17 of the weirdest and most unmissable solo travel destinations in the U.S.

Solo travel destinations in the U.S. are splendid spots to rediscover yourself, cater to new interests, and restore your soul.

From quirky roadside attractions to offbeat towns that defy expectations, the United States is home to some truly eccentric solo travel destinations. Whether you’re seeking solitude amid peculiar landscapes or craving encounters with unconventional cultures, these 17 destinations promise to sate your appetite for the weird and wonderful. 

Let’s dig into the 17 weirdest solo travel destinations in the U.S. (listed in no particular order):

They always talk about the ‘aliens’ that visited here, but who says the Martian wasn’t flying solo that fateful day? We say the jury’s still out on that because we figure intergalactic explorers are just as keen on solo travel as we are.

At any rate, this wacky spot is stacked with sites for solo explorers.

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There’s more to Roswell than the UFO stuff—but not that much more

Why it’s weird (and unmissable): Famous for the 1947 UFO incident, Roswell is a hub for alien enthusiasts with its numerous UFO museums and themed attractions.

But there’s more to Roswell than the extraterrestrial. The little town punches well above its weight when it comes to non-UFO museums, down-to-earth cuisine, and fun spots to stay.

Why it’s good for solo travel: The town is friendly to tourists with plenty of guided tours and quirky shops. Meeting like-minded travelers at events like the annual UFO Festival is also easy. Be sure to also check out the International UFO Museum and Research Center.

And for solo solitude, head to Bottomless Lakes State Park where you can take in an eerie moonscape after a day enjoying the park’s 9 crystal blue lakes. 

Remote National Park’ing in Marfa, TX

Marfa is the closest whisper of civilization you’ll find anywhere near Big Bend National Park. If you’re the camping, glamping, or RVing kind, plan a stay at El Cosmico Hotel. The spot features stays in teepees, vintage trailers, and more.

Big Bend is also one of the largest Dark Sky Reserves in the world, so you can get plenty of solo stargazing during your trip. 

Why it’s weird (and unmissable): Known for its mysterious Marfa Lights and eclectic art installations, Marfa is a blend of small-town charm and avant-garde art. It’s also a wild outpost in the middle of nowhere that’s essentially a living art exhibit.

Why it’s good for solo travel: The town’s cultural scene and community events allow solo travelers to blend right in with the town upon arrival. The proximity to Big Bend opens the door to a wealth of natural paths that lead to self-discovery. 

Meditative Waters in Mystic Hot Springs, Utah

Mystic Hot Springs offers rustic charm and waters that’ll heal your soul. The place is built with vintage bathtubs and natural rock pools providing comfy soaking spots.  

It’s surrounded by picturesque landscapes in south-central Utah and close to The Mighty Five national parks. Mystic often hosts music events and workshops, making it a perfect destination to creatively unwind.

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Why it’s weird (and unmissable): Rustic, vintage bathtubs in the middle of the desert offering up healing waters. Oh, and you can soak in some live music sometimes too. Need we say more?

Why it’s good for solo travel: The serene and meditative environment is perfect for solo relaxation, and communal areas help create connections with fellow travelers.

Flyin’ Solo in Slab City, CA

As the name implies, Slab City is an oasis of concrete slabs (and other assorted trailers, vintage buses, and other bizarre vehicles-turned-buildings) that houses one of the last remaining bastions of society-snubbing folks. 

It’s the perfect place to adventure solo because that’s what most everyone here is doing.

Why it’s weird (and unmissable): Dubbed “The Last Free Place,” this off-the-grid community is a haven for artists, anarchists, and nomads. Barter is the currency of the day. Create adventure for yourself by seeing what skills you possess that you can pawn for goods.

Why it’s good for solo travel: The self-sustaining, tight-knit community is open to newcomers, making it an interesting place for solo travelers looking for new adventures.

Weirdness Defined: Portland, Oregon

There’s no way a city with the motto “Keep Portland Weird” wouldn’t make this list (even though Portland stole that motto from Austin 😉

The Rose City is weirdness in the best way possible, offering lush nature, chill urban vibes, and mountainous majesty in one accessible locale.

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Why it’s weird (and unmissable): Portland is famous for its eccentric culture, diverse food scene, and quirky attractions. The motto is as accurate as it is tongue-in-cheek. Portlandians pride themselves on showcasing awesomely wild things.

Why it’s good for solo travel: Portland’s walkability, public transportation, and abundance of solo-friendly activities like bookshops, cafes, and parks make it an enlightening place to find oneself. 

Alien Palm Trees in Joshua Tree National Park

J. Tree, as it’s affectionately known by those in the know, is an otherworldly place that’s as weird as it is wonderful. Tucked away in the Southern California desert, it’s popular for solo hikes, secluded camping, and rock summiting.

Why it’s weird (and unmissable): The park’s surreal desert landscape is filled with peculiar Joshua Trees, which are something of a cross between a pineapple and a palm tree. The dramatic boulder formations add to the place’s weird awesomeness while offering epic rock climbing.

Why it’s good for solo travel: The park’s peaceful solitude offers a perfect setting for self-reflection, and its many well-marked trails are perfect for solo hiking. 

Spooky Vibes in Savannah, Georgia

This historic southern city is stacked with history, fun food, and charming folks. It’s an easy-to-take-in town that offers plenty to do for those who fly solo.

Why it’s weird (and unmissable): Known for its haunted history, Savannah is filled with ghost tours, spooky cemeteries, and eerie old mansions.

Why it’s good for solo travel: The city’s friendly Southern hospitality, walkable historic district, and numerous guided tours make it easy for solo travelers to navigate and explore.

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Surrounded by History in St. Augustine, Florida

Founded by Spaniards in 1565, This old port town in Florida is a scenic spot that’s plenty of fun for one. 

Why it’s weird (and unmissable): The oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine, is rich in history and filled with tales of ghosts and pirate legends. Take to the streets to walk in the footsteps of explorers, discoverers, and adventurers. 

Why it’s good for solo travel: The city’s numerous historical sites and guided tours provide plenty of opportunities for solo exploration and meeting other history enthusiasts. Its oceanside location lends itself to some of the best sea-cuisine you’ll find in these United States. 

Historic Healing in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

This Arkansas mountain town (yes, you read that right) was founded in 1879 and grew up quickly as people flocked to the area’s healing hot springs. Those waters, mountainside buildings, and eclectic architecture draw people in to this day.

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Why It’s weird (and unmissable): This Victorian-era town is known for its unique architecture, natural springs, and paranormal activity. There are plenty of ghost stories to be had, good food to be enjoyed, and fun strolls to be strolled.

Why it’s good for solo travel: The town’s small size, walkable streets, and friendly locals make it easy for solo travelers to explore and enjoy this place. Eureka Springs also features an unusually high number of eclectic shops, fine dining, and boutique hotels for its size.

Spooky Sightings in Salem, Mass

Salem is the infamous town where witch trials put the U.S. on the map in an undesirable way. Nowadays, it’s a cool spot for a solo trip because of all the history, culture, and old town New England charm. 

Why It’s weird (and unmissable): Famous for the 1692 witch trials, Salem embraces its spooky history with numerous museums, haunted tours, and witch-themed shops. Besides that, every American kid has heard of (and been terrified by) this place for eons, so why not head there to see for yourself? 

Why it’s good for solo travel: The town’s rich history and numerous solo-friendly tours and events make it an engaging destination for solo travelers. It’s fun stuff even if you aren’t usually interested in the paranormal and historical. The historic city is also highly walkable so you can soak in the whole thing on foot. 

Car Free Adventures on Mackinac Island, Michigan

The Great Lakes have some mighty splendid islands and Mackinac just might take the cake for the best one. Its rich history and uber-proud citizens make it an unmissable stop.  

Why it’s weird (and unmissable): Known for its prohibition of motor vehicles, Mackinac Island takes a step back in time with horse-drawn carriages and Victorian architecture. Its cobblestone streets are lined with eclectic shops that dazzle visitors with things not seen anywhere else. 

Why it’s good for solo travel: The island’s charming atmosphere, scenic beauty, and friendly residents make it a peaceful and enjoyable destination for solo travelers. Add to that the fact that you can walk peacefully without the sounds and smells of traffic and you have yourself a recipe for a contemplative environment of self-discovery.

Indigenous Culture at Cahokia Mounds, Illinois

The largest earthen mound in North America is probably one of the most underrated sites on the planet. Not much is known about the origins of this site other than it was built by ancestors of the Osage tribe. The mystery of the place makes it a must-see. 

Why it’s weird (and unmissable): This ancient Native American city is shrouded in mystery and hearkens to the earliest days in the Americas. It is home to the largest pre-Columbian earthwork on our continent. 

Why it’s good for solo travel: The historical significance and serene environment of the mounds provide a reflective and educational experience that is best taken in all by one’s lonesome. 

Wild West Vibes in Bisbee, Arizona

Bisbee is one of those towns that exudes quirky charm. Built into the mountains of Southern Arizona, its summer climate is a bit more moderate than the scorching cities below it. Over the years, Bisbee has become a mecca for artists, rebels, hippies, and everything in between.  

Why it’s weird (and unmissable): Once a thriving mining town, Bisbee is now known for its artistic community, quirky shops, and historical sites. The restaurant scene is pretty darn eclectic here too. 

Why it’s good for solo travel: The town’s friendly residents, uber-walkability, and abundance of galleries and events make it a perfect destination for those who fly solo.

Gangster History in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Why it’s weird (and unmissable): Home to Hot Springs National Park, this town has a rich story full of gangster encounters, booms and busts, and healing waters.

Famous for its naturally heated springs and historic bathhouses, Hot Springs is a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural grandeur.

Why it’s good for solo travel: The town’s relaxing atmosphere, welcoming community, and numerous wellness activities make it an ideal spot for solo travelers seeking rejuvenation.

Strange Phenomena at the Oregon Vortex

The Oregon Vortex has been captivating road trippers for eons. The wild things that happen in this place are the things of lore, and yet they happen in real life. 

Why it’s weird (and unmissable): This roadside attraction is known for its optical illusions and paranormal phenomena that challenge perceptions of gravity and reality. What could be weirder than that?

Why it’s good for solo travel: The guided tours and the strange, captivating environment make it a fascinating stop for solo travelers to soak in some mystery.

Beachy Vibes in Cedar Key, Florida

Cedar Key is an island in Florida’s Gulf that’s one of the best kept secrets when it comes to white sand getaways. The food and arts scene here is first rate too. 

Why it’s weird: A small island town with a laid-back vibe, Cedar Key is known for its clamming industry and artistic community. Its ‘weirdness’ comes front eh special feel that only island towns can have. That feel where time seems to stand still and the real world seems especially far away. 

Why it’s good for solo travel: The friendly locals, scenic beauty, and numerous festivals provide solo travelers with plenty to see and do. 

Peculiarities in Point Pleasant, West Virginia

Point Pleasant is a town that celebrates a mythical monster. It’s also a historic and fun place to be a solo Appalachian adventurer. 

Why it’s weird (and unmissable): Famous for the Mothman legend, Point Pleasant is a small town with a big folklore presence, including a museum dedicated to the mysterious creature.

Why it’s good for solo travel: The town’s zany attractions and chill residents make it an interesting stop for solo travelers fascinated by urban legends.

These solo travel destinations might be weird, but they’re also unmissable because of the uber-cool things that they contain. These spots also show up all over the country so you’ll never be too far from individual enlightenment.

And if you want to build your own itinerary of more weird solo trips, check out our Autopilot™ trip planning app. It takes the heavy lifting out of trip planning by building an itinerary for you based on 38 million trips taken by real people. Try Autopilot™ free today.