Best Places To Travel Solo In The United States

The USA is a rustic of numerous landscapes, cultures, and flavors. It’s additionally big. It takes 44 hours to drive continuous from San Francisco to New York City. With so many vacation spot choices you want a shortlist of the perfect locations to journey solo within the United States.

Unless you’ve gotten a few months, you will not be capable of see the entire nation. You might want to set priorities. And you could even should reset these priorities when you think about the tempo of journey and all that you just need to see.

Whether I’m on the transfer by automobile, bus, or practice, my rule of thumb is a minimal common of three nights per vacation spot. You can have a shorter keep some locations however stability it out by staying longer somewhere else. Of course, a extra leisurely tempo is even higher.

See under for US solo journey vacation spot ideas.

Shortlist of Best Places for Solo Travel within the US: Adventure

1. National Parks. The National Parks of America are beautiful. Each one is exclusive and well-cared-for. If you are an outdoor particular person you will completely need to go to at the least one.
   • The Grand Canyon. The Grand Canyon is the primary nationwide park that most individuals consider. Its magnificent view is one which you’ll always remember. Read Solo Travel Destination: Grand Canyon.
   • Death Valley National Park is a desert situated west of Las Vegas. 
2. Monument Valley. Monument Valley was the setting of dozens of Hollywood westerns. It was a favourite for John Wayne movies. The panorama is distinct with towering, pink butes and messas.
3. Kauai, Hawai. Hawaii’s north island, Kauai, is named the Garden Isle attributable to its tropical forests. It’s additionally recognized for the Waimea Canyon, its model of the Grand Canyon, and the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.
4. Sedona, Arizona. Sedona affords a number of climbing choices however on the finish of the day you may return to an artsy, new age city. 
5. Moab, Utah. This small city attracts many journey vacationers because it’s situated close to two National Parks, Arches and Canyonlands, and an incredible State Park, Dead Horse. Read Solo in Moab, Utah & Arches National Park.

Best Places to Travel Solo within the United States: Urban

This listing shouldn’t be exhaustive however, in every case, the town is really useful by a solo traveler.

1. New York City. While New York City is within the USA, it is sort of a nation unto itself. It is as distinctive as Paris is to France and London to the UK. You can simply spend per week and extra on this fabulous metropolis however give it at the least three days. Read Best Places to Stay in New York City for Solo Travelers and Solo on a Budget in New York City: 50+ Tips to Make NYC Affordable.
2. San Francisco. Rudyard Kipling stated “San Francisco has only one drawback – ’tis hard to leave.” It is a gorgeous metropolis.
3. Chicago. Chicago, the windy metropolis, is well-known for its blues scene and well-known for its structure. But do not forget native highlights like seeing a Cubs recreation at Wrigley Field. Read: Budget Chicago: 32 Free and Low-Cost Tips.
4. Portland. Portland, Oregon is thought for its Maker tradition, an indie music scene, craft breweries, biking, and extra. It’s a contemporary model of a hippie way of life. See Positively Portland: Where Creativity Abounds.
5. Nashville. The music scene in Nashville is unbelievable. A mecca for musicians, solely actually good ones get to play within the bars. Read Affordable Nashville: 32 Free and Low-cost Tips.
6. Key West. Located on the southernmost level within the United States, or to be exact, “southernmost incorporated place in the contiguous 48 states,” Key West has been described as from a unique planet. Read Solo Travel Destination: Florida Keys, USA.
7. Seattle. Seattle is thought for its rain and low retailers however it’s so way more. Read Solo Travel Destination: Seattle, United States.
8. Washington, D.C. Like most capital cities, Washington, D.C. will get further consideration from authorities funding making it a particular vacation spot in some ways. Don’t miss the political sights however undoubtedly do not miss the Smithsonian Institution assortment of your selection. All are free. Solo Travel Destination: Washington, DC.
9. Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love has a small-town ambiance with parks and tree-shaded downtown squares and streets, innumerable memorials to American historical past, and a vibrant foodie scene. Read Solo Travel Philadelphia: How to Enjoy 48 Hours in Philly.

Traveling the USA Alone: General Advice

1. Prepare to be pleasant. Unless you are in a significant metropolis, anticipate to be greeted on the road with a “Good morning!” or at the least a nod. And in main cities you may ask anybody for a bit assist. From New York City to small city Tennessee, I’ve discovered Americans to be very pleasant and useful – it is a level of nationwide pleasure.
2. Buy medical insurance earlier than you permit. The American healthcare system doesn’t cowl vacationers to the US and it may be very costly. Make certain you are coated earlier than you permit dwelling.
3. Listen to National Public Radio. I really like listening to NPR when touring within the US. It leans a bit to the left on the political spectrum so hold that in thoughts but it surely does provide nationwide exhibits and native programming that can assist you get a really feel for the politics and tradition of nation. You also can obtain their podcasts.
4. Savor the native meals. While the US is thought for big chain eating places, there are distinct regional cuisines as nicely. From the bagels of New York City to the beignets of New Orleans, the US has fabulous meals.
5. Portions are giant. Unless you are in a effective eating restaurant, you may anticipate the parts to be giant. Don’t hesitate to ask for a doggy bag. I as soon as ordered take-out of two parts of a seafood pasta for 3 folks. Those two parts truly served the three of us for 2 meals.
6. The climate varies. At some level of the 12 months nearly each place within the US is basically scorching, a lot hotter than Brits or Europeans are used to. There are additionally elements of the nation that get a lot colder than what many of the world experiences. Check the seasonal climate patterns earlier than you go.
7. Avoid the busiest journey time. From American Thanksgiving to New Years is the busiest journey time within the US. People are going dwelling to massive household gatherings and the costs of flights throughout the nation go up. If you may, keep away from this time of 12 months.
8. Do you want a visa? Check with the U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs to find out whether or not you want a visa to go to.
9. Embrace the brand new. The United States is a younger nation in comparison with many of the world however within the final century and a half it has rotated via a number of architectural kinds that haven’t been affected by battle. Great structure is all over the place. Chicago is particularly fantastic.
10. Tipping is anticipated. Tipping is anticipated within the US. The minimal wage for workers who obtain ideas could be very low so be beneficiant. In eating places ideas usually vary from 18% to twenty% relying upon the extent of service. The similar goes for taxis, tour guides, and hairdressers. If an individual helps you together with your luggage it needs to be $1 per bag or a $3 minimal. Leave a minimal of $3 in your mattress for the maid service – $5 is significantly better.
11. Accessibility is a proper. While not excellent in each means, the Americans with Disabilities Act makes the US fairly accessible to these with mobility points. Having traveled with my mother who’s in a wheelchair I’ve seen how good it’s.
12. Where to remain? Accommodation ranges extensively. Both couchsurfing and Airbnb began within the US and are choices for solo vacationers. VRBO.com is like Airbnb with a larger emphasis on resort condos and trip properties. I used it when in Hawaii and saved rather a lot. There are hostels however they aren’t as ubiquitous as they’re in different locations on the planet. I like to recommend these within the Hosteling International (HI) community. B&Bs and visitor homes are an choice. Cheap resorts are simply that – low cost – and I would favor to remain in a hostel or guesthouse. Check with welcome facilities and customer data facilities for leads on last-minute resort offers.
13. Before you go for a stroll. Some metropolis facilities are alive and vibrant whereas others are considerably vacant, particularly at night time. Walking within the suburbs could also be a problem as typically there aren’t any sidewalks. Check with a neighborhood first earlier than you go for a stroll.

Top Things To Do Solo within the US

It’s one factor to know the perfect locations to journey solo within the United States it is one other factor to know what to do whenever you get there. Here are concepts of what to do.

1. Take within the music. America is the birthplace of the blues and jazz which spawned a lot massive band music and rock and roll. From the blues of Chicago to the jazz of New Orleans to the nation of Nashville, going to festivals, live performance halls, and bars for music is a wonderful solution to get pleasure from America.
2. Shop ’til you drop, however do not forget the tax. Unlike many nations, the value tag on an merchandise shouldn’t be the ultimate value. Sales tax is added on the money register. The costs within the US are actually good however it’s important to add within the state gross sales tax to know what the actual price of an merchandise is. Black Friday, the day after American Thanksgiving, is the most well liked purchasing day of the 12 months.
3. Get a City Pass and save. If you are going to one of many main cities, one among these passes might prevent some huge cash. Whether you are in search of a tour, go to an attraction or two, absorb a museum, contemplate a City Pass.
4. Go to the theater. The United States has nice theater and it is not all on Broadway in New York. There are summer season inventory theaters everywhere in the nation. You know these actors who you have not seen on movie for a very long time? They’re possible on the stage someplace within the US. If you are in New York go to the TKTS Discount Booths in Times Square in your tickets to save cash and help the non-profit Theatre Development Fund.
5. Take in a sporting occasion. Americans love soccer, basketball, and baseball. In the northeast they’re keen about hockey as nicely, although the game is rising in reputation elsewhere within the nation too. Get concerned with locals and absorb a professional or faculty recreation.
6. Take in a parade or a state truthful. These are occasions that actually entice locals. The state festivals are within the fall. Parades can occur at any time of 12 months. Check the customer data web site prematurely of going.
7. Go to an industrial museum. Americans have been the inventors of many new merchandise and typically in small cities you will discover a fabulous museum celebrating an invention.
8. Try whitewater rafting. There are many nice rivers for whitewater rafting – a wonderful day journey – particularly within the west. Colorado is particularly recognized for the game. Check the critiques of the businesses you are seeking to e book with to make sure that they’ve a great repute for security.

Readers Weigh In On the Best Places to Travel Solo within the United States

We requested the members of our Solo Travel Society on Facebook, “For those of you who live in the United States, what popular US destinations would you recommend to a solo traveler and what off-the-beaten-path destinations would you suggest? For those who have visited from other countries, what have been your favorite places to travel solo in the United States?”

Here are a few of their picks of the perfect locations to journey solo within the United States.

Ecologically, there’s nothing like Florida. Beautiful seashores, sure, however go inland too, particularly to among the springs. I’m not a metropolis particular person, I like nature and small cities. St Petersburg would not really feel like a giant metropolis however we’ve got nice museums, avenue artwork/murals, and meals together with a world class Dali museum. Gorgeous waterfront. In my space, the county park, Fort De Soto is each historic and wins nationwide awards for its non-commercial pure seashores. One caveat: keep away from visiting between June and October due to the warmth and humidity and particularly August to late October due to hurricanes.

Shannon

I’ve lived within the San Francisco Bay Area for therefore lengthy now, so I’d suggest visiting. I’m additionally from Louisiana, so I’d suggest New Orleans – there’s nowhere prefer it within the US. I like images and nature, so a roadtrip from the Bay Area to Yosemite National Park then out to the Eastern Sierra (alongside Hwy 395) then to Death Valley National Park then out to Las Vegas. I shall say this can be a photographer’s paradise: Mono Lake, Bodie State Historic Park, Alabama Hills, Kings Canyon NP, Sequoia NP, Devils Postpile NM, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Valley of Fire State Park, and a lot extra!

Alex

I’m in love with Southern Oregon, and fortunate, as a Realtor, that I get to share it and introduce so many to our charms. First off, Crater Lake National Park is mind-blowing! The small city of Jacksonville is an historic outdated mining city filled with vibrant historical past and retailers. There are farmers markets, a lot music, nice occasions, meals (together with Rogue Creamery and their world well-known blue cheese) and all nestled in an incredible wine-producing area with so many distinctive wineries. Wooldridge Creek Vineyard even has a farm and makes their very own cheeses, crackers and meat for his or her charcuterie boards. There are implausible climbing, strolling trails and parks all over the place, and so many enjoyable outside actions for all seasons! There are the humanities, together with the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Britt Music & Arts Festival. We are hours from the ocean and large redwoods. Oh, I might go on and on!

Kim

May I current the concept of touring to Mobile, Alabama? One of the nice underrated cities in America! Not solely is everybody there pleasant and prepared to increase Southern Hospitality, it is perfect for historical past buffs. Mobile can be the birthplace of Mardi Gras within the USA (simply do not inform New Orleans). I went there in December for per week and liked it! I stayed on the historic Battle House resort.

Sabrina

Boston and Cambridge are nice cities, walkable and car-free pleasant choices. Many day journeys could be performed by practice. Instead of Cape Cod go the North Shore cities like Rockport, Gloucester, Manchester-By-The-Sea, and Salem. There are many historic cities akin to Concord and Lexington. Lowell has a cool indoor shopping center referred to as Mill No. 5. It’s additionally simple to get to Maine. Ogunquit and Kennebunkport are lovely and provide vacationer trolleys to get round city. Rhode Island is one other excellent place to discover as nicely. Providence is a smaller metropolis than Boston however has loads of offbeat issues to do and an incredible restaurant scene. Newport is not far-off and has an incredible coastal stroll with mansions which you could discover.

Joseph

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Last up to date: twenty second February, 2024