With its well-developed infrastructure, a wide range of activities, and emphasis on safety, the USA is tailor-made for those venturing out on their own. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan an epic solo American. Let’s dive in!
Why USA is Perfect for Solo Travellers?
- Accessibility and Infrastructure
America’s extensive public transportation network makes it a breeze to get around without renting a car. Most major cities like New York, Chicago and San Francisco have reliable metro systems and bus routes that put top attractions within easy reach. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft also operate nationwide.
- Safety
The USA consistently ranks as one of the safest countries for solo travel, particularly for women. While it’s always important to stay vigilant, most American cities have relatively low crime rates. Busy downtown areas are generally safe to explore alone during the day.
- Cultural Experiences
With its rich history and vibrant arts scene, the USA offers endless opportunities for cultural enrichment. Solo travelers can easily spend days exploring world-class museums, catching Broadway shows, attending music festivals, and soaking up the unique vibe of each city.
Where to Stay in USA?
Finding the right accommodation is crucial for a successful solo trip. Here are some budget-friendly options that cater specifically to solo travelers:
Pod 51 Hotel – New York City
- Address: 230 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022
- Contact: +1 212-355-0300
- Description: With its prime Midtown location and stylish yet affordable “pods”, Pod 51 is a hit with solo travelers. Rooms are compact but well-designed, with perks like free Wi-Fi and in-room media centers. Mingle with other guests on the rooftop terrace.
Freehand Chicago Hotel
- Address: 19 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
- Contact: +1 312-940-3699
- Description: This hip hostel in Chicago’s River North neighborhood offers both shared and private rooms, all with a cool, vintage-inspired aesthetic. The lively on-site bar and coffee shop are prime spots to meet fellow travelers. Dorm rooms have personal lockers and en-suite bathrooms.
HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel
- Address: 1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
- Contact: +1 310-393-9913
- Description: Just blocks from the beach, this laid-back hostel offers a range of room options, from mixed dorms to private doubles. Freebies include Wi-Fi, breakfast, and activities like yoga classes and comedy nights. The on-site café and lounge are great for socializing.
Must-Visit Spots for Solo Travellers
From soaring skyscrapers to serene wilderness escapes, the USA boasts an incredible array of attractions that cater to intrepid solo voyagers. Here are some of the country’s most captivating points of interest:
Iconic Landmarks
Statue of Liberty – New York City
No trip to NYC is complete without a visit to Lady Liberty. This colossal copper statue, gifted by France in 1886, stands as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy.
- Timings: Ferries run from 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM daily
- Address: Liberty Island, New York, NY 10004
- Nearest town: New York City
- Best time to visit: September-November for milder weather and fewer crowds
- How to reach: Ferries depart from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Purchase tickets online in advance.
Golden Gate Bridge – San Francisco
An enduring emblem of San Francisco, this striking orange suspension bridge stretches across the Golden Gate strait, connecting the city to Marin County. Walk or bike across for panoramic bay views.
- Timings: Open 24/7, but best visited during daylight hours
- Address: Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, CA 94129
- Nearest town: San Francisco
- Best time to visit: September-November, when the fog is less prevalent
- How to reach: Easily accessible by car, bus, bike or on foot from downtown SF.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art – New York City
Known simply as “The Met”, this world-renowned museum houses over 5,000 years of art from across the globe. You could spend days exploring its vast collections, from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary masterpieces.
- Timings: 10 AM–5:30 PM Sun–Thu, 10 AM–9 PM Fri & Sat
- Address: 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
- Nearest town: New York City
- Best time to visit: Weekdays are generally less crowded
- How to reach: Easy access via subway (4, 5, 6 lines to 86 St) or bus (M1, M2, M3, M4 to 82 St)
National Museum of African American History & Culture – Washington DC
This Smithsonian Institution museum is dedicated to documenting African American life, history, and culture. Interactive exhibits span themes from slavery to the Civil Rights Movement to contemporary black culture.
- Timings: 10 AM–5:30 PM daily
- Address: 1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560
- Nearest town: Washington, DC
- Best time to visit: Anytime, but timed-entry passes are required on weekends and busy periods
- How to reach: Within walking distance of the Smithsonian and Federal Triangle Metro stations
The French Quarter – New Orleans
The oldest neighborhood in New Orleans is a sensory feast, known for its colorful Creole cottages, boisterous nightlife, and soulful jazz music spilling out onto the streets. Spend an afternoon gallery-hopping and people-watching in Jackson Square.
- Timings: 24/7, but shops and restaurants have individual hours
- Address: French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Nearest town: New Orleans
- Best time to visit: February-May for mild weather and festivals like Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest
- How to reach: Easily walkable from anywhere in downtown New Orleans. Streetcars run along the border.
Relaxation Zones
Central Park – New York City
- Description: An emerald oasis in the heart of Manhattan, Central Park offers a peaceful respite from the urban grind. Stroll the elm-lined Mall, row a boat on the Lake, or simply spread out a picnic blanket and watch the world go by.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 1:00 AM daily
- Address: Central Park, New York, NY
- Nearest town: New York City
- Best time to visit: Spring for cherry blossoms, fall for gorgeous foliage
- How to reach: Multiple subway lines stop near the park’s perimeter, including the A/C, B/D, and 1 trains.
Dining Solo in USA
Eating alone can be one of the most daunting aspects of solo travel, but it doesn’t have to be. From quick and casual eateries to upscale foodie havens, the USA offers a smorgasbord of dining options that cater to solo diners.
Casual Eats
Katz’s Delicatessen – New York City
Timings: 8:00 AM–10:45 PM (Mon-Wed), 8:00 AM–2:45 AM (Thu), 8:00 AM–Sat 12:45 AM (Fri-Sat), 8:00 AM–10:45 PM (Sun)
Recommended dishes:
- Pastrami on rye
- Hand-carved corned beef sandwich
- Matzo ball soup
- NY-style cheesecake
- Potato knish
- Beef frankfurter
Gott’s Roadside – San Francisco
Timings: 10:30 AM–9:00 PM (Sun-Thu), 10:30 AM–10:00 PM (Fri-Sat)
Recommended dishes:
- California burger with fried egg, swiss, bacon & arugula
- Ahi tuna burger
- Chicken kale caesar salad
- Sweet potato fries
- Garlic fries
- Milkshakes (especially strawberry)
Fancy Options
Eleven Madison Park – New York City
Timings: 5:30 PM–10:00 PM (Thu-Sun)
Recommended dishes:
- Panacotta
- Aspharagus
- Radish Tostada
- Mocktail pairings
Atelier Crenn – San Francisco
Timings: 5:00 PM–8:30 PM (Tue-Sat)
Recommended dishes:
- Poetic tasting menu of 14+ courses, such as:
- Geoduck tart with oyster and caviar
- Smoked eel with creme fraiche and dill
- Brioche with cultured butter
- Turbot with fennel and bouillabaisse
- White chocolate and coconut dessert
- Thoughtful wine pairings
- Tea pairings
Budget Eats
Tacos El Gordo – Las Vegas
Timings: 10:00 AM–2:00 AM (Mon-Thu), 10:00 AM–4:00 AM (Fri-Sun)
Recommended dishes:
- Al pastor tacos
- Carne asada fries
- Lengua (beef tongue) tacos
- Mulas (meat & cheese tortillas)
- Quesadillas
- Sopes
Gray’s Papaya – New York City
Timings: Open 24/7
Recommended dishes:
- Chili cheese dog
- Pineapple Juice
- Franks
- Tropical Drinks
Cafes for Work and Relaxation
When you need a break from sightseeing or a cozy spot to catch up on emails, duck into one of these inviting cafes:
Creature Coffee Co. at Native Hostel, Austin
Timings: Weekdays: 7 AM – 10 PM and Weekends: 7 AM – 10 PM
Recommended dishes:
- Nitro iced coffee
- Bagels with cream cheese
- Breakfast tacos
- Caprese sandwich
- Kale Caesar salad
- Lavender honey latte
- Local craft beer
Verve Coffee Roasters, Los Angeles
Timings: Weekdays: 6 AM – 7 PM and Weekends: 7 AM – 8 PM
Recommended dishes:
- Single-origin pour over coffee
- Avocado toast
- Seasonal veggie quiche
- Almond butter toast
- Chia seed pudding
- Turmeric spiced latte
- Kombucha on tap
Final Tips for Solo Dining in USA
- Opt for cafes and restaurants with communal tables or bar seating to meet fellow travelers.
- Don’t be shy to ask locals for their favorite hole-in-the-wall eateries.
- Take advantage of happy hour specials to sample restaurants on a budget.
- Bring a book, journal, or sketchpad to keep you company during meals.
- Use apps like Yelp to read reviews and find solo-friendly spots near you.
- Consider signing up for a food tour to explore the local culinary scene with a guide and small group.
Activities Perfect for Solo Travellers
From pulse-pounding adventures to enriching cultural experiences, the USA offers a smorgasbord of activities tailored for the solo traveler.
Adventure and Thrill
Grand Canyon Skywalk, Arizona
- Address: Eagle Point, Grand Canyon West, AZ 86434
- Contact: (888) 868-9378
- Email:[email protected]
- Best time: September – November, March – May
- Price Range: $30-50 per person
- Recommendations: Book tickets in advance on the official Grand Canyon West website.
Zion National Park Hiking, Utah
- Address: 1 Zion Park Blvd, Springdale, UT 84767
- Contact: (435) 772-3256
- Email:[email protected]
- Best time: Spring and fall
- Price Range: Free entry; some trails require permits
- Recommendations: Check trail conditions and get permits on the National Park Service website.
Indoor Adventures
The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York City
- Address: 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
- Contact: (212) 708-9400
- Email:[email protected]
- Best time: Weekdays to avoid crowds
- Price Range: $25 general admission
- Recommendations: Book timed-entry tickets online via MoMA’s official website.
The Field Museum, Chicago
- Address: 1400 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60605
- Contact: (312) 922-9410
- Email:[email protected]
- Best time: Weekdays for fewer crowds
- Price Range: $20-30 general admission
- Recommendations: Get tickets in advance on The Field Museum website.
Social Experiences
Attend a Music Festival
- Best time: Spring/summer, varies by event
- Price Range: $100-500 for a weekend pass
- Recommendations: Book early and check lineups on official festival sites like Coachella.
Join a Guided Food Tour
- Address: Varies by city (e.g. New Orleans, NYC, San Francisco)
- Best time: Year-round, check schedules
- Price Range: $50-100 per person
- Recommendations: Read reviews and book top-rated tours like Foods of New York Tours.
Luxury Escapes
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, California
- Address: 1 Miramontes Point Rd, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
- Contact: (650) 712-7000
- Email: [email protected]
- Best time: Spring and fall for mild weather
- Price Range: $500-1000 per night
- Recommendations: Book spa treatments and golf tee times on The Ritz-Carlton website.
Solo Travel Safety: Emergency Numbers
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, fire, and ambulance services
- Tips: Keep your phone charged and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Stick to well-lit, populous areas and use reputable rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
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FAQs
Why is USA Mall famous?
American malls are renowned for their massive size, diverse store offerings, and plentiful entertainment options. Iconic shopping centers like Minnesota’s Mall of America feature hundreds of retailers, restaurants, movie theaters, and even indoor amusement parks, making them destinations in their own right.
Is USA a good place to travel alone?
Yes, the USA is an excellent solo travel destination, with a wide array of safe, welcoming cities and towns to explore. From national parks to bustling metropolises, there’s something for every type of solo traveler, and a wealth of resources available for planning a solo trip to USA.
Can a single girl travel to USA?
Absolutely! Many women enjoy rewarding, enriching solo travel experiences in USA. By taking common-sense precautions like staying aware of your surroundings, sticking to well-trafficked areas, and using reliable transportation, single female travelers can safely navigate the country.
Is USA cheap or expensive?
The USA offers options for every budget, from wallet-friendly hostels and street eats to lavish resorts and Michelin-starred restaurants. Your expenses will depend on the destinations you choose, the season you visit, and the type of accommodations and activities you prefer.
How can I enjoy nightlife in USA?
The USA boasts legendary nightlife, with world-class bars, clubs, live music venues and more. Research the top attractions for solo travelers in your destination, like catching a comedy show in Chicago, line dancing in Nashville, or bar hopping in New York City.
