I talked to experienced solo travelers about their best solo trips in the US recommendations and here are their suggested itineraries including safety tips!
? Reader Mail: Hi Trisha! I am a 23-year old first-time solo female traveler from Australia. A friend from home recommended your blog for solo travelers and I love all your words of encouragement for girls like me! I am moving to the US for a study abroad program. It is my first time in the USA and I was wondering what are the easy and best solo trips in the US that I can take? Please note I am a first-timer so I need it to be something simple and easy. I have traveled to Australia a lot but it’s different when you are not home! I will keep reading your solo travel tips on the blog but I will be grateful if you can suggest small trips I can do in the USA solo. Thank you for your work!
-Amelie Boyce, Australia
If you’re plotting your next getaway and the allure of exploring on your terms is calling, you’ve landed in the right place. In this blog, we dive into the best solo trips in the US – a curated collection of journeys that promise to enrich your spirit and feed your wanderlust.
Traveling solo in the United States offers an incredible array of experiences, from the thundering waterfalls of majestic national parks to the bustling streets of iconic cities.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, a foodie, or someone seeking spiritual rejuvenation, the vast expanse of the US has something special for you.
In the upcoming sections, we’ll explore a diverse range of destinations. Each spot has been carefully selected not just for its beauty and charm but for how well it caters to solo travelers.
These ‘best solo trips in the US’ are more than just travel suggestions. They are recommended by pro travelers who have been journeying the world solo for many years!
See also:
New York City, a dazzling metropolis often hailed as the epitome of the American dream, stands as an exhilarating destination for solo travelers. Brimming with boundless energy, the city invites explorers to immerse themselves in its iconic skyline, diverse neighborhoods, and cultural tapestry.
Solo adventurers can wander through the sprawling Central Park, marvel at the towering Empire State Building, and lose themselves in the artistic allure of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The city’s efficient subway system makes navigating the urban landscape both convenient and affordable.
Food enthusiasts will relish the endless culinary options, from gourmet dining to authentic street food. The vibrant arts scene, from Broadway shows to avant-garde art galleries in Chelsea, offers endless entertainment.
Each corner of the city tells a story, making it an ideal canvas for solo travelers to create their own unique experiences, be it through the bustling streets of Times Square or the quiet, cobblestone lanes of Greenwich Village.
?? Related: Here’s how I traveled to New York City solo
Los Angeles, the sprawling City of Angels, offers a unique solo travel experience that blends glamour, culture, and natural beauty. For the solo adventurer, LA’s diverse neighborhoods each present a world of their own – from the star-studded walkways of Hollywood to the bohemian vibes of Venice Beach.
Art enthusiasts can lose themselves in renowned institutions like The Getty Center and LACMA, showcasing vast art collections. Outdoor lovers will find solace hiking the trails of Griffith Park, with the iconic Griffith Observatory providing panoramic city views and a close-up look at the Hollywood sign.
Foodies can embark on a culinary journey, sampling everything from high-end dining in Beverly Hills to authentic tacos in East LA. The city’s vastness encourages exploration by car, but public transport options like the Metro Rail also connect major attractions.
LA’s vibrant nightlife, eclectic shopping scenes, and endless sunny beaches make it an ideal destination for those traveling solo, offering a blend of relaxation, discovery, and unmistakable glamour.
?? See also: How to do a solo trip to Los Angeles, California
✨ by Casandra of Karpiak Caravan
Molokai is one of the least visited islands in Hawaii and is known as one of the friendliest. It is a pristine, untouched island with beautiful beaches and lush nature.
This is one of the best solo vacations USA if you just want to relax and have time for yourself!
It’s the perfect place for solo travelers to experience Hawaii. The small-town atmosphere makes it easy to meet other people and share travel stories.
Even though Molokai is a small island, there are more than enough activities to fill five days of your trip. You will want to rent a car upon arrival at the airport.
There is only one taxi on Molokai so having a car allows you to freely explore the island at your own pace.
The first stop I always make is picking up a box of papayas and fresh produce from Kumu Farms, just a few minutes down the highway from the airport.
Hotel Molokai is the only hotel on the island and it is located just a few minutes from the main town of Kaunakakai.
After exploring the island during the day, I enjoyed coming back to the hotel for dinner and drinks and hearing the sound of the waves crashing against the beach.
Since Hotel Molokai is the only hotel on the island, it is easy to meet people having drinks at the bar and the locals are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet.
Solo travelers will enjoy the solitude of Molokai. Some of my favorite things to do on the island included snorkeling at Dixie Maru and then walking to the abandoned beach village at Kaupoa Beach.
I loved walking along Papohaku Beach and then hiking up to the lookout. A visit to the Phallic Rock and a lookout over the Kalaupapa Peninsula is a must and make sure you have pancakes at Kualapu’u Cookhouse.
There are plenty of adventures to be had on Molokai and I find that five days is the perfect amount of time to explore this friendly part of Hawaii.
✨ by Katy Shaw of A Rambling Unicorn
One of my favorite solo travel experiences was a backpacking trip on the California Riding and Hiking Trail.
This 37-mile trek typically takes 3-4 days to complete and rambles through gorgeous scenery in Joshua Tree National Park.
During my adventure, I saw coyotes and endless Joshua Tree forests along with brilliant starry skies unmarred by light pollution.
While the trail mostly travels through the wilderness, the path does pass a few roads and major landmarks. I was glad to know that I could easily bail out at these points if something went wrong.
Since the park lacks cell reception, I had a Garmin In-Reach Explorer with me so I could message my husband over satellite in case of emergency.
Before attempting this backpacking trip solo, I spent some time training for it and fine-tuning my gear.
There is no water available in Joshua Tree, so I also cached some jugs of water beforehand. I knew I wouldn’t be encountering many other people on this trip, so I packed accordingly.
The effort was worth it, however. My three days alone in the Mojave Desert were some of the most memorable that I’d experienced in a long time.
It was a wonderful opportunity for solitude and spiritual renewal, which is hard to get at national parks these days given the crowds.
If this trail is beyond your ability level (or if you are new to backpacking), you can still experience the joys of wilderness camping in Joshua Tree.
Simply self-register for a permit at a backcountry registration board and hike at least 1 mile away from the road. I recommend talking to a ranger first who can help you plan the perfect adventure.
✨ by Erin Gifford of Go Hike Virginia
For the solo traveler, a scenic drive along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway that meanders across Virginia and North Carolina is more than just a drive.
It’s an epic outdoor adventure filled with hiking, biking, and paddling.
The Blue Ridge Parkway begins where Skyline Drive ends, at the south entrance to Shenandoah National Park in Afton.
On this adventure, I stayed in Virginia and made Humpback Rocks at milepost 5.6 my first stop for spectacular 360-degree views across Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.
I also couldn’t resist a side trip to Charlottesville, which is home to my alma mater, the University of Virginia. It’s just 30 minutes away from the Humpback Gap parking area.
You’ll want to stop in for delicious bagels at Bodo’s Bagels and snaps of UVA’s Rotunda, then overnight in Quirk Hotel.
From here, I continued on to experience the wildly popular Peaks of Otter in Bedford, including Sharp Top, Flat Top and Harkening Hill.
I stopped in the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center at milepost 86 to get my bearings. Then I was off to tackle these three gram-worthy summit hikes.
I took two days to tackle these three hikes, spending the night just one-hour southwest in Roanoke. Closer to the trails, many also opt to stay at the Peaks of Otter Lodge, but for a solo traveler, there’s more to see and do in Roanoke.
One of my favorite stops in Roanoke was the Mill Mountain Star, the world’s largest man-made star that stands at 100 feet tall.
You can hike or drive to the overlook for views across the Roanoke Valley. I also spent time at 1,100-acre Explore Park at milepost 115 for mountain biking and kayaking.
This four-day trip from Afton to Roanoke could easily be extended beyond four days. There’s so much more to see and do.
You can also skip the hotel stays and opt for camping at well-trafficked Peaks of Otter and Explore Park, as well as the Crabtree Falls Campground near Humpback Rocks.
✨ by Kristel of Chef Travel Guide
One of the best solo trips to do in the US is going on a camping trip in the Humboldt Redwoods State Park. If you’re looking for the perfect getaway where you can unplug from your day-to-day grind and immerse yourself in nature, then this solo trip is what you need.
The state park spans over 53,000 acres which is about twice the size of San Francisco. It is home to 17,000 acres of an old-growth redwood forest which is the largest expanse of ancient redwoods left in the world.
One of the best things I love about this solo trip is driving through the Avenue of the Giants, which is a 32-mile long stretch of towering redwood trees.
I had to do multiple stops to take photos and stand next to the giant trees which can be as tall as a 30-story building!
As a solo traveler, I would recommend staying at least 2-3 nights at the park. There are 3 main campgrounds to choose from but I always stay at the Hidden Springs Campground or at Humboldt Redwoods Inn if I feel like spoiling myself.
I love waking up to the smell of pine from the trees, the sound of rushing creeks, and the majestic canopy formed by the towering redwoods.
Solo travelers would feel perfectly safe exploring the different hiking trails. You also have the option of cooling down at a local swimming hole at the end of your hike, which I love.
This solo camping trip always gives me a good mental reset and leaves me feeling recharged.
✨ by Natasha Karcz of Planes, Trains and Karcz
Arizona has been a bucket list hiking destination of mine for years, so when the opportunity arose to spend a week in Phoenix, I knew there was no way I’d be turning it down!
As a solo female traveler, I felt safe immediately upon arrival; having already coordinated plans to hike alongside some locals before the plane had even landed. Meeting people will come naturally in this bustling state, especially so if you intend to join its vast hiking network.
Be it amongst local community trails or hitting the “big name” hikes, you’ll certainly find no shortage of scenic viewpoints and challenging yet captivating desert terrain.
I found that budgeting 7 days to hike my way through Arizona was the perfect amount of time (though it’d have been remarkably easy to fill more days if I’d had them!), working my way from South to North – leaving the spectacular Grand Canyon for the big finale.
Starting with the oasis that is the Seven Falls Trail near Tucson, to the quaint little trek up to the notorious sunset spot of Hole-in-the-Rock in Phoenix, to the famed Cathedral Rock hike that borders on more of a climb during some sections.
Finish it off with the distinguished Bright Angel Trail and so many others along the way. It’s a trip for the books that’s sure to fuel even the most adventurous solo traveler!
Just don’t forget your camera, you’ll want to document every moment!
✨ by Olivia of Girl With Blue Sails
Yosemite National Park, located in California’s beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountain Range, provides amazing solo traveling opportunities and is one of the best solo trips in the US!
I’ve taken many solo hikes in the valley, and the waterfall hikes have always been my favorites. This trip can be done in 3 days, and the first day should include a visit to Bridalveil Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls. Both are popular, easy hikes that I love to do on my first day in Yosemite.
Both waterfall hikes provide a quick way to get your waterfall fix in and get acquainted with the valley surroundings, which are all very clearly marked and easy to follow.
The second day of this solo adventure should be spent at Vernal Falls, also known as the mist trail. It’s moderately paced and will involve some incline and amazing views.
The third day of the trip should include the epic Upper Yosemite Falls hike. It’s an all-day, strenuous hike, so be sure to get an early start to beat the heat.
Yosemite Valley is very populated and safe for solo travelers. Park rangers are happy to help, and there are awesome restaurants where it’s easy to meet fellow travelers.
The best lodging in the park is Curry Village, and spring is the best time of year to visit. In springtime the sun is shining, the wildflowers are out, and it’s when the waterfalls are at their fullest.
✨ by Talek Nantes of Travels With Talek
I’m a music lover and I love to travel. I decided to indulge both these passions with a solo musical road trip to some of the best solo trips in the US – Cleveland, Memphis, Austin, and good ole, always-exciting, New Orleans.
I started my solo road trip in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Here I followed the history of Rock and Roll from its origins through to the Beatles, Elvis, Michael Jackson, and more.
From Cleveland, I headed southwest 730 miles via I-70 and I-40 to Memphis, The House of the Blues. I made sure to visit Beale Street where all the blues clubs are. The other can’t-miss destination in Memphis is Graceland, where Elvis lived.
I headed further southwest for another 647 miles via I-30 to Austin, Texas, The Live Music Capital of The World. Music is everywhere here! Some of the coolest concentrations of live music venues can be found on Rainey Street, Red River, and Sixth Street off Congress Avenue.
Next up is the mother of all U.S. music cities, New Orleans. I headed east for 511 miles on I-10E and arrived at The Big Easy. New Orleans, or NOLA, is a class by itself for music lovers.
Yes, you can visit Bourbon Street and have a Hurricane cocktail at Preservation Hall like every other tourist.
But if you really want to experience the best music this town has to offer, check out Frenchman Street with all the clubs. This is where the classic jazz musicians appear regularly. Go there!
A fun and vibrant place to spend a solo weekend is the fascinating city of Miami. From Cuban food to world-class street art, Art Deco buildings, and beautiful beaches, there’s plenty to do and see.
With endless accommodation including sociable hostels, it’s an easy place to spend time solo especially if you base in Miami Beach.
No Miami itinerary would be complete without a trip to Wynwood Walls, one of the street art hubs of the world. This once-industrial area is now a popular part of town, gentrified with enormous murals completed by famous street artists.
Wander the streets solo or take a tour starting from the GGA Gallery. It’s a safe place to explore on your own but taking a tour means someone will likely help you get in your own photos.
Next, visit Little Havana and eat your heart out at restaurants, cafes, and food stands. Due to the situation in Cuba under Castro, many Cubans fled to the US and stayed put in Miami, bringing with them their delicious cuisine.
You’ll need to brush up on your Spanish but don’t let that stop you from exploring one of the coolest parts of the city!
Finally, spend at least one day hanging out in Miami Beach and spotting iconic Art Deco buildings. Around 2-3 days in Miami is optimum.
If you can squeeze Wynwood and Little Havana into one day, spend a couple hanging out at the beach. Stay in any of the hostels near South Beach and you’re bound to meet people to explore with!
✨ James Ian of Parks Collecting
Hiking in Acadia National Park is one of my favorite best solo trips in the US. The town of Bar Harbor is just outside the main section of Acadia, and there is a free shuttle bus service that runs all around the park from the center of town.
This makes it extremely easy to get around by yourself. You can hike even one way on some of the trails, and get picked up at a different spot.
One of the most famous trails in Acadia National Park is the Beehive. This is a challenging hike involving climbing on iron rungs in parts, and with steep drop-offs.
It’s a fun hike, and the views at the top of the surrounding islands are stunning. Another highlight is the hike up to the top of Acadia Mountain and down to Echo Lake, which is the perfect place to cool off after the hike in summer.
Bar Harbor has several bars and casual restaurants where you can meet other travelers. I also struck up conversations on the shuttle and with fellow hikers on the trails and hiked for part of the way with others.
Jordan Boathouse, which has outdoor seating on the shores of Jordan Pond, and serves their home-baked popovers, is also a great place to hang out and meet other travelers at the end of a hike.
I recommend at least 4 days hiking in Acadia, though you could easily stay longer, as there are plenty of trails to discover and conquer. Because there are other travelers around, it’s a very safe destination for solo travel.
If you love hiking, then a trip to Acadia National Park is the perfect solo trip for you.
✨ by Sumeeta of Sumeeta Seeks
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