Over the last decade, I’ve traveled solo to every US national park and all 50 US states. Because of this, I’m often asked which states, cities, or general areas are “best” for those new to solo travel.
Although I believe there’s no wrong way to solo travel, some locations lend themselves better to a solo getaway than others.
Personally, I like to return to smaller, budget-friendly cities that are easy to navigate and offer various outdoor activities, museums, and great food and drink options.
Here are the locations I’d recommend to first-time solo travelers.
One of my most memorable solo trips was to the Georgia coast.
One of my most memorable solo trips was one I didn’t expect — road-tripping the coast of Georgia.
Starting on the Florida/Georgia border, I stopped at Cumberland Island National Seashore to take in the history, do some hiking, and see wild horses.
I recommend heading to St. Simons Island for laid-back beaches and great food, then following the coast to Savannah for museums, food, and maybe a ghost tour.
Northern New Mexico was described to me as introvert heaven.
The first place I traveled to alone was Northern New Mexico, and it’s still the first place I recommend for first-time solo travelers.
Long the home and getaway spot for loners like Georgia O’Keeffe and D.H. Lawrence, the areas in and around Taos and Santa Fe are perfect for solo travelers.
From museums to hiking, hot springs, ski hills, wineries, and eclectic short-term rentals, it’s no wonder it’s been described to me as introvert heaven.
Don’t miss a detour to Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch — an impressive 21,000-acre National Natural Landmark and former home of Georgia O’Keeffe — for hiking and history.
Traveling to Moab, Utah, feels like stepping into another world entirely.
Home to two national parks, Moab has many outdoor activities available to suit any type of traveler.
Although it’s popular for families and group travel, it’s the perfect spot for solo travelers as well.
The proximity of Moab — with great restaurants, breweries, and lodging options — to the well-trafficked parks and outdoor adventure outfitters make it incredibly accessible for solo travelers who want to get outside.
Kennebunkport, Maine, is the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway.
As a whole, Maine is a great place for solo travel. With gorgeous rugged coastlines, ample forests, quaint small towns, and bed and breakfasts on seemingly every corner — it’s the perfect place to reset.
I especially love visiting Kennebunkport in the shoulder seasons for some solo self-care.
The coastal town is easily accessible from Boston and has plenty of shops, nature trails, resorts, beaches, and lobster rolls.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a walkable and friendly city.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is one of my favorite southern cities to travel to solo. The town is hip and has urban pockets, but it’s still surrounded by plenty of nature.
Easily accessible for a weekend trip from Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, and Birmingham, the city is walkable and friendly, and hosts several festivals throughout the year to explore.
For a unique adventure, I recommend doing a stand-up paddleboarding excursion to a bat cave with Outshine Adventures.
California’s “SLO coast” of San Luis Obispo County is one of my favorite places to travel.
Roadtripping the California coast is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. But if the entire 655 miles of Pacific Coast Highway isn’t something you want to undertake solo, head to the central coast.
With fewer crowds and incredible beauty, the “SLO coast” of San Luis Obispo County is one of my favorite places to travel. From San Luis Obispo to Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay — each stop is just as impressive as the last.
Don’t miss taking a slight inland detour to Paso Robles for wine tasting.
The Olympic Peninsula is the perfect solo travel destination.
The Pacific Northwest is an outdoor lovers’ paradise, and Olympic National Park on the Olympic Peninsula is one of its crown jewels.
I’ve returned to Washington several times to visit the peninsula and its stunning rocky beaches.
Its dense and quiet rainforests and towering mountain ranges, with plenty of campsites, lodges, and short-term rentals, are perfect for a solo adventurer and conveniently located near Seattle. It’s a great long weekend getaway.
Don’t miss detouring to Cape Flattery, part of the Makah Reservation and the northwesternmost point of the contiguous United States.
Alaska is the perfect place to try out a solo cruise.
I hesitated to hit the seas solo on a cruise to Alaska, thinking I might feel out of place as a solo traveler. However, the trip was heavenly, with plenty of activities and excursions, food and drink, and spa services at my fingertips.
I especially loved visiting Glacier Bay National Park. Only two ships are allowed in the park daily by the park service, and it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This story was originally published on December 23, 2023, and most recently updated on April 28, 2026.
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