city buzz.

14. Las Vegas, Nevada

Think Las Vegas is just for late night partying? Think again! Beyond the Strip, you’ll find amazing shows, restaurants, and day trips to stunning places like Red Rock Canyon and the Valley of Fire. Plus, it’s easy to meet people as many tourists flock to this unforgettable city to enjoy all it has to offer. And if you want to enjoy the night scene but stay safe as a solo traveler (usually so hard to do as conventional solo travel wisdom is to avoid drinking and staying out late at night!), walk & explore the Strip, as it is extremely safe for tourists.

15. Charleston, South Carolina

When you think of Southern charm and hospitality, Charleston could be the poster child for southern beauty! Lovely historic streets, amazing food, and welcoming locals make this a fantastic city for solo adventures. Whether you enjoy southern food, beaches, architecture, or history – Charleston has a little bit of it all. If you want to visit at peak romantic vibes, make sure to come in spring when all of the flowers are blooming!

16. Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville is quickly becoming something of the Las Vegas of the South – with tourists coming to enjoy nightlife, music, incredible cuisine, and more! You’ll find that “Music City” welcomes solo travelers with open arms. Catch live shows, explore the vibrant neighborhoods, and soak in that unmistakable musical energy. It’s another great place where you can enjoy a bit of the nightlife and feel safer than in other cities. And definitely make sure to eat up – the food in Nashville is SO GOOD and blends multiple cuisines and influences (including, of course, what you can’t miss: southern barbeque!).

17. Asheville, North Carolina

If you’re looking for another underrated but one of the very best places for solo travel in the US – look no further than Asheville. Asheville is small but has big-city energy, blending artsy vibes with rolling mountain views.Make sure you do not miss driving the Blue Ridge Parkway as part of your trip – your jaw will drop! The food scene here is incredible too, and there are tons of hiking trails nearby. If you love waterfalls in particular (like I do!) you will absolutely fall in love with Asheville – there are so many waterfall hikes!

18. Savannah, Georgia

Southern charm was probably invented in Savannah – Spanish moss-draped streets and historic squares create the MOST dreamy scene you’ve ever encountered. Walk, explore local shops, and enjoy quiet moments in the parks. Perfect for solo explorers craving stunning architecture, rich history, and a slower-paced, southern style of life.

19. Ann Arbor, Michigan

Michigan is under so many tourists’ radar and I think it’s time we change that! Ann Arbor in particular is one of the very best places for solo travelers in the US. It has a youthful energy thanks to its university scene, and you’ll be sure to see many people out enjoying this beautiful town. Coffee shops, bookstores, and beautiful parks make it a low-key, welcoming solo travel spot. There are also tons of science-focused attractions too, like the Museum of Natural History – so science-nerd solo travelers, this one is for you! Ann Arbor is also just a 2-hour drive to Lake Michigan – which will give you ALL the beachy vibes but without the crowds of other beachy spots in the US!

20. Austin, Texas

Austin is unlike anywhere else in Texas, and is truly one of the best places in the Lone Star State to visit if you want artsy, youthful vibes. It is vibrant and full of live music, food trucks, and outdoor spaces. Solo travelers can easily find community at concerts, in parks, or at funky cafés. I can’t tell you how many restaurants I thought had the best food I’d ever eaten, and I also loved spending time at the winding Colorado River – such a great place for summer visits!

21. Stowe, Vermont

Stowe has to be one of the cutest small towns I have EVER seen in the USA! Stowe shines especially in fall and winter – I was there for fall color adventures and it was like stepping into Gilmore Girls in the BEST way possible. Ski, hike, or just enjoy small-town New England charm. It’s peaceful and perfect for those wanting quiet solo time in nature. Make sure to try local cider, get ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s, and go maple syrup tasting!

22. New York City, New York

If you are a city lover, of course New York has to be on your solo travel list! It truly is an iconic city that has SO so much to offer! Museums, parks, theaters, crazy good food, and endless neighborhoods to explore – NYC keeps you busy. For solo travelers in particular, I love the ease and availability of public transport in NYC. That being said, it might be a bit overwhelming if you are not used to city travel, and I’d recommend starting in a different US city on this list for a first-time solo city visit.

23. Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is rich in history and walkable neighborhoods – perfect for solo travelers. As someone who grew up on the west coast, the sheer amount of history and culture blew me away and it felt a bit like exploring the birthplace of the US! As with any large city, there is so much to do in Boston – but I’d recommend the Freedom Trail, checking out a museum, spending time on the waterfront, and enjoying local seafood.

24. Portland, Maine

There is so much to enjoy in the far northeast and Maine shines with coastal beauty (Acacia National Park is a DREAM!). Portland in particular is a food lover’s paradise with some of the most scenic coastal views you’ll ever encounter in the US. You can explore lighthouses, sample local breweries, and peruse art galleries. You can even take a whale-watching tour! It’s a laid-back city perfect for solo discovery.

25. San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you want a tropical vibe without leaving US territory, San Juan is ideal. I spent a week exploring Puerto Rico, and I’m asked a lot if San Juan is safe – and it absolutely is! Sandy beaches, colorful streets, and rich culture make it a solo travel gem – plus, there’s no passport needed! San Juan has amazing nightlife, truly delicious food, and is a great launching point for even more island adventures – did you know that Puerto Rico has the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System and has a bioluminescent bay you can kayak in?!

Essentials for First Time Solo Travel in the US

• Phone power bank: your phone can be one of your MOST important solo safety tools, so you don’t ever want it to run out of battery! Think – your maps, communication, and more are all here – so make sure to keep it powered up with a portable power bank! 
• Anti-theft backpack: the most common safety issue you’ll face as a solo traveler is likely theft, which is why I love the PacSafe anti-theft backpack.  
• Phone leash: speaking of both theft AND keeping your phone handy as a safety tool, a phone leash quickly became my #1 most recommended item to beginner solo travelers – this phone leash literally saved mine from being stolen right out of my hand!
• Water bottle: peak US travel occurs during summer, and the US gets HOT! Make sure to stay hydrated and take care of yourself, especially as a solo traveler!
• Microfiber Towel: a microfiber towel has sooo many uses – drying off after beach visits, used as a blanket or for a park picnic, and as a just-in-case you stay in a hostel and they don’t offer towels!  This towel even has a US map printed on it – perfect for your US trip! 
• Mirrorless Camera: to capture your unforgettable solo trip in greater detail than a phone camera (for things like prints, sharing with family, more ability to edit photos, & more!), definitely look into getting a mirrorless camera, which is lighter than a DSLR and great for travel. Check out my travel photography gear here! 
• Offline trail maps: as I said earlier, one of the best parts of the US is the incredible nature and epic hikes – which means as a solo traveler having an offline trail map is ESSENTIAL for safety. I use the AllTrails Pro plan as it has offline maps and the ability to track your progress on the trail – well-worth the peace of mind to pay for the pro plan. 
• Travel Insurance: if you are an international traveler visiting the US, you definitely will want to consider getting travel insurance – your country’s health insurance likely will NOT cover you in the USA! Read this post about why travel insurance is essential for any trip, and get a quote from my favorite insurance, World Nomads, here.

There you have it – 25 of the best places for solo travel in the US, each with its own unique vibe and charm. Whether you’re craving mountains, beaches, vibrant cities, or peaceful towns, these destinations make your first solo trip easy, fun, and unforgettable. So, what are you waiting for? Pack that bag, grab your camera, and start your solo adventure. The US is waiting to be explored! Questions or comments about this blog? Leave them in the comments below!

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