Solo travel for the soul!
Photo by: Marica in Seattle
Sometimes we need to fly solo, figuratively and literally! I absolutely love family trips and going on vacation with my partner, but I also love getting away on my own. Hearing nothing but my own footsteps on new sidewalks, sitting alone in parks with just my thoughts, strolling cities with no concern for anyone else’s agenda, and eating in a restaurant with all senses tuned in to the world around me. It feeds the soul, builds confidence, and reminds us that our best friends in life truly should be ourselves! And if you’re feeling a little guilty as the prospect of so much “me-time,” remember that self-care is more important than ever and travel can certainly be one of the best forms of it!
We’ve put together a list of ten cities in the U.S. that are especially welcoming to both the intrepid and timid solo travelers. These are destinations where those going solo for the first time can feel comfortable and safe experiencing the world on their own. They’re also destinations where seasoned lone wolves will find new experiences to feed their adventurous spirits!
And you needn’t be alone the whole time if you book one of our amazing local photographers to show you around and ensure you’re not stuck with just selfies of your epic solo travels!
Photo by: Jo Anne in Washington
Photo by: Jo Anne in Washington
Austin, TX
This capital of Texas is a friendly, university city filled with youthful, creative energy evident everywhere, from its music venues to its food scene. Listen to live rock and blues, hang with locals at breweries, and nosh on everything from barbecue to street tacos. Lady Bird Lake offers hiking, biking, and boating. If you’ve ever wanted to feel the roar of a Formula 1 car overtake your body, time your visit to coincide with the United States Grand Prix. And for those looking for a quieter moment, head down to South Congress Avenue bridge at dusk to watch the world’s largest bat colony (that’s 1.5 million bats!) take to their evening flight.
Washington, D.C.
With its expansive metro system and compact size, Washington, D.C. is actually a manageable city despite being the nation’s grand capital! Set on the East bank of the Potomac River, it captivates with history, cherry blossoms and gastropubs, to name just a few of its charms. Going solo here is perfect. There are dozens of neoclassical monuments and iconic buildings to tour, and being on your own makes it all the easier to explore and focus on the many treasures in the city’s 20 plus museums! With D.C. bordering Maryland and Virginia, it’s also easy to venture further abroad if you’re looking to expand your travels (and check off some more states in your domestic travels!).
Seattle, WA
If you just want some quiet time at cozy coffee shops or fresh air while hiking through evergreen forests, Seattle is the destination for you. This Pacific Northwest city, also known as the Emerald City, is atmospheric from its stunning skyline to its natural wonders, and whether it’s raining or shining. It offers the solo traveler countless cultural experiences, from the National Nordic Museum to the Duwamish Longhouse, bountiful nature with gorgeous Puget Sound and surrounding parks, and a renowned nightlife of eclectic music and breweries. With a huge tech industry, the vibe here is young and as futuristic as the iconic Space Needle.
Photo by: Marica in Seattle
Asheville, NC
A perfect solo trip starts with a drive through the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains to reach this stunning destination filled with historic architecture, art galleries, craft breweries, and locally-owned shops. The 19th century Biltmore Estate just outside of town covers almost eleven square miles and is a destination unto itself, sure to fill hours with silent strolling through its mansion and grounds. Surrounded by magical nature with captivating names like Wolf Ford, Lake Lure, and the Great Smoky Mountains, this is also a destination for nature lovers looking for epic experiences that include zip-lines, waterfalls, trails, and even glamping.
Cape Cod, MA
You’ve heard the song right? Well, even if you haven’t, you will for sure fall in love with “Old Cape Cod” for any number of amazing reasons, including those mentioned in the lyrics! Super safe and easy to get around, this is a perfect destination for both the solo traveler who wants to pack a book and picnic to the beach day-in and day-out and the one who wants to hike, bike, or drive the 70 miles of coastline from lighthouse to lighthouse (all fourteen!). Regardless, a relaxed village pace, sunsets, and seafood await everyone who visits. For a bonus adventure, head to nearby Martha’s Vineyard via ferry or plane for more oceanside beauty and New England charm.
Puerto Rico
The great thing about Puerto Rico is that you’re in the Caribbean and U.S. at the same time! This can be reassuring to the American solo traveler who wants to start venturing further abroad but isn’t quite ready to get their passport stamped or negotiate foreign currency. And yet, on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, you’ll feel a world away from the U.S. There are Spanish colonial buildings and forts to explore, tropical rainforests and turquoise waters to enjoy, and amazing island cuisine to sample. For the intrepid solo traveler, we challenge you with one of the longest zip-lines in the world, night boating on bioluminescent bays, the “Pork Highway,” and hikes to breathtaking waterfalls.
Phoenix, AZ
If you’ve never seen the desert in the U.S., Phoenix is a great place for an introduction to the great saguaro cactus. There are a dozen ways to experience the powerful beauty of this extreme landscape, from the Desert Botanical Garden to Papago Park to the Mountains Preserve. At the same time you have all the pleasures of a multi-city metropolis at your feet, fingertips, and taste buds, to include epic golf, luxury spas, and restaurants and shopping to your heart’s content. People say L.A. is big. When it comes to sheer land covered, Phoenix is even bigger! Whatever vibe you’re after, the Valley of the Sun is sure to have an area that will fit the pace and energy you’re after on your solo travels.
Portland, OR
Portland will charm any visitor but is the perfect destination for those going solo. A great way to reach the city, especially when traveling on your own, is via train. Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train will drop you at Portland Union Station in Old Town Chinatown where you can jump right into experiencing the city’s hip art, coffeehouses, and microbreweries. Locals are friendly and happy to give recommendations, whether to the best food cart (an institution here) or Willamette Valley wineries. Museums, film centers, and world-famous bookstores are perfect for rainy afternoons, while Forest Park offers beautiful hiking and Washington Park the serenity of formal Japanese gardens and the company of zoo animals.
Nashville, TN
You come to Nashville because you either love Southern cooking and country music or are about to fall in love with both. There’s no resisting, especially for the solo traveler who will be welcome in this friendly, university town aptly known as Music City. Get to know country music legends and history, or fulfill a longtime dream, with visits to the Grand Ole Opry House, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and the Johnny Cash Museum. With countless barbecue joints, spend days sampling the local fare without worrying how much you get on your face, and in the evening kick up your boots, literal or figurative, at the many honky-tonk bars.
Key West, FL
Key West is an island city at the southernmost point of Florida, at the end of the Overseas Highway, and just 90 miles north of Cuba. So close, in fact, that you can’t help but feel Havana in the air, as well as the cigars, rum, and cuisine! Key West has a reputation for being an offbeat escape. Some of the most iconic bars in Florida are rumored to be here, including one where clothing is optional! But there’s plenty to do with your bathing suit on, as well. Stay in one of the pretty pastel conch-style houses, bike around the island, kayak through mangroves, or snorkel and scuba dive amongst coral. Whatever you choose, you’ll be treated to Caribbean vibes and ocean views.