Sometimes the best adventures are the ones you take alone. As a digital nomad who’s spent countless weekends exploring hidden corners of America, I’ve learned that solo travel opens up a whole new way of experiencing places – no compromises, no scheduling conflicts, just you and the open road.
The beauty of weekend getaways is that they fit perfectly into our busy lives, offering just enough time to reset and explore somewhere new. From cozy mountain towns where you can hit the trails at your own pace, to buzzing coastal cities where you can wander through neighborhoods without checking if anyone else is hungry, the US is packed with destinations that were made for solo travelers.
I’ve put together this list of the best weekend escapes across the country, combining my own experiences with insights from fellow solo travelers who’ve mastered the art of the quick getaway. Whether you’re new to traveling alone or a seasoned solo explorer, these spots will make you feel right at home while feeding your wanderlust.
- Best for hiking enthusiasts: Sedona, Arizona
- Perfect beach escape: Key West, Florida
- Best food scene: Portland, Maine
- Great for nature lovers: Olympic National Park, Washington
- Ideal city break: Austin, Texas
- Best mountain getaway: Asheville, North Carolina
Portland, Oregon
Ever had a donut topped with bacon while watching a unicyclist juggle in the rain? That’s just another Tuesday in Portland, Oregon, where weird is a way of life. This laid-back city nestled between the Columbia and Willamette Rivers is a paradise for solo travelers who march to their own beat. You can spend your mornings browsing Powell’s City of Books, the world’s largest independent bookstore, before hopping between food carts serving everything from Korean tacos to Viking soul food. The city’s compact downtown and efficient public transit make it easy to explore Forest Park’s 70 miles of hiking trails or cycle along the waterfront without ever needing a car. When evening rolls around, catch a show at one of the many indie music venues, or sample your way through Portland’s famous craft brewery scene, where making friends with locals over a pint comes naturally.
Austin, Texas
Austin makes solo travelers feel right at home with its welcoming vibe and endless entertainment options. The Texas capital combines live music venues on every corner, food trucks serving up mouthwatering BBQ and tacos, and outdoor spots like Lady Bird Lake where you can kayak or stroll the trails. Between catching shows at historic venues on 6th Street, sampling local craft beers, and exploring the quirky South Congress neighborhood, you’ll never run out of things to do on your own.
Asheville, North Carolina
Tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville strikes a perfect balance between small-town charm and creative energy. Much like other artsy cities in America, Asheville has its collection of galleries, craft breweries, and indie boutiques. But unlike the others, it feels like a place where mountain culture and artistic expression have found common ground. Just walk through the River Arts District, where former factories now house working artists’ studios, and you’ll understand what I mean. Because of its location near the Appalachian Trail and the Biltmore Estate, outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs have made this mountain town their playground, and you’ll find hiking trails, folk music venues, and Art Deco architecture at every turn.
San Diego, California
Many solo travelers head to San Diego for its perfect year-round weather, but this Southern California city offers much more than just sunny days. The laid-back coastal destination boasts 70 miles of beaches where you can surf, paddleboard, or simply relax with a good book. Between beach sessions, you can explore Balboa Park’s museums and gardens, wander through the historic Gaslamp Quarter, or spend time at the famous San Diego Zoo. The city’s thriving food scene, from fish tacos in Pacific Beach to Little Italy’s restaurants, makes dining alone a pleasure rather than a chore. While summer draws the biggest crowds, San Diego’s mild climate means you can enjoy outdoor activities and attractions any time of the year.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Ever woken up to the sound of jazz floating through your window? That’s daily life in New Orleans, where music spills from every corner and the smell of fresh beignets fills the morning air. This soulful city lets solo travelers slip right into its easy-going rhythm, whether you’re wandering the historic French Quarter or joining impromptu dance parties on Frenchmen Street. Between the crawfish boils in local backyards and streetcar rides through the Garden District, you’ll find yourself falling into conversations with friendly locals who treat everyone like family. The city really comes alive at night, when you can hop from one jazz club to another, or join a ghost tour through the famously haunted French Quarter – perfect for meeting other travelers while uncovering the city’s mysterious past.
Did You Know This Fact?
Did you know that New Orleans is actually sinking at a rate of about two inches per year due to the soft, marshy ground it’s built on and the draining of water from its soil? The city actually sits in a bowl between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain, with some parts now lying 8 feet below sea level, making it one of the few major U.S. cities that sits largely below sea level.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Solo travelers flock to Santa Fe for its rich Native American culture and art scene, but this high-desert city offers much more than galleries and museums. The oldest state capital in America sits at 7,000 feet above sea level, surrounded by the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where hiking trails and ski slopes await outdoor enthusiasts. While the historic Plaza district draws visitors with its adobe architecture and local craft markets, the city’s food scene tells its own story through red and green chile-covered dishes and farm-to-table restaurants. You can fill your days exploring ancient pueblos, soaking in natural hot springs, or taking cooking classes to learn traditional New Mexican recipes – Santa Fe keeps solo adventurers engaged year-round.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston holds a special place in my heart as one of the South’s most charming coastal cities. The historic downtown area feels like stepping into a living postcard, with cobblestone streets winding past colorful antebellum homes and horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping their way through the French Quarter. It’s perfect for solo travelers who want to wander at their own pace, whether that means visiting plantations dripping with Spanish moss, shopping at the century-old City Market, or sampling fresh seafood at local oyster bars. The warm hospitality of locals makes it easy to strike up conversations, and the walkable size of the peninsula means you can explore most attractions without needing a car.
Nashville, Tennessee
I always tell solo travelers that Nashville is their perfect weekend escape. Known as Music City, this lively Southern hub serves up live country tunes from morning till night at the famous honky-tonks along Lower Broadway. Beyond the music scene, you’ll find fantastic BBQ joints, the iconic Grand Ole Opry, and the Country Music Hall of Fame where you can dive deep into Nashville’s musical roots.
Key West, Florida
My first solo trip to the Florida Keys led me to Key West back in 2019. The southernmost point of the continental United States, Key West sits at the end of the Overseas Highway, where the Gulf of Mexico meets the Atlantic Ocean. Colorful conch houses and swaying palm trees line the streets here, along with Ernest Hemingway’s former home that still houses dozens of six-toed cats. The nightly sunset celebration at Mallory Square brings together street performers, food vendors, and travelers who gather to watch the sun sink into the ocean, painting the sky in layers of pink and orange that reflect off the calm waters below.
Burlington, Vermont
Escape to Burlington, Vermont, where small-town charm meets outdoor adventure along the shores of Lake Champlain. Start your day wandering through the Church Street Marketplace, a car-free zone filled with local shops, cafes, and street performers. Take a bike ride along the Island Line Trail, an 8-mile path that crosses the lake on an old railroad causeway, or join a craft beer tour to sample some of Vermont’s famous local brews. For dinner, grab a table at one of the farm-to-table restaurants downtown, where chefs create seasonal dishes using ingredients from nearby farms. The Hotel Vermont makes a great home base, putting you right in the middle of all the action.
Sedona, Arizona
I first visited Sedona on a solo trip in 2019, drawn to its famous red rock formations that define the Arizona landscape. Nestled in the Verde Valley, Sedona sits surrounded by towering sandstone buttes and pine forests that stretch as far as the eye can see. The town’s main street is lined with southwestern art galleries, crystal shops, and cozy cafes where solo travelers can easily spend an afternoon. Local hiking trails like Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock offer peaceful solitude, while the Chapel of the Holy Cross, built right into the cliffs, provides a quiet spot for reflection. After dark, Sedona’s designation as a Dark Sky City makes it perfect for stargazing, with the Milky Way stretching across the desert sky in remarkable clarity.
Savannah, Georgia
I first discovered Savannah during a solo road trip down the Atlantic coast in 2018. Tucked along Georgia’s eastern shore, this charming city feels frozen in time with its Spanish moss-draped oak trees and historic town squares. The cobblestone streets of River Street run parallel to the Savannah River, where old cotton warehouses have been converted into cozy restaurants, art galleries, and boutique shops. Forsyth Park anchors the historic district with its iconic fountain and weekly farmers’ market, while nearby Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room draws locals and tourists alike for family-style Southern cooking served at communal tables. Walking through Savannah feels like stepping into a living postcard, where every corner reveals another antebellum mansion or secret garden waiting to be explored.
Boulder, Colorado
Many travelers head to Boulder for its perfect blend of outdoor adventure and small-city charm, where the Rocky Mountains serve as both backdrop and playground. The Flatirons – those tilted slabs of red rock that frame the city – offer countless trails for hiking and rock climbing, while Pearl Street Mall draws people in with its local shops, street performers, and casual eateries. Boulder Creek Path, which winds through the heart of town, becomes a hub of activity in warmer months as cyclists, joggers, and tubers make the most of the waterway. Whether you’re interested in joining a morning yoga class, sampling craft beers, or exploring the University of Colorado campus, Boulder packs enough variety into its compact size to keep solo travelers entertained throughout their stay.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Bar Harbor sits like a postcard-perfect town on Maine’s Mount Desert Island, where I first visited during a solo autumn escape in 2019. This charming New England port serves as the gateway to Acadia National Park, with its rocky coastline and pine-covered mountains meeting the Atlantic Ocean. Local lobster shacks and ice cream parlors line the downtown streets, while whale watching boats bob in the harbor waiting for their next expedition. The town comes alive at sunrise when the first light hits Cadillac Mountain, and the morning fog lifts to reveal small fishing boats heading out to sea. From the Shore Path that winds along the coast to the village green where local artists set up their easels, Bar Harbor offers solo travelers a perfect mix of outdoor adventure and small-town comfort.
Palm Springs, California
Ever spotted a movie star buying groceries? It’s a regular occurrence in Palm Springs, a desert oasis two hours east of Los Angeles where mid-century modern meets laid-back luxury. This sun-soaked city draws solo travelers with its mix of poolside relaxation and outdoor adventure. You can ride the world’s largest rotating tram car up to Mount San Jacinto State Park for hiking trails with valley views, or spend your days hopping between vintage boutiques and design shops in the Uptown Design District. The city’s collection of boutique hotels and spas makes it perfect for a peaceful weekend escape, while the surrounding Coachella Valley serves up everything from world-class golf courses to natural hot springs.
Taos, New Mexico
Nestled in northern New Mexico, Taos draws solo travelers looking for a mix of outdoor adventure and artistic culture in the high desert. The town sits at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, where hiking trails and ski slopes keep outdoor enthusiasts busy year-round. While many visitors come for the historic Taos Pueblo – a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back over 1,000 years – the area’s rich art scene, with its numerous galleries and museums, makes it perfect for cultural exploration. You can spend your days browsing local craft shops, taking a hot air balloon ride over the Rio Grande Gorge, or simply unwinding in one of the many adobe-style bed and breakfasts that dot this laid-back desert town.
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ann Arbor might be best known as the home of the University of Michigan, but this charming Midwest city offers so much more than just college life. The historic downtown district comes alive on fall weekends when football fans flood the streets, creating an energy that’s hard to find anywhere else. Walking through the winding pathways of the Nichols Arboretum or browsing the stalls at the year-round farmers market, you’ll discover why locals love calling this place home. It’s the perfect mix of small-town comfort and big-city culture, with independent bookstores, quirky cafes, and art galleries tucked into almost every corner. For solo travelers, the welcoming atmosphere and easy-to-navigate streets make it an ideal weekend escape, especially if you’re looking to blend some college town spirit with a dash of Midwest hospitality.
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence might not be the first city that comes to mind for a solo trip, but this compact New England capital has completely won me over. The city’s mix of college-town energy (thanks to Brown University and RISD) and historic charm creates an atmosphere that’s perfect for wandering solo. Walking through the red-brick buildings of College Hill feels like stepping into a living history book, while the food scene – from Italian feasts in Federal Hill to experimental restaurants opened by Johnson & Wales culinary graduates – gives you plenty of excuses to treat yourself. It’s an easy city to navigate on foot or by bike, and the locals are genuinely friendly to visitors exploring on their own.
Madison, Wisconsin
If you’re looking to trade big-city chaos for Midwest charm, Madison should be at the top of your list. Nestled between two lakes in the heart of Wisconsin, this laid-back college town combines the energy of a state capital with an easy-going vibe that makes solo travelers feel right at home. The city’s famous Dane County Farmers’ Market circles the Capitol building every Saturday, while five lakes offer plenty of spots for kayaking, swimming, or just watching the sunset with a locally-brewed beer in hand.
Interesting Fact:
Did you know that Madison is the only city in North America built on an isthmus (a narrow strip of land connecting two larger bodies of water), sitting beautifully between Lakes Mendota and Monona? The city’s unique geography has earned it the nickname “City of Four Lakes,” though it actually borders five lakes – Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, Kegonsa, and Wingra.
Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
Whenever solo travelers ask me where to go in California, I recommend the charming seaside town of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tucked along the central coast, this one-square-mile village feels like it was plucked straight from a European fairytale, with its cobblestone streets, hidden courtyards, and cozy cottages covered in ivy. The town’s small size makes it perfect for wandering alone – you can explore art galleries, sip wine at local tasting rooms, and relax on the white sandy beach, all within walking distance of each other.
Interesting Fact:
If you’re hoping to spot a celebrity while strolling through this upscale beach town, keep your eyes peeled – Clint Eastwood served as mayor here from 1986 to 1988 and still owns property in the area. As quirky as it is charming, Carmel-by-the-Sea has no street addresses, and residents must pick up their mail at the post office, a tradition that’s been in place since the town was founded in 1902.
