Best Places To Travel Alone In The US

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Let’s talk about the best places to travel alone in the US. As exciting as international travel can be, there is so much adventure to discover right here in the US too. I’ve driven and flown solo across this immense country quite a bit, and it never ceases to amaze me. So it’s entirely understandable to not know where to spend your time. America is a vast and very diverse country with a great many attractions and destinations.

While there are many small towns and rural escapes that are known for their beauty and safety, I promise you it is just as possible to travel alone safely in the big iconic metropolitan cities. After all, the key to traveling like a Tough Cookie is not to avoid risk altogether but to be careful while diving into adventure and conquering your fears.

So where to go next? Where is most ideal for safe solo travel?

Here are my top 10 most navigable and enjoyable places to visit in the US, especially as a woman traveling alone.

1. New York City, NY

The Big Apple is my absolute #1 favorite place to travel alone in the whole US. I come here all the time and I can’t ever imagine getting sick of it. There is an endless amount of fun and interesting things to do here. And at all hours. It is truly the city that never sleeps. And in my opinion, it’s the best city to see alone. You don’t need a date to go out on the town in NYC. The city is your date. She’s all you need. And she has so much to show you. Here are just a few of my favorite stops.

Probably the biggest must see is a Broadway (or Off Broadway) show. You can get decent discount tickets via TKTS or TodayTix, especially same day if you get in line (physically or digitally) first thing in the morning. Then when you go to the show, go by way of Times Square to sneak a peek. A peek’s all you need. Otherwise I would avoid it. Trust me. It gets old and annoying very fast.

Get lunch at the ever amazing and entertaining Katz’s Delicatessen, a no-frills local establishment that’s been making mile-high sandwiches with theatrically cranky service since 1888. It’s a whole experience.

Visit Bryant Park and join the many others sitting down with a good book or notebook to do some reading or journaling. This is one of my staples that I do every visit.

Or borrow a book from the New York Public Library to read in Bryant Park. It’s right next door, and a truly stunning building to explore.

Take a book to Central Park too. Or go explore its many weaving walking paths that’ll make you forget you’re in the city. Stare dreamily off (or at) the Gapstow Bridge. It’s gorgeous from every angle.

And if you’re there in the summer, go see Shakespeare in the Park at the open-air Delacorte Theater. Tickets are free. They do take some time and effort to get your hands on, but it’s worth it.

Spend a day at The Met Museum. Be sure that includes The Met Cloisters way up at the northern end of Manhattan. One day ticket is good for both locations.

Then pop across to Brooklyn to see all the incredible works of street art that borough boasts. Manhattan has some good spots too, but I think Brooklyn blows it out of the water. Bushwick is an especially ideal neighborhood for great street art, as well as fantastic places to eat and people watch.

Or if you fancy something a bit fancier, there’s always Williamsburg, which strikes a nice halfway point between the two – both in vibe and geography. If you’re headed that way via the Williamsburg Bridge, I highly recommend biking across. It’s a lovely view and quite a nice workout.

Or take the subway like the locals do. It’s damn easy to get around nearly everywhere for very little, and you may stumble upon some fun underground music performances in the process.

If traveling via rideshare, I highly recommend putting aside your phone apps and going the cab route. They are many and everywhere, and always an entertaining experience. For example, you can experience some classic spirited New Yorker conversation by asking cabbies what they think about Uber and Lyft. 😉

For dinner, get some classic New York style pizza from Joe, John, Lombardi, or Roberta. Or from many others. There are cheap slices available on nearly every corner, often open late, and they always satisfy.

Back in Manhattan, a must do is a visit to Chelsea Market, along with a walk along the High Line to or from it (the other end takes you to Hudson Yards). Walk the whole thing. Day or night. It’s especially lovely at night.

Then go have a drink on a rooftop bar or in a hidden speakeasy. Or just a really awesome bar in plain sight. There are endless amounts of them to choose from and I’ve never found a bad one. Including this one, simply called 7B, which served as Luke Cage’s bar in the Marvel TV show “Jessica Jones.”

2. Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles gets a lot of flack for its superficial and celebrity-crazed culture (and I don’t entirely disagree). But there are also so many amazing things to love and enjoy here if you know where to look. The weather for one thing is reason enough to go, especially in the winter if you’re traveling from somewhere colder (like New York for example).

There are amazing museums all over like The Getty, LACMA, or The Broad in downtown. Or for a hidden gem of amazing impressionist art, check out the in Pasadena.

You also can’t visit this city without a day at the beach, and a nice stroll through Venice and Santa Monica. Boy do I love all the hilarious people watching along the Venice beach boardwalk and the Santa Monica pier. And the beach is truly stunning any time of day (especially magic hour).

For eats, this city boasts some of the best Mexican food, as well as other delicious cuisines and fine dining experiences. One of my favorite spots to eat, and one of the only reasons to brave the super touristy part of Hollywood, is the Musso & Frank Grill.

Or grab a much more cost- and time-efficient bite at a local food truck or window-service establishment like the Hugo’s Tacos in Studio City, which has the most epic (and gluten free) churros you’ve ever had. Then take your grub to go enjoy from gorgeous views at Griffith Park (and its observatory). If it’s views you’re after, you can also just sit at any cafe in Hollywood or Downtown and do some quality people watching – a particularly good pastime when traveling solo.

In the evening, find a great place to chill with a drink and some cool people, there are some excellent bars to choose from. My favorites include Mohawk Bend in Echo Park, Idle Hour in North Hollywood, The Stocking Frame in downtown, and Black Rabbit Rose in Hollywood (which also often has sweet live jazz in its backroom).

If you’re looking for something more lively to entertain, there’s other great live music and stand-up comedy almost anywhere you look. Or if you happen to be into magic, then the Magic Castle needs to be on your bucket list (though you will need an official invitation to get in).

3. San Francisco, CA

I may be a bit biased as a Bay Area-born and bred gal, but there really is so much to love about visiting San Francisco. It’s almost more enjoyable to visit than live here, given how high the cost of living has become. Can you believe it’s more expensive than New York City at this point? But as a visitor, you can still enjoy all the pleasures and diversions San Francisco is known for (plus some well kept local secrets) without the ridiculous rent.

Go used clothing shopping along Haight Street. There is 2-block section of this street in Upper Haight that is jam packed with fantastic shops like Crossroads, Held Over, Buffalo Exchange, Relic Vintage, and Wasteland. It’s vintage shopping heaven.

Eat at Michelin star restaurants, or the best hidden gem for authentic tacos and top shelf tequila I’ve ever found. It’s called Mosto and it’s in the Mission (in the same building as Tacolicious, but not remotely the same restaurant and never as busy). Get the tortaguesa (formerly known as the hamburguesa) for a truly religious experience. I like to call it an orgasm in your mouth.

If you want some old school fun, go play antique arcade games at Musée Mécanique in Fisherman’s Wharf. Though the rest of Fisherman’s Wharf (and Pier 39 for that matter) aren’t honestly worth your time. Unless you really like clam chowder. Or staring for hours at sea lions laying around sunbathing. Among a huge crowd of people also inexplicably fascinated by that sight.

Walk across the Golden Gate Bridge. Sure this one’s a bit touristy too, but also quite lovely. Especially the view of Marin on the other (northern) end.

Adventures abound across the Bay Bridge as well. Make sure you take Bart across though, rather than drive, as bridge traffic can be surprisingly gruesome at any time of day. Just another fun side effect of the tech industry boom that exploded this city.

Once you’re across, exit in downtown Oakland (at the 19th St or 24th St Bart stations) to explore fantastic restaurants and bars, or stroll the nice loop path around Lake Merritt. Or head on up to Berkeley for some fun shopping or a show at the outdoor Greek Theater.

Either side of the bay offers great classic views of the other side (if you really must get the obligatory skyline selfie). I’ve taken many a stroll along the Embarcadero on the SF-side. It’s lovely at night too, especially to watch the twinkling Bay Lights on the Bay Bridge.

For a more upbeat night out, go dancing at hoppin’ spots like Public Works, Mighty, 1015 Folsom, or DNA Lounge. Oh what fond memories I have of the good old days breakdance battling on those dance floors (another story for another time). If you really wanna to crazy, try dancing all night until you end up at the End Up. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you about the super weird late late night scene there.

4. Yellowstone National Park

Of course, the US isn’t only known for its big exciting cities. There’s some epic nature here too. Not least of which is America’s first national park, Yellowstone. This nearly 3,500 square mile wilderness plus volcanic hot spot is chockablock full of amazing natural wonders at every turn and trailhead. Stay a few days so you have time to leisurely drive the whole loop and see as many of these as you can.

The Mammoth Hot Springs Terraces and Artists Paint Pots, both bubbling and frothing in their own way.

All the geysers at West Thumb, Upper Basin, Midway Basin, Lower Basin, and Norris Basin.

And of course the infamous Old Faithful. Though, honestly, it was the least exciting of them all and annoyingly packed with rows of other tourists all craning to catch a glimpse of the brief eruption. So maybe temper your expectations.

But take your time walking around and admiring each of these amazing sights. Let each geyser’s thermal sulfuric smoke wash over you, blessing you anew. It’s incredibly calming and centering. And you’ll walk away feeling like a new woman. Like burning sage, only better.

5. Austin, TX

This original “weird” city is definitely a quirky treasure worth discovering. There are so many bizarre and batty attractions here that it’s easy to see why their slogan “Keep Austin Weird” has been so widely adopted (including by other cities like Portland).

Visit the Museum Of The Weird, and try to catch one of their sideshows if you can. I got to assist the performer once, which involved holding a lightbulb to his face so it could light up from the electric current he was sending through his body. Wild stuff!

Another bizarre find is the magical land of Uncommon Objects, with rooms and rooms of color-coordinated odds and ends.

If you want to keep that theme of eccentric shopping, browse the vast collection of unusual games and gadgets at Toy Joy. Just look at all these amazing treasures. I mean, who wouldn’t want a Bob Ross Chia Pet?

Or go to the historic Allens Boots for a pair of classic cowboy boots. I went in just to see the iconic store and was so captured by it all, that I ended up buying a pair that just spoke to me.

Austin also boasts some sick street art of their own. I highly recommend visiting the stunning Hope Outdoor Gallery. It’s weird, wonderful, and totally free to see.

End your day with some rockin’ live music. But first, fill up with some epic BBQ, which this city is particularly known for. Conveniently, those two are often found near one another.

If you want to get literally batty, go watch the bats fly out in hoards from the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge at dusk. Pro tip: I like watching from the Statesman Bat Observation Center lawn below.

6. Portland, OR

If you love the quirkiness of Austin and the hippiness of San Francisco, Portland is a perfect combination of the two. I come here quite often, not only because so many of my Bay Area friends are moving here in droves, but also because of how much recreation is packed into this rapidly growing city.

Start (or pause) your day with a coffee (or in my case, tea) at Case Study Coffee Roasters. They have four locations around the city, so there’s bound to be one near you. If you go to the one in Alberta, I recommend making a day of wandering that neighborhood and visiting other cute spots like Collage art store and Random Order pie bar.

If you head downtown instead, an absolute must see is Portland’s iconic Powell’s bookstore, which takes up an entire city block and is a magical wonderland of all things literary.

Then get outdoors and try all the fantastic hikes in the Portland and Willamette Valley area like Pittock Mansion Hike, Mount Tabor, and Council Crest.

Portland Hikes — Photo by Randy L. Rasmussen, The Oregonian

For quirky with a side of creepy, check out some local legends like the Witch’s Castle stone ruins in Macleay Park, the Freakybuttrue Peculiarium eclectic shop and museum, the more-adorable-than-scary Portland Troll Bridge, or late night desserts with a side of “casually threatening atmosphere” at the haunted Rimsky-Korsakoffee House (“Rimsky’s” to locals) or the Voodoo Doughnut Shop and Wedding Chapel (yes you can actually have a Voodoo wedding here, so brush up on your Swahili).

Eat delicious seafood at Southpark Seafood. Or try the many other excellent restaurants that are continuously sprouting up all over here.

Then take that freshly fed brain and test your trivia knowledge at The Rambler any Tuesday night. Or any night of the week, go get yourself some amazing brews at Deschutes Brewery, Eclectic Brewing, Culmination Brewing, Wayfinder, and many others (this city has a surprisingly hoppin’ local beer scene).

7. Zion & Arches National Parks, UT

Getting back to nature, the other breathtaking and iconic national parks you must see are Zion and Arches. Both are a short drive from Moab, Utah (Arches is right next door), which is its own adorable little town to visit.

The two national parks themselves are about a 5-hour drive apart, so I’d leave a day for travel in between. But I highly recommend planning to see both while you’re in the area, and give each a couple days if you have the time.

Especially if you are the extra adventurous type and want to hike Angels Landing at Zion. That’s a good 5.4-mile round trip and can eat up most of one day. Especially if the extreme height, strenuous narrow climb, and 1,000 foot drops make you move on the slower side. It’s definitely not for the faint of heart, or fearer of heights.

You can also take a quick detour to pop into Canyonlands (near Arches) and Bryce Canyon (near Zion), both of which shouldn’t need much more than a day each to see fully.

But definitely leave the majority of your time to make the most of Zion and Arches. They are by far the most spectacular and expansive to explore.

Note: You may notice I haven’t mentioned The Grand Canyon, which is also in the area and quite expansive too, but is also in my slightly-controversial opinion a little less interesting and much more overcrowded. If you’ve got the time though, by all means go there too.

8. Santa Fe, NM

If smaller towns are more your speed, you can’t go wrong with Santa Fe. It’s one of my favorite spots in the US for several reasons, but one in particular: Meow Wolf. The magical immersive House Of Eternal Return is unlike anything else you’ve ever experienced. Unless you’ve been to Burning Man, in which case you’ll be slightly more prepared, but you’ll still have your socks blown well off. I spent an entire day in there exploring every room, studying every detail, reading every piece of the story, and unraveling the entire mystery (there’s an incredibly intricate narrative you can follow), and it still didn’t feel like I saw it all. I could go back every day and never get bored.

But beyond Meow Wolf, there are other lovely diversions here that I recommend visiting such as brunch at The Teahouse or Cafe Fina.

Browse the funky shops on Baca Street, like antique tool shop Gray Matter, glassblowing studio Liquid Light Glass, or mineral and gem store Natural Stones.

Explore all the fun museums like Georgia O’Keefe Museum, Harrell House Bug Museum, and Oldest House Museum. Then buy yourself one of the beautiful handmade pieces locals have on display around the Plaza. Their designs often incorporate Native American petroglyphs, like these I bought whose designs signify “migration” or life’s journey. Quite fitting given my own constant migration.

Take a break from all your sightseeing for some afternoon tea or coffee at Counterculture Cafe. Or take an even more relaxing break in the lull of Ten Thousand Waves, an amazing Japanese style spa with equally excellent attached restaurant Izanami.

Then go experience all the amazing hikes in the area, like Grasshopper Canyon. Sure it may have triggered my altitude sickness, but it was worth it. If for no other reason than the gorgeous sunset view.

At the end of the day, there’s also delicious dinner to be had at restaurants like Vinaigrette, Alicia’s, Pasqual’s, and Harry’s Roadhouse (if you go here, leave room for dessert, trust me).

There isn’t exactly a raging nightlife scene here, but that’s not why you choose this as your destination. For a great chill night with good brews and company, I suggest hanging at Tumbleroot, The Matador, or catch the karaoke night at Tiny’s.

9. Rapid City, SD

People ask me all the time what one stop on my cross-country road trip pleasantly surprised me the most. My answer is always the southwest corner of South Dakota. There is so much to see and do here that I recommend making your visit at least a few days. And Rapid City makes an ideal jumping off point for all of them. It even boasts its own amazing street art stroll in Art Alley. So give that a gander when you come back to relax between all your amazing day trips.

In your days between all that Rapid City crashing, the first sight you absolutely must go see is the Badlands. They were a bit misty the day I visited, but still completely captivating. Almost more so, as if with an air of “mistery.” 😉

The next top must see on my list is Wind Cave National Park. Seriously one of the most gorgeous things I’ve ever seen, above or below ground. The astounding rock formations and intricate patterns deep in that cave (down to 230 feet below the earth’s surface) were unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. They call it boxwork. You’ll see why.

Now if you must, pop over and see Mt. Rushmore, though you really don’t need to give it any more than an hour or two of your time.

Drive through the dark beauty of the Black Hills National Forest (ironically dotted with some white birch) on your way to explore the historic gold rush town of Deadwood. But the true treasure at the end of the rainbow is just over the border into Wyoming: Devils Tower National Monument. Complete with the largest boulder pile I’ve ever seen. And the best part? You can climb it, no permit required! (A permit IS required above the giant scrambling pile, where the real technical climbing starts.)

10. Cedar Point, OH

This may seem like an odd inclusion, but I would be remiss if I didn’t mention it given how much I LOVED visiting here, even on my own. If you are as much of an avid rollercoaster fan as I am, you absolutely must visit Cedar Point. It is THE ultimate amusement park in the US (and arguably in the world).

The highlights: the world’s 2nd tallest Top Thrill Dragster (1 of only 2 in the world with a 400+ ft drop), the revolutionary “winged” Gatekeeper,

the classic Magnum XL-200 (the coaster that first started the global Coaster Wars back in ’89), the iconic Millennium Force,

the legendary Maverick, the extreme-dropping Valravn, the rickety wooden Gemini,

the equally whiplash-inducing Rougarou and Raptor,

and 2018’s “best new ride” Steel Vengeance, which seriously earned that title. It was hands down my favorite. I kept giggling and grinning like an idiot afterwards.

Cedar Point Steel Vengeance rollercoaster

But wanna know the best part about going here (or any amusement park) alone? How much faster you get through all the rides. Not only can you move about the park at whatever speed you prefer without waiting for others (I like a pretty fast walking pace), but you can also get onto rollercoaster cars faster and pack more rides into your day. As a solo rider, there are often cars with one empty seat that no one else wants to take, which you can offer to fill even if you’re a ways back in line. I was amazed how often it worked, and how rarely anyone ever objected.

I wrote more about this experience and my favorite coasters in this post here. So feel free to go read more about it if you’re interested. And let me know if you ever plan a trip there yourself. I might want to tag along!