Solo travel is all about getting in touch with yourself by striking out into the world.
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That can be a tough balance to strike, especially if you’re used to traveling in small packs—or large herds. Venturing out solo for the first time can bring on a myriad of questions and concerns.
Is it better to book a hotel, hostel, or a private rental? Do you need to have a car with you, or should you rely on rideshares? And which cities are you most likely to run into other solo travelers?
There are plenty of reasons to hit the road solo, from work opportunities to attending a concert to exploring museums on a long weekend. Regardless of your motivation, you might want a short list of smaller and more affordable US cities perfect for solo travel.
Start with these standouts.
10 small(er) and more affordable US cities perfect for solo travel
- Something funky: Portland, Oregon
- Classic & eclectic: Portland, Maine
- All the rage: Asheville, North Carolina
- A dash of Southern charm: Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Nature-adjacent: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Up-and-coming gem: Greenville, South Carolina
- Slow down and smell the saguaros: Tucson, Arizona
- Fairytale feel: Savannah, Georgia
- Unexpected finds… and eats: Santa Fe, New Mexico
- In warmer months: Minneapolis, Minnesota
10 small(er) and more affordable US cities perfect for solo travel
Something funky: Portland, Oregon
- Best time to visit: Summer
Looking for a place known for its radical acceptance of (almost) all lifestyles? Head to Portland. Many neighborhoods are walkable, meaning you can get around without renting a car. Locals are known for being friendly, while many shops and restaurants are boutique, home-grown, and full of locally sourced items. If you’re feeling a little whimsical and want to follow that feeling to the promised land of whimsy, go to Portland.
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Classic & eclectic: Portland, Maine
- Best time to visit: Summer & autumn
You might not know this, but on the other side of the country, Portland, Maine, is also known for its overwhelmingly welcoming atmosphere. Though much smaller than its Oregonian counterpart, that’s not a bad thing. You can walk just about the whole little city on foot. (But you might want a car if you’re going to venture out to the area’s many parks and reserves.) It’s also known for being very safe, making it ideal for first-time solo travelers who are concerned with safety.
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All the rage: Asheville, North Carolina
- Best time to visit: Spring
Asheville combines natural wonders, outdoor activities, and history—a blend that has helped put Asheville on the map over the last decade. Its foodie scene and art galleries are also worth noting, along with its range of B&Bs housed inside Victorian mansions. Toss in access to major national parks like the Great Smoky Mountains and Pisgah National Forest, and Asheville shines from just about every angle.
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A dash of Southern charm: Chattanooga, Tennessee
- Best time to visit: Autumn
Forget Nashville, Memphis, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg—Chattanooga is Tennessee’s gem for solo travelers. Locals are known for being welcoming, friendly, and helpful, which makes it great for greener solo travelers. Its downtown area has a free shuttle bus, the CARTA, or you can also strike out to go hiking at nearby Lookout Mountain. Just don’t forget to try the city’s specialty MoonPies.
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Gateway to the great outdoors: Salt Lake City, Utah
- Best time to visit: Summer & autumn
Let Salt Lake City surprise you with its perks like the TRAX light rail, a surprisingly lively nightlife scene, and access to some of the region’s best natural wonders. While the city has plenty to keep you busy, Salt Lake City is ideal for solo travelers who want to get out into nature. You’ve got tons at your fingertips, from Lake Blanche to Big Cottonwood Canyon to Mirror Lake. Just know that you should have a car with you.
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Up-and-coming gem: Greenville, South Carolina
- Best time to visit: Spring & autumn
Greenville has taken hold of the travel world over the last five years, largely thanks to its booming foodie scene, quaint downtown area, and proximity to natural wonders. In short, it’s got a small-town feel packaged into a more big-city form. There are trendy neighborhoods, eateries, and boutiques to explore. You’ll feel like part of the cool crowd—without all the upturned noses.
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Slow down and smell the saguaros: Tucson, Arizona
- Best time to visit: Autumn & winter
Similar to Salt Lake City, a solo trip to Tucson gives you access to some of the US’s coolest natural wonders. From Saguaro National Park to Chiricahua National Monument to Mount Lemmon, there are tons to do. If you’re into outdoor activities like golfing, you can also easily book a tee time. In Tucson proper, you’ll also have the city at your fingertips—and a cast of welcoming locals who are happy to point you in the right direction.
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Fairytale feel: Savannah, Georgia
- Best time to visit: Spring & autumn
Walkable and welcoming, Savannah is your gateway into the Antebellum South. I’d say it’s safe, but it’s known to be home to many, many hauntings—so long as you aren’t afraid of ghosts, you’ll be fine. Savannah has a walkable downtown district with cobblestone streets and lovely mansions, and is dotted with quaint shops and eateries. I also recommend booking one of the city’s tours—it’s known to run some of the best in the country.
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Unexpected finds… and eats: Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Best time to visit: Autumn
Savannah lets you step into America’s southern past, while Santa Fe shines a light on our southwestern history. It’s home to the famous Palace of Governors (the oldest building still standing in the US), along with artistic landmarks like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum. Think: history, art, and spas. That’s right—Santa Fe is also known as one of the country’s top spa destinations, letting you unwind at a price point that works for you.
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A summer steal: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Best time to visit: Summer & autumn
Minneapolis is cooler than you think. Its park systems are absolutely massive, along with its foodie scene. The city is home to a myriad of international restaurants that specialize in homegrown dishes. It’s also got a thing for microbreweries and seriously good beers, if you’re into that. Toss in other perks like functional public transportation and affordable rideshares, and Minneapolis stands out as one of the lesser-known US cities perfect for solo travel.
