Whether you’re traveling to meet new people or just to enjoy some quality me-time in a brand new place, these are the best places in USA to visit for singles.
But why travel solo? For one, traveling alone is an entirely different experience not just than traveling with friends or family, but traveling for business as well. There is a lot to learn from being alone in a new environment not just from the destination but from yourself: how you act around new people, how well you take care of yourself in a strange new place, and maybe even discover a new interest, free from the opinions of others. Also, traveling alone means not having to argue with anyone about which restaurant to try first, or how long or quickly you stay at one gallery.
HTeam/Shutterstock.com
The trick to a great solo trip experience is planning ahead and picking the right place. But what makes a destination more single-friendly? There are quite a few things. For instance, there should be a balance of variety in available activities in the certain place and cost efficiency because, let’s admit it, traveling solo can be fun, but it can be pretty expensive with no one to share the costs with. Safety is also an especially important factor for solo travelers. There is nothing glamorous or adventurous about getting mugged in a strange place. And of course, local attitudes do count. Some cities are friendlier and more open to solo travelers than others.
For this list, we have used destination recommendations from Bustle, Travel and Leisure, and many other traveling websites. The cities on the list of the best places to visit in USA for singles are ranked based on the following criteria: safety, ease of going around, things to see and do, overall single-friendliness, as well as the cost of going around.
Check out which places made it to the top 11 and which ones should go on your must-visit list. Don’t forget to check out our list for The Best Places in USA to Visit for Families!
11. Miami
When it comes to getting busy, Miami will never fall short of anyone’s expectations. This is the scene that’s perfect for people who love the beach, parties, and both. Miami is also the perfect destination for foodies looking to sample a wide variety of international food fair but not much if you’re on a tight budget as it can get pretty expensive. But while South Beach wins at offering countless activities, it falls short on safety and ease of getting around. The public transport system is not as massive as in other cities of this size and driving around can get challenging with nasty drivers. Should you decide to come around here, avoid going out alone at night and stay off of areas outside downtown (and dimly lit areas).
10. Las Vegas
Las Vegas is not just the city for quick weddings and wild pre-wedding parties. It is also rich in activities and places to see for solo travelers – for instance, a hike (or ride) up to the Grand Canyon. It can be a little expensive especially the lodging, but thankfully you don’t have to stay at The Strip to enjoy its beauty because it is FREE! Other attractions aside from the Strip include music bars, parks, and The Neon Museum. Take caution in places outside of the Strip especially at night. Can’t avoid it? Take a cab instead of public transport! And because this is Las Vegas, it can get a little heavy on the budget.
9. Nashville
Nashville is the ultimate solo travel destination for music lovers! Top spots that are hard to miss include the Johnny Cash Museum, Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Ryman Auditorium. Love the outdoors? Nashville has parks and hiking trails for that! The city is generally safe but travel experts advise against going to Antioch alone and to steer clear of East Nashville late at night – these are not the safest areas for solo travelers. The cost of traveling here ranges from low to medium so with a little planning it can fit into a budget.
8. Atlanta
If you’re the type who likes going out to clubs and bars and generally enjoys crowded party scenes, Atlanta may not be for you. But Atlanta is the place for those who enjoy quiet, outdoorsy environments. That is exactly what Atlanta is – a beautiful old country charmer wrapped in modern urban living and heavy traffic. Main downtown areas can be pretty walkable but many attractions may require a ride or two. Don’t miss out on the waterfalls at North Georgia Mountains and the Virginia Highlands. Sample local cuisine and don’t fret about dining alone – the city is diverse and friendly enough not to mind or glare at solo diners! The best part is that the city is safe in most areas but naturally, practice caution and safety as you would in any big city.
7. Houston
Houston has a little bit of something for just about any type of solo traveler. This impressive diversity in attractions has landed Houston the seventh spot on this list of the best places in USA to visit for singles. From shopping to clubbing to local music, lively sports events, and even a special island for beach bums, Houston would never run out of anything to add to your to-do list. A little on the quiet side? Houston has museums and galleries for just about everybody. Costs can range from medium to high so plan ahead and set aside some extra cash for getting around as it is not a city you can get around on your feet. The city is relatively safe for solo travelers, but caution is advised.
6. New Orleans
New Orleans is the perfect place for singles looking for some unique cultural trip. It is highly likely that you end up with tons of new friends as people in New Orleans are known for their special Southern charm and hospitality. Get lost in the city’s culture through the food (definite must-try), the supernatural (ghost tours, anyone?), or through discovering history. The downtown area is generally walkable but stay close to areas with high police visibility as mugging and robberies are a possibility. Take home something from the antique shops or the local boutiques and maybe some more because New Orleans is relatively budget-friendly.
f11photo/Shutterstock.com
5. Los Angeles
How is LA solo-traveler friendly? Simple: there are so many things to see, do, and experience in LA that it is so easy to forget that you are alone. Getting around is made easy with the underground rail and cabs are plentiful, but driving can be quite the ordeal. Do, know, that this is the land of the rich and the famous, and it is bound to be a little heavy on the budget. Avoid the usual tourist flares and major areas to save up on the costs but practice safety especially late at night and in dimly lit areas.
Sarah Fields Photography/Shutterstock.com
4. New York City
New York City is quintessential American travel destination. It would naturally be part of the list of best places to visit in USA for singles, married ones, families, groups of friends, and anyone in between. Of course, this is the Big Apple! But while this massive city can seem a little daunting for solo travelers, NYC is too busy to know you’re alone. Besides, NYC is packed to the brim with things to see, do, and taste! Check out the up and coming food trucks and homegrown restaurants, stroll or jog in Central Park, take a selfie at the Brooklyn Bridge and get a good look at New York atop the Rockefeller Center. Pack some extra cash because New York is very expensive and avoid shopping altogether except for some little knick-knacks here and there. NYC is great for walking, but the subway is an easy and cost-efficient alternative too.
Luciano Mortula / Shutterstock.com
3. San Francisco
If there is one thing that made San Francisco one of the best places for single travelers, it has to be its openness. San Francisco simply does not care if you’re walking alone, having coffee or beer by yourself, or pigging out on Pier food by your lonesome. The locals are very accepting and warm, and generally respectful of personal choices! If that is not great a piece of news yet, San Francisco is small enough to be navigated and discovered on foot. And walkable cities are always a great destination for solo travelers! Sample local cuisine, local wines, and don’t miss out on getting your solo cable car ride! A word of warning from the wise, though: Mission District is not a very safe area at night so avoid it as best as you can. Also, it should be wise to bring some (no, a lot) of extra cash because San Francisco can get rather pricey!
2. Austin
Don’t be fazed by their unusual slogan, “Keep Austin Weird”. It’s really not as weird. What it is, though, is the scene for single travelers who are looking for a much younger crowd. There is a lot of things to do around as a single person – bike around downtown, check out music festivals or music bars, join the massive sports fanbases here, or just enjoy a nice BIG serving of Texas barbecue. And all this without feeling left out because tons of kids from the universities here do exactly the same. And the best part about Austin is that there are countless inexpensive options from dining to lodging to recreation. Safety tips: steer clear of dark and secluded areas and stay close to crowds because some parts are still safer than others especially for single travelers.
1. Chicago
And the top spot for the best places in USA to visit for singles is Windy City! What exactly does a mostly cold city have that would warm the hearts of solo travelers? For one, the city is safe – safer than most of the other places on the list. Singles will also love Chicago’s mass transport system that makes for going around most of the city’s best kept attractions easy and hassle-free. The Windy City also fares well on costs, with a wide range of low- to midrange-priced restaurants, hotels, and attractions to choose from. Traveling by yourself here won’t break your budget. But perhaps the best part about visiting Chicago by yourself is the fact that the people are known for being highly hospitable. No one will ever make you feel bad or lonely about eating your Chicago Deep Dish Pizza by yourself, or of having a beer alone at one of the city’s famed jazz clubs or going through the many, many things to see and do in Chicago.
Theresa Scarbrough/Shutterstock.com
The best places in USA to visit for singles will definitely turn all your doubts about traveling alone. So which one are you gearing up for your next trip?
