Traveling solo is one of life’s greatest adventures. Freedom, flexibility, empowerment and reflection are just some of the reasons to plan a solo trip.
Over the past decade, solo travel stereotypes have evolved from gap-year students backpacking the Gringo Trail in South America to trips encompassing a wide variety of themes, experiences, budgets and locations, including some right here in the U.S.
For first-time and experienced solo travelers, there are plenty of U.S. destinations that combine easy access, relative affordability, welcoming vibes and diverse experiences to help streamline a solo vacation. This enables you to step out of your comfort zone and experience travel in a new way.
Here are nine of the best places to travel solo in the U.S. in 2026.
San Luis Obispo, California
Best for: Surfing by day, wine tasting by night
Equidistant from San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo County combines lush scenery, coastal adventures, historic charm and superb wine tasting within a relatively small and easy-to-navigate area. Often referred to as “Little Santa Barbara,” the city is a charming, laid-back stopover for solo travelers embarking on a Pacific Coast Highway road trip.
The unpretentious downtown area is studded with historic landmarks, including the 18th-century Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, now a museum housing artifacts from Native American and Mission-era history. Food lovers should time their stay with the bustling farmers market (Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m.), where more than 100 vendors sell a variety of farm-fresh produce, flowers and even farm-to-table dinners.
Related: From California to British Columbia: 10 best places for an idyllic West Coast getaway
Downtown SLO’s welcoming wine bars and tasting rooms are a cozy backdrop for solo travelers looking to make new friends. They provide a fun initiation into coastal California’s prized pinot noir and chardonnay varietals.
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Just a 10-minute drive from town, family-owned vineyards and tasting rooms dot the lush rolling hills of the Edna Valley. Some 30 miles north of SLO, the Paso Robles wine region is often touted as an affordable and more laid-back dupe for Napa.
At Pismo Beach, adventure lovers can surf, boogie board or ride an all-terrain vehicle across the largest swath of coastal dunes in California. This classic California beach town is surrounded by the Pismo Preserve, which provides sanctuary to owls, hawks, peregrine falcons and other wildlife.
TPG tip: If you are looking for a coastal base for exploration, the Vespera Resort on Pismo Beach, Autograph Collection offers reasonable room rates for its prime beachfront location. Rooms start at $240 or 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
New York City
Best for: Big city adventures, all day and night
New York City squeezes a lot of solo travel fun into one tiny island. You can’t see it all in one trip, but you can see the whole city from one of several high-rise observation decks. Many visitors default to the Empire State Building, but if you want to actually see the Empire State Building, visit One World Trade Center or Top of the Rock.
Of course, you should hit up the obvious spots like Times Square (you have to see it at least once in your life), Central Park and the American Museum of Natural History, but leave time to explore some of New York City’s walkable neighborhoods on foot. Some favorites include Greenwich Village, SoHo and Chelsea (especially for the weekend vintage flea market) for shopping and Williamsburg for more shopping and dining.
Because solo travelers aren’t looking for multiple seats together, they not only have the best chances of snagging walk-in bar seating at some of the city’s most popular restaurants, but also of landing last-minute, discounted Broadway tickets. The options are all outlined here, including digital and in-person opportunities.
TPG tip: The surprisingly spacious rooms (by New York standards) and convenient location near one of Manhattan’s primary subway hubs make the Hyatt Union Square New York a top choice for solo travelers. Rates start at $388 or 21,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Related: The 24 best hotels in New York City
Boston
Best for: History buffs
From its crucial role in the Revolutionary War to long-standing icons like Fenway Park, Quincy Market and its many museums, Boston hosts a wealth of attractions for solo travelers who want to soak up some history.
For a firsthand look at Boston’s early days, step onto The Freedom Trail, a walking tour of 16 sites that played integral roles in the birth of our nation. You can continue your exploration in the nation’s oldest public park, Boston Common & Public Garden.
For a panoramic look at the city sights, head to View Boston. View Boston features 360-degree views of the city from one of the tallest buildings in New England, the Prudential Center, along with several exhibits that offer more about the city.
TPG tip: For a points-friendly option, book a room at The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Boston, where rates start at $256 or 59,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. The building once served as the home of Boston’s Charles Street Jail, and you can dine among the preserved jail cell facades at the hotel’s restaurant, Clink.
Related: Best hotels in Boston, including the Four Seasons and the Fairmont
San Antonio
Best for: History, music and prickly pear margaritas
Exploring San Antonio’s history, entertainment and dining is easy, as so much of what the city has to offer is accessible via the San Antonio River Walk.
You can start your day at the Alamo (admission is free, but timed reservations are necessary to enter the historic Alamo Church) and then walk down the steps to the River Walk to explore the shops and galleries. Make your way toward Boudro’s for tableside guacamole and the best prickly pear margaritas in the city, then hop on a boat tour along the River Front. We recommend the “Mariachi Sip & Cruise” package for a taste of San Antonio culture while you sail.
Spend a day venturing away from the River Walk to see the San Antonio Missions, the historic Market Square (the largest Mexican market in the U.S.) and the Pearl district, an arts, dining and entertainment hub with weekly events like yoga under the stars, outdoor movies and a weekend farmers market.
TPG tip: It’s most convenient to stay along the River Walk. The Hyatt Regency San Antonio Riverwalk is located directly on the waterfront and also features its own restaurants, bars and shops. Rates start at $223 or 9,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Key West, Florida
Best for: Laid-back days and lively nights
It’s difficult to describe Key West, but if you know all the words to “Cheeseburger in Paradise” and think flip-flops and shorts should be accepted attire no matter where you go, it’s definitely your kind of place.
The best way to see Key West’s iconic sites is aboard the hop-on, hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour, with stops at iconic locations like the Ernest Hemingway House Museum, Sloppy Joe’s Bar, the Southernmost Point buoy and the Key West Aquarium. When night falls, you need only meander down Duval Street until you come across a bar that feels like your vibe.
If you are looking for an underwater adventure, head to Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park or Bahia Honda State Park for snorkeling. Bahia Honda is a bit farther out but offers incredible snorkel boat tours, while Fort Zachary Taylor has easy-access shore snorkeling.
TPG tip: La Concha Key West, Autograph Collection recently marked its centennial with an extensive renovation to guest rooms and public spaces. This historic property on Duval Street exudes 1920s glamour with a tropical twist and features its own mojito bar and rooftop pool deck. Nightly rates start at $354 or 77,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Best for: History and nature with a dash of wine
If you are craving a quiet solo vacation spot where you can take things at a slower pace, add Charlottesville to your list. You can take your time exploring Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Highland and James Madison’s Montpelier homes, all in or around Charlottesville; commune with nature on the Saunders-Monticello Trail and the Sugar Hollow Dam and Reservoir; or stroll the shops and eateries along the Downtown Mall, one of the longest pedestrian malls in the country.
There are too many wineries and breweries worth checking out in Charlottesville to name here, but Veritas Vineyard and Winery, King Family Vineyards, Stinson Vineyards, Blue Mountain Brewery and Starr Hill Brewery are worthy options to get you started.
TPG tip: Check into the Kimpton The Forum Hotel, which has a stately red-brick exterior with a modern yet refined interior. Amenities include complimentary bikes for riding around town, a complimentary evening wine reception and an arboretum and botanical gardens. Nightly rates start at $178 or 39,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.
Zion National Park, Utah
Best for: Breathtaking scenery and an accessible gateway town
One of the nation’s most popular national parks, Zion offers an awe-inspiring solo adventure with breathtaking landscapes, epic hiking and biking trails, and fascinating wildlife.
In terms of transportation, accessibility and accommodation offerings, Zion National Park is a relatively straightforward place to plan a trip to. The gateway for exploration is charming Springdale, Utah, a small town just steps from the park’s main entrance that has maintained its quirky vibe despite its soaring popularity.
Amid the winding canyon of sandstone buttresses, sheer red-rock cliffs and slot canyons, you’ll find lush evergreen forests, kaleidoscopic wildflowers and mystical hanging gardens. If you’re short on time, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive (accessible only by shuttle bus from March through October) provides a glorious glimpse of the park’s red rocks and easy access to several visitor-approved trailheads. All visitors need an entrance pass to enter the park.
Angels Landing and The Narrows are iconic hikes you won’t want to miss. Hikers need to enter a lottery in order to secure a permit for Angels Landing, and you are advised to rent waterproof gear for The Narrows. If you prefer your hikes a little drier or closer to the ground, go for the beginner-friendly Pa’rus Trail or the Emerald Pools Trail.
TPG tip: Just 1 mile from the park’s entrance, the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Springdale Zion National Park is one of the brand’s finest iterations. The property offers modern, well-equipped suites that are both large and comfortable; it also offers complimentary breakfast every day and an outdoor pool with phenomenal views of Zion National Park. Rates start at $107 or 53,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Related: The best places to stay near Zion National Park
Portland, Oregon
Best for: Exploring the lush landscape of the Pacific Northwest
Portland is surrounded by natural beauty on all sides. Because the city lies in a valley, you can often see Mount Hood, Mount St. Helens and, on a clear day, possibly Mount Adams and Mount Rainier. To take in these natural wonders all at once, visit Powell Butte for panoramic mountain views — or the outlook behind Pittock Mansion for city views with Mount Hood in the background.
Voracious readers could spend hours in Powell’s City of Books, the country’s largest independent bookstore. There’s also the outdoor Portland Saturday Market (seasonal), considered the largest continually operating arts and crafts market in the country. In addition to a citywide coffee tour and several food tours, the city has so many food carts that it created a handy guide to help you find exactly what you’re hungry for.
TPG tip: For a luxurious and central home base, book a room at The Ritz-Carlton, Portland, which opened downtown just a few years ago. You won’t have to go far for delicious eats since The Flock PDX food hall is on its ground floor. Rates start at $339 or 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.
Sedona, Arizona
Best for: Reconnecting with nature
Few places in the U.S. have more spectacular scenery than Sedona. Surrounded by striking red-rock buttes and majestic canyons, this desert destination is ideal for communing with nature. For some, that could mean a solitary day of hiking at the picturesque Bell Rock; others may prefer a more spiritual experience, such as a yoga hiking tour of Sedona.
Sedona’s art scene is as vibrant as its landscape. Peruse shops and galleries in the Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village or the Sedona Artist Market. On the first Friday of every month, many galleries stay open late, hosting special artist receptions and other events.
TPG tip: The Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock (starting at $277 or 80,000 Hilton Honors points per night) is about as close as you can get to Sedona’s best hiking trails.
Bottom line
When you take a solo trip, you have the freedom and independence to go where you want and do what you want, whenever you want.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, foodie heaven or big-city excitement, these destinations are among the best cities in the U.S. for solo travelers.
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