Are you considering taking a road trip by yourself? Don’t miss this list of the 30 best destinations for solo travelers in the US. Number 18 is our favorite.
1. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Between the Walker Art Museum, the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis is a center for the arts. However, because of the parks on both banks of the Mississippi River, it also offers unexpected access to nature (Minnehaha Falls is a particularly attractive location).
2. Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor, just outside Acadia National Park, may get very crowded. However, if you go during the shoulder season, you’ll be rewarded with a charming beach town and fantastic hiking opportunities in the park. After your climb, make sure you visit a nearby vineyard or brewery and try some fresh local lobster.
3. Aspen, Colorado
World-class skiing, picturesque hiking, and breathtaking mountain scenery may all be found in Aspen. Exploring the mountains is essential, whether your goal is to ride the slopes or enjoy the views from a gondola. Between the Resnick Center for Herbert Bayer Studies, the Wheeler Opera House, and the Aspen Art Museum, the resort town is also a center of culture.
4. Deadwood, South Dakota
Here, you can experience the life of a true cowboy or cowgirl in historic and unique Deadwood and travel back in time to the Wild West. It has a mining museum, historic saloons, a steam engine, and gold mines. In terms of cuisine, there are several steakhouses scattered throughout the area.
5. Olympia, Washington
In addition to being the capital of Washington, Olympia is a quaint city that is home to the Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, a renowned farmers market, and a coastal promenade. It’s also teeming with a variety of cuisines, such as Pacific Northwest oysters, Korean cuisine, and Latin street food.
6. Princeton, New Jersey
There is more to this New Jersey treasure than just a stunning university campus. The Princeton fight Monument commemorates the fight fought and won by George Washington in 1777; the Terhune Orchards serve delectable wine and baked goods; and the Morven Museum & Garden features art inside a historic mansion surrounded by lovely landscape.
7. Fort Worth, Texas
A parade of livestock parading down the street is a unique sight, even though the stockyards may be tourist attractions. Come to Billy Bob’s, the biggest honky tonk in the world, for live performances, horseback riding, food, line dance instruction, pool tables, and a ton of booze. With attractions like the Fort Worth Water Gardens, the Kimbell Art Museum, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, the city is an architectural haven for those seeking something a little more subdued.
8. Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is a haven for outdoor lovers, surrounded by stunning, majestic mountains. There are hiking and skiing trails in the mountains outside the city, while the International Peace Garden, Sugar House Park, and the Tracy Aviary and Botanical Gardens are located inside the municipal limits. The Natural History Museum of Utah, Beehive House, and Salt Lake Utah Temple are excellent places to learn about local history.
9. Burbank, California
In the midst of the overwhelming metropolitan expansion of Los Angeles County, Burbank offers small-town charm and a lack of terrible traffic. For convenient access to everything in town, fly into Burbank’s modest but cherished airport. See the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, which is likely the most immersive of Hollywood’s main studio tours, and Flappers, the renowned comedy club that Jay Leno frequents.
10. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Many walkable districts in Pittsburgh are connected by public transportation, making it simple to navigate throughout the city. Fans of art, history, and culture will love the Andy Warhol Museum, the Mattress Factory Museum of Contemporary Art, the Carnegie Natural History Museum, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, and the vibrant Randyland Folk Art Museum.
11. Pensacola Beach, Florida
Pensacola on the Florida Panhandle has immaculate beaches along the Gulf of Mexico for a relaxed beach vacation. We suggest Perdido Key State Park for a beach day. Fort Pickens and the National Naval Aviation Museum are good places for history buffs to visit, while Seville Quarter, a massive music, restaurant, and drink venue, is a great place for nightlife seekers.
12. South Bend, Indiana
College towns like South Bend are great weekend getaways for single travelers because of their lively downtowns and interesting museums. You can spend your day at the Morris Performing Arts Center, two art museums, a three-story automotive museum, a gorgeous neo-Gothic church, and a charming riverfront park. There are also several chocolate shops, international-food restaurants, and a tasting room at the Indiana Whiskey Company.
13. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
Explore the area surrounding Harpers Ferry if you’re interested in hiking a portion of the Appalachian Trail. There are several beautiful day walks in the vicinity, and the visitor center is regarded as the ‘psychological midpoint’ of the path. Part of the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, the town itself contains a historic confectionery store and an antique store called The Gilded Flea.
14. Chicago, Illinois
Despite its size, Chicago is easily navigable on foot or via the ‘L’ train system. And there are plenty of things to do, like going on a boat tour about architectural history, seeing the Field Museum or Art Institute of Chicago, or getting a photo with the well-known ‘Bean’. Plus, it should go without saying that you should treat yourself to a deep-dish pizza tour.
15. Boulder, Colorado
Here, you can explore Boulder’s Pearl Street Mall, which is full of interesting stores and delicious food, before heading to the hiking or skiing trails. Did you know Boulder is also home to the Shelby American Collection of vintage automobiles, a modern art museum, and a famous tea establishment called the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse?.
16. Asheville, North Carolina
For every kind of interest, Asheville offers an amazing array of options. With its thriving arts scene and historic buildings, Asheville has become a global city. The 19th-century Vanderbilt Estate, today called the Biltmore Estate and a well-liked tourist attraction, is its most famous monument.
17. Tampa, Florida
Not many people know that Tampa, located to the west, is regarded as one of the safest cities in the United States. Although Busch Gardens is its most well-known attraction, the city offers more than just roller coasters. Visit Ybor City for its vibrant nightlife, vintage cigar lounges, and the original Columbia Restaurant, which has been there for 118 years and serves one of the best house salads you’ll ever taste, as well as a must-see flamenco show.
18. Reno, Nevada
Reno is a more accessible place for solitary travel, even though Las Vegas may receive the most attention in Nevada. Yes, there are casinos here, but there are also the Nevada Historical Society, a beautiful rose garden, and outstanding museums of art and cars. Skiing is close by in the winter, and Reno has the biggest free hot air balloon event in the world in the early fall.
19. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
We think Oklahoma City is a location that isn’t given enough credit. There is a lot to do here, including the lively Bricktown area, the distinctive Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, the stunning Myriad Botanical Gardens, and a whitewater rafting and kayaking facility. The recently opened National Hotel, located in a former bank, is a great place to eat something delicious.
20. Ann Arbor, Michigan
The University of Michigan has made Ann Arbor a hidden gem for those who enjoy museums. The institution’s museums of art, natural history, and archaeology are all worth seeing. We also recommend taking a walk in the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and going to the Hill Auditorium to see a performance.
21. Boise, Idaho
Boise, which is surrounded by mountains and is a hiker’s dream, is another one of the safest locations to visit in the United States. There are many green areas in the city itself, such as Camel’s Back Park and the Idaho Botanical Garden. It holds the Capital City Public Market, which has regional food and artisan sellers, on Saturdays from mid-April until mid-December. Make sure you don’t miss the enchanting annual Spirit of Boise Balloon Classic, which takes place in Ann Morrison Park.
22. Savannah, Georgia
This city’s historic center, which is renowned for its stunning architecture, museums, art galleries, and verdant squares, is the perfect place to explore on your own. The ‘Hostess City of the South’ is also a gourmet haven, with a wide variety of eateries and cafes offering a wide variety of delectable dishes. But while you’re there, don’t forget to schedule some time for Southern cuisine!
23. The Poconos, Pennsylvania
For those looking for both excitement and relaxation, the Poconos, a mountainous area in northern Pennsylvania with ski resorts and quaint little towns, is a fantastic choice. Driving across the landscape is one of the attractions of the area, especially in the fall, but you’ll need a car to get about. You can visit local treasures like Callie’s Candy Kitchen and hike routes like the one leading to Bushkill Falls.
24. New York City, New York
There is always plenty to do in the city that never sleeps for lone travelers. See some of the greatest museums in the world, go to a Broadway performance, or compete to find the ‘best’ bagel or pizza in the city. To explore the enormous metropolis via subway, from Central Park and Battery Park to Brooklyn’s hipster neighborhoods and Queens’ many options, you’ll need the extra carbohydrates.
25. Portland, Maine
Portland, a stunning New England seaside city with stunning lighthouses, an art museum, and lavish Victorian mansions, was named one of the 25 safest places to live by U.S. News. You can visit a local brewpub for a pint or stop by any of the waterfront eateries for the day’s fresh seafood.
26. Flagstaff, Arizona
With a small-town feel, Flagstaff offers just as many activities as a large city. Natural and historical wonders like the Grand Canyon, Walnut Canyon, and Wupatki National Monument are nearby, but you won’t need a car to explore them because Flagstaff is home to several tour companies. The renowned Lowell Observatory is located close to town if you’re interested in space travel. With eateries and pubs to pass the time between desert escapades, the city’s downtown is a destination unto itself.
27. Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is a charming little town with a laid-back vibe if you’re looking to unwind. Here, you can explore the charming Church Street Marketplace, visit the Ben & Jerry’s factory, stop by a craft brewery for a refreshing drink, or even enroll in a culinary class at Essex Resort & Spa, which is only a 20-minute drive away. Enjoy all of Lake Champlain’s activities when the weather is nice, such as boating, strolling along the shore, and tanning on the beach. Or go in the fall, when the scenery is breathtaking.
28. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Due to the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and the original Meow Wolf, an immersive, experimental art display that functions as a sort of hallucinogenic escape chamber, Santa Fe is a top destination for art enthusiasts. This place’s charming downtown is lined with art galleries, antique shops, and craft stores. It’s also a terrific spot to sample New Mexico’s well-known red and green chiles.
29. Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
This destination will make you feel like the protagonist of a fable, but there’s more to do there than just gaze at the community that seems like something out of a fairy tale. The Carmel Mission Basilica Museum, Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, the white sand Carmel Beach, and the well-known Pebble Beach golf course are all close by. Pro tip: The Cottage of Sweets and Carmel Bakery are excellent places to indulge yourself.
30. Waco, Texas
For delicious food and farmhouse-style shopping, you have to visit Magnolia Market. Beyond Magnolia, you may enjoy wine and beer tastings, boutique shopping, and a vibrant downtown nightlife. Visit the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, the Dr. Pepper Museum, or the Mammoth National Monument for additional entertainment.
