Often when you think of travel, you might picture experiencing your trip with friends, family, and loved ones. Traveling alone, in comparison, often conjures images of rugged backpackers and wanderlusters hoping from city to city. But the best of both in the US is easier than you think.
Many of the best places to travel alone in the US offer excellent accommodations and experiences that will bring you peace and solitude without having to break a sweat. Whether you want to feel your toes in the sand, breath in the refreshing mountain air, or get lost in a city, here are a few of the top destinations for solo vacations in the US.
With an international airport, Charleston, SC, offers an easy flight into one of the oldest cities on the Atlantic and the largest in South Carolina. Despite it’s size, Charleston offers charm and extravagance for solo travelers who want to explore its fine dining, art scene, and marine living.
The downtown area sits on a peninsula between the Ashley River and Cooper River, and it is where you’ll spend most of your time. Begin the day with a walk down King Street, grab a biscuit and coffee from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, and peruse the many antique shops and art galleries. You can also admire the harbor from Waterfront Park before setting off on a private sunset sail in a catamaran. End your day with a classy dinner at Circa 1886 on the Charleston Harbor Fish House.
Wake up every morning to the beauty of the sun lighting the red rocks of Moab and warming this desert town, which sits between Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. Take your camera and get ready to capture some of the most stunning natural formations shaped by wind and water.
After a day of exploring, settle into one of the many resorts where you can wash off the red dust and relax. Don’t worry about sitting alone at a table to eat as a solo traveler in Moab – the Food Truck Park offers tasty meals with plenty of options to choose from. For an upscale option, check out Sabaku Sushi where fresh fish is flown in several times a week or Antica Forma for third-generation Neapolitan style pizza made with Italian imported ingredients.
Some of the best places to travel alone in the US are those where you can comfortably enjoy a shared experience with strangers. Austin, the state capital of Texas, offers a vibrant nightlife for solo travelers who love good music and barbecue.
Blend into the crowd at any number of Austin’s music halls and concerts where you can find a genre that suits your fancy; such as The Moody Theatre, The Roosevelt Room, and Zach Theatre. Turn your concert into a VIP experience with packages that include luxury suites and lounges with premier food and beverage service.
If you’re in the mood for a craft beer, you can enjoy a refreshing pint with live music at places like St. Elmo Brewing Company or Meanwhile Brewing Co. Most of the best BBQ in Austin is done with counter-service at places like Franklin Barbecue or Terry Black’s, but you can also experience fine dining with the chef’s tasting menu at local favorite, Barley Swine.
East of Austin is one of America’s oldest wellness destinations, Hot Springs, Arkansas. Take your pick of soaking options along the Bathouse Row and stroll the nearby forest in Hot Spring National Park. Other attractions in the area include the Hot Springs Moutain Tower with stunning views of the Ouachitas and the Gangster Museum of America. In the evening, test your luck at the nearby casino resort.
Make a trip to Cape Cod part of your solo vacation package and plant your feet in the 560 miles of shoreline where you can watch the waves in or admire the many historic lighthouses.
Cape Cod is also home to a variety of unique experiences such as a sweet and buttery lobster ice cream from Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium. Visiting in the summer is preferable and is when you can enjoy other activities like the Cape Cod Baseball League or watch some theatre at the Cape Playhouse. Finish your luxury trip with a wine-tasting tour at premier destinations like Truro Vineyards or Plymouth Bay Winery.
