Last Updated on March 5, 2025 by Mrunal & Jiten
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Traveling solo is one of life's greatest adventures. Freedom, flexibility, empowerment and reflection are just some of the reasons to plan a solo trip.
Over the past decade, solo travel stereotypes have evolved from gap year students backpacking the Gringo Trail in South America to trips encompassing a wide variety of travel themes, experiences and budgets.
With the rise of digital nomadism, greater connectivity via social media and a growing "what am I waiting for?" mindset that tends to occur during tumultuous times, solo travel is a growing trend among travelers of all ages. Whether you're looking to travel as part of a group tour or independently, it's never been easier (or more affordable) to chart your own course. Many hefty single supplements are now being waived or reduced for both overland journeys and cruises.
For first-time solo travelers, there are plenty of U.S. destinations that combine easy access, relative affordability, welcoming vibes and diverse experiences to help streamline a solo vacation. This enables you to step out of your comfort zone and experience travel in a new way.
Here are 12 of our favorite destinations for solo travel in the U.S. for 2025.
Best for: Surfing by day, wine tasting by night
Equidistant from San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo County combines lush scenery, coastal adventures, historic charm and superb wine tasting within a relatively small and easy-to-navigate area. Often referred to as "Little Santa Barbara," the city is a charming, laid-back stopover for solo travelers embarking on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
The unpretentious downtown area is studded with historic landmarks, including the 18th-century Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, now a museum housing artifacts from Native American and Mission-era history. Foodies should time their stay with the bustling farmers market (Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.), where more than 100 vendors sell a variety of farm-fresh produce, flowers and even farm-to-table dinners.
Related: From California to British Columbia: 10 best places for an idyllic West Coast getaway
Downtown SLO's welcoming wine bars and tasting rooms are a cozy backdrop for solo travelers looking to make new friends. They provide a fun initiation into coastal California's prized pinot noir and chardonnay varietals.
Just a 10-minute drive from town, family-owned vineyards and tasting rooms dot the lush rolling hills of the Edna Valley. Some 30 miles north of SLO, the Paso Robles wine region is often touted as an affordable and more laid-back dupe for Napa.
At Pismo Beach, adventure lovers can surf, boogie board or ride an all-terrain vehicle across the largest swath of coastal dunes in California. This classic California beach town is surrounded by the Pismo Preserve, which provides sanctuary to owls, hawks, peregrine falcons and other wildlife.
If you are looking for a coastal base for exploration, the Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, Autograph Collection has reasonable room rates for its prime beachfront position. Rooms start at $240 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Best for: History buffs
From its crucial role in the Revolutionary War to longstanding icons like Fenway Park, Quincy Market and its many museums, Boston hosts a wealth of attractions for solo travelers who want to soak up some history.
For a firsthand look at Boston's early days, step onto The Freedom Trail, a walking tour of 16 sites that played integral roles in the birth of our nation. You can continue your exploration in some of Boston's historic neighborhoods, including Beacon Hill and the North End (Boston's Little Italy).
Or, for a panoramic look at the city sights, head to View Boston. View Boston offers 360-degree views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in New England, along with several exhibits where you can learn more about the city.
If you plan to spend an evening cheering on the Boston Red Sox, staying at The Verb Hotel (starting at $110 per night) puts you within walking distance of Fenway.
For a points-friendly option, book a room at The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston, where rates start at $260 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. The building once served as the home of Boston's Charles Street Jail, and you can dine among the preserved jail cell facades at the hotel's restaurant, Clink.
Related: Best hotels in Boston, including the Four Seasons and the Fairmont
Best for: Artistic enlightenment
Santa Fe has long been a haven for solo travelers searching for spiritual fulfillment and ethereal natural wonders. Nestled beneath the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the sacred ruins, shrines, New Age institutes and yoga centers offer healing and enlightenment for those at a crossroads in life.
As one of the world's greatest art centers, the New Mexico capital is celebrated for its rich tricultural heritage (Pueblo, Spanish and Anglo-American), vibrant arts scene and striking adobe architecture.
Art lovers can spend a day perusing the galleries and artisan studios lining Canyon Road. Then, they can head to an open-air concert at the world-famous Santa Fe Opera, which draws opera devotees from all across the globe.
Santa Fe's mystical desert landscapes are immortalized by the late painter Georgia O'Keeffe, the "Mother of American Modernism." The Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, housed in a former Baptist church, holds the world's largest repository of the late artist's works.
The city has also become a mainspring for innovative Southwestern flavors and cuisine, and some of the West's most acclaimed restaurants are located here.
Marriott loyalists can earn and redeem points at the pueblo-inspired La Posada de Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa. From 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy points or $200 per night, you can stroll freely over its 6 acres while still staying close to downtown's cultural attractions.
For those looking to indulge, the Auberge-affiliated Bishop's Lodge features luxurious rooms with traditional kiva fireplaces. It offers a number of experiences perfect for solo travelers, such as the Healing Art Journey, designed to eliminate inner stress. Plus, a resident "chile host" helps gourmands find the perfect pepper and chile oil combination to accompany their meal. Rates start from $749, but the hotel is currently offering a third-night-free promotion (until April 30), which brings the rate down to $500 plus taxes and fees.
Best for: Hiking, biking and beer
Asheville truly has it all for outdoor enthusiasts. You can hike and mountain bike trails through the hazy vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains (the city provides a "hike finder" to help you find the perfect trail) and paddle down the French Broad River. Or, simply check out Asheville's outdoor shopping districts, like the River Arts District or Biltmore Park, on foot. (Shopping counts as cardio in my book.)
When it's time for some apres-hike brews and bites, head to one of Asheville's breweries. There are plenty to choose from, but Wicked Weed Brewing and Hi-Wire Brewing top the list for spots to satisfy your thirst and hunger in a fun setting. Not all Hi-Wire locations have reopened post Hurricane Helene, but you can support the brewery by visiting its South Slope or Biltmore Village locations.
For an upscale boutique stay in downtown Asheville, check into The Foundry Hotel Asheville, Curio Collection by Hilton. Rates start at $205 or 62,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Another solid option is the budget-friendly Hotel Indigo Asheville Downtown, where rooms are available starting at $104 or 17,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Related: Upscale stay but missing amenities: My time at The Foundry Hotel in Asheville
Best for: Live music and livelier crowds
Even if you visit the Big Easy solo, you are never truly alone. Whether you're vibing with the throngs of tourists on Bourbon Street, standing in line for beignets at Cafe du Monde or learning about the city's rich history on a group walking tour, you're likely to be surrounded by friendly faces with similar interests (and a taste for powdered-sugar-covered fried dough).
If you've never been to New Orleans, make time to hit up hot spots like Pat O'Briens for a rum-soaked hurricane; Central Grocery, where the famous muffuletta sandwich was invented; and Preservation Hall for live jazz. If you still have time during your trip, venture farther from the French Quarter to City Park and Mardi Gras World. Or, take a guided tour of New Orleans' hauntingly beautiful cemeteries.
For a hotel that's close but not too close to the French Quarter, stay at The Eliza Jane (starting at $175 or 20,000 World of Hyatt points per night) or the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot (starting at $150 or 17,000 IHG One Rewards points per night) — two of New Orleans' many points-friendly hotels.
Best for: Music lovers and foodies
The Texas state capital is known for many things — delicious barbecue, a stellar music scene, gorgeous green spaces, lakes where you can stay active and the world's largest urban colony of bats, to name a few. Visiting Austin as a solo traveler is convenient because there are various neighborhoods you can check out to enjoy dining, drinks and entertainment all in one place.
Sixth Street closes down to traffic on weekends and is a great spot for creative cocktails and neon-lit music venues. For something a little more laid-back, head to Rainey Street. South Congress, with its unique boutiques and variety of dining options, is another must-visit for both locals and tourists.
For the outdoorsy, Zilker Metropolitan Park puts more than 350 acres of outdoor fun at your doorstep. You can swim in the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, explore on a rented bike or canoe, or time your visit to annual events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival or the ABC Kite Festival.
Some of the best points hotels in Austin are close to downtown. This includes The Driskill, a Hyatt-affiliated property starting at $350 or 29,000 World of Hyatt points per night, and the Austin Proper Hotel, a Member of Design Hotels, which starts at $360 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Best for: Breathtaking scenery and an accessible gateway town
One of the nation's most popular national parks, Zion makes for an awe-inspiring solo adventure with breathtaking landscapes, epic hiking and bike trails, and fascinating wildlife.
In terms of transportation, accessibility and accommodation offerings, Zion National Park is a relatively straightforward place to plan a trip to. The gateway for exploration is charming Springdale, Utah, a small town just steps from the park's main entrance that has maintained its quirky vibe despite its soaring popularity.
Amid the winding canyon of sandstone buttresses, sheer red-rock cliffs and slot canyons, you'll find lush evergreen forests, kaleidoscopic wildflowers and mystical hanging gardens. If you're short on time, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (accessible only by shuttle bus from March through October) provides a glorious glimpse of the park's red rocks and easy access to several visitor-approved trailheads. All visitors need an entrance pass to enter the park.
Angels Landing is an iconic hike you won't want to miss. Not for the faint of heart, some 21 hair-raising switchbacks weave their way through the rift to Scout Lookout, which affords jaw-dropping panoramas of Zion Canyon. Though you can visit most areas of the park without a reservation, including most hiking trails, hikers need to enter a lottery in order to secure a permit for Angels Landing. Depending on your fitness level (and traffic on the trail), it takes three to five hours to ascend the canyon's east wall.
Just 1 mile from the park's entrance, the SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion National Park is one of the brand's finest iterations. The property offers modern, well-equipped suites that are both large and comfortable; it also offers complimentary breakfast every day and an outdoor pool with phenomenal views of Zion National Park. As this is a Bonvoy property, you can expect to redeem 52,000 to 72,000 points here. Cash rates generally start at $225 a night.
If you are looking for a full-service option, The Red Cliffs Lodge Zion, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel recently joined the Marriott family. This pet-friendly property has 132 guest rooms, an on-property bar and grill, and an outdoor pool and hot tub. Rates start at around $117 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: The best places to stay near Zion National Park
Best for: Exploring the unique landscape of the Pacific Northwest
Portland is surrounded by natural beauty on all sides. Because the city lies in a valley, you can often see Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens and the towering green firs and pines surrounding it. To take in these natural wonders all at once, visit Powell Butte for panoramic mountain views — or the outlook behind Pittock Mansion for city views with Mount Hood in the background.
You'd be remiss to skip all things weird and wonderful within Portland's city limits. Voracious readers could spend hours in Powell's City of Books, the country's largest independent bookstore. There's also the outdoor Portland Saturday Market, which is considered the largest continually operating arts and crafts market in the country. The city has so many food carts it created a handy guide to help you find exactly what you're hungry for.
Many of Portland's hotels reflect the city's unique style. Choose the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland (starting at $140 or 18,000 IHG One Rewards points per night) or The Nines Hotel Portland (starting at $260 or 34,400 Marriott Bonvoy points per night), both downtown.
Best for: A mix of beach days and California history
San Diego is home to many beautiful beaches, but there's more to do than just spend lazy days in the sand (though I wouldn't blame you if you didn't leave the beach during your visit).
Many of San Diego's best-known attractions are in Balboa Park, including the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the San Diego Air & Space Museum and many splendid gardens and recreational areas. If you're into wild rides and wild animals, spend a day at SeaWorld San Diego. The park is opening the Jewels of the Sea: The Jellyfish Experience exhibit this spring as well.
About 2 miles west of Balboa Park on San Diego Bay is the USS Midway Museum, where you can learn about historic naval aircraft and helicopters on board the USS Midway aircraft carrier. Old Town San Diego — the first European settlement in California — and the Gaslamp Quarter are also worth peeling yourself away from the beach for.
If you prefer to stay close to downtown and the bay, reserve a room at the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown, where rates start at $240 or 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night. If you want to be closer to the beach, head to the famed Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton. Expect nightly prices to start at $525 or 110,000 Hilton Honors points.
Related: The best hotels in San Diego
Best for: Legendary country music
From the 4,000-seat Grand Ole Opry to the rows of bars with live music along Lower Broadway, you are never too far from legendary country stars and up-and-coming crooners when you visit Nashville.
However, Nashville isn't only a hotbed of current honky-tonk. It's also where music fans go to immerse themselves in the history of country music. You can pay homage to the greats like Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum or visit Historic RCA Studio B, where stars like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded classics.
Nashville is also well known for its shopping scene. Visit The District in downtown Nashville for everything from record albums to cowboy boots. Then, head to the shops in Hillsboro Village or The Gulch for local and nationally known fashion and accessory brands.
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown (starting at $275 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night) offers spacious rooms and a rooftop indoor pool. For a true Nashville experience you'll never forget, go for the Dolly Parton suite at the Graduate Nashville (starting at $700 or 243,000 Hilton Honors points per night).
Related: The best hotels to book in Nashville for the full Music City experience
Best for: Idyllic scenery and amazing wildlife watching
A 90-minute drive north of Seattle, the port of Anacortes is the departure point for the Salish Sea's San Juan Islands archipelago (10 miles offshore from the Washington mainland). It's a mesmerizing tapestry of emerald-green islands, glacier-carved mountains and sparkling waters.
The largest of the chain, Orcas Island appeals to independent travelers with its idyllic scenery, peaceful ambience and warm, communal spirit. The main village, Eastsound, is sprinkled with galleries, intimate restaurants and watering holes where you can savor freshly caught seafood and craft cocktails while trading stories with locals and fellow travelers.
Nature lovers can embark on hikes through the 5,252-acre Moran State Park, laced with over 38 miles of trails and a route for every skill set. The summit of the 2,400-foot-tall Mount Constitution rewards hikers with 360-degree views of Vancouver Island, as well as both Mount Rainier and Mount Baker on the mainland.
Related: Pacific Northwest road trip: The San Juan Islands and Olympic National Park
If you prefer to take in the scenery and dazzling wildlife with new friends, join a tour with Outer Island Excursions, which offers memorable whale-watching cruises.
Snug Harbor Resort features 20 modern, well-appointed cottages with kitchens, vaulted ceilings, decks and gas grills overlooking secluded Mitchell Bay. Guests get complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboards, canoes and bikes; boaters can also access the property via a private marina. Rates start from $299 per night.
Best for: Reconnecting with nature
Few places in the U.S. have more spectacular scenery than Sedona. Surrounded by striking red-rock buttes and majestic canyons, this desert destination is ideal for communing with nature. For some, that could mean a solitary day of hiking at the picturesque Bell Rock; others may prefer a more spiritual experience like a yoga hiking tour of Sedona.
Sedona's art scene is as vibrant as its landscape. Peruse shops and galleries in the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village or the Sedona Artist Market. On the first Friday of every month, many galleries stay open into the evening, hosting special artist receptions and other events.
The Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock (starting at $320 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night) is about as close as you can get to Sedona's best hiking trails. For a serene retreat experience, stay at L'Auberge de Sedona (starting at $590 per night) or The Wilde Resort and Spa (starting at $245 per night).
When you take a solo trip, you have the freedom and independence to go where you want and do what you want, whenever you want.
Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures, foodie heaven or big-city excitement, these destinations are among the best cities in the U.S. for solo travelers.
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