7 Best US Cities Solo Travelers

Solo Travel in the USA An Overview

So, you're thinking about hitting the road solo in the USA? Awesome! The US is packed with incredible cities, each offering something unique for the independent traveler. Whether you're into vibrant nightlife, stunning natural landscapes, or fascinating historical sites, there's a city out there with your name on it. But with so many options, where do you even begin? This guide highlights some of the best and safest US cities for solo adventurers, considering factors like safety, accessibility, activities, and that all-important \"vibe.\" We'll also touch on gear and must-have products to make your solo trip even better.

Criteria for Selecting Top Solo Travel Cities

Before we dive into the list, let's quickly outline what makes a city great for solo travel. We looked at:

• Safety: Feeling safe and secure is paramount, especially when traveling alone. We considered crime rates and the overall feeling of safety.
• Walkability & Public Transportation: Easy navigation is key. Cities with good public transportation or that are easily walkable score higher.
• Activities & Attractions: A variety of things to do keeps boredom at bay. We looked for cities with museums, parks, restaurants, nightlife, and more.
• Social Scene: Opportunities to meet people are essential. Cities with a friendly vibe, hostels, and group tours are a plus.
• Affordability: Travel doesn't have to break the bank. We considered the cost of accommodation, food, and activities.

1 Austin Texas Solo Traveler Haven

Austin is a fantastic choice for solo travelers who love live music, outdoor activities, and a generally laid-back atmosphere. It's known as the \"Live Music Capital of the World\" for a reason, with countless venues hosting bands of all genres every night. Plus, the city is surrounded by beautiful parks and lakes, perfect for hiking, biking, and swimming.

Why Austin is Great for Solo Travelers:

• Music Scene: You can catch live music almost anywhere, any night of the week.
• Outdoor Activities: Hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt, swim in Zilker Park's Barton Springs Pool, or kayak on Lady Bird Lake.
• Food Scene: Austin is a foodie paradise, with everything from food trucks to upscale restaurants.
• Friendly Vibe: Austinites are known for being friendly and welcoming, making it easy to strike up conversations.

Product Recommendation: Nomadix Towel

Perfect for those Austin swims! The Nomadix towel is quick-drying, sand-resistant, and made from recycled materials. It's lightweight and packs down small, making it ideal for travel. Price: $40-$60.

2 New Orleans Louisiana Solo Exploration

New Orleans is a city unlike any other in the US. With its unique blend of cultures, vibrant music scene, and delicious cuisine, it's a feast for the senses. While it might seem intimidating at first, New Orleans is surprisingly welcoming to solo travelers, especially those who embrace its quirky charm.

Why New Orleans is Great for Solo Travelers:

• Music Scene: Jazz, blues, and funk spill out of every doorway, creating a constant soundtrack to your adventure.
• Food Scene: From beignets at Cafe Du Monde to gumbo at a local restaurant, New Orleans is a culinary delight.
• History & Culture: Explore the French Quarter, visit a historic cemetery, or take a swamp tour.
• Walkability: The French Quarter is easily walkable, allowing you to soak up the atmosphere at your own pace.

Product Recommendation: Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack

New Orleans is generally safe, but pickpocketing can be a concern in crowded areas. The Pacsafe Citysafe CX backpack has anti-theft features like RFID blocking, cut-resistant straps, and locking zippers. It's stylish and functional, giving you peace of mind while exploring. Price: $120-$150.

3 San Francisco California Solo Adventures

San Francisco is a city of iconic landmarks, diverse neighborhoods, and stunning views. From riding a cable car to exploring Fisherman's Wharf, there's no shortage of things to see and do. It's also a very walkable city, making it easy to get around and discover hidden gems.

Why San Francisco is Great for Solo Travelers:

• Iconic Landmarks: Visit the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Lombard Street.
• Diverse Neighborhoods: Explore Chinatown, North Beach, and the Mission District.
• Food Scene: San Francisco is a foodie paradise, with everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food vendors.
• Public Transportation: The city has an excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around.

Product Recommendation: Allbirds Wool Runners

San Francisco is a hilly city, so comfortable shoes are a must. Allbirds Wool Runners are lightweight, breathable, and made from sustainable materials. They're perfect for walking around the city all day. Price: $98.

4 Chicago Illinois Solo City Breaks

Chicago, the Windy City, is known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and vibrant arts scene. Explore Millennium Park, visit the Art Institute of Chicago, or catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Chicago offers a blend of culture and urban excitement.

Why Chicago is Great for Solo Travelers:

• Architecture: Take an architecture river cruise to admire the city's iconic buildings.
• Museums: Visit the Art Institute of Chicago, the Field Museum, or the Museum of Science and Industry.
• Parks: Explore Millennium Park, Lincoln Park, and Grant Park.
• Food Scene: Chicago is famous for its deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches.

Product Recommendation: Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger

You'll likely be using your phone a lot for navigation and taking pictures. The Anker PowerCore 10000 is a compact and reliable portable charger that will keep your phone powered up all day. Price: $20-$30.

5 Savannah Georgia Solo Southern Charm

Savannah is a city steeped in history and Southern charm. With its beautiful architecture, cobblestone streets, and spooky ghost tours, it's a unique and enchanting destination. Explore the historic squares, visit the Bonaventure Cemetery, or take a carriage ride through the city.

Why Savannah is Great for Solo Travelers:

• History & Architecture: Explore the historic squares and admire the city's beautiful buildings.
• Ghost Tours: Take a spooky ghost tour to learn about Savannah's haunted past.
• Southern Cuisine: Indulge in delicious Southern cuisine, like shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and pecan pie.
• Walkability: The historic district is easily walkable, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

Product Recommendation: Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent

Savannah can have mosquitos, especially in the warmer months. Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent is effective and long-lasting, protecting you from bites. Price: $10-$15.

6 Miami Florida Beaches and Beyond for Solos

Miami is a vibrant city known for its beautiful beaches, Art Deco architecture, and lively nightlife. Relax on South Beach, explore the Wynwood Walls, or take a boat tour of Biscayne Bay. Miami offers a mix of relaxation and excitement.

Why Miami is Great for Solo Travelers:

• Beaches: Relax on the beautiful beaches of South Beach and Miami Beach.
• Art Deco Architecture: Admire the city's iconic Art Deco buildings.
• Nightlife: Experience Miami's vibrant nightlife scene.
• Diverse Culture: Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, like Little Havana and Little Haiti.

Product Recommendation: Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

Protect your skin from the Miami sun with Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion. It's lightweight, water-resistant, and smells great. Price: $15-$20.

7 Solo Hiking Adventures in US National Parks

Okay, this isn't a city, but it is an amazing solo travel option! The US National Parks system offers incredible opportunities for solo hiking and exploration. While safety is paramount, many parks provide well-maintained trails and ranger programs that make solo adventures accessible.

Why US National Parks are Great for Solo Travelers:

• Stunning Scenery: From the Grand Canyon to Yosemite, the US National Parks offer breathtaking landscapes.
• Hiking & Outdoor Activities: Enjoy hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities.
• Ranger Programs: Participate in ranger-led programs to learn about the park's history and ecology.
• Sense of Accomplishment: Conquering a challenging hike on your own is incredibly rewarding.

Product Recommendation: Osprey Talon 22 Backpack (or Tempest 20 for Women)

A comfortable and well-fitting backpack is essential for hiking. The Osprey Talon 22 (Tempest 20 for women) is lightweight, durable, and has plenty of room for water, snacks, and extra layers. Price: $120-$150.

Gear Recommendations Summary for Solo US Travel

Here's a quick recap of the product recommendations we've covered:

• Nomadix Towel: For swimming and outdoor activities.
• Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack: For security in crowded areas.
• Allbirds Wool Runners: For comfortable walking.
• Anker PowerCore 10000 Portable Charger: To keep your phone powered up.
• Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent: For protection from insects.
• Sun Bum Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion: To protect your skin from the sun.
• Osprey Talon 22 Backpack (or Tempest 20 for Women): For hiking and outdoor adventures.

Final Thoughts on US Solo Travel Cities

Choosing the right city for your solo adventure is a personal decision. Consider your interests, budget, and comfort level when making your choice. No matter where you go, remember to be aware of your surroundings, trust your instincts, and most importantly, have fun! The US is waiting to be explored, one solo trip at a time.