Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)
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Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)

Solo travel in U.S. cities is booming—and it’s easier than ever! The best part? You don’t have to wait for anyone or debate what to see, eat, or skip. These cities offer walkable streets, thriving culture, and a welcoming vibe that makes wandering alone feel natural—not weird. While New York and Los Angeles usually steal the spotlight, this guide explores some of the best U.S. cities where solo travelers can truly flourish. Here, you’ll find independent bookstores, quiet beaches, food trucks, live music, and calm walks, without the crowds or tourist traps.

Follow this guide and explore these cities with full fun and safety!

Portland, Oregon

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)

In Portland, you can truly be yourself. What makes it such an ideal destination for solo travelers is its innovative touch, unusual, and full of people who not only accept but enjoy their uniqueness. You can browse books at a massive bookshop, drink artisan beer at a quaint brewery, or simply relax in a trendy café and watch the world go by—no awkward glances or pressure.

Getting around is a breeze. Locals love biking between neighborhoods, but you can also hop on the MAX Light Rail or Portland Streetcar if two wheels aren’t your thing. Each area of the city has its distinct character, from the trendy Pearl District to the vibrant Old Town Chinatown.

Must Hit Things in Portland:

  1. Get indulged in Powell's City of Books, which is the world's largest.
  2. Explore a calm Japanese garden.
  3. Explore "Beervana"—80+ breweries for every beer mood.
  4. Try unique flavors at Voodoo Doughnuts (because who can resist those quirky treats?).

Portland not only welcomes single travelers, it celebrates them. Solo travel here feels like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee—smooth, comforting, and a little bit bold.

Some top hotels to stay in Portland:

Park Lane Suites & Inn
Hotel ratings 8.1 Very good

Park Lane Suites & Inn

809 Southwest King Avenue Portland, us
Hotel DeLuxe a Provenance Hotel
Hotel ratings 8.0 Very good

Hotel DeLuxe a Provenance Hotel

729 South West 15th Avenue Portland, us

 Seattle, Washington

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)

Seattle offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure, with mountains on one side, water on the other, and a bustling metropolis in between. Whether you’re admiring views from the Space Needle or watching boats pass with a hot coffee in hand, the city lets you explore at your own pace.

Traveling around is simple: take the Link Light Rail directly from the airport to downtown. Inside the city, monorail, streetcars, and buses are all accessible, and an ORCA day pass lets you hop on and off without fussing over tickets.

Start your day with coffee—maybe even visit Starbucks—and explore Pike Place Market. By afternoon, you could be wandering through the peaceful Olympic Sculpture Park or embarking on a whale watching cruise to meet some majestic coastal locals.

Some Must-do Solo Experiences in Seattle:

  1. Ride to the top of the Space Needle for stunning skyline and mountain views.
  2. Take a whale watching cruise to observe the coastal beauty.
  3. Spend quality time in Olympic Sculpture Park.

Seattle is the kind of city where your solo adventure feels as refreshing as its famous coffee.

Some top hotels to stay in Seattle:

Belltown Inn
Hotel ratings 8.3 Very good

Belltown Inn

2301 3rd Avenue Seattle, us
The Sound Hotel Seattle Belltown Tapestry Collection
Hotel ratings 9.1 Superb

Asheville, North Carolina

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is everyone’s dream spot for solo travel. Surrounded by nature’s beauty, it’s a peaceful, creative haven. You can hike in the morning, explore galleries in the afternoon, and sip a local beer under string lights in the evening.

With over 100 art galleries and vibrant street murals, Asheville’s creativity shines everywhere. Its buzzing food and brewery scene makes it a tasty treat for your taste buds. Don’t miss the Biltmore Estate—a castle-like house spread over 8,000 acres, sure to make you feel like royalty.

Must-do Solo Experiences in Asheville:

  1. Explore the River Arts District.
  2. Grab snacks from eccentric food trucks.
  3. Hike beautiful Blue Ridge Parkway pathways or go kayaking solo.
  4. Walk around the beautiful gardens of the Biltmore Estate.

Asheville offers solo travelers a mix of outdoors, arts, and relaxation—you might never want to leave (but at least the beer is excellent).

 

Some top hotels to stay in Asheville:

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Asheville Downtown
Hotel ratings 8.9 Very good
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Asheville Downtown an IHG Hotel
Hotel ratings 8.9 Very good

Santa Barbara, California

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)

Santa Barbara is perfect for solo travelers with its red-tile rooftops, hidden garden walks, and seaside breezes. Start your day exploring art galleries, spend the afternoon enjoying wine by the ocean, or simply relax in the sun.

Though State Street is at the hub of it all, the real magic hides in quiet paseos, boutique courtyards, and historic spots like the Old Mission. For nightlife, check out the Funk Zone—a vibrant arts area filled with tasting rooms and quirky shops.

Top Solo Experiences in Santa Barbara:

  1. Climb the clock tower of the Santa Barbara County Courthouse.
  2. Explore artsy galleries and Funk Zone’s wine bars.
  3. Hike gorgeous routes in the Santa Ynez Mountains.
  4. Visit Los Olivos for small-town wine charm.

In Santa Barbara, solo travel means finding peace, vino, and some seriously good views.

Some top hotels to stay in Santa Barbara:

Kimpton Canary Hotel an IHG Hotel
Hotel ratings 7.4 Good

Kimpton Canary Hotel an IHG Hotel

31 West Carrillo Street Santa Barbara, us
Palihouse Santa Barbara
Hotel ratings 8.9 Very good

Palihouse Santa Barbara

915 Garden Street Santa Barbara, us

Moab, Utah

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)

Moab’s open landscapes and towering red rock formations make it an adventurer’s playground. Nestled between Canyonlands National Park and Arches, this small town is a popular base for hiking, biking, climbing, or simply admiring the desert wild.

Start your day exploring Arches National Park, home to 2,000 sandstone arches including the famous Delicate Arch. Later, watch a breathtaking sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park or observe real dinosaur tracks along Potash Road.

Must-do Solo Experiences in Moab:

  1. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset at Dead Horse Point State Park.
  2. Hike to Delicate Arch and explore Arches National Park.
  3. Explore Canyonlands National Park.
  4. Observe actual dinosaur tracks along Potash Road.

Moab is the kind of place where solo means freedom—to climb, hike, and maybe imagine you’re a desert explorer (or a dinosaur, if that’s your vibe).

Some top hotels to stay in Moab:

Inn 1 - Downtown 1 bedroom unit sleeps 6 with shared hot tub
Hotel ratings 7.9 Good

Inn 1 - Downtown 1 bedroom unit sleeps 6 with shar

53 East 100 North Unit #1 Moab, us
Inn 2 - Downtown 1 bedroom unit sleeps 6 with shared hot tub
Hotel ratings 6.0 Pleasant

Inn 2 - Downtown 1 bedroom unit sleeps 6 with shar

53 East 100 North Unit #2 Moab, us

 

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)

Santa Fe, the oldest capital in the U.S., blends Spanish, Native, and Southwestern cultures into a vibrant, sunny city. With over 320 days of sunshine a year, it’s perfect for strolls, scenic hikes, and spontaneous discoveries.

The city’s adobe buildings and colorful streets make even a short walk feel uplifting. Over 250 galleries and museums—including the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and Canyon Road art district—showcase the city’s creative soul.

Top Solo Experiences in Santa Fe:

  1. Explore classic Southwestern art at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum.
  2. Visit the historic Plaza to find local crafts and turquoise jewelry.
  3. Grab a famous green chile breakfast burrito and watch the sunrise over the adobe roofs.

If you want adventure, the neighboring mountains offer hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Santa Fe is the kind of place where solo means discovering culture with a side of sunshi

Some top hotels to stay in Santa Fe:

El Corazon de Santa Fe 3 Bedrooms Sleeps 6 Flat Panel TVs Fireplaces
Hotel ratings 8.0 Very good

El Corazon de Santa Fe 3 Bedrooms Sleeps 6 Flat Pa

103 Catron Street Unit 28 Santa Fe, us
Casa El Corazon #31
Hotel ratings 6.7 Pleasant

Casa El Corazon #31

103 Catron Street 31 Santa Fe, us

San Diego, California

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)

San Diego lets you craft your ideal solo itinerary—catch waves at Pacific Beach, shop in La Jolla, or dive into nightlife in the bustling Gaslamp Quarter. Visiting in July? Comic-Con International turns the city into a fan-filled festival playground.

Start mornings hiking the breathtaking cliffs of Torrey Pines or explore Balboa Park’s gardens and museums.

Must-do Solo Experiences in San Diego:

  1. Surf or sunbathe at Pacific Beach.
  2. Explore beautiful paths, the zoo, and museums within Balboa Park.

San Diego offers a laid-back vibe and endless solo-friendly adventures — perfect for making friends with the ocean (or just your sunscreen).

Some top hotels to stay in San Diego:

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse San Diego
Hotel ratings 8.9 Very good

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse San Diego

701 A Street San Diego, us
Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown
Hotel ratings 6.8 Pleasant

Baymont by Wyndham San Diego Downtown

719 Ash Street San Diego, us

New Orleans, Louisiana

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)

If you want rhythm, flavor, and a touch of magic, New Orleans is calling your name! Start with breakfast at Café Fleur de Lis in the French Quarter, then follow the irresistible aroma of fresh beignets to Café du Monde.

By afternoon, stroll the French Quarter’s picturesque streets or join a cemetery tour for a hauntingly beautiful walk among the city’s famous above-ground tombs.

Hop on the classic St. Charles streetcar to the Garden District, where oak-lined avenues and beautiful mansions await. Pop into the Garden District Book Shop for a peaceful escape. End your day with live jazz at Mahogany Jazz Hall, and for dinner, enjoy gumbo and jambalaya bliss.

Recommended Solo Experiences in New Orleans:

  1. Brunch at Café Fleur de Lis and beignets at Café du Monde.
  2. Visit a historic cemetery and stroll through the French Quarter.

In New Orleans, solo means soaking in soulful tunes, rich history, and food that feels like a warm hug.

Some top hotels to stay in New Orleans:

Central City Casa
Hotel ratings 6.2 Pleasant

Central City Casa

2809 Fourth St New Orleans, us
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Hotel ratings 8.7 Very good

Hyatt Regency New Orleans

601 Loyola Avenue New Orleans, us

Charleston, South Carolina

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)

Charleston’s welcoming vibe makes it perfect for solo exploration—especially on foot, with its cobblestone streets, colorful row houses, and slow Southern charm.

A classic carriage ride through the historic district is a great way to soak in centuries-old architecture and history and kick off your solo trip in style.

Must-do Solo Experiences in Charleston:

  1. Take a walking tour to learn about the city’s rich history.
  2. Ride a horse-drawn carriage around the historic district.
  3. Take a boat ride to Fort Sumter or visit the South Carolina Aquarium.

In Charleston, solo means strolling slowly, soaking up history, and savoring Southern hospitality.

Some top hotels to stay in Charleston:

Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown
Hotel ratings 7.7 Good

Hilton Garden Inn Charleston Waterfront/Downtown

45 Lockwood Drive Charleston, us
Comfort Inn Downtown Charleston
Hotel ratings 6.9 Pleasant

Comfort Inn Downtown Charleston

144 Bee Street Charleston, us

Austin, Texas

Best U.S. Cities for Solo Travelers (That Aren't NYC or LA)

If you’re a taco fan, Austin is your dream city. Enjoy live music, lakeside walks, and tacos—whether you ride a rental bike, a pedicab, or the MetroRail, this laid-back Texas town is easy to explore solo.

Fuel your adventures at Terry Black’s Barbecue, where smoky, slow-cooked goodness awaits.

Recommended Solo Experiences in Austin:

  1. Indulge in live music on Sixth and Rainey Streets.
  2. Hike near Lady Bird Lake.
  3. Plan a trip to the Texas Hill Country’s farms.
  4. Enjoy the skyline from Mount Bonnell.

Austin is the kind of city where solo travel tastes like spicy barbecue and sounds like a guitar riff.

From Moab’s red rock adventures to Charleston’s tranquil Southern charm, these U.S. cities for solo travelers prove that traveling alone doesn’t mean missing out. Pack light, trust your instincts, and let the experience unfold—your lone getaway begins now.

Some top hotels to stay in Austin:

Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown Convention Center
Hotel ratings 7.3 Good

Hilton Garden Inn Austin Downtown Convention Cente

500 North Interstate 35 Austin, us
Sonder at East 5th
Hotel ratings 8.5 Very good

Sonder at East 5th

1211 E 5th St Austin, us

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About Author

Nick K

Nick K, a travel blogger based in Europe, has been a solo traveler for over 15 years. He always has had his head over the skies and his backpack all over the world. He has traveled to over 30 countries and has penned down his experience with the motto of "on the next destination." He has written over 300+ blog posts written with a combo of videos and photography.