Touring solo is considered one of life’s biggest adventures. Freedom, flexibility, empowerment and reflection are simply a few of the causes to plan a solo journey.
Over the previous decade, solo journey stereotypes have developed from hole yr college students backpacking the Gringo Path in South America to journeys encompassing all kinds of journey themes, experiences and budgets.
With the rise of digital nomadism, better connectivity by way of social media and a rising “what am I ready for?” mindset that tends to happen throughout tumultuous occasions, solo journey is a rising development amongst vacationers of all ages. Whether or not you are trying to journey as a part of a bunch tour or independently, it is by no means been simpler (or extra inexpensive) to chart your personal course. Many hefty single dietary supplements are actually being waived or decreased for each overland journeys and cruises.
For first-time solo vacationers, there are many U.S. locations that mix quick access, relative affordability, welcoming vibes and numerous experiences to assist streamline a solo trip. This allows you to step out of your consolation zone and expertise journey in a brand new means.
Listed here are 12 of our favourite locations for solo journey within the U.S. for 2025.
San Luis Obispo, California
Greatest for: Browsing by day, wine tasting by evening
Equidistant from San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo County combines lush surroundings, coastal adventures, historic appeal and very good wine tasting inside a comparatively small and easy-to-navigate space. Also known as “Little Santa Barbara,” the town is a captivating, laid-back stopover for solo vacationers embarking on a Pacific Coast Freeway highway journey.
The unpretentious downtown space is studded with historic landmarks, together with the 18th-century Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, now a museum housing artifacts from Native American and Mission-era historical past. Foodies ought to time their stick with the bustling farmers market (Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.), the place greater than 100 distributors promote a wide range of farm-fresh produce, flowers and even farm-to-table dinners.
Associated: From California to British Columbia: 10 finest locations for an idyllic West Coast getaway
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Downtown SLO’s welcoming wine bars and tasting rooms are a comfy backdrop for solo vacationers trying to make new buddies. They supply a enjoyable initiation into coastal California’s prized pinot noir and chardonnay varietals.
Only a 10-minute drive from city, family-owned vineyards and tasting rooms dot the luxurious rolling hills of the Edna Valley. Some 30 miles north of SLO, the Paso Robles wine area is usually touted as an inexpensive and extra laid-back dupe for Napa.
At Pismo Seaside, journey lovers can surf, boogie board or experience an all-terrain automobile throughout the most important swath of coastal dunes in California. This traditional California seashore city is surrounded by the Pismo Protect, which offers sanctuary to owls, hawks, peregrine falcons and different wildlife.
The place to remain
If you’re on the lookout for a coastal base for exploration, the Vespera Resort on Pismo Seaside, Autograph Assortment has affordable room charges for its prime beachfront place. Rooms begin at $240 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening.
Boston
Greatest for: Historical past buffs
From its essential function within the Revolutionary Struggle to longstanding icons like Fenway Park, Quincy Market and its many museums, Boston hosts a wealth of points of interest for solo vacationers who wish to take in some historical past.
For a firsthand take a look at Boston’s early days, step onto The Freedom Path, a strolling tour of 16 websites that performed integral roles within the start of our nation. You possibly can proceed your exploration in a few of Boston’s historic neighborhoods, together with Beacon Hill and the North Finish (Boston’s Little Italy).
Or, for a panoramic take a look at the town sights, head to View Boston. View Boston provides 360-degree views of the town from one of many tallest buildings in New England, together with a number of displays the place you’ll be able to study extra in regards to the metropolis.
The place to remain
In case you plan to spend a night cheering on the Boston Pink Sox, staying at The Verb Lodge (beginning at $110 per evening) places you inside strolling distance of Fenway.
For a points-friendly choice, ebook a room at The Liberty, a Luxurious Assortment Lodge, Boston, the place charges begin at $260 or 56,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening. The constructing as soon as served as the house of Boston’s Charles Road Jail, and you’ll dine among the many preserved jail cell facades on the resort’s restaurant, Clink.
Associated: Greatest inns in Boston, together with the 4 Seasons and the Fairmont
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Greatest for: Creative enlightenment
Santa Fe has lengthy been a haven for solo vacationers trying to find religious achievement and ethereal pure wonders. Nestled beneath the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the sacred ruins, shrines, New Age institutes and yoga facilities provide therapeutic and enlightenment for these at a crossroads in life.
As one of many world’s biggest artwork facilities, the New Mexico capital is widely known for its wealthy tricultural heritage (Pueblo, Spanish and Anglo-American), vibrant arts scene and putting adobe structure.
Artwork lovers can spend a day perusing the galleries and artisan studios lining Canyon Street. Then, they’ll head to an open-air live performance on the world-famous Santa Fe Opera, which pulls opera devotees from all throughout the globe.
Santa Fe’s mystical desert landscapes are immortalized by the late painter Georgia O’Keeffe, the “Mom 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 town has additionally develop into a mainspring for modern Southwestern flavors and delicacies, and a few of the West’s most acclaimed eating places are positioned right here.
The place to remain
Marriott loyalists can earn and redeem factors on the pueblo-inspired La Posada de Santa Fe, A Tribute Portfolio Resort & Spa. From 41,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors or $200 per evening, you’ll be able to stroll freely over its 6 acres whereas nonetheless staying near downtown’s cultural points of interest.
For these trying to indulge, the Auberge-affiliated Bishop’s Lodge options luxurious rooms with conventional kiva fireplaces. It provides plenty of experiences excellent for solo vacationers, such because the Therapeutic Artwork Journey, designed to eradicate interior stress. Plus, a resident “chile host” helps gourmands discover the right pepper and chile oil mixture to accompany their meal. Charges begin from $749, however the resort is at the moment providing a third-night-free promotion (till April 30), which brings the speed all the way down to $500 plus taxes and costs.
Asheville, North Carolina
Greatest for: Mountaineering, biking and beer
Asheville really has all of it for out of doors fanatics. You possibly can hike and mountain bike trails via the hazy vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains (the town offers a “hike finder” that will help you discover the right path) and paddle down the French Broad River. Or, merely try Asheville’s out of doors buying districts, just like the River Arts District or Biltmore Park, on foot. (Buying counts as cardio in my ebook.)
When it is time for some apres-hike brews and bites, head to considered one of Asheville’s breweries. There are lots to select from, however Depraved Weed Brewing and Hello-Wire Brewing high the record for spots to fulfill your thirst and starvation in a enjoyable setting. Not all Hello-Wire places have reopened put up Hurricane Helene, however you’ll be able to assist the brewery by visiting its South Slope or Biltmore Village places.
The place to remain
For an upscale boutique keep in downtown Asheville, test into The Foundry Lodge Asheville, Curio Assortment by Hilton. Charges begin at $205 or 62,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening.
One other stable choice is the budget-friendly Lodge Indigo Asheville Downtown, the place rooms can be found beginning at $104 or 17,000 IHG One Rewards factors per evening.
Associated: Upscale keep however lacking facilities: My time at The Foundry Lodge in Asheville
New Orleans
Greatest for: Reside music and livelier crowds
Even should you go to the Huge Straightforward solo, you’re by no means really alone. Whether or not you are vibing with the throngs of vacationers on Bourbon Road, standing in line for beignets at Cafe du Monde or studying in regards to the metropolis’s wealthy historical past on a bunch strolling tour, you are more likely to be surrounded by pleasant faces with comparable pursuits (and a style for powdered-sugar-covered fried dough).
In case you’ve by no means been to New Orleans, make time to hit up scorching spots like Pat O’Briens for a rum-soaked hurricane; Central Grocery, the place the well-known muffuletta sandwich was invented; and Preservation Corridor for stay jazz. In case you nonetheless have time throughout your journey, enterprise farther from the French Quarter to Metropolis Park and Mardi Gras World. Or, take a guided tour of New Orleans’ hauntingly lovely cemeteries.
The place to remain
For a resort that is shut however not too near the French Quarter, keep at The Eliza Jane (beginning at $175 or 20,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening) or the Kimpton Lodge Fontenot (beginning at $150 or 17,000 IHG One Rewards factors per evening) — two of New Orleans’ many points-friendly inns.
Austin
Greatest for: Music lovers and foodies
The Texas state capital is thought for a lot of issues — scrumptious barbecue, a stellar music scene, attractive inexperienced areas, lakes the place you’ll be able to keep lively and the world’s largest city colony of bats, to call a couple of. Visiting Austin as a solo traveler is handy as a result of there are numerous neighborhoods you’ll be able to try to take pleasure in eating, drinks and leisure multi function place.
Sixth Road closes all the way down to visitors on weekends and is a good spot for artistic cocktails and neon-lit music venues. For one thing a bit of extra laid-back, head to Rainey Road. South Congress, with its distinctive boutiques and number of eating choices, is one other must-visit for each locals and vacationers.
For the outdoorsy, Zilker Metropolitan Park places greater than 350 acres of outside enjoyable at your step. You possibly can swim within the spring-fed Barton Springs Pool, discover on a rented bike or canoe, or time your go to to annual occasions just like the Austin Metropolis Limits Music Pageant or the ABC Kite Pageant.
The place to remain
A few of the finest factors inns in Austin are near downtown. This consists of The Driskill, a Hyatt-affiliated property beginning at $350 or 29,000 World of Hyatt factors per evening, and the Austin Correct Lodge, a Member of Design Accommodations, which begins at $360 or 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening.
Zion Nationwide Park, Utah
Greatest for: Breathtaking surroundings and an accessible gateway city
One of many nation’s hottest nationwide parks, Zion makes for an awe-inspiring solo journey with breathtaking landscapes, epic mountain climbing and bike trails, and engaging wildlife.
When it comes to transportation, accessibility and lodging choices, Zion Nationwide Park is a comparatively easy place to plan a visit to. The gateway for exploration is charming Springdale, Utah, a small city simply steps from the park’s essential entrance that has maintained its quirky vibe regardless of its hovering reputation.
Amid the winding canyon of sandstone buttresses, sheer red-rock cliffs and slot canyons, you may discover lush evergreen forests, kaleidoscopic wildflowers and mystical hanging gardens. In case you’re quick on time, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (accessible solely by shuttle bus from March via October) offers an excellent glimpse of the park’s pink rocks and quick access to a number of visitor-approved trailheads. All guests want an entrance move to enter the park.
Angels Touchdown is an iconic hike you will not wish to miss. Not for the faint of coronary heart, some 21 hair-raising switchbacks weave their means via the rift to Scout Lookout, which affords jaw-dropping panoramas of Zion Canyon. Although you’ll be able to go to most areas of the park with no reservation, together with most mountain climbing trails, hikers must enter a lottery with the intention to safe a allow for Angels Touchdown. Relying in your health stage (and visitors on the path), it takes three to 5 hours to ascend the canyon’s east wall.
The place to remain
Simply 1 mile from the park’s entrance, the SpringHill Suites Springdale Zion Nationwide Park is likely one of the model’s best iterations. The property provides fashionable, well-equipped suites which are each giant and comfy; it additionally provides complimentary breakfast every single day and an out of doors pool with phenomenal views of Zion Nationwide Park. As it is a Bonvoy property, you’ll be able to anticipate to redeem 52,000 to 72,000 factors right here. Money charges typically begin at $225 an evening.
If you’re on the lookout for a full-service choice, The Pink Cliffs Lodge Zion, a Tribute Portfolio Lodge just lately joined the Marriott household. This pet-friendly property has 132 visitor rooms, an on-property bar and grill, and an out of doors pool and scorching tub. Charges begin at round $117 or 70,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening.
Associated: One of the best locations to remain close to Zion Nationwide Park
Portland, Oregon
Greatest for: Exploring the distinctive panorama of the Pacific Northwest
Portland is surrounded by pure magnificence on all sides. As a result of the town lies in a valley, you’ll be able to usually see Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens and the towering inexperienced firs and pines surrounding it. To absorb these pure wonders all of sudden, go to Powell Butte for panoramic mountain views — or the outlook behind Pittock Mansion for metropolis views with Mount Hood within the background.
You would be remiss to skip all issues bizarre inside Portland’s metropolis limits. Voracious readers might spend hours in Powell’s Metropolis of Books, the nation’s largest unbiased bookstore. There’s additionally the out of doors Portland Saturday Market, which is taken into account the most important frequently working arts and crafts market within the nation. The town has so many meals carts it created a useful information that will help you discover precisely what you are hungry for.
The place to remain
Lots of Portland’s inns mirror the town’s distinctive type. Select the Kimpton Lodge Classic Portland (beginning at $140 or 18,000 IHG One Rewards factors per evening) or The Nines Lodge Portland (beginning at $260 or 34,400 Marriott Bonvoy factors per evening), each downtown.
San Diego
Greatest for: A mixture of seashore days and California historical past
San Diego is residence to many lovely seashores, however there’s extra to do than simply spend lazy days within the sand (although I would not blame you should you did not depart the seashore throughout your go to).
Lots of San Diego’s best-known points of interest are in Balboa Park, together with the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Pure Historical past Museum, the San Diego Air & House Museum and lots of splendid gardens and leisure areas. In case 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 Expertise exhibit this spring as effectively.
About 2 miles west of Balboa Park on San Diego Bay is the USS Halfway Museum, the place you’ll be able to find out about historic naval plane and helicopters on board the united statesMidway plane provider. Outdated City San Diego — the primary European settlement in California — and the Gaslamp Quarter are additionally price peeling your self away from the seashore for.
The place to remain
In case you want to remain near downtown and the bay, reserve a room on the Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown, the place charges begin at $240 or 70,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening. If you wish to be nearer to the seashore, head to the famed Lodge del Coronado, Curio Assortment by Hilton. Count on nightly costs to start out at $525 or 110,000 Hilton Honors factors.
Associated: One of the best inns in San Diego
Nashville
Greatest for: Legendary nation music
From the 4,000-seat Grand Ole Opry to the rows of bars with stay music alongside Decrease Broadway, you’re by no means too removed from legendary nation stars and up-and-coming crooners whenever you go to Nashville.
Nonetheless, Nashville is not solely a hotbed of present honky-tonk. It is also the place music followers go to immerse themselves within the historical past of nation music. You possibly can pay homage to the greats like Patsy Cline and Johnny Money on the Nation Music Corridor of Fame and Museum or go to Historic RCA Studio B, the place stars like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded classics.
Nashville can also be well-known for its buying scene. Go to The District in downtown Nashville for every little thing from document albums to cowboy boots. Then, head to the outlets in Hillsboro Village or The Gulch for native and nationally recognized trend and accent manufacturers.
The place to remain
The Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown (beginning at $275 or 80,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening) provides spacious rooms and a rooftop indoor pool. For a real Nashville expertise you may always remember, go for the Dolly Parton suite on the Graduate Nashville (beginning at $700 or 243,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening).
Associated: One of the best inns to ebook in Nashville for the total Music Metropolis expertise
Orcas Island, Washington
Greatest for: Idyllic surroundings and wonderful wildlife watching
A 90-minute drive north of Seattle, the port of Anacortes is the departure level for the Salish Sea’s San Juan Islands archipelago (10 miles offshore from the Washington mainland). It is a mesmerizing tapestry of emerald-green islands, glacier-carved mountains and glowing waters.
The biggest of the chain, Orcas Island appeals to unbiased vacationers with its idyllic surroundings, peaceable atmosphere and heat, communal spirit. The principle village, Eastsound, is sprinkled with galleries, intimate eating places and watering holes the place you’ll be able to savor freshly caught seafood and craft cocktails whereas buying and selling tales with locals and fellow vacationers.
Nature lovers can embark on hikes via the 5,252-acre Moran State Park, laced with over 38 miles of trails and a route for each ability set. The summit of the two,400-foot-tall Mount Structure rewards hikers with 360-degree views of Vancouver Island, in addition to each Mount Rainier and Mount Baker on the mainland.
Associated: Pacific Northwest highway journey: The San Juan Islands and Olympic Nationwide Park
In case you want to absorb the surroundings and dazzling wildlife with new buddies, be part of a tour with Outer Island Excursions, which provides memorable whale-watching cruises.
The place to remain
Comfortable Harbor Resort options 20 fashionable, well-appointed cottages with kitchens, vaulted ceilings, decks and gasoline grills overlooking secluded Mitchell Bay. Friends get complimentary use of kayaks, paddleboards, canoes and bikes; boaters also can entry the property by way of a non-public marina. Charges begin from $299 per evening.
Sedona, Arizona
Greatest for: Reconnecting with nature
Few locations within the U.S. have extra spectacular surroundings than Sedona. Surrounded by putting red-rock buttes and majestic canyons, this desert vacation spot is right for communing with nature. For some, that might imply a solitary day of mountain climbing on the picturesque Bell Rock; others might want a extra religious expertise like a yoga mountain climbing tour of Sedona.
Sedona’s artwork scene is as vibrant as its panorama. Peruse outlets and galleries within the Tlaquepaque Arts & Buying Village or the Sedona Artist Market. On the first Friday of each month, many galleries keep open into the night, internet hosting particular artist receptions and different occasions.
The place to remain
The Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock (beginning at $320 or 80,000 Hilton Honors factors per evening) is about as shut as you may get to Sedona’s finest mountain climbing trails. For a serene retreat expertise, keep at L’Auberge de Sedona (beginning at $590 per evening) or The Wilde Resort and Spa (beginning at $245 per evening).
Backside line
If you take a solo journey, you have got the liberty and independence to go the place you need and do what you need, everytime you need.
Whether or not you are on the lookout for out of doors adventures, foodie heaven or big-city pleasure, these locations are among the many finest cities within the U.S. for solo vacationers.
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