Traveling alone is one of life’s greatest adventures and experiences. Freedom, flexibility, empowerment and reflection are just some of the reasons to plan a solo trip. Over the past decade, stereotypes of solo travel have evolved from gap year students on the Gringo Trail of South America to trips that cover a variety of travel themes, experiences, and budgets.
With the rise of digital nomads, better connections through social media, and the growing “what am I waiting for?” mindset found in turbulent times, solo travel seems to be one of the biggest trends this year.
More than 50% of travelers plan to plan a solo adventure in 2024, and according to a Skift report, married women are one of the biggest drivers of the market. Whether you choose to travel with a group or alone, mapping. your course has never been more accessible (or more affordable).
Many large individual surcharges are waived or reduced for both land travel and cruises. For first-time travelers to the United States, there are many destinations that combine easy access, relative affordability, a welcoming atmosphere, and diverse experiences.
Solo vacations Learn how to get out of your comfort zone and experience travel differently. With that in mind, here are our 10 Romantic weekend gateways and destinations for solo travel in the US in 2024.
10. Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, located in the United States, is considered one of the most beautiful places in the country. It is surrounded by stunning red cliffs and canyons, making it an ideal place for nature lovers. Visitors to Sedona can enjoy various activities, including hiking at Bell Rock or attending a yoga retreat for a more spiritual experience.
Sedona’s art scene is quite exciting, with numerous shops and galleries at Tlaquepaque Arts and Crafts Village and the Sedona Artists Market. These places offer an opportunity to explore Sedona’s vibrant art scene. Moreover, many galleries stay open late on the first Friday of every month, hosting special artist receptions and events. This might be one of the best places for solo travelers.
For hikers, the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock is the perfect spot, given its proximity to Sedona’s best hiking trails. For those who want a quiet escape, L’Auberge de Sedona and The Wilde Resort and Spa are excellent choices, with prices starting at $399 and $450 per night, respectively.
9. Orcas Island, Washington
Anacortes Harbor located an almost 90-minute drive north of Seattle, serves as the gateway to the San Juan Islands in the Salish Sea, just 10 miles from mainland Washington. The region boasts a stunning landscape featuring emerald-green islands, glacier-carved mountains, and sparkling seas.
The largest island in the San Juan chain is Orcas Island, which attracts independent and solo travelers with its idyllic scenery, tranquil atmosphere, and warm community spirit. The main village, Eastsound, offers intimate restaurants, galleries, and bars where you can sample fresh seafood and craft cocktails while swapping stories with locals and fellow travelers.
For nature enthusiasts, the 5,252-acre Moran State Park is like a haven. It offers over 38 miles of trails and paths suitable for every skill level. The highlight is the climb to the summit of Mount Constitution, which stands 2,400 feet above sea level. From here, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views of Vancouver Island and both Mount Rainier and Mount Baker on the mainland.
Outer Islands Tours offers unforgettable whale-watching cruises if you prefer to enjoy the region’s breathtaking scenery and magnificent nature with fellow solo travelers.
Related Article – Top 10 U.S. Vacation Destinations to Explore in 2024: Adventure Awaits!
8. Nashville, Tennessee
When you visit Nashville, you’ll never be too far from legendary country stars and hopeful con artists, with live music bars of Lower Broadway and the 4,000-seat Grand Ole Opry.
Nashville is more than just a city known for its Honky Tonk bars. Music enthusiasts can also delve into the rich history of country music there. You can pay homage to icons like Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash at the Country Music Hall of Fame or visit RCA Studio B, where legends such as Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton recorded some of the most iconic country classics.
Nashville is also known for its shopping. From record albums to cowboy boots, visit downtown Nashville. Then, hit the shops in Hillsboro Village or the Gulch for local and nationally known fashion and accessory brands.
If you’re a fan of country music legends, I recommend staying at Embassy Suites Downtown Nashville during your travels. Their spacious rooms and rooftop indoor pool are great amenities. However, if you want a genuinely unforgettable Nashville experience, I suggest booking the Dolly Parton suite at Graduate Nashville. Prices start at $300 per night.
7. San Diego, California
San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches, but there’s more to explore than just lounging on the sand. However, if you choose to spend your visit at the beach, I wouldn’t blame you.
This time of year is a fascinating time to visit the city, as it has been named alongside Tijuana, Mexico, as the Design Capital of 2024. This is a historic first, as two neighboring cities in different countries have shared the honor. San Diego and Tijuana offer unique experiences, events, and festivals celebrating the unique experience.
One of the most diverse attractions in San Diego is Balboa Park, where you can find the renowned San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Air and Space Museum, as well as a plethora of gardens and recreational areas. Just two miles west of Balboa Park on San Diego Bay, you can visit the USS Midway Museum and delve into the history of naval aircraft and helicopters from the aircraft carrier USS Midway.
If you want to leave the beach, consider exploring Old Town San Diego and the Gaslamp Quarter. Old Town San Diego is the first European settlement in California, while the Gaslamp Quarter is a vibrant historical neighborhood.
6. Portland, Oregon
Portland is situated in a valley, yet it is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty all around. You can catch a glimpse of Mount Hood, Mount Saint Helens, and the surrounding steep green firs and pines. To make the most of these natural wonders, you can visit Powell Butte as a solo traveler for panoramic views of the mountains or head to the overlook behind the Pittock Mansion to enjoy a view of the city with Mount Hood in the background.
It would be impolite to overlook all the quirky and fantastic attractions within Portland’s city limits. If you’re a book lover, you can spend hours exploring Powell’s City of Books, which is the largest independent bookstore in the United States. Also, the Portland Saturday Market is the country’s largest continuously operating arts and crafts market. The city has such an abundance of food carts that a convenient guide has been created to help you find precisely what you’re craving.
There are several beautiful places in Portland where travelers can stay. Many hotels in the city reflect its unique style. Two popular options downtown are the Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland, which starts at $170 per night or 32,000 IHG One Rewards points, and The Nines Hotel Portland, which starts at $230 per night or 43,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.
5. Zion National Park, Utah
Zion National Park is one of the most famous national parks in the country, offering breathtaking landscapes, exciting hiking and biking trails, and a chance to encounter fascinating wildlife. If you’re planning a trip to Zion, transportation and accommodations are relatively easy to organize. The charming town of Springdale is just a stone’s throw away from the park’s entrance and has maintained its quaint atmosphere during its growing popularity.
Within the park, you’ll see a variety of natural wonders, such as twisting sandstone buttresses, steep red cliffs, and narrow canyons. There are also lush evergreen forests, vibrant wildflowers, and enigmatic hanging gardens to explore. If you’re short on time, the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive is a must-do, which runs from March to October and can only be accessed by bus. It offers a fantastic view of the park’s red cliffs and access to several popular hiking trails that visitors love.
One of the most iconic hikes in the park is Angels Landing, which you won’t want to miss. This hike is not for the faint of heart, and it has 21 hair-raising trails that lead to Scout Lookout, providing a stunning panoramic view of Zion Canyon. Due to the popularity of the hike, hikers must enter a lottery to get permission. The climb up the canyon’s east wall takes between three to five hours, depending on your fitness level and the number of hikers on the trail.
4. Austin, Texas
The state capital of Texas is known for its delicious barbecue, great music scene, gorgeous green spaces, lakes where you can stay active, and the world’s largest bat colony. Visiting Austin as a solo traveler is convenient because there are several neighborhoods where you can eat, drink, and be entertained in one place.
Sixth Street is closed to weekend traffic and is a great place for creative cocktails and neon lights. Music-halls For something more casual, head to Rainey Street. In addition, South Congress is a must-see for locals and tourists alike with its unique shops and diverse dining options.
Zilker Park offers over 350 acres of recreational opportunities at your fingertips. You can swim in the spring-fed Barton Springs pool, explore with a bike or canoe rental, or hang out at annual events like the Austin City Limits music festival or the Austin Kite Festival.
3. New Orleans, Louisiana
Even if you visit the Big Easy alone, you’re never truly alone. Whether you’re among the tourists on Bourbon Street, standing in line at Cafe du Monde, or exploring the city’s rich history on a group tour, chances are you’ll be surrounded by friendly faces with similar interests (and a taste for powder). sugar-coated fried dough).
Suppose you haven’t been to New Orleans before. In that case, it’s recommended that you visit some popular places such as Pat O’Brien’s to try the rum-infused Hurricane drink, Central Grocery, where the famous muffuletta sandwich was invented, and Preservation Jazz Hall for live jazz music. If you have additional time in your schedule, you can explore beyond the French Quarter and visit City Park or Mardi Gras World. You can also consider taking a guided tour of the beautiful yet eerie New Orleans Mausoleum.
2. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Blue Ridge Mountains offer numerous hiking and mountain biking trails, and the city even has a “Hiking Quest” to help you find the best one for you. You can also paddle down the French Broad River or explore Asheville’s different business districts on foot, such as the River Arts District or Biltmore Park. If shopping is your thing, you’ll find plenty of options as well.
When it’s time for some beer and snacks after your walk, head to one of Asheville’s breweries. There’s a lot to choose from on the menu, but Wicked Weed and Hi-Wire top the list of places to quench your thirst and hunger in a fun environment.
1. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Before, Santa Fe was a haven for solo travelers seeking spiritual fulfillment and ethereal natural wonders. Beneath the Sangre de Cristo Mountains lie sacred ruins, shrines, New Age institutes, and yoga centers offering healing and enlightenment to those at life’s crossroads.
New Mexico’s capital city is celebrated as one of the largest art centers in the world for its rich tricultural heritage (Pueblo, Spanish, and Anglo-American), vibrant art, and striking Adobe architecture.
Art lovers can spend a day exploring Canyon Road’s galleries and artisan studios. Then, they can go to an outdoor concert at the world-famous Santa Fe Opera, which attracts opera lovers worldwide.
The mysterious desert landscapes of Santa Fe were captured by the late painter Georgia O’Keeffe, the “Mother of American Modernism. “Housed in a former Baptist church, the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of the late artist’s work. The city has also become a source of innovative Southwestern flavors, cuisines, and Western delicacies. The most popular restaurants here.
Conclusion
Traveling alone allows you to visit places you want and do what you like when you want. These cities in the United States are among the best destinations for people traveling alone, whether you enjoy the outdoors, love food, or prefer big cities.
Traveling alone offers you the liberty and autonomy to explore places of your choice and indulge in activities of your preference at your convenience. Whether seeking adventure in nature, relishing a fantastic journey, or experiencing the hustle and bustle of urban life, these cities are among the finest destinations in the United States for solo travelers.
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