Okay so yeah, best places to solo travel in the USA right now—I’ve been thinking about this a ton lately because honestly I’ve been doing a lot of it myself and its kinda addictive in a weird way. I’m typing this from my couch right now, feet up, some half-drunk iced coffee sweating on the table, and outside its like gray and drizzly which is making me daydream about being somewhere else alone again. Traveling solo in the USA feels super doable these days, no huge crowds in the shoulder seasons, gas prices aren’t killing me as bad as last year, and I just like not having to compromise on anything. Like if I wanna stop for the 5th gas station snack run, no one judges. Anyway, here’s my real, kinda messy list of spots I’ve actually been to alone recently or would go back to tomorrow.
Why Solo Travel in the USA Hits Different Lately
I mean post-pandemic vibes are still lingering but in a good way? People are more chill about folks doing their own thing. I’ve noticed way more people at hostels or trails just by themselves, no awkward “oh you’re alone?” stares. Safety-wise, I always share my location with my sister (she worries too much lol), stick to populated areas at night, and download offline maps because I once got turned around in Utah and my signal died—panicked for like 30 minutes straight. But yeah its worth it. These are the best places to solo travel in the USA right now from someone who’s fumbled through it.
San Francisco, California – Foggy Walks and Zero Plans
One night I tried to hike up to Twin Peaks for sunset but got there late and it was freezing—forgot a jacket like an idiot. Sat shivering watching the city lights anyway. Public transport’s good enough, and its walkable if you don’t mind huffing up inclines. For current events check out something like the official SF tourism site but honestly I just wing it.
3 Days Chasing Sunsets and Sunrises in Arches National Park and Moab, Utah.
Moab, Utah – Red Rocks and Getting Lost (On Purpose Kinda)
Moab is hands down one of the best places to solo travel in the USA right now if you like nature and don’t mind dust everywhere. Arches National Park is insane—hiked to Delicate Arch alone at like 6am and had it to myself for a bit. The silence is loud if that makes sense. Then I tripped on the descent because I was staring at my phone trying to take a pic—classic. Ate trail mix for lunch sitting on a rock like some wannabe influencer.
Camping was sketchy the first time—kept thinking every rustle was a mountain lion—but nothing happened. Bring headlamp, extra water, tell someone your itinerary. The sunsets are stupid pretty. More info on the NPS page for Arches if you wanna plan better than I did.
3 Days Chasing Sunsets and Sunrises in Arches National Park and Moab, Utah.
Nashville, Tennessee – Bars, Hot Chicken, and Zero Dancing Skills
Nashville for solo travel? Yes please. Broadway gets wild but I stuck to smaller spots like listening to live music at a dive bar. Ordered hot chicken to the bar once and ended up talking to this random couple about football—easy convos happen here. I tried line dancing one night alone and looked like a total fool (two left feet confirmed) but laughed it off with a beer.
Woke up regretting the moonshine shots tho—headache city. Food’s amazing for solo eaters, counters everywhere. Super friendly town overall.
Explore Nudie’s Honky Tonk Bar in Nashville
Oregon Coast (Cannon Beach Area) – Misty and Moody AF
For quiet, the Oregon coast is perfect right now for best places to solo travel in the USA. Drove up alone last summer, stopped at random beaches, walked for hours with just waves crashing. Fog rolls in thick, Haystack Rock looming like something out of a movie. Felt super peaceful but also a little eerie—like you’re the last person on earth.
Packed rain gear because weather changes fast. Coffee shops in small towns for warming up. No big crowds mid-week.
Lone figure walks on beach near haystack rock. photo – Free Beach Image on Unsplash
Wrapping up, these spots are my current faves for best places to solo travel in the USA right now—based on actual trips where I made dumb mistakes but came back happier. Whether its city chaos or desert quiet, going alone lets you reset without explaining yourself. If you’re on the fence just book something small first, like a weekend. You’ll probably screw up a little but thats part of it.
