While traveling with friends or family can be great fun and allow you to create everlasting memories, sometimes you just need a little solo trip. Independent travel can be completely liberating, allowing you to explore what you want on your own schedule. There are a number of cities in the USA that are perfect for a solo getaway. If you are looking for a destination where you can travel alone, consider one (or more) of these three cities.
Austin, Texas
There’s something about the modern, thriving city of Austin that just makes you happy. Located on the river, Austin offers a buzzing music scene, endless restaurants, and beautiful outdoor areas. Whether you are looking to meet people or simply enjoy the city on your own, Austin is sure to show you a good time.
Things to do
- Visit the Texas Capitol
Austin is the capital city of Texas. Even if you’re not into history and politics, the Capitol grounds are worth visiting just to see the impressive building and surrounding gardens.
- Attend a Texas Longhorns game
There’s not much Texans love more than their football and in Austin, it’s all about the University of Texas Longhorns. If you happen to be there on game day, check out the action. Everybody begins the day with some tailgating, a tradition where people of all ages gather to eat, drink, and celebrate at various places throughout Austin (often on the side of the road or in car parks). Then when game time is nearing, hordes in orange walk together to the campus in preparation for the big game. Don’t worry about being solo, throw on an orange T-shirt and you’ll be guaranteed to make friends.
- Wander down 6th Street
If you’re looking to meet people, head to 6th street. An eclectic combination of bars and food trucks, this street is usually pumping every night of the week (but especially on game day). Even if you don’t want to meet people, wander down the street to take in the various establishments and do some people watching.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The vibes of New Orleans are hard to beat. It doesn’t matter what day it is or what time of the year, New Orleans always feels like it’s celebrating. There’s so much to see and do in New Orleans that you can easily fill the days wandering around on your own.
Things to do
- Grab a Beignet and people watch at Cafe du Monde
Cafe du Monde is always filled with tourists for a reason. The powdery, fried goodness that is a Beignet makes it worth braving the crowds. Find yourself a table (preferably outside) and grab yourself a coffee and a doughnut. You’ll be able to watch people wander by as you enjoy a New Orleans institution.
- Head to the Garden District for some exploring
If you want to get out of the French Quarter, head to the Garden District. With beautiful tree-lined streets and gorgeous houses ranging from quaint cottages to huge mansions, you will not get bored. The Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 is also in the Garden District and is famous for its above-ground tombs. If you are in the French Quarter and make a last-minute decision to head to the Garden District, check your bags at a New Orleans luggage storage shop to save you carrying extra stuff on the streetcar.
- Listen to live music in the French Quarter
A trip to New Orleans is not complete without some live music. It doesn’t matter what your taste is, you’ll find something to your liking. For covers and well-know tunes, head to touristy places on Bourbon Street, but if you are looking for iconic jazz try Frenchman Street.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is such a beautiful city and if you are traveling solo, you will be able to take the time to really appreciate it. If you are looking for outdoor spaces, you can take your pick of beaches or grassy parks. You will be spoiled for choice when it comes to activities with a nice combination of history, iconic sites, and shopping opportunities.
Things to do
- Cross the Golden Gate Bridge
The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most (if not the most) famous bridges in the world. It’s an absolute icon of San Francisco and the USA more broadly, and no trip to San Fran is complete without a trip to the bridge! Since you’re visiting alone, take the time to enjoy it. Yes, there’s likely to be other people around but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a moment to enjoy the site and the views of the coast. Walk, jog, or cycle across – the choice is yours.
- Take a trip back in time at Alcatraz Island
The renowned island prison is a great attraction for history buffs. Once a prison, Alcatraz is now a National Historic Landmark. You will learn a lot through the informative audio guide.
- Wander along Fisherman’s Wharf
Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling waterfront strip with many shops and restaurants. Do some shopping, visit the sea lions at Pier 39 or grab a drink at one of the bars and do some people watching. There’s always something going on at Fisherman’s Wharf and you could be kept entertained for hours.
Traveling alone can be an enjoyable experience and we have selected these cities because we believe they are fun to explore solo. There’s plenty of attractions and things to keep you entertained, but also enough room that you can get space or immerse yourself in nature if you want some downtime. They’re also very easy to get around and have many opportunities to meet people if you decide you would like to make some new friends. If you’re considering a solo trip in the USA, think about picking one of these destinations. You won’t regret it!