Originally published on Travel + Leisure.

29 Best Places in the U.S. for Solo Travelers to Visit

Whether you crave alone time on a wellness escape or freedom to explore, these destinations score highly for safety, convenience, and fun.

By Evie Carrick and Stephanie Granada

Published on May 2, 2026

Traveling alone is all about freedom and independence—freedom to go where you want, when you want, and independence in your ability to visit new places and meet new people without the crutch of a travel companion. It's not for everyone, but those willing to venture off on their own are rewarded with a compromise-free vacation and unforgettable experiences. But where to go?

If you're just testing the waters of solo travel, you might want to stay close to home, which is where these destinations across the United States come in handy. Whether you dream of a spa vacation with plenty of time to relax and reset, a trip packed with activities, or a soul-searching expedition, here are some of the best places to travel alone in the U.S.

Salt Lake City

Temple Square, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Sean Pavone / Getty Images

It may be Utah's largest city, but Salt Lake City doesn't feel like a giant metropolis. Maybe it's the fact that it's surrounded by mountains or the open expanse of the Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island State Park to the west. Either way, this friendly city has everything a solo traveler could want—great food (check out Feldman's Deli), plenty of sun-drenched days, and easy access to both the mountains and water. Apart from the many things to do in town, you'll have your pick of exciting day trips to nearby state parks, or you can use the city as a launchpad to explore Utah's stunning geology at national parks like Zion and Bryce Canyon.

Visit Salt Lake (VSL) is the private, nonprofit Destination Sales & Experience Organization (DSXO) dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and activating conventions, meetings, sporting events and leisure travel that fuels the region’s visitor economy. In partnership with Salt Lake County, hoteliers, members and public-sector stakeholders, VSL helps generate $6.15 billion in annual visitor spending, $575 million in direct tax revenue and $1,700 in household tax savings while supporting more than 56,000 jobs. By championing Salt Lake's authentic urban-meets-mountain identity, VSL creates transformative experiences that benefit the community and visitors alike. For more information, visit www.VisitSaltLake.com.