Best Travel Destinations in the US for Solo Travelers

Why the U.S. is Ideal for Solo Travelers

Why travel solo in the USA? As one of the largest countries in the world, the United States has an endless array of cultural, natural, and historic attractions. The diversity of the country, combined with its highly developed infrastructure and safety, is one of the many reasons that it’s one of the best countries for solo travel.

However, keep in mind that the long distances and the lack of budget-friendly accommodation can make traveling alone a little daunting, so we have broken down the best and safest places to travel alone in America. These locations are based on the ease of access and the number of solo-traveler-friendly amenities that are on offer.

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers

Below you’ll find a list of the top American cities for solo travel.

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers #1: New York City

Without a doubt, New York City is one of the best U.S. cities for traveling alone. The Big Apple not only boasts some of the world’s best museums, trendiest neighborhoods, and most iconic landmarks, but it truly is the city that never sleeps! This means that there is always something to do. Make sure to hit up a Broadway show or go for a stroll in Central Park while you’re there!

Unsplash/ MJ Tangonan

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers #2: Austin

When a city adopts the slogan “Keep Austin Weird”, you know you’re in for a treat! As the capital of Texas, Austin seamlessly blends history, culture, and quirkiness to create a city very different from the rest of the state. While you’re there, you can go paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, tour the Texas Capitol Building, or join a BBQ tasting tour.

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Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers #3: San Diego

Nestled along the Pacific coastline right on the border of Mexico, San Diego is a great city for solo travelers. The downtown area is walkable, and there are tons of great museums, restaurants, and bars. You can easily jump on a bus to go to some of the surrounding beach towns. Make sure to add La Jolla to your to-do list. This laid-back town is famous for its surfing and the playful sea lions that frolic along the waterfront.

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Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers #4: Honolulu

When many people think of Hawaii, they imagine swaying palm trees, grumbling volcanoes, and beautiful beaches. O’ahu has all this and more! Honolulu provides a great base to explore the island and offers plenty of attractions! The city is very walkable, and there is an extensive bus system that can take you to all the tourist hotspots. Don’t miss a trip to Pearl Harbour while you’re there, and leave plenty of time for exploring Waikiki, Honolulu’s bustling beach area.

Unsplash/ Vlad Tchompalov

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers #5: Washington, D.C.

Bursting with museums, cultural activities, and picturesque architecture, Washington D.C. is a great place for culture vultures traveling solo in the U.S. The Mall, Capitol Hill, and the surrounding neighborhoods are safe to explore, and most things are within walking distance. Best of all, the Smithsonian Museums are all free!

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Essential Safety Tips for Solo Travel in America

Despite currently going through some issues, the US is overall a very safe place to travel alone as long as you follow the same general safety precautions that you would at home. As a rule of thumb, if you’re traveling alone in the U.S (or any country for that matter!), it’s important to follow US solo travel safety guidelines. Below are a few of the most important and easiest ways to stay safe while traveling alone in the USA.

Solo Traveler Emergency Tips in America

• Make sure to share your itinerary with 2 contacts
• Always have health insurance and travel insurance
• Avoid political demonstrations and protests
• Never walk alone in a park or on dark streets
• Always double-check the license plate number of rideshares before getting in
• Avoid heavy alcohol consumption
• Try to avoid carrying valuables and keep them out of sight

Best Time of Year for Solo Travel in the U.S.

Thanks to its size, the USA is lucky enough to experience a wide array of weather throughout the year. This makes it a great year-round travel destination, but it’s important that you know the ideal seasons for solo travel in the USA. Below you’ll find some of our favorite seasonal solo travel tips for destinations across the country.

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Winter in San Diego

With mild winters and a temperature of around 60 degrees, San Diego offers a lovely respite from the cold winters of the northern United States. This is a quieter time to visit Southern California than other times of the year, making it ideal for sightseeing and long ocean strolls.

Unsplash/Andy He

Spring in Washington, DC

Washington, D.C is famous for its vibrant cherry blossoms, making the spring the best time to visit Our Nation’s Capital. The cherry blossoms bloom sometime between March and April. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 60 degrees, which is a great temperature when you’re out wandering around.

Summer in Honolulu

The summers in the US can get uncomfortably hot, so why not trade the heat for the lovely ocean breeze of Hawaii? Honolulu’s comfortable temperatures of around 80 degrees all year round make it a great location to visit if you don’t want to deal with the heat of the continental US.

Unsplash/Emily Kessler

Fall in New York

With temperatures normally ranging from 50-60 degrees, New York starts to get very colorful in the fall as the temperatures begin to drop and the leaves change color. The fall is an amazing time to take your bite of the Big Apple with lots of festivals and events. If you have time, take a ferry ride up the Hudson River to view the red, orange, and yellow tree leaves.

Solo Travel Packing List for U.S. Trips

When traveling solo, it’s important to have everything you need with you. The most essential items for solo travel in America are things that are hard or expensive to purchase, or things that you will need immediately upon arriving in the country.

Minimalist packing list for the USA

Below are a few of the solo traveler must-haves when traveling in the US.

• Medications
• Portable door lock
• Charging cables
• Power adaptor
• Documents
• Reusable water bottle
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Toiletries

Keep in mind that much of the United States has a temperate climate that can change quickly. It’s a good idea to pack layers so that you can stay comfortable in different types of temperatures. You should also always leave space for souvenirs!