The benefits of solo travel are numerous, offering a chance to reflect, build confidence, and plan your schedule without having to please anyone else.
If you're looking to dip your toe into solo travel or are short on vacation time, a weekend getaway can be a great option. Here, we've gathered 10 destinations that are perfect for solo travelers, easy to reach, and small enough to see in a weekend.
New York City is the OG solo destination, making solo travel not just possible but downright cool. You'll find plenty to do here to fill your weekend, from staying in Midtown or Times Square to hit marquis attractions like Rockefeller Center and Broadway, to Greenwich Village for foodie delights or the Upper West Side for a quiet family getaway.
"There's no city in the world as conducive to solo travel as NYC," says a senior writer. "Bring your walking shoes and get lost on foot, or have a cocktail outside and people watch. And being solo means you can find great deals on Broadway shows using apps like TodayTix."
Quebec City offers a distinctly European vibe, with cobblestone streets and fortified city walls. It has the feel of a French or Swiss vacation while being much closer to home for U.S. travelers. The city's architecture is like something out of a movie, and it's even home to the world's most photographed hotel.
"Combining walkability and a distinctly European vibe, Quebec City is ideal for a solo weekend getaway," says a managing editor of hotels and destinations. "Between the lengthy history, the quaint streets worthy of an entire film roll of photos and transporting experiences like Stromspa along the ambling St. Lawrence River, there is plenty to do as a solo traveler here — and it's extremely safe, which is especially nice for solo female travelers."
London offers endless things to do, from the usual suspects like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to solo-friendly activities like a huge zoo, a riverside book market, and various (often free) museums. Of course, no visit would be complete without a full English breakfast or a plate of fish 'n' chips.
San Diego is often considered a second city to LA, but it offers similar food, art, and culture in a smaller, more manageable package. Solo travelers will feel welcome in the laid-back Southern California surf culture, especially once they crack open a cold one in one of the city's 150-plus independent breweries, cideries, and more.
Nashville is a great place to explore alone, with its dazzling southern hospitality and larger-than-life bar scene — with live music 365 days per year. The city's dining scene isn't far behind its music scene, with hole-in-the-wall Southern comfort spots feeling right at home alongside globally inspired Michelin-starred restaurants.
Portland, Maine, is a cozy coastal escape, with a ton of maritime history and charm — and plenty of fresh seafood — all squeezed into one compact peninsula. The city is the perfect size for a weekend getaway, with a more intimate feel and slower pace than many of the metropolitan areas on this list.
Barcelona combines excellent walkability, public transport, and a thriving tapas culture that makes it easy to dine alone. You can hop from one tapas bar to another (no reservation needed), sampling small plates and wines while chatting with the bartender or other patrons.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, is famous for its distinctive Pueblo-style adobe architecture and blend of Indigenous, Spanish, and Anglo cultural influences. The city offers a relaxing solo retreat, with a vibrant art scene, world-class spas, and its location in the Sangre de Cristo foothills.
Vancouver is accessible from the U.S. but feels a world away, with the cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture of historic Gastown, and the rich Indigenous heritage showcased in the Museum of Anthropology. Outdoorsy solo travelers will have a blast exploring British Columbia's famed wilderness.
Puerto Rico stands out as one of the most convenient Caribbean destinations for a weekend getaway. The compact island takes only a couple of hours to drive across, but you could just as easily fill a weekend in the capital city of San Juan.
These points-friendly solo destinations run the gamut, whether you're seeking a quiet retreat, a lively party scene, outdoor adventure, or a little bit of everything. Even better, they're accessible enough that you can visit them in a single weekend — though you'll surely return home hungry for more.
