The USA is one of the most popular places in the world to visit.
It has an excellent travel infrastructure, meeting other travellers is a breeze and it is one of the most diverse and culturally rich countries in the world. And with a huge variety of destinations, there’s something to satisfy most tastes.
But which are the best places to travel alone in the USA?
To answer this question, I’ve reached out to top travel writers for their hand-picked suggestions. Whether you’re searching for a city break amongst soaring skyscrapers or are more at home in the desert or by the ocean, here are the best solo travel destinations in the USA.
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US Solo Travel Destinations at a Glance
In a hurry? Here is a handy alphabetical list of the awesome places included in this article:
- Asheville, North Carolina
- Austin, Texas
- Bar Harbor, Maine
- Boston
- Burlington, Vermont
- Chicago
- Denver, Colorado
- Key West, Florida
- Las Vegas
- Moab, Utah
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York City
- Oahu, Hawaii
- Portland, Maine
- San Diego, California
- San Francisco
- Santa Barbara, California
- Savannah, Georgia
- Seattle, Washington
- Sedona, Arizona
- Walt Disney World, Florida
- Washington DC
Within the article, I have categorised them as cities, coastal destinations, natural wonders and fun US solo destinations.
Best Cities in the USA for Solo Travellers
Asheville, North Carolina
Suggested by Alison of Exploration Solo
Asheville is a great city to visit if you’re looking for a mountain getaway, especially in the fall.
The city offers that small-town feel with quaint, local shops. It also has excellent restaurants, over 23 microbreweries in the downtown area alone and tons of activities.
There’s an outdoor museum walk, an art gallery housed in an old Woolworths with a functioning soda counter and a bookstore where you can sip champagne as you peruse the stacks.
Because it’s both a college town and a popular tourist destination, it has a unique vibe that’s busy, yet relaxed.
Asheville is perfect for solo travellers because:
- It’s easy to get around with a car, Uber or via the hop-on-hop-off trolley
- As a college town, there are many people downtown after dark offering increased safety
- Restaurants are used to solo diners, and you won’t feel awkward dining alone
- You’ll feel welcome
Where to stay
When visiting Asheville, an Airbnb is your best bet.
The area has embraced tiny home rentals and you’ll have your pick of fun experiences. If you’d like more room, there are several options from nearby homes to apartments right in the heart of downtown.
Austin, Texas
Suggested by Sophie of Just Heading Out
Are you looking for good food, good music and good vibes? Then Austin is the perfect destination for your solo trip.
It is one of the most unique and vibrant cities in the US. With a motto like “keep Austin weird“, what else can you expect?
While Austin might be a blue dot in a red state, it does have that Texas pride. Visiting the State Capitol for a quick history lesson is only one of many things to do on a trip to Austin.
Austin is also known as the capital of live music, so you have to catch a show while you’re there.
If you want to party after a show, the bars of East 6th Street are a lot less rowdy than the ones on West 6th Street (also nicknamed “Dirty 6th”). The food scene in Austin is worth the visit alone, especially the BBQ and the tacos.
Aside from city life, Austin is also a great place to connect with nature. Since the weather is balmy year-round, you can always join the locals for a hike and a swim at Barton Creek.
Reasons to visit Austin as a solo traveller:
- People are very open and friendly
- You won’t stick out or feel weird about being alone
- It’s relatively safe
- It’s easy to get around and navigate the city
- Austin offers a great combination of city and nature
Where to stay
Book a room at Hotel ZaZa for a friendly and fun stay, or rent one of the many cute retro Airbnbs in South Austin if you want more space for yourself.
Boston
Suggested by Linn of Brainy Backpackers
Boston is a wonderful city for solo travellers to visit, with superb hostels where you can meet people from all over the world. There are a lot of historical sites to add to your Boston itinerary, the most important of which is the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile route connecting 16 of the most significant historic sites in the city.
But Boston is also a great harbour city with a 43-mile park along the shoreline to go for a stroll. There are whale-watching tours in the summer months for wildlife enthusiasts, or you can enjoy some of the awesome old pubs for a brew if that is more your style.
Reasons to visit Boston as a solo traveller:
- It’s a relatively safe city
- Boston is very walkable
- There are great hostels to meet people
- The city has plenty of green spaces to relax with a book
Where to stay
HI Boston Hostel is a great centrally located place to stay if you want to meet like-minded travellers.
Burlington, Vermont
Suggested by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler
Burlington, a vibrant city tucked up in the northeast corner of Vermont on Lake Champlain, is an excellent destination for solo travellers.
The pedestrian mall of Church Street is a wonderful place for one-of-a-kind shops, fabulous restaurants, and street performers. Grab an outdoor table at Honey Road for delicious Mediterranean-inspired small plates and fabulous people-watching.
Take a cruise on the Spirit of Ethan Allen to learn about the region’s rich history. A lunch or dinner cruise is a popular way to get out on Lake Champlain.
Rent a bike on the Burlington Bike Path and pedal along the lake to one of several sandy beaches for swimming and sunning. There are also many hikes within the city limits, including climbing the tower at Ethan Allen Park for city and lake views.
Here are a few reasons to visit Burlington as a solo traveller:
- It’s very safe relative to other places in the country
- Vermonters are friendly and helpful
- Burlington has excellent music, food, and craft beer
- The natural beauty of the Lake Champlain area
Where to stay
Choose a place to stay near the waterfront to watch the sunset over the lake from your room. Check out the Hilton Burlington Lake Champlain for a place within walking distance of all the sights.
Chicago
Suggested by Nicole of Go Far Grow Close
Chicago is a fabulous city.
The downtown core offers fantastic shopping, excellent restaurants, bars and shows, many exceptional museums, and beautiful parks and beaches. All of them can be easily reached by foot, or if you prefer, by bus, taxi or rideshare.
It is a great destination all year round. However, if you do not like cold weather, avoid Chicago from November through March.
That said, the city has amazing indoor activities, including world-class museums and art galleries where you can spend your time without worrying about the weather. My favourites are the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, and the Chicago Institute of Art.
Why a solo traveller should pick Chicago:
- It’s a relatively safe destination
- Attractions that are within walking distance of great hotels and restaurants
- It has a fantastic nightlife
- It is a walkable city
- There is a great transportation infrastructure
- There is excellent accommodation for solo travellers
Where to stay
Chicago has countless hotels in the downtown core that service different budgets. For a solo traveller, I would recommend the Fairfield Inn and Suites Chicago.
The rooms are very comfortable. The location is amazing as it is only a couple blocks from the Magnificent Mile and mere steps from fantastic restaurants and nightlife. Best of all, the rooms are very affordable.
Denver, Colorado
Suggested by Julia of The Cure for Curiosity
Located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains is Denver, “The Mile High City”.
It’s no surprise why this awesome Colorado capital has been booming in recent years. From a lively downtown area, packed with museums and art galleries, to dozens of craft breweries, there are endless things to do in Denver.
If you’re more interested in nature than city life, rent a car and get out and about in the surrounding mountains. Or why not catch a concert at the famous Red Rocks Amphitheater or hike to the nearby Flatirons?
Reasons to visit Denver as a solo traveller
- There are a wide variety of activities in Denver that can be enjoyed alone, from city exploration to hiking in the Rocky Mountains
- The city has safe and dependable public transit from the airport to downtown and around the city
- Denver has lots of accommodation options, including hostels for the budget-conscious solo travellers
Where to stay
If you’re travelling alone and on a budget, check out Ember Hostel or Hostel Fish. They’re both located downtown and give you the opportunity to meet other travellers.
If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, you can’t beat the Oxford Hotel. It’s located right near Union Station making getting around Denver and the surrounding areas a breeze.
New Orleans
Suggested by Kerry of VeggTravel
With its parks, harbour, architecture, cemeteries and voodoo, not only is historic New Orleans brilliant for general sightseeing, but it is also excellent for nightlife.
If you want to have an insanely fun time, visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras Carnival. Mardi Gras starts 2 weeks before Fat Tuesday (usually in February) and there are many ‘krewes’ (float riders) and parades during this period.
The weekend before the parade ends is the most popular time to visit. This is when you will see the largest and best floats and the greatest after-party events.
Mardi Gras is a popular event that draws people from all over the world. If you want to be in the best spot to see the best throws – strings of beads, cups, or other trinkets thrown from the floats – make sure to arrive early. The spectacular night parades are stunning, lit up with so many bright colours.
If you are looking for nightlife, Bourbon Street is the place to be. It offers a vibrant ‘spring break’-style side to Mardi Gras.
Where to stay
The Hi Hostel is a great place to base yourself as you’re close to the action, and the hostel is clean and well-equipped. It’s the perfect environment to meet like-minded travellers.
New York City
Suggested by Claudia of My Adventures Across The World
New York is a fabulous destination in the US for those travelling alone. This immense metropolis offers a huge variety of attractions to suit any taste and budget, although it does have a reputation for being an expensive city.
Whilst it’s an incredible place to visit in any season, New York reaches perfection in October. The summer heat has abated, and the crowds of tourists finally decrease but the days are still sunny and long.
Why you should consider visiting New York when travelling alone:
- It’s less edgy than you’d imagine. You can safely walk around Manhattan, Brooklyn and beyond.
- It offers lots to see and do. From visiting the Statue of Liberty to the touching 9/11 Memorial and Museum; from taking in the views from the Empire State Building to appreciating the incredible collection of the Metropolitan, you can spend weeks in New York and never get bored.
- It’s easy to get around. The subway is open 24/7; Uber makes it cheap to move around comfortably and yellow cabs are everywhere.
- New York-style pizza and bagels should be reason enough to go!
Where to stay
Travellers on a budget will enjoy The Moore Hostel in Brooklyn. It’s walking distance from Williamsburg Bridge and a safe and fun place to stay, with large comfortable dorms and spotless bathrooms.
Savannah, Georgia
Suggested by Kat of World Wide Honeymoon
Savannah, Georgia’s first-class culinary scene, beautiful town squares and landmark historic district make it the perfect solo destination.
If you’re coming to Savannah for a weekend getaway, be sure to go on a food tour around the city, take a ghost tour and explore the various squares in the historic district. To avoid the extreme heat and crowds, visiting in spring and fall is ideal.
Reasons to visit Savannah as a solo traveller:
- It is easy to get around. The historic district is very walkable and Uber and Lyft taxis are freely available.
- Savannah’s historic district is relatively safe, well lit and full of other travellers
- There are several tours you can take to meet new people
- As locals are generally very friendly, striking up a conversation and meeting new people is easy
Where to stay
If you’re searching for a place to stay, the River Street Inn, located right along River Street, is perfect. They have rooms facing the city or the river and offer a happy hour Monday through Saturday with free drinks and food, ideal for meeting other solo travellers.
Seattle, Washington
Suggested by Agnes of The Van Escape
Seattle, the capital city of Washington state, is famous for being home to Amazon, Bill Gates, Frasier, Starbucks, Jimi Hendrix, Nirvana and Pearl Jam. But it also has a rich history stemming from the gold rush at the end of the 19th Century.
Due to its location in Pacific Northwest, the weather in Seattle is pleasant all year round. However, it’s best to visit between June and October when the sky is clear, the air is warm, and there are fewer chances of rain.
This is a chilled, diverse, and liberal city with a compact downtown area. Make sure that you include the Space Needle, Museum of Pop Culture, Pike Place Market, Art Museum, Waterfront area with Great Wheel, and Kerry Park in your Seattle itinerary.
Why solo travellers should consider visiting Seattle:
- Crime statistics show that Seattle is relatively safe for its size
- The city has great transport links. It is not only served by domestic flights, buses and an international airport, but you can also reach the city by sea or train.
- Many of the city’s attractions are reachable on foot
Where to stay
Make sure that you book accommodation in the right area of town. Consider staying in Waterfront, Capitol Hill, or Queen Anne areas, but avoid Pike and Pine streets, Belltown, and ML King Jr. Way.
Recommended hotels are Green Tortoise Hostel and HI Seattle at the American Hotel.
Washington DC
Suggested by Bridget of The Flashpacker
Whilst Washington DC is best known for being the capital of the United States, it is so much more than just the White House.
Make a beeline for the National Mall, a landscaped park that is home to many of the museums and memorials that the city is famous for. These include the Smithsonian Institution and the Lincoln Memorial.
Why Washington DC is an ideal US solo travel destination:
- It’s easy to walk between the city’s attractions
- But if you need it, Washington DC has an extensive and safe metro system
- Its many museums and galleries are perfect for the solo traveller
Where to stay
For centrally-located accommodation that reduces reliance on public transport, focus your search for somewhere to stay around the National Mall. I’m a big fan of citizenM hotels and the citizenM Washington DC Capitol is an affordable 4-star choice half a mile from the National Mall
Cool Coastal Destinations
Bar Harbor, Maine
Suggested by James of Parks Collecting
Bar Harbor is so much more than the gateway to the neighbouring Acadia National Park. With its classic New England architecture, the town itself is super cute and there are plenty of restaurants and bars.
The whole area is one of the leading lobster fisheries in the US, so if you like seafood, you won’t want to miss having cheap(ish) lobster freshly caught on the same day. Stewman’s Lobster Pound is a fun, casual place right on the water in town that’s a great place for a solo traveller to relax and meet other travellers.
You can also take a ferry out to the nearby Cranberry Islands. There’s a casual lobster shack by the ferry dock and a classic New England fishing village that’s fun to wander through.
If you like to be active, take a kayaking trip around the islands and dramatic shorelines of the area, or a sailing boat at sunset to enjoy the islands from a different perspective. Both are great fun when travelling alone.
Of course, you can’t miss visiting Acadia National Park. A free shuttle bus leaves from Bar Harbor and drops you off at several points in the park.
Rent a bicycle and cycle around the old carriageways or hike any of the dozens of trails. You can even go for a dip in Echo Lake or at (the chilly) Sand Beach.
Reasons to visit Bar Harbor as a solo traveller:
- Bar Harbor is relatively safe
- It’s easy to get around
- There are lots of opportunities to meet other travellers in town, on the hiking trails or doing an activity
Where to stay
There are plenty of places to stay in and around Bar Harbor. A top pick is the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, which gives you a taste of traditional New England and is just 1.5 blocks from the main town square.
Key West, Florida
Suggested by Charles of McCool Travel
Key West is located at the southern tip of Florida, at the end of the phenomenal road trip down the Overseas Highway (also known as A1A and US1). You can also fly into Key West airport and enjoy a carefree and car-free vacation in the Conch Republic, made famous by Ernest Hemingway, Jimmy Buffett and others.
Our favourite Key West tips include joining and enjoying the celebrations (like the nightly sunset celebration in Mallory Square), partying sensibly at bars and clubs (especially along Duval Street), eating the USA’s best Cuban food, and exploring one of the quirkiest towns anywhere.
Sunset sailings are a magnificent way to experience local Key West culture, usually with a combination of other solo travellers, couples, and families (local and tourist). Several local outfitters provide local tours, including the famous Conch Tour Train. Intrepid solo travellers may enjoy simply exploring Key West on their own (rent a scooter, bicycle, or other fun transport).
Besides Cuban food, make sure you enjoy fresh, local seafood while in Key West. And, of course, the best key lime pie in the world.
For Cuban food, we love two places. El Meson de Pepe is in the heart of touristy Key West and serves potent mojitos and excellent Cuban food at the location closest to Cuba on US soil. For casual, homestyle, absolutely phenomenal Cuban food, try El Siboney.
Reasons to visit Key West as a solo traveller
- Compact area, easy to walk, bike,
- Fun place, plenty of other people
- Amazing year-round weather
- Plenty of outdoor activities
Where to stay
Key West has some wonderful waterfront hotels but we prefer staying in any of the amazing inns or B&Bs. The Marquesa Hotel is one of our favourites.
Oahu, Hawaii
Suggested by Holly of Globeblogging
With year-round warm temperatures and a range of sights and activities to satisfy any kind of traveller, solo travel destinations don’t come more ideal than the beautiful island of Oahu in Hawaii. Whether you like to shop, relax on the beach, take in some history or nature, sample the local foods and culture or pack your Oahu itinerary full of adventure, it has it all.
The city of Waikiki is the tourist centre and the island thrives on its tourist industry. As a result, everything is really easy and accessible.
Why you should visit Oahu as a solo traveller:
- Infrastructure: The public buses are cheap and easy to use to get around. Plus taxis and Uber are also plentiful.
- Tour Accessibility: No need to hire a car, any tours will provide Waikiki or hotel pickups, or shuttle buses run to tourist destinations on other parts of the island such as Kualoa Ranch.
- Activity options: There is always something to do, do as much, or as little as you like.
- Always somewhere to go: Waikiki offers just about any food option you can think of, all within walking distance.
- Safety: You’ll be perfectly safe walking around Waikiki at night.
Where to stay
If you’re looking for a place to stay that’s off the main tourist drag, but still close to the action, check out the Coconut Waikiki Hotel.
Portland, Maine
Suggested by Kelly of Girl with the Passport
Portland, Maine is easily one of the best destinations for those travelling alone in the US. You’ll fall in love with its quaint cobblestone streets, scenic waterfront area and its safe and friendly vibe.
If you can, avoid the crowds of summer and opt to visit in October instead. Not only can you enjoy the vibrant fall foliage, but you can have a refreshing craft beer at one of the city’s many breweries, like Urban Farm Fermentory. Afterwards, grab a chocolate sea salt doughnut from Holy Donut before exploring the wealth of awe-inspiring art at the Portland Museum of Art.
You can also enjoy the brisk, seaside air of the Eastern Promenade before visiting one of many local lighthouses, including Bug Light, Portland Head Light, and Spring Point Ledge Light.
As a solo traveller you will love:
- How safe Portland, Maine is
- The wealth of fun things you can do alone
- The walkability of the city
- The eclectic vibe of this big city with a small-town feel
Where to stay
When you’ve finished enjoying the best things to do in Portland, Maine, spend the night in the gorgeous, Blind Tiger Inn. This upscale guest house in the suburbs of Portland is known for its complimentary continental breakfast and individually decorated rooms inside a Federal-style mansion from 1823.
San Diego, California
Suggested by Mark and Kristen of Where Are Those Morgans?
San Diego in Southern California is renowned for its near-perfect climate year-round, surfing and laid-back beach life. As such, it’s easy to forget San Diego also has an eclectic and vibrant downtown filled with top-notch eateries and craft breweries.
Throw in one of these best things to do in San Diego – the extraordinary Balboa Park (home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo), countless art galleries, theatres, museums, gardens and even an enormous outdoor organ – and you have a gem of a city to explore.
Here’s what makes a solo visit to San Diego awesome:
- It has the most incredibly chilled atmosphere at all times
- You can choose to stay in town or on a beachfront
- San Diego is small enough to not feel overwhelmed but big enough to not get bored
- You can easily go from city to beach to park in one day
- The city feels safe
- San Diego has an international airport very close to its downtown for excellent logistics
- Varied and diverse accommodation spanning the budget range
- There are dozens of hikes in the nearby arid hills
- San Diego sunsets are on a different level
Where to stay
A case can be made for staying in La Jolla, Coronado or the Gaslamp Quarter. However, for solo travellers, Gaslamp is at the heart of the San Diego action, which means meeting others is a breeze.
Moxy San Diego Gaslamp Quarter offers an unbeatable location at an affordable price.
San Francisco
Suggested by Bridget of The Flashpacker
Arty, vibrant San Francisco should be on everyone’s USA travel bucket list. This friendly Northern Californian city has a laid-back vibe, a stunning waterside setting and enough museums to keep even the most restless solo traveller busy for weeks, including the extraordinary Exploratorium.
Walk or bike across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Take a ride in one of Sand Francisco’s famous cable cars and feast on freshly-caught seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf. Relax in the oldest Japanese tea garden in the US at the Golden Gate Park or visit Alcatraz Island (book in advance).
Why San Francisco is an awesome destination if you are travelling alone:
- It’s a relatively safe city
- There are lots to see and do (its museums are perfect for mooching around alone)
- San Francisco’s BART system makes it a breeze to get around the city
- There are plenty of free walking tours offering a way to meet other travellers which is kind on the wallet.
Where to stay
To be in the thick of things, stay at the Inn at Union Square, a boutique 3-star hotel just minutes away from many of the city’s main attractions.
Santa Barbara, California
Suggested by Daria of The Discovery Nut
Santa Barbara is one of the prettiest places in Central California and has a rich colonial heritage. By visiting the city’s many historic landmarks, you can learn how this area was established by the Spanish colonists and later evolved into one of the most vibrant cities along Central California’s Coast.
The history of the city can be best seen in El Presidio de Santa Barbara State Historic Park, a former military outpost that was built by the Spanish settlers to protect their territory. Today, El Presidio is an open-air museum that boasts the second oldest building in California called El Cuartel. If you want to get a better sense of California’s history, this place is a must during your visit to Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara is also home to the most beautiful courthouse in the United States, the historic Mission Santa Barbara and Casa Del La Guerra; all architectural masterpieces that give you a window into history.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s first-rate hiking, kayaking and surfing. Santa Barbara provides quick access to some of the most beautiful beaches in California such as East Beach or Butterfly Beach.
Solo travellers will love the following things about Santa Barbara:
- It is culturally and historically rich
- It has plenty of restaurants
- It’s easy to get around – Santa Barbara is a very walkable city which means you can get from place to place on foot, or by a quick car ride.
Where to stay
If you are looking for a great stay with gorgeous views and plenty of amenities in the city’s downtown, make sure to check in at the Hotel Californian.
Natural Wonders
Moab, Utah
Suggested by Meg of Fox in the Forest
Experience Utah’s desert magic by visiting Moab. Studded with stunning red rock formations and offering adrenaline-pumping activities a-plenty, Moab is one of the best destinations in the USA.
While here, choose a few of the best hikes in Moab, which are clustered in the nearby Canyonlands National Park and Arches National Park. Picture sandstone spires piercing the sky, hoodoos twisting their way into canyons, and landscapes that will make you feel as though you’ve left planet Earth and ended up on Mars.
Here are just a few reasons to visit Moab as a solo traveller:
- Moab is relatively safe
- Short, well-marked hiking trails, especially in Arches National Park and the Island in the Sky District in Canyonlands National Park
- It’s easy to meet fellow hikers along the way to the most popular viewpoints
- There are two gorgeous national parks and one state park very close to town•
- The park’s highlights can easily be explored in a day
Where to stay
A wonderful place to stay in Moab is the Moab Valley RV Resort and Campground. They have lovely cabins available, which are really budget-friendly as well as camping spots available if you’re up for a night under the stars!
Sedona, Arizona
Suggested by Michelle of The Wandering Queen
For awesome hiking trails, visit Sedona, Arizona. Some of the best trails are the Devils Bridge, Soldier Pass, Cathedral Rock, Bell Loop, and Bear Mountain Trail. And as most of these trails are pretty popular, you can hike them solo.
The most popular trail is the Devils Bridge but get there early as it can get extremely crowded. Cathedral Rock is short but very steep and is a fantastic spot for sunset. Bell Loop takes you around a large brown/orange butte; as you can easily see the highway from the trail, this is probably the safest hike to do alone.
One of the most popular things to do in Sedona is to go on a Pink Jeep tour, which offers an unforgettable backcountry tour.
The best time to visit is in the fall or spring because of cooler temperatures. Summer is too hot, and winter might have snow.
Reasons to visit Sedona, Arizona if you are travelling alone:
- It’s the perfect getaway for any adventure traveller
- As some of the hiking trails are not remote, they are safe to do alone
- The red rocks and orange buttes make this a stunning solo adventure.
Where to stay
A great place to stay in Sedona is the Hyatt Residence Club Sedona, Piñon Pointe.
Fun Solo Destinations in the US
Las Vegas
Suggested by Mayuri of ToSomePlaceNew
Las Vegas is an amazing destination and you can easily explore the major attractions on your own during two or three days in Las Vegas.
Hang out on the Las Vegas Strip to tick off the iconic items that the city is known for. Walk the famous boulevard, dance at outdoor festivals and watch street performances, all for free. To learn about the city in-depth, join a walking tour of the Strip, and admire its architecture, from the Eiffel Tower, Bellagio fountains, and the Stratosphere to New York’s Brooklyn Bridge.
Other things to do along the Strip include outlet shopping, a gondola ride at the Venetian and drinking and dining at Michelin Star restaurants. A visit to the Neon Museum, one of the quirkiest museums in the USA, is a must.
Why solo travellers should pick Las Vegas:
- If you stay on the Strip you can pretty much walk to various attractions.
- For places further afield, trains and Uber services are freely available
- As a solo traveller, you can also opt for guided night tours, day tours to Magic Mountains and Grand Canyon and more
- Las Vegas is relatively safe
- It’s a good place to stretch your travel budget (as long as you steer clear of the slot machines!)
Where to stay
Stay at the Excalibur Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. It’s in a fabulous location, it’s safe and has restaurants, a casino and a market complex.
Nashville
Suggested by Stephanie of History Fangirl
Nashville is one of the most fun cities to visit in the US, but it doesn’t have to be an intimidating destination to travel to alone.
From the Honky Tonk Highway to the Grand Ole Opry, you can enjoy the best of Nashville by yourself. You just need to do a little bit of Nashville trip planning to make sure you have a fabulous – and safe – time! There are also great museums (some of which are even free) if you want to be alone to learn and get lost in your thoughts.
Why you should visit Nashville as a solo traveller:
- There is a great group and guided tour culture
- Friendly tourists make it easier to meet people
- Party atmosphere without having to be invited somewhere
- Guided pub crawls to go out safely at night alone
- Great culture and museums if you want some alone time
Where to stay
The Fairlane Hotel is one of the most beautiful and sophisticated hotels in Nashville.
Located downtown just a few minutes walk from Lower Broadway, you can enjoy the best of Nashville right at your doorstep. This makes getting home alone at night safely much easier than if you stay on the city’s outskirts.
The hotel is retro-themed with impeccable Mid-Century Modern decor.
Walt Disney World, Florida
Suggested by Victoria of Follow Me Away
Let’s finish our US solo travel round-up at The Happiest Place on Earth.
Disney World may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think about solo travel in the USA. You may think that Disney is just for families or couples on their honeymoon, but this is untrue.
There are so many things to do at Disney for adults that thousands travel to Disney solo every year and keep coming back for more. Whether it’s enjoying the rides, sipping a cocktail at Epcot or shopping at Disney Springs, you can do what you like. If your spouse or family hate these activities, this isn’t a problem if you are visiting Disney World alone.
The best time to visit Disney is during the offseason when crowds are low and the weather is better.
Reasons for visiting Disney World as a solo traveller:
- You can do whatever you want
- Disney World is very safe
- There’s the potential to meet other solo travellers and make friends
- There are many things to do for adults
Where to stay
The Art of Animation resort is a solid budget accommodation choice. If you’re on a mid-range budget, take a look at Port Orleans French Quarter. For a true splurge, book a room at Disney’s Beach Club Resort.
Travelling Alone in the US on an Organised Tour
Whether you are visiting the USA as an overseas visitor or you are exploring new destinations in your backyard, I hope that these fabulous places will inspire you to plan your visit. But if you are not sure whether you are ready to explore the USA independently, why not consider joining a group tour?
You’ll have an expertly curated itinerary and you often gain valuable insights into the country, history and local culture.
Keeping safe whilst away is a common fear amongst those travelling alone for the first time. But with a group tour, there’s safety in numbers. Finally, with ready-made travel companions, you don’t have to fear solo travel loneliness or the dreaded table for one.
There are lots of group travel companies out there but two companies that I have used and can recommend are Exodus Travels and Explore Worldwide!
Another option is to join a day tour to explore your destination in the company of others. I use and highly recommend GetYourGuide to source and book day excursions. Not only does the platform offer an extensive selection of tours from independent operators, but there is also a very generous cancellation policy.
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About Bridget
Bridget Coleman has been a passionate traveller for more than 30 years. She has visited 70+ countries, most as a solo traveller.
Articles on this site reflect her first-hand experiences.
To get in touch, email her at hello@theflashpacker.net or follow her on social media.