People Traveling Solo Are Quietly Choosing These US Spots

Last spring, I found myself at a Nashville honky-tonk at 9 PM on a Tuesday, eating hot chicken alone at the bar, watching a live band.

The bartender slid me another beer without asking.

A couple next to me started chatting about their favorite hiking spots in Utah.

And I thought: this is exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Solo travel isn’t lonely—it’s freedom wrapped in a plane ticket.

Over the past year, I’ve watched this shift happen: more people are ditching the group trips and just…going.

No waiting for schedules to align.

No compromise on the itinerary.

Just you, the open road, and whatever adventure you feel like chasing that day.

And some American cities?

They’re just made for this.

Let me show you where solo travelers are quietly heading right now.

Moab, Utah – Red Rocks and Zero Judgment

Moab is a total gem for solo travelers who want to get out into nature.

I’m talking two National Parks within spitting distance—Arches and Canyonlands.

When I rolled into town last fall, I didn’t have a single plan.

Just me, a rented Jeep, and a cooler full of snacks.

Hiking is perfect for solo travel because it’s cheap, safe, and doesn’t feel awkward without a buddy.

You’re surrounded by those massive red rock formations, and honestly, no one cares if you’re alone.

Everyone’s too busy staring at Delicate Arch or trying not to trip on the trail.

Moab also has some of the world’s best trails for off-roading, if you’re into that.

I took an ATV tour and felt like I was in a movie—steep terrain, wild views, adrenaline pumping.

For food, hit up Quesadilla Mobilla.

I’m still dreaming about their sweet potato and spinach quesadilla.

Grab coffee at Moab Garage Co.

before you head out for the day.

Trust me, you’ll need the fuel.

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When I first landed in Tokyo, I thought I was prepared. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅

💸 I brought a suitcase that was WAY TOO BIG for the tiny hotel rooms and train aisles. I completely missed the last train because I didn’t understand the schedule. I spent HUNDREDS extra on things I could’ve gotten for cheap. Sound familiar?

“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my stressful mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, NO-NONSENSE tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.

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Portland, Oregon – Quirky, Walkable, and Wildly Friendly

Portland is one of those cities I have a massive crush on, and it’s perfect for solo travel in the USA.

I’ve been twice, both times alone, and I’d go back tomorrow if I could.

The city is super walkable, and public transport is efficient and cheap—unlimited daily travel for just $5.

So you can explore without dropping a fortune on Ubers.

There are coffee shops on every corner, funky bars, food carts that’ll change your life.

The locals?

Genuinely the friendliest.

I struck up a conversation with a guy at a brewery about hiking trails, and he ended up drawing me a map on a napkin.

If you love nature but also want city vibes, Portland nails that balance.

You can stay in the city for killer restaurants, then venture out to the Columbia River Gorge for hiking or Cannon Beach.

I did a solo wine tasting trip to Willamette Valley one afternoon.

Just me, some Pinot Noir, and rolling vineyards.

It was perfect.

Nashville, Tennessee – Music, BBQ, and Good Vibes

Nashville is one of my favorite US cities for a solo road trip—the music and food scene cannot be beat.

Yes, Broadway is full of bachelorette parties and rowdy bars.

But it’s also an incredible place to meet people organically if you want to.

I sat at a bar one night, and within an hour I had two new friends and plans to check out a different venue.

Music City welcomes solo travelers with open arms—catch live shows, explore vibrant neighborhoods, soak in that musical energy.

The BBQ alone is worth the trip.

Franklin Barbecue, Terry Black’s—get in line early, chat with the people around you, and prepare for brisket that’ll ruin you for life.

I tested my spicy food limit at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack and Hattie B’s—both are legendary.

If you want a break from the chaos, just walk along the river or grab a drink at a rooftop bar.

Nashville is one of those cities where being alone never actually feels lonely.

Asheville, North Carolina – Mountains, Beer, and Chill Energy

Asheville is underrated but one of the very best places for solo travel in the US.

I spent a long weekend there last year and barely scratched the surface.

The French Broad River offers perfect kayaking, and the nearby mountains have incredible hikes and lookout spots.

Asheville has more breweries per capita than any other city in America.

So if you like craft beer, you’re in heaven.

I bar-hopped solo one afternoon and met more interesting people than I have in months.

Artists, musicians, retirees who sold everything and moved to the mountains.

It’s that kind of town.

You can visit the Biltmore Estate, America’s largest privately owned house, and even spend the night on the 8,000-acre grounds.

It’s fancy, it’s beautiful, and it’s a fun way to treat yourself.

Downtown is walkable, the food is great, and the whole vibe is just…easy.

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✨ NEW RELEASE

🗾 I Wrote a Book About My BIGGEST Japan Travel Mistakes!

When I first landed in Tokyo, I thought I was prepared. Spoiler alert: I WASN’T. 😅

💸 I brought a suitcase that was WAY TOO BIG for the tiny hotel rooms and train aisles. I completely missed the last train because I didn’t understand the schedule. I spent HUNDREDS extra on things I could’ve gotten for cheap. Sound familiar?

“Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to Japan” is your shortcut to avoiding ALL my stressful mistakes. ✨ Inside, you’ll find practical, NO-NONSENSE tips on etiquette, transport, money, and hidden gems that will save you time, money, and a whole lot of confusion.

🎯 Grab Your Copy Now!

San Francisco, California – Iconic and Unapologetically Unique

San Francisco is quirky, vibrant, home to breathtaking views, and a dream for solo travel USA.

It’s hard to put into words—you just gotta go there.

Every time I visit, I discover something new.

A hidden staircase in North Beach.

A killer taco spot in the Mission.

Some random street art that stops me in my tracks.

San Francisco offers something for every type of solo traveler.

You can spend a day walking the Golden Gate Bridge, touring Alcatraz, wandering through Golden Gate Park.

You don’t necessarily need a car—though renting one to hit Muir Woods or Napa Valley is a nice option.

I love just walking around different neighborhoods.

Haight-Ashbury for vintage shops.

Fisherman’s Wharf for the touristy stuff (no shame).

Chinatown for dumplings.

The public transport is solid, the city feels safe, and there’s always something happening.

Austin, Texas – Live Music and Endless Food Trucks

Austin is such a fun and friendly city to visit, especially during festivals like SXSW or Austin City Limits.

But even without a festival, this place is alive.

It’s a college town, so there’s always a party going on, and it really comes alive during events like St.

Patrick’s Day or Cinco de Mayo.

Make sure you grab drinks on Rainey Street and listen to live music on 6th Street.

And don’t leave without trying BBQ at Terry Black’s or Franklin Barbecue.

I went solo and ended up sharing a picnic table with a couple from Colorado and a guy from Australia.

We bonded over burnt ends.

Austin has this energy that makes you feel like you belong, even if you just rolled into town.

Food trucks everywhere.

Green spaces where people are paddleboarding or just lounging.

And the breakfast tacos?

Life-changing.

Washington, D.C. – Museums, Monuments, and Zero Boredom

If you’re worried about having enough to do while traveling alone, D.C.

is a beautiful weekend getaway option.

There are seemingly infinite museums, national monuments, and walking tours to fill your time.

And most of the big museums?

Totally free.

I loved visiting the National Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian, and the Lincoln Memorial.

You can spend an entire day in one museum and not see everything.

Visit during cherry blossom season to see the landscape come alive with beautiful pink flowers.

It’s stunning.

The city is walkable, the Metro is easy to navigate, and there are beautiful neighborhoods to explore.

Georgetown has cobblestone streets and boutique shops.

Adams Morgan has amazing nightlife and food from every corner of the world.

I grabbed Ethiopian food one night and sat at the bar, chatting with the chef about spices.

D.C.

is one of those cities where being solo actually feels like an advantage—you can move at your own pace.

Charleston, South Carolina – Charm, History, and Coastal Beauty

With charming, colorful streets, waterfront scenery, and an abundance of shops and restaurants, Charleston is a haven for solo travelers.

You can easily spend a day exploring King Street, dotted with eclectic shops and fantastic restaurants.

I wandered around for hours, popping into art galleries, grabbing oysters at a raw bar, watching street performers.

Then explore Instagram-worthy spots like Rainbow Row and Pineapple Fountain in Waterfront Park.

The history here is deep.

Historic sites abound, including Fort Sumter and The Old Slave Market Museum.

If you want a beach day, head south to Folly Beach.

The food scene is incredible—Lowcountry cuisine, fresh seafood, shrimp and grits that’ll make you rethink your life.

Charleston feels welcoming, safe, and just…pretty.

It’s one of those places you can walk around all day and never get bored.

San Juan, Puerto Rico – Tropical, No Passport Required

If you want a tropical vibe without leaving US territory, San Juan is ideal—sandy beaches, colorful streets, and rich culture make it a solo travel gem.

And no passport needed.

I spent a week exploring Puerto Rico, and San Juan is absolutely safe.

The city has amazing nightlife, truly delicious food, and is a great launching point for more island adventures.

Like kayaking in a bioluminescent bay.

Or exploring El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S.

National Forest System.

Old San Juan is a dream—colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets, killer coffee shops.

I spent an afternoon just walking around, stopping for mofongo and fresh coconut water.

The beaches are beautiful, the people are warm, and the music is everywhere.

Salsa in the streets, reggaeton in the clubs.

It’s vibrant, it’s easy to navigate, and it feels like a vacation even if you’re just grabbing lunch.

Savannah, Georgia – Spanish Moss and Southern Soul

This coastal Southern city teems with historic charm—spend your days strolling through Savannah’s many leafy green squares and parks.

I visited in the spring, and it was perfect.

Warm but not too hot.

Flowers blooming everywhere.

Spanish moss hanging from the trees like something out of a movie.

River Street stretches about two miles and is home to 75-plus boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and bars.

You could spend an entire day just wandering.

I grabbed a drink at a riverfront bar and watched the ships go by.

Struck up a conversation with a local artist who told me all the best hidden spots.

The food here is phenomenal.

Southern comfort food, fresh seafood, and some of the best fried chicken I’ve ever had.

Savannah feels like a place where time slows down a little.

You can wander, explore, soak it all in without any rush.

Tucson, Arizona – Desert Sunsets and Chill Vibes

If you want year-round sunshine and laid-back vibes, Tucson is one of my personal favorite cities in the United States.

Unlike bigger, fast-paced cities, Tucson has a totally different vibe—relaxed and welcoming, making it easy to explore solo without feeling overwhelmed.

The cost of visiting Tucson is a major perk—accommodations, food, and activities are more affordable than Phoenix or Sedona.

I rented a car for cheap and explored at my own pace.

Drove out to Saguaro National Park one morning and hiked among those giant cacti.

The cafe culture in the city is great—plenty of cozy spots where you can journal, people-watch, or just unwind with coffee.

I spent a whole afternoon at a coffee shop, reading and watching the desert light shift.

The sunsets here are unreal.

Deep orange, pink, purple—like the sky is putting on a show just for you.

Anchorage, Alaska – Remote, Welcoming, Unforgettable

Anchorage may not seem like the most obvious destination for solo travel—the location, logistics, and climate all felt intimidating to me at first.

But then I went.

I visited for the first time and immediately felt right at home.

There’s a palpable sense of community and resiliency here, stemming from its remoteness, that is warmly extended to visitors.

I went to a local bar, ordered food, and ended up chatting with a couple who’d lived there for 30 years.

They told me where to see moose, where to hike, where to catch the northern lights.

Alaska is wild, rugged, and breathtaking.

You can see glaciers, wildlife, mountains that make you feel tiny in the best way.

It’s one of those trips that changes you a little.