Where to travel solo across the U.S.
Make friends on an Alaskan cruise or seek solitude on Moab's desert trails


Interest in solo trips continues to build: According to Google, searches for solo trips and single flight tickets are trending upward in 2023, suggesting that more and more people are interested in embarking on solo adventures and exploring new destinations.
If you're looking to craft a solo travel itinerary for yourself, you'll need to do a little soul-searching before you even get on the plane. Ask yourself, do you want total quietude? Or do you want to join the crowd in a bustling city? How about making new travel friends? Whatever your answers, we've compiled a list of the best destinations in the U.S. for solo travelers, whether you want a city break, a backcountry adventure, or a cruise (yes, a cruise).
For never-ending energy and eats: New York City

With an endless array of things to do, it's easy to see why NYC is a top choice for those traveling alone. The city offers plenty of budget-friendly and comfortable accommodations for solo travelers, including the Pod 51 Hotel in Midtown and the Arlo SoHo in SoHo, both of which provide petite, solo-friendly rooms in convenient locations.
When it comes to filling your days, you can hit up classics like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Whitney Museum of American Art, catch a Broadway show, or treat yourself to afternoon tea at The Plaza Hotel where you can people-watch and petit four to your heart’s content. Or, you can visit some of the city's newest attractions, like the recently completed Little Island waterfront park and the Edge NYC at 30 Hudson Yards, the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere.
All around town, gourmands will love the diverse culinary scene, from street food vendors like Wafels & Dinges, locals’ haunts with friendly barflies like The Beach Cafe to top-rated restaurants like Nami Nori, with world-class sushi and bar seats perfect for solo diners.
For relaxation and a touch of adventure: Hawaii
If you're looking for total relaxation in a resort setting, we've got two Hawaiian recommendations for you. For a luxury experience, Sensei Lanai, A Four Seasons Resort ticks all the boxes for a solo retreat. The resort offers an immersive wellness experience, combining traditional healing practices with cutting-edge technology, and you can enjoy activities such as meditation, yoga, and fitness programs, all while surrounded by Lanai’s lush landscapes. For a more affordable option, the Maui Healing Retreat on, you guessed it, Maui is an excellent choice with yoga classes, massage therapy, and wellness coaching on offer. The retreat will help coordinate accommodations and bring your sessions directly to you for personalized attention.
For an unforgettable cruise: Alaska

If you're planning to take a solo trip, but don't want to be alone, a cruise may be the right choice for you—specifically an Alaskan cruise. For one, you can count on seeing the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife the state is known for, and the onboard experience offers plenty of opportunities for socializing and making new friends. Many cruise lines provide solo traveler events and group activities, such as dance classes, game nights, and cocktail parties, making connecting with other passengers easier. Some cruise lines, like Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America Line, also offer solo traveler staterooms designed for single travelers that are often priced more affordably than traditional cabins.
For solo travelers who want to explore the beauty of Alaska with a bit of luxury, Princess Cruises offers the "North to Alaska" program, which spectacular food (there’s even a “cook my catch” program where you can go on a fishing excursion for salmon or halibut and chefs back on the boat will prepare it for you), guest speakers, and educational programs, with plenty of chances to soak up the soul-restoring natural vistas and mingle with other passengers along the way.
For lots of hiking: Moab, Utah
Solo travelers seeking outdoor adventures and breathtaking landscapes will love Moab. The town’s name has become synonymous with outdoor adventure, thanks to ample hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking activities in surrounding national parks like Arches, Canyonlands, and Dead Horse Point State Park.
After days on the trails, chow down at one of the city's many dining options, from casual cafes like Sweet Cravings Bakery + Bistro to upscale restaurants such as the top-rated Desert Bistro. And many places cater to dietary restrictions, too, such as 98 Center Moab, Indo Grill, and Moab Kitchen.
Solo travelers should book a stay at Moab's Under Canvas camping site, which offers a glamping experience with comfortable beds and private en suite bathrooms. It's perfect for solo travelers who love camping but don’t want to deal with the hassle of lugging gear or total solitude when flying solo. Plus, staying at the camping site makes it so you can meet fellow travelers, perhaps while roasting s’mores at a fire pit under the stars. For those who prefer more traditional accommodations, the Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn offers comfortable rooms and a central location in town.
For museums and culture: Portland, OR

Portland's friendly and inclusive community makes it easy for visitors to feel at home. Explore museums aplenty like the Portland Art Museum, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, and Oregon Jewish Museum and Center For Holocaust Education—plus theaters and live music venues (Portland Center Stage at The Armory is a favorite). For those who love the outdoors, Portland has many parks and nearby hiking trails and is only about a 30-mile drive from the fifth-largest waterfall in the country, Multnomah Falls.
While there are plenty of solo traveler-friendly restaurant and bar options (St. Jack, Eem, and Scotch Lodge to name a few), we'd suggest booking a food cart tour to taste your way through the city's iconic carts and meet fellow food fans.
Book a few nights at The Society Hotel, which offers private and shared accommodations in a stylish and modern setting in downtown Portland, complete with a rooftop deck. For a more traditional hotel setting, head to the Ace Hotel in downtown Portland, which provides everything from a communal workspace for remote workers and bike rentals.
For fresh air and quaint towns: Nantucket, MA
Due to its small size and friendly community, solo travelers can explore the island's quaint towns and picturesque beaches without feeling overwhelmed. Rent a bicycle and pedal around on the island's scenic bike paths, or take a boat tour of the nearby Nantucket Sound with Capt. Tom's Charters. Stop at one of the numerous museums and historic sites like the Whaling Museum and the Nantucket Atheneum.
As far as where to stay, the White Elephant offers luxurious rooms with waterfront views, while the Jared Coffin House has specific rooms for solo travelers.
For the best wineries: Napa Valley, CA

Napa Valley is a dream destination for solo travelers passionate about food, wine, and wellness. You'll have your pick of luxury hotels like the Auberge du Soleil, which boasts stunning vineyard views, or boutique options like the Harvest Inn, which features cozy fireplaces and rustic charm. The destination also offers solo travelers a range of culinary experiences, including cooking classes at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, wine tastings, and farm-to-table tours like Napa's Downtown Food & Wine Tour, which includes the best of wine tasting and culinary delights in one three-hour tour.
In addition to its world-class culinary scene, Napa Valley is also a destination for wellness and spa enthusiasts. Unwind at luxurious spas like Spa Terra, which offers treatments inspired by the region's natural surroundings, or Spa Solage, home to mineral pools and innovative therapies. You can also enjoy a rejuvenating yoga class at the Napa Valley Yoga center, take a peaceful hike in the nearby Bothe-Napa Valley State Park, or participate in a guided meditation session at the aforementioned Auberge.
For afternoons on the beach: Key West, FL
The laid-back atmosphere of Key West makes it a dreamy destination for solo travelers seeking a peaceful (and beach-filled) getaway. The island's streets are lined with cozy cafes, fresh seafood restaurants like Half Shell Raw Bar, and tropical bars like Smokin' Tuna Saloon, a “good place to spend a few hours” according to one recent reviewer, who noted the venue also has live music.
Key West is ripe for connecting with nature, whether you go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic, strolling through the botanical gardens, or taking a sunset sail on a catamaran. In addition, solo travelers can stay at luxurious hotels like Oceans Edge Resort & Marina Key West, with its tranquil pool and lush gardens, or The Perry Hotel, which offers waterfront views and chic, modern accommodations. Before you skip town, be sure to visit The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, where the masterful author lived for 10 years.