A woman wearing sunglasses and casual clothes stands on a cobblestone street holding a leash attached to a small black and white dog sitting beside her. Trees and buildings line the street in the background.

8 Best First-Time Solo Travel Destinations in the U.S.

ByNatalie Rushing

Where you go for your first solo trip matters. The best first-time solo travel destinations in the U.S. make solo travel feel exciting and doable, not overwhelming. You don’t need to be fearless or extroverted to travel alone, you just need to choose the place that’s right for you, and I’ve got you covered.

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What Makes a Good First-Time Solo Travel Destination?

Not every great destination is great for a first solo trip. These are the qualities that matter most when you’re just starting out:

Ease of getting around:Your first solo travel destination should be walkable or have good transit options so that you don’t have to stress about logistics.

Manageable overwhelm: Solo travel can be overwhelming, even to experienced travelers. When you’re planning your first solo trip, I would recommend a small to mid-sized city that isn’t too hard to navigate.

Safety: This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’ll want to choose a place where you feel comfortable walking around alone.

Plenty to do solo: Though I have been to traditionally family-friendly and couples’ destinations alone, I wouldn’t recommend it for your first solo trip. Choose a place where wandering is fun and that has lots of solo-friendly activities–think cafes, museums, parks, and other activities where you won’t feel out of place.

Where you can blend in: Skip small towns where tourists only show up during one specific season (especially if you’re visiting off-season). You’ll feel out of place.

8 Best First-Time Solo Travel Destinations in the U.S.

I’ve been to all of these destinations solo and found them to be safe and easy to manage, making them ideal for first-time solo travelers.

Woman crossing the street. Famous pink building with decorated balcony on Royal Street is in the background. One of many things to do alone in New Orleans

New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans is easy to get around, and if you stay in the French Quarter, you’ll have everything you need within easy walking distance. If you want to venture outside of the Quarter, the streetcar can get you there.

While it’s true that parts of New Orleans are not ideal for tourists, the French Quarter and surrounding areas are very safe, and you won’t feel in danger or out of place as a solo traveler.

A small orange kitten is sleeping on dried leaves among green ferns and plants, next to a stone path. Pink flowers are visible in the lower right corner.

Key West, Florida

Key West is perfect for first-time solo travelers. It’s small, easy to get around, and has a very laid-back vibe that’s welcoming to solo travelers. It’s very safe and you can walk to just about anywhere you want to go. Also, it feels tropical and exotic, so if you’re dreaming of escaping to an island far away, you can do that right in the U.S.

A woman wearing sunglasses and casual clothes stands on a cobblestone street holding a leash attached to a small black and white dog sitting beside her. Trees and buildings line the street in the background.

Charleston, South Carolina

Do you love cobblestone streets, beautiful old buildings, and lots of history? Charleston might be your spot. Bonus: the beach is close too!

a mural that says "Love from Austin" inside the shape of Texas

Austin, Texas

If you enjoy live music and general weirdness, you’ll love Austin. It’s easy to get around, and there’s no shortage of fun activities for solo travelers.

Blue Ridge Mountains - why you should visit Asheville

Asheville, North Carolina

Hike in the mountains by day and enjoy craft beer and live music by night in Asheville. It’s relaxed, creative, and very solo-friendly.

A woman sits on a bench styled like a car seat, holding a giant fake joint and a DUFF container. Behind her is a D.A.R.E. Role Model sign at the International Church of Cannabis—one of the quirky things to do in Denver alone.

Denver, Colorado

Denver has no shortage of things for solo travelers to do, and no one will notice that you’re alone. You’re also not far from mountains if you want to do some solo hiking, but you will need a car to hike.

Minneapolis/St. Paul

Minneapolis/St. Paul is very compact for a metro area and easy to get around thanks to the light rail. Though it gets cold in the winter, summers are beautiful. Think lakes, waterfalls, and mild temperatures. It has a big city feeling without the overwhelm.

A flock of birds gathers on a sandy beach near the shoreline, with waves crashing onto the rocks and the blue ocean extending to the horizon under a clear sky. Dry, brown vegetation is visible in the foreground.

San DIego, California

If you want to see gorgeous ocean views and maybe go snorkeling or surfing, San Diego is a great spot. It’s smaller and less nightmarish to get around than Los Angeles, which makes it a lot more solo-friendly.

Related reading: How to Plan Your First Solo Trip

Where Not to Go for a First Solo Trip

That was the best, now here’s the rest: where NOT to go for your first solo adventure:

New York: As we say in the South, “love it to death, but…” NYC is generally a great spot for solo travelers, but I don’t know if I’d do it for my first solo trip. It can be a bit overwhelming and unless you’ve been there before, you may not enjoy it if you choose it as a first solo trip.

Los Angeles: I love L.A., but getting around can be horrible. You’re better off choosing San Diego as a first-time West Coast spot.

Miami: Miami is very social overall and nightlife-centric. If that’s what you’re looking for, more power to you, but if you want a more low-key spot for your first solo trip, Miami ain’t it.

FAQ: Best First-Time Solo Travel Destinations in the U.S.

Is solo travel in the U.S. safe?

Yes–as long as you stay in a touristy area and use the same common sense you’d use anywhere else. The destinations I’ve mentioned are all very safe.

What’s the best length for a first-time solo trip?

I’d start with a long weekend, then work your way up.

Traveling solo? Here’s my solo travel survival kit:

How to Eat Alone in Restaurants Without Feeling Awkward
Guide to Making Friends When Traveling Solo
Traveling Solo as an Introvert
What I Wish I Knew Before Taking My First Solo Trip
Solo Hiking Tips Every Beginner Should Know

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