Downward Angle Icon An icon in the shape of a downward angle. I’ve been traveling alone for 10 years. Emily Hart For the past ten years, I have traveled to all 50 states and nearly every national park in the United States. There’s no wrong way to travel, but some places are better suited for solo travel than others. Chattanooga, Tennessee and Moab, Utah are two of my favorite places to visit alone.
Over the past decade, I have traveled solo to nearly every national park in the United States and, as of last year, all 50 states.
I’m often asked which state, city, or general region is “best” for first-time solo travelers.
I don’t think there’s a wrong way to travel solo, but some places are better suited for solo travel than others.
I like returning to smaller, budget-friendly cities that are easy to get around and offer a variety of outdoor activities, museums, and delicious food and drink options.
Here are some places we recommend for first-time solo travelers.
One of my most memorable solo trips was to the Georgia coast.
Georgia’s coast has plenty of activities perfect for solo travelers.emily hart
One of my most memorable solo trips was one I wasn’t expecting. It was a road trip down the Georgia coast.
Start from the Florida-Georgia border and stop at Cumberland Island National Seashore for history, hiking, and wild horses.
Head to St. Simons Island for laid-back beaches and delicious food, then head along the coast to the savannah for museums, food, and maybe even a ghost tour.
I love watching the sunrise on the beach on Tybee Island.
I’ve been told that Northern New Mexico is an introvert’s paradise for me.
My first solo trip was to northern New Mexico.emily hart
My first solo trip was in northern New Mexico, and it’s still the place I recommend most for first-time solo travelers.
Long the home and retreat of notorious loner like Georgia O’Keeffe and D.H. Lawrence, the area around Taos and Santa Fe is perfect for solo travelers.
From museums to hiking, hot springs, ski slopes, wineries, and a variety of short-term rentals, it’s no wonder I’ve been described as an introvert’s paradise.
For hiking and history, don’t forget to take a side trip to Abiquiu and Ghost Ranch, an impressive 21,000-acre National Natural Landmark and former home of Georgia O’Keeffe.
Traveling to Moab, Utah feels like stepping into a completely different world.
Moab, Utah is home to two national parks and one state park.emily hart
Home to two national parks and one state park, Moab has plenty of outdoor activities for all types of travelers.
It’s popular with families and groups traveling, but it’s also a great spot for solo travelers.
With great restaurants, breweries, lodging, and proximity to high-traffic parks and outdoor adventure supply stores, Moab is highly accessible for solo travelers looking to get outside.
Don’t forget to check out the sunrise over Mesa Arch in Canyonlands National Park.
Kennebunkport, Maine is the perfect place for a relaxing vacation.
Maine is a great state for solo travelers.emily hart
Overall, Maine is a great place for solo travelers.
With its beautiful rugged coastline, lush forests, quaint small towns, and bed and breakfasts on every corner, it’s the perfect place to reset.
I especially love visiting Kennebunkport for solo self-care during shoulder season.
This coastal town is easily accessible from Boston and is full of shops, nature trails, resorts, beaches, and lobster rolls.
Don’t miss kayaking on the Kennebunk River downtown.
Chattanooga, Tennessee is a walkable and friendly city.
Chattanooga, Tennessee is a great place for solo travelers.emily hart
Chattanooga, Tennessee is my favorite mid-sized southern city, perfect for solo travel.
The city has a hip, urban feel, yet is surrounded by nature and hiking.
Easily accessible for weekend trips from Atlanta, Nashville, Knoxville, and Birmingham, this city is walkable and friendly, with several festivals held throughout the year and perfect for exploring.
For a unique adventure, try stand-up paddleboarding into Nickajack Lake’s Bat Cave with Outshine Adventures.
The “SLO Coast” in San Luis Obispo County, California is one of my favorite places to travel.
I love visiting the SLO coast of California.emily hart
Road tripping the California coast is a bucket list experience for many travelers. However, if you don’t want to walk the 655-mile Pacific Coast Highway alone, head to the Central Coast.
San Luis Obispo County’s “SLO Coast” is one of my favorite places to travel because it’s sparse and incredibly beautiful.
From San Luis Obispo to Avila Beach to Pismo Beach to Morro Bay, every stop is just as memorable as the last.
Don’t forget to take a short detour inland to Paso Robles for some wine tasting.
The Olympic Peninsula is a great place for solo travelers.
One of the highlights of the Olympic Peninsula is Olympic National Park.emily hart
The Pacific Northwest is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, and Olympic National Park, located on the Olympic Peninsula, is one of its crown jewels.
I have visited Washington several times to visit this peninsula and its beautiful rocky beaches.
Dense, tranquil rainforest and towering mountains offer a wealth of campgrounds, lodges, and short-term rentals conveniently located near Seattle, perfect for solo adventurers. A great long weekend getaway.
Don’t forget to take a side trip to Cape Flattery, part of the Makah Reservation and the northwest tip of the continental United States.
Alaska is a great place to try a solo cruise.
Although I was nervous about sailing alone, I really enjoyed my trip to Alaska.emily hart
I was hesitant to go out on the water alone on a cruise to Alaska because I thought I would feel out of place and restricted by the ship. However, it didn’t take long for me to fall in love with solo cruising.
It was heaven, with lots of activities, excursions, food and drinks, and spa services at our fingertips.
Don’t miss Glacier Bay National Park for sailing. Only two boats are allowed into the park by the Park Service each day, making it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
