While major cities like New York and Los Angeles tend to dominate travel plans for singles looking to explore, there are countless smaller destinations across the US that offer perfect weekend escapes without the overwhelming crowds and sky-high prices. These lesser-known spots combine the right mix of solo-friendly activities, welcoming communities, and opportunities to either socialize or enjoy peaceful moments alone.
From cozy mountain towns to laid-back beach communities, here are 20 weekend getaways that cater perfectly to independent travelers seeking their next adventure – whether you’re hoping to meet new people or simply enjoy your own company.
- Best for nightlife: South Beach, Miami
- Digital nomad haven: Austin, Texas
- Art lovers paradise: Portland, Oregon
- Outdoor adventure spot: Denver, Colorado
- Food scene central: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Social butterfly magnet: Nashville, Tennessee
Austin, Texas, USA
Austin has become a magnet for young singles looking to escape the ordinary, and it’s easy to see why. This Texas capital mixes small-town friendliness with big-city energy, where food trucks serve up late-night tacos just steps from live music venues pumping out everything from country to indie rock. The city’s outdoor spaces, like Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake, fill up with locals paddleboarding or sprawling out on blankets for impromptu picnics. It’s not just a place to visit – it’s a place where making friends happens naturally, whether you’re chatting with strangers at a craft brewery or joining a pickup volleyball game on the shores of Barton Springs Pool. Those who come often find themselves extending their stay or planning their next visit before they’ve even left.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Dive into the charming canals and laid-back culture of Amsterdam, a city that welcomes solo travelers with open arms. Cruise through the winding waterways on a canal tour, or rent a bike to explore the city like a local – there are more bikes here than people! Stop by the famous coffee shops to meet fellow travelers, or join a walking tour through the artsy Jordaan neighborhood. In the evening, head to Vondelpark where singles gather for outdoor concerts and picnics during summer months. The city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate, and with English widely spoken, you’ll have no trouble making new friends at the many hostels and social bars around town.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona was my first solo adventure in Spain back in 2019. Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Collserola mountains, this spirited Catalan capital draws independent travelers from across the globe. The winding streets of the Gothic Quarter tell stories through their medieval architecture, while Antoni Gaudí’s imaginative buildings add whimsy to the cityscape. La Sagrada Familia stands as his masterpiece, its towers reaching toward the sky like a sandcastle dreams are made of. The city comes alive at night, when tapas bars fill with locals and visitors sharing small plates and stories. Las Ramblas, the famous pedestrian boulevard, buzzes with street performers and outdoor cafes, making it impossible to feel alone even when traveling solo. The beach culture here is decidedly casual – you’ll find singles playing volleyball, reading books on the sand, or sharing paella at beachfront restaurants.
Mind-Blowing Fact:
Did you know that Barcelona’s iconic Sagrada Familia basilica has been under construction for over 140 years and isn’t expected to be finished until 2026? The famous architect Antoni Gaudí dedicated 43 years of his life to this unique church, and even though he died in 1926 when only a quarter of it was complete, modern architects continue to follow his original designs using advanced technology.
Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Get your cowboy boots on and head to Music City, where being single means endless opportunities for fun. Broadway’s famous honky-tonks welcome you with live country music spilling onto the streets, while local spots like the Bluebird Cafe let you discover up-and-coming songwriters in an intimate setting. During the day, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame or take a tour of the historic RCA Studio B, where Elvis recorded over 200 songs. For food lovers, the hot chicken scene is a must-try – head to Hattie B’s or Prince’s to test your spice tolerance. At night, join a pedal tavern tour or hit up rooftop bars like L.A. Jackson for great views and even better company.
Bali, Indonesia
Solo travelers keep coming back to Bali, and it’s easy to see why. This Indonesian island welcomes independent adventurers with its mix of peaceful temples, wild beaches, and friendly locals. I tell everyone to start in Ubud, where you can join yoga classes, meet other travelers at casual cafes, and watch monkeys play in the Sacred Monkey Forest. The nearby rice terraces and traditional markets give you plenty of chances to mingle with both locals and fellow solo explorers.
Miami, Florida, USA
Miami brings the heat for singles looking to mingle, with its famous South Beach scene drawing party-goers from around the globe. Start your day soaking up rays on the white sand beaches, then head to Ocean Drive, where art deco buildings house some of the city’s hottest restaurants and bars. When the sun sets, hit up the clubs in Wynwood or Downtown, where you’ll find plenty of other solo travelers ready to dance the night away. For a change of pace, join a group tour through Little Havana, where you can sample Cuban coffee, learn to roll cigars, and maybe even find a salsa dancing partner at Ball & Chain, a historic live music venue.
Lisbon, Portugal
Of all the European cities I’ve explored, Lisbon holds a special place in my heart. Portugal’s laid-back capital is where old-world charm meets modern single life, with its narrow cobblestone streets winding through neighborhoods filled with buzzing rooftop bars and cozy wine spots. The city runs on a refreshingly slow pace – you can spend your mornings sipping coffee at sidewalk cafes, afternoons wandering through colorful markets, and evenings hopping between local restaurants serving fresh seafood and vinho verde. While the steep hills might test your fitness, the reward is finding yourself at hidden viewpoints overlooking the red-tiled roofs and the Tagus River beyond. It’s the perfect place for solo travelers who want to experience European culture without the overwhelming crowds of other major cities.
Tulum, Mexico
Just two hours south of Cancun lies Tulum, a coastal paradise where ancient Mayan ruins meet white sand beaches. Unlike the party-focused resorts of the Riviera Maya, Tulum moves at its own relaxed pace, drawing solo travelers who want a mix of culture and beach time. The town has evolved from a backpacker’s secret into a laid-back haven where you’ll find beachfront yoga sessions in the morning and mezcal tastings at sunset. Thanks to its reputation as a wellness destination, Tulum attracts plenty of independent travelers, making it easy to meet people at the many beach clubs, cenotes (natural swimming holes), and locally-run restaurants serving fresh Mexican cuisine.
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Single travelers flock to Las Vegas for its famous Strip, where mega-resorts and casinos create a 24/7 playground, but the city offers much more than just gambling. The endless lineup of shows, concerts, and entertainment options means you’ll never have to worry about spending an evening alone. Between pool parties at day clubs, group cooking classes at world-class restaurants, and guided tours through the nearby Red Rock Canyon, Vegas makes it easy to meet other solo travelers. The city’s robust nightlife scene and array of singles-friendly bars provide natural settings for socializing, while organized activities like poker tournaments and dance lessons offer structured ways to connect with new people.
Berlin, Germany
Many singles flock to Berlin for its world-famous nightlife scene, but this German capital offers much more than just clubs and bars. The city’s diverse neighborhoods – from artsy Kreuzberg to sophisticated Mitte – give visitors plenty of ways to spend their days, whether browsing street art, visiting museums, or people-watching at local cafes. While the East Side Gallery and Brandenburg Gate draw crowds year-round, Berlin’s food markets and outdoor spaces come alive during summer months. Even if you arrive without plans, the city’s efficient public transit and welcoming locals make it easy to find your way around and perhaps make new friends at one of the many social meetups or cultural events happening every weekend.
Ibiza, Spain
Ibiza might be known for its wild party scene, but this Spanish island offers so much more for solo travelers looking to mix relaxation with social opportunities. This Mediterranean gem combines pristine beaches with hidden coves, where you can spend your mornings soaking up the sun and afternoons wandering through the cobblestone streets of Dalt Vila, the island’s historic old town. The beauty of visiting alone is that you can easily switch between peaceful moments at secluded beaches and joining the energetic crowd at beach clubs or sunset cafes. Whether you’re interested in yoga retreats, water sports, or dancing until sunrise, Ibiza lets you set your own pace and find your tribe among fellow travelers.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Singles flock to New Orleans for its open-minded atmosphere and round-the-clock energy, but this Louisiana gem offers much more than just its famous Bourbon Street scene. The French Quarter’s centuries-old architecture and live jazz spilling from doorways create perfect conditions for solo wandering, while the city’s renowned food scene – from casual po’boy shops to historic cafes serving beignets – makes dining alone a pleasure rather than a chore. During the day, you can join walking tours through the Garden District or hop on a streetcar to City Park, and come nightfall, the city’s many bars and music venues welcome solo travelers with their signature southern hospitality.
Mykonos, Greece
Singles flock to Mykonos for its mix of beach life and nightlife, but this Greek island offers much more than just parties and sunbathing. The island’s trademark white-washed buildings and blue-domed churches create perfect backdrops for wandering through narrow streets, while beaches like Paradise and Super Paradise draw crowds looking to mingle. During the day, you can explore the famous windmills, shop at local boutiques, or join a boat tour to nearby Delos island. The atmosphere shifts as sunset approaches, when beach clubs come alive and restaurants fill with people sharing mezze plates and swapping travel stories. Whether you’re interested in meeting new people at busy beach bars or finding quiet spots to relax by yourself, Mykonos suits different types of solo travelers year-round.
San Diego, California, USA
Looking for a solo escape that’s equal parts beach bliss and urban cool? San Diego serves up California charm with a laid-back twist. This coastal gem is where surf culture meets foodie heaven, with Pacific Beach’s sandy shores perfect for catching waves or simply watching the pros do their thing. The bustling Gaslamp Quarter draws singles into its web of rooftop bars and live music venues, while Balboa Park’s museums and gardens offer peaceful spots for solo wandering. You can hop between craft breweries in North Park, join a beach volleyball game with locals, or take a sunset sail in the bay – all without feeling like the odd one out. With year-round perfect weather and a super friendly vibe, it’s basically impossible to have a bad time here.
Copenhagen, Denmark
My love affair with Copenhagen started during a late spring visit in 2019. Nestled along the eastern coast of Denmark’s largest island, Zealand, Copenhagen mixes old-world charm with modern Nordic cool. The city’s web of canals and cobblestone streets winds through colorful row houses and past the famous Nyhavn waterfront, where boats bob gently in the harbor. Biking is the preferred way to get around, and you’ll spot more cyclists than cars zipping along the dedicated lanes. The food scene has exploded in recent years, with cozy cafes and innovative restaurants like Noma putting New Nordic cuisine on the map. Whether you’re hunting for vintage finds in the Latin Quarter or sipping coffee at a sidewalk cafe in Vesterbro, Copenhagen’s laid-back vibe makes it perfect for solo travelers looking to blend in with the locals.
Montreal, Canada
Ever wondered what it feels like to be in Europe without crossing the Atlantic? Montreal gives you exactly that feeling, with its mix of French charm and North American energy. Walking through the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, you’ll hear French being spoken all around you while the smell of fresh croissants wafts from local bakeries. The city really comes alive for singles, especially during summer festivals like Just for Laughs and the Jazz Festival, where you can easily strike up conversations with fellow music lovers. Take a food tour through Mile End to sample the city’s famous bagels and poutine, or join the locals for a picnic on Mount Royal, where drum circles and casual gatherings happen every Sunday. The city’s blend of culture, food, and friendly locals makes it perfect for solo travelers looking to mingle and make new friends.
Byron Bay, Australia
Byron Bay has become my go-to recommendation for solo travelers seeking that perfect mix of relaxation and adventure in Australia. This coastal town, about 8 hours north of Sydney, draws in free spirits and beach lovers with its laid-back attitude and year-round sunny weather. The town’s main beach stretches for miles, dotted with surfers catching waves and locals doing early morning yoga sessions. It’s the kind of place where you can spend your mornings hiking up to the iconic lighthouse, afternoons learning to surf with other solo travelers, and evenings chatting with new friends at beachfront bars. The best part? The town’s size makes it nearly impossible not to bump into the same friendly faces throughout your stay, making it surprisingly easy to form connections with both locals and fellow travelers.
Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
Ko Phi Phi feels like it was designed specifically for solo travelers looking to mix beach time with social adventures. This collection of islands draws backpackers and young professionals who come for the clear waters but end up staying for the lively beach bars and instant friendships formed over shared sunset views. During the day, you’ll find yourself hopping between hidden coves on longtail boats, joining impromptu volleyball games, or swimming alongside colorful fish in the warm Andaman Sea. The nightlife here is refreshingly unpretentious – think barefoot dancing on the beach rather than fancy clubs. It’s one of those places where you might arrive alone, but you’ll leave with a phone full of new contacts from around the world.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is a city built for singles looking to mingle – just ask any local hanging out on Gordon Beach. The nonstop energy flows from sunrise yoga on the Mediterranean shore through late-night parties in the bars of Rothschild Boulevard. During the day, you can hop between colorful food stalls at Carmel Market, checking out fresh produce and street snacks, before heading to the boutique-lined streets of artsy Neve Tzedek neighborhood. Come sunset, the beachfront fills with volleyball players and café crowds, while the city’s famous nightlife kicks into high gear with rooftop lounges and dance clubs staying busy until dawn.
Costa Rica
Many solo travelers head to Costa Rica for its Pacific and Caribbean beaches, but this Central American gem offers much more than coastlines. The country’s diverse landscapes include dense rainforests, active volcanoes, and coffee plantations that create endless opportunities for adventure. You can zip-line through forest canopies, spot monkeys and toucans on guided hikes, or learn to surf at beginner-friendly beaches like Tamarindo. The local “pura vida” (pure life) philosophy makes it easy for singles to connect with friendly locals and fellow travelers, whether you’re staying in social hostels or joining group tours to explore national parks.
