19 Solo-Friendly US Destinations For Your Next Independent Trip
Craving the freedom to travel on your own terms?
The U.S. is packed with destinations perfect for solo adventurers places where you can explore at your pace, meet new people (or not), and soak in experiences that are all yours.
Whether you’re into nature, nightlife, or quiet reflection, these 19 handpicked spots offer the safety, charm, and unforgettable moments every solo traveler dreams of. Let the journey begin.
1. Portland, Oregon
How often do you find a city where street art, indie coffee shops, and book stores compete for your attention at every corner? Portland creates a quirky playground for solo travelers who enjoy wandering without a plan.
This city is all about casual friendliness—no need to force conversation, but a warm welcome if you want it. Biking around is a breeze, and the Saturday Market feels like a local secret, even if you’re visiting for the first time.
If you’re keen on trying new foods solo, the food carts offer endless variety, and nobody bats an eye if you eat alone while people-watching on the riverfront.
2. Santa Fe, New Mexico
If vibrant colors and Southwestern charm speak to you, Santa Fe will feel like a dream. The city’s adobe architecture glows in the sun, while galleries and hidden courtyards tempt you at every turn.
Are you into history or more of an artsy soul? Either way, there’s something for everyone. I love how easy it is to chat with local artists at the plaza or quietly explore ancient churches.
There’s peace in wandering the narrow streets alone. Santa Fe’s friendly pace invites you to slow down, breathe deep, and discover something unexpected just around the next corner.
3. Burlington, Vermont
When autumn arrives, Burlington feels like the set of a cozy movie—crisp air, glowing leaves, and friendly faces all around. I always notice how the city’s lakeside paths invite a spontaneous stroll or bike ride.
Farm-to-table cafes dot the downtown, making solo dining relaxed and inviting. The open-air markets spill over with local produce and handmade crafts, giving you plenty to browse without any rush.
It’s fun to watch college students jamming on the waterfront, creating a laid-back vibe. If you ever crave a conversation, someone’s always happy to offer hiking tips or recommend their favorite brewpub.
4. Austin, Texas
Did you ever imagine a city where music pours into the street every night? Austin’s energy is contagious, and it’s easy to blend in, whether you’re singing along at a festival or grabbing tacos at midnight.
Food trucks tempt you at every corner, offering comfort food and bold flavors you can try on a whim. I always feel at home here, surrounded by people who celebrate individuality.
If you’re feeling bold, try paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake. With friendly crowds and endless activities, Austin makes solo exploring a true adventure.
5. Savannah, Georgia
Where Spanish moss drapes over ancient oaks, Savannah’s charm is undeniable. The historic district offers a gentle place for self-reflection, with hidden gardens and cozy squares.
Strolling alone along River Street, I always feel wrapped in a gentle hush, like the city is letting me in on its secrets. Cafes serve up sweet tea and stories in equal measure.
If spooky tales intrigue you, the nightly ghost tours add a dash of mystery. Savannah welcomes soloists—quiet, quirky, or curious—to make each corner their own discovery.
6. Seattle, Washington
This city is famous for rain, but there’s a cozy thrill to ducking into a café as the drizzle starts. Seattle’s Pike Place Market feels like a living postcard for solo wanderers.
People-watching with coffee is practically an art form here, especially with the waterfront views. I’m always amazed by the variety of fresh food, independent shops, and street musicians.
Are you an introvert? The city’s libraries and small museums offer quiet nooks for reflection. Seattle is a haven for those who find adventure in small moments.
7. Sedona, Arizona
How do you describe the awe of seeing red rocks glowing at dawn? Sedona is a landscape of magic, with every trail offering a new perspective.
Solo hiking here feels almost meditative, especially with the scent of juniper in the air. Local shops overflow with crystals, art, and friendly advice for your next adventure.
I find it easy to strike up a chat with other travelers or quietly enjoy the peaceful scenery. Sedona’s natural beauty and welcoming spirit invite you to stay present, step by step.
8. Key West, Florida
Are sunsets your thing? Key West serves them up nightly, with street performers and a laid-back crowd. The narrow streets encourage slow exploration, perfect for solo bike rides.
I love how easy it is to join a snorkeling tour or just relax with a book by the water. Locals greet you with a nod and stories that seem spun from sunshine.
If quirky history is your style, Hemingway’s house and the island’s oddball museums are waiting. Key West feels like a tropical friend always ready for a new adventure.
9. Chicago, Illinois
With bold architecture and endless food options, Chicago is a feast for the senses. Walking along the lake, I’m struck by how alive the city feels, yet comfortable for solo visitors.
Museums spill over with treasures, and friendly neighborhoods each offer their own flavor. Public art invites you to pause and snap a photo, no companion needed.
If you’re hungry, deep-dish pizza tastes even better when you don’t have to share. Every moment here seems designed for discovery, just you and the city.
10. Asheville, North Carolina
When the morning mist clings to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville feels like a secret world. Artisans fill the streets with music and color, while cozy coffee shops offer a warm hello.
Are you a hiker or more of a foodie? Either way, there’s a kind welcome for solo travelers. The River Arts District buzzes with creativity, and local markets overflow with flavor.
How nice it is to end your day with craft beer and new friends on a breezy patio. Asheville’s mountain magic is best savored at your own pace.
11. San Diego, California
If endless sunshine calls your name, San Diego is hard to resist. The beachy vibe means you’re never out of place, whether you’re surfing or just watching the waves roll in.
I always find the boardwalks lively but relaxed, perfect for people-watching or sampling street tacos. The city’s neighborhoods feel like distinct worlds, each welcoming solo explorers.
There’s something freeing about renting a bike and following the coast with no agenda. San Diego’s friendly pace and blue skies make it a go-to for solo spirits.
12. Charleston, South Carolina
Did you ever feel transported by the soft glow of gas lanterns? Charleston’s historic streets tell stories of centuries past, wrapped in Southern hospitality.
Rainbow Row’s pastel houses make every step a photo op. Friendly locals are quick to share restaurant tips or tales from the city’s vibrant history.
If you love good food, solo dining is a pleasure—shrimp and grits tastes even better with a view of the harbor. Charleston’s gentle pace lets you savor the city on your own timeline.
13. Minneapolis, Minnesota
How often can you paddle a river in the middle of a city? Minneapolis brings nature and urban excitement together in a way that feels both accessible and surprising.
Bike trails wind along lakes and rivers, inviting solo explorations at sunrise or sunset. The city’s arts scene is welcoming, with galleries and theaters always open to new faces.
I find the local cafes perfect for quiet mornings or spontaneous conversations. Minneapolis is a place where solo wanderers quickly feel at home.
14. San Francisco, California
Where else can you climb steep hills and catch glimpses of the Pacific, all in a single morning? San Francisco is a city that rewards curiosity and courage.
Cable cars rattle past, and every neighborhood feels like its own universe. I always find friendly chatter in corner bakeries and hidden bookstores.
If you love views, walking the Golden Gate Bridge alone is unforgettable—the fog, the wind, the sense of endless possibility. San Francisco’s open-minded spirit makes solo travel feel natural.
15. Denver, Colorado
It’s hard not to feel invigorated in the Mile High City. Denver offers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and urban fun, where solo hikers find kindred spirits on the trails.
The local breweries and lively art districts make it easy to connect with new people, or just take in the city’s creative pulse on your own. Parks and gardens provide quiet escapes within the city.
If you’re craving altitude and attitude, Denver’s mountain views and open spaces are a solo traveler’s dream come true.
16. New Orleans, Louisiana
When jazz spills into the streets, New Orleans feels like a living celebration. Solo adventurers blend in easily, moving between music venues and historic streets.
I always find the locals open and welcoming, quick to share stories over beignets or gumbo. The city’s energy is infectious, and there’s something magical about wandering the French Quarter with no agenda.
If you crave history with a side of mystery, New Orleans’ hidden courtyards and old cemeteries offer quiet moments between the festivities. It’s a city made for solo exploration.
17. Boulder, Colorado
How does it feel to hike with mountain vistas always in view? Boulder’s trails and friendly locals create a welcoming space for solo explorers.
Organic cafes and lively farmers’ markets are ideal for sampling local flavors. I find it easy to join a yoga class or catch a poetry reading downtown.
If you’re seeking a mix of nature and creativity, Boulder’s blend of outdoor adventure and college-town charm will keep you inspired all day long.
18. Anchorage, Alaska
Did you ever dream of seeing moose up close or gazing at endless mountains? Anchorage offers wilderness at your doorstep, but with the comforts of a city.
Solo travel here is about freedom—choose a glacier hike one day, a museum visit the next. I love how open and helpful locals are, happy to share their favorite trails.
If adventure speaks to you, Anchorage’s wild spirit and big landscapes are unforgettable. Each day brings a new story to tell, just for you.
19. Providence, Rhode Island
How captivating are glowing fires on water at dusk? Providence surprises with its creative flair and riverside walks, ideal for solo wanderers.
Galleries, indie bookstores, and cozy coffee shops make the city feel intimate. I always find the mix of old mills and modern art both intriguing and inviting.
If you’re into quirky festivals, WaterFire is a must. Providence’s blend of history and imagination makes every visit feel like a new adventure.