7 Solo Travel Destinations

Traveling solo doesn’t have to be lonely—in fact, it can be great way to reconnect with yourself. There are plenty of perks, from making new friends to saving a few bucks on the trip. Here’s our list of seven of the best places for solo travel in the U.S.

A casual, welcoming vibe puts Sedona at the top of any list of where to travel alone. Located in the upper Sonoran Desert of northern Arizona, the town is known for its towering red rock formations, lush canyons, and quintessential Southwestern sunrises and sunsets. That means one thing for solo travelers: great hiking. Outdoor enthusiasts will want to spend some time in the breathtaking Red Rock State Park, a nature preserve packed with hiking trails—if you’re lucky, you might spot mule deer, the wild boar-like javelina or bobcats, in addition to taking in some stunning views. Bird lover? Get up early and meet some new friends at the park’s weekly Bird Walk, held Wednesdays and Saturdays throughout the year. If you’re more of an indoor adventurer, Sedona also has charming shopping and dining options, like the Hudson Sedona, a first-come, first-served bar great for dining alone. And here’s another great solo travel idea: Go adventuring just before dusk so you can enjoy the sunset—the bright oranges and reds of the native sandstone can be an easy conversation starter.

This charming North Carolina mountain city, with its down-to-earth vibe and thriving food scene, ranks high on the list of best vacations to take alone. Grab a cup of joe at High Five Coffee and stroll the downtown streets, popping in and out of shops that carry local pottery, artwork and vintage clothing. Up for a hike? Asheville’s location near the Pisgah National Forest makes for amazing hikes, providing a great way to meet new friends or enjoy some peaceful alone time. Many area hiking clubs meet for a lunch, dinner or a drink after the hike, too, so you don’t have to eat alone if you don’t want to.

Let’s be real: You’re never really alone when you visit the many bustling attractions in New York City, which is what makes it one of the best places for solo travel in the U.S. For many, ducking into Central Park is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple. Sign up for a guided tour of the park’s iconic features and connect with fellow nature lovers, or just find a bench and dive into a good book. One win in the New York solo travel scene is how there are dozens of live music venues. Looking for a jazz bar? Catch some tunes, order a cocktail and enjoy. Then, skip the museum crowds and visit during the quieter evening hours. The Met, for example, is open Friday and Saturday until 9 p.m. And here’s another great tip for traveling alone: Individual seats at Broadway shows and concerts are often easier to find. Ticket vendors typically save a select few single seats throughout the theater—and sell them at a lower cost.

Finding things to do in Austin is easy for solo travelers looking for a great destination for foodies. There's an abundance of great Texas barbecue, fun and funky cafes and shops, plus tasty tacos. Chat up some new friends as you wait in the lengthy line at Franklin Barbecue—it’s worth it. Praised for having the “best barbecue in the known universe,” according to Texas Monthly, James Beard Award-winning chef Aaron Franklin won’t disappoint. Then, head over to Congress Avenue, grab a map and explore the underground labyrinth on a self-guided tour at the State Capitol building. Up for a swim? Don’t miss the chance to dig your toes in Barton Springs at Zilker Metropolitan Park. With average temperatures around 70 degrees, it’s great for year-round swimming and relaxing people-watching.

With an amazing coastline stretching roughly 70 miles long, attractions in San Diego are great for those who travel solo. But, even if you’re not into sun-soaked days of independence, there’s plenty to do in town without setting foot on the beach. Sample the Cali-Baja cuisine at standards like Puesto and treat yourself to one of hundreds of craft beers or wines bottled nearby. Sometimes called the “Smithsonian of the West,” Balboa Park is known for 17 museums, art galleries and, of course, the renowned San Diego Zoo. Then, just thirty minutes away, take a breath and bask in the surrounding natural beauty at La Jolla Cove. Finally, if you love history, enjoy some people-watching as you explore downtown’s historic Gaslamp Quarter, checking out the dozens of boutiques and galleries along the way.

Denver is a great city that is easily one of the best places to travel alone in the U.S. To start your solo adventure in the “Mile High City,” park the car and take a B-cycle to an artsy block just in front of East Denver High School. Curl up with hot drink and a good story at the Tattered Cover Bookstore, explore music and pop culture at the expansive Twist & Shout Records music store next door, or catch an indie film at the Sie FilmCenter theater upstairs. From here, you can snap a few selfies with the majestic statues of City Park, starting with the newly restored lion-head fountains of Sullivan Gateway just across the street. For even more mile-high culture, it’s just a 20-minute bike ride over to the Denver Art Museum, which houses an extensive Native American art collection.

Seattle, Washington, known as the “Emerald City,” is another one of the best places for solo travel in the U.S. First of all, you’re on the coast, so you’ll want to eat some seafood. Get to know the locals from a stool at the super-casual The Walrus and the Carpenter oyster bar, or get to know other foodies on a six-stop food tour with Savor Seattle. Solo vacationers can also geek-out freely (costumes welcome!) to their favorite music, gaming and movie exhibits at the Museum of Pop Culture—or MoPOP—on 5th Ave. Then, before you finish your solo vacation in Seattle, head to Kerry Park, where you can catch the perfect view to snap a selfie with the city’s famous Space Needle.