The U.S is a vast country with so many exciting places to seek. One way of exploring this enormous country that spans over 3,000 miles is to do it solo. There are tons of solo travel destinations with activities and safe environments that are ideal for exploring alone.
In this travel post, our guest contributor Nina Rossiello of Nomadic Neen (www.nomadicneen.com) shares where to travel solo in the USA, from the beautiful deserts of Arizona to the upstate beaches of New York.
why you should travel solo according to Nina Rossielo
Solo Travel is liberating, empowering, exciting, and something everyone should do at least once in their lives. Traveling solo can be a bit frightening to think about at first. I know I was absolutely terrified the first time I had to get on a plane without my mom or my friends. Once you get over that initial fear, a whole new world opens up, quite literally. Here are some of the best places to travel solo in the United States, whether it is your first or 100th solo trip!
Experience Radiant Energy Through Solo Travel to Sedona
Sedona is a desert town in central Arizona, and it is famous for its mesmerizing red-rocks. Each part of Arizona has a unique look to it, and Sedona’s is fiery yet calm all at the same time. There is something different about this city. There is energy in the air that radiates throughout your body and heightens your emotions.
What to do:
Sedona is the perfect spot for any outdoorsy travelers out there. There are so many hikes in Sedona you can conquer while visiting. The most Instagram-famous and popular hike are Devil’s Bridge. Since it is so popular, you will never feel alone, even on your solo trip. There will be plenty of other hikers on the trail enjoying the sun as well!
Here are some other relatively popular hikes you can do:
- Cathedral Rock
- Airport Mesa
- The Birthing Cave
*It is so important to remember to pack appropriately if you plan on hiking while traveling solo. A quality backpack filled with water, snacks, safety gear, first aid supplies, etc., is an absolute MUST. Be prepared, and you won’t have any issues.
You’d be missing out if you didn’t check out the unique shops that line Sedona’s streets! Each shop has a unique aesthetic. Everything screams “Sedona, Arizona” but in its own way. Earth’s Elements is a personal and local favorite. Channel all of that spiritual energy Sedona is feeding you while shopping here. I promise you won’t regret a visit to this shop.
Nestled in with the shops are spas and galleries so you can get your self-care and relax on and admire some art while you’re out there.
Where to Eat:
When picking a restaurant in Sedona, it is absolutely imperative that you pick a place with a good view, preferably outside. Soak up all of that sunshine and stare out at the red-rock buttes.
A perfect spot for this is Open Range Bar & Grill. Open Range offers delicious food and impeccable views off of their back deck. Even if you are seated inside, there are floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can still see the beautiful Sedona landscape while enjoying your meal.
relax and unwind by yourself in San Diego
Paradise in the United States exists, and it’s called San Diego. San Diego is a vibrant beach town on the West Coast. The word “stress” is completely irrelevant here. Everything is calm, with no pressure and chill vibes. Who doesn’t love that? This makes it the perfect solo travel spot. Traveling by yourself to such a relaxing city just means you’ll be able to enjoy yourself to the max.
What to do:
The real question is, “what is there not to do in San Diego?” This beach city offers so much for solo travelers to keep entertained outside of even the gorgeous shoreline beaches.
The San Diego Zoo is an absolute must-do. The San Diego Zoo is a nonprofit conservation organization looking to better the lives of the animals who reside there and animals around the globe. The Zoo sits in Balboa Park, which offers more than even just the Zoo. There are botanical gardens you can explore, museums to visit, and restaurants to feed your appetite.
San Diego is also home to a naval base for the United States Navy. Take a stroll down to the harbor to see the fleet of massive ships and vessels. Who knows, maybe you’ll even befriend a sailor! The best of friends can be made while traveling solo.
When the sun is about to set, head down to the Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego. Watch the sunset over the ocean and then enjoy a lively night of eating, drinking, and dancing your way through the city.
Where to eat:
The short answer is anywhere that serves tacos. You think you’ve had an awesome taco before visiting San Diego? Think again. Indulge in all of the delicious Mexican cuisines the city has to offer.
Self–INDULGE in East coast wandering in Montauk
We’re going way out in New York—to the furthest point east in New York, actually. Nicknamed “The End” or “The End of the World,” Montauk sits on the east end of Long Island and is about a 3-hour drive or train ride from New York City.
Montauk is a small fisherman’s village that has slowly gained popularity over the years with tourists. It is close to The Hamptons, so you might even spot a celebrity while wandering this adorable town.
What to do:
Soak in the sun on Montauk’s beach, which almost never feels overcrowded or loud. Enjoy your solo time but keep an eye out because you might see a whale pop out of the ocean every now and again! At night, go grab some firewood and marshmallows and make a fire along the beach. You’ll see this is a popular nightly activity and little bonfires line the shore of the beach.
A visit to Montauk wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Montauk Lighthouse. Climb to the top to enjoy breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding area. Don’t forget to snap a selfie while you’re up there!
If you are a boat-lover and want to check out some incredible boats, head over to Star Island Yacht Club and admire the boats docked there and the ones coming in and leaving the dock! Since Montauk is a fishing town, you’ll see lots of movement in and out of this marina and may even see fishermen bringing in their catch of the day.
Where to eat:
Again, Montauk is a fisherman’s town. You won’t get as fresh of a catch for dinner as you will in Montauk! Head down to Gosman’s Restaurant or Gosman’s Clam Bar if you’re in a hurry, and indulge in a tasty, fresh dinner!
After dinner, there are plenty of ice cream shops for you to visit to satisfy your sweet tooth. If ice cream isn’t enough, you have to take a trip to Sundae Donuts. Have you ever had a donut blended into your ice cream and then had that topped with another donut? Thought so. This delicious treat is all of the sugar you’ll need for your entire solo trip, but it is worth a taste!
Nina Rossiello of Nomadic Neen is an accountant by day and a “jam-packed” travel blogger by night. Through her travel blog, Nina shares stories, pictures, and tips to help inspire others to travel this beautiful planet we live on and help fellow travelers along their journeys whenever I can.
