7 Best U.S. Destinations Where I’m Solo Traveling In 2024

After a month of traveling solo in the US earlier this year, one thing became clear to me—I was destined to return very soon. While this one was a whirlwind of a trip, split between a family wedding and exploring as much as I could, the next one will be a more deliberate journey of discovery.

I made the best decision on my trip, when I decided to explore the West Coast without a plan, even before I got there. This spontaneous approach led me to discover hidden gems and experience the true essence of each place. Starting in San Francisco, northern California, I traveled to San Diego for over 15 days, spending time in Santa Barbara and Los Angeles.

In the fall of 2024, however, I’m excited about embarking on a more structured adventure, starting with a road trip to explore America’s historic East Coast and scenic New England and followed by some of the best destinations that would be ideally part of any of the many scenic desert road trip routes through Arizona and Utah. In the research for my upcoming trip, I’ve decided that these are some of the best US destinations for solo travelers in 2024 that I’ll be going to see for myself very soon.

7 San Francisco, California

Itinerary – 3 days in San Francisco, 1 day in Yosemite National Park

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of spending a delightful solo week exploring San Francisco. I savored the incredible downtown and Chinatown areas and the stunning coast, strolled along the famous crooked street (Lombard Street), and soaked in the charm of Fisherman’s Wharf.

The historical charm of the city’s famous cable cars and some of the creepy facts to learn about when visiting Alcatraz are genuinely incomparable experiences. The Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour ($63 per person) is the perfect way to get introduced to this vibrant and historic city of America.

A day trip from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park was a definite highlight, and I highly recommend this to everyone visiting this vibrant city. My suggestion would be to rent a private vehicle for a more personalized experience. The tour buses, because of their size, are unable to make many of the roadside scenic stops that are critical for passionate photographers like myself.

Over the past few years, the city has gained somewhat of a reputation for a high number of homeless people and crime rate, but my experience and suggestion would be to stay clear of certain areas of town, and you should be fine (this suggestion probably holds good while visiting most places in the world.)

6 Bar Harbor, Maine

Itinerary – 1 day in Bar Harbor and 2 days in Acadia National Park

A must-do on my list for a long time, the coastal northeast road trip between New York and Bar Harbor promises to be affordable, yet immensely rewarding and enjoyable. The 500-odd-mile journey will take me through historic towns like Providence and Boston, before Bar Harbor.

Serving as a gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor in Maine has been on my bucket list for many years. I’ve wanted to experience the gorgeous Frenchman’s Bay, the town pier, and the slower pace of life in Maine. Scenic hiking trails, delicious seafood, and the stories of sailors told in local bars are all things I will tightly secure in my bag of experiences. I’ll spend two days exploring Bar Harbor and two more days soaking in the wonders of the magnificent Acadia National Park.

The crashing sounds of Thunder Hole, the gorgeous scenery at Jordan’s Ponds, and the historic Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse are just a few of the iconic spots in Acadia that are waiting for my camera’s shutter to capture them for eternity.

5 Alexandria Bay, New York

Itinerary – 2 Days

Alexandria Bay is known to be a summer and winter wonderland with several beautiful hotels. It is a gateway to the year-long breathtaking scenery of the Thousand Islands region along and on the St. Lawrence River. I’ve been reading about and watching videos of this area for a while now, and the number of photo opportunities offered here is an exciting prospect for any traveler, more so for shutterbugs like me.

Across the bay on a heart-shaped island stands Boldt Castle, an authentic turn-of-the-century castle and museum, which is the central focal point of the area for me to explore. The historic 50-foot Rock Island Lighthouse is another major attraction for me to explore.

Officially designated as a village, I find it surprising that Alexandria Bay is an underrated destination in Upstate New York because it is genuinely a perfect waterfront town for an ideal vacation.

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4 Niagara Falls, New York

Itinerary – 1 day at Niagara Falls, 1 day in Buffalo

Who visits the US without keeping Niagara Falls on their itinerary? That person isn’t going to be me! The grandeur and sheer power of the Falls have captivated visitors from around the globe for decades, probably since international tourism started.

My first introduction to this grand wonder of nature was in the epic Superman movie, where he swoops in to save the day and magically changes into Clark Kent. The scenic beauty and festive atmosphere around the falls seemed simply outstanding. I’ll spend the day at Niagara Falls walking, clicking, and hopefully get a chance to get on board the iconic Maid of the Mist boat.

Less than 30 minutes from Niagara Falls, Buffalo is supposed to be a genuine cultural hotspot. It is home to vibrant art galleries, a lively waterfront, a burgeoning craft beer scene, and world-class architecture. Interestingly, Buffalo has been named the number-one city in America recently, and I can’t wait to find out why.

Apart from the fantastic scenery in and around it, the city is also known to host spectacular festivals year-long, and I’ll sign up for the ones I can be present for.

3 Tucson, Arizona

Itinerary – 2 days in Tucson, 1 day in Saguaro National Park, 1 day in Tombstone

Tucson will be my first stop in Arizona on this trip. It is known for its natural beauty, rich Native and Mexican American heritage, and bustling downtown area. One of the highlights of my trip will be a visit to Saguaro National Park, home to the majestic giant cacti. What’s even more convenient is that this natural wonder is just a 15-minute drive from downtown Tucson and lies in two parts, east and west of the city. So I can easily explore this beauty without worrying about long drives.

Tucson was the first American city to be designated a “City of Gastronomy” by UNESCO in 2015 and features a fantastic array of restaurants and cuisines. The Mount Lemmon Scenic Byway is a fabulous and scenic highway that leads to the upper reaches of the Santa Catalina Range. I will have a rental during my stay in Arizona, and this half-day drive will be on my agenda.

Less than 75 miles from Tucson, Tombstone, known for its Wild West history, is a childhood dream of mine. Re-enactments of cowboy gun fights, a bullet-ridden theater, museums, and replicas make this small town in southern Arizona a must-visit for anyone, especially first-timers to the region. This promises to be an authentic Wild West initiation for an international visitor like myself.

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2 Sedona, Arizona

Itinerary – 2 days in Sedona, 2 days in Flagstaff

Arizona is home to some of the most spectacular locations in this world, not just the US. The awe-inspiring Grand Canyon, the red rock formations of Sedona, and the towering Cacti of Saguaro National Park are world-class attractions in Arizona, each magnificent in their own way.

The unique red rock sandstone formations around Sedona are enough to lure me to this magical location in Arizona’s desert. Still, its rugged trails, spiritual vortexes, and the many fantastic spots to go off-grid and unwind in Sedona will ensure my visit is as relaxing as much as it is exciting.

At about 7,000 feet, Flagstaff stands out from the typical Arizona town. Its cool weather, lush forests, and high altitude make it a unique mountain town that will offer me a refreshing change from the desert landscape, just an hour away. Flagstaff is a year-round destination with lots of unique and fun things to do.

1 Page, Arizona

Itinerary – 4 days in Page

Page, Arizona, is the most exciting stop on my trip, and so I’ve saved the best for last. It is strategically located near some of the country’s unique and iconic landscapes.

Its proximity to the magnificent red rock formations of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend, the tranquil waters of Lake Powell, and the majestic Colorado River make it a convenient and accessible choice for any traveler. I recently learned that only authorized tour companies can take visitors to the Antelope Canyon, and although I’d have preferred to go by myself, I still wouldn’t miss it, even if with a tour company.

My time in Page will be a personal journey driven by my deep fascination with the area’s breathtaking beauty and unique landscape. Page is also conveniently located two hours from Grand Canyon National Park and two hours from Monument Valley in Utah, two enchanting destinations that can add extra excitement to an already epic trip.

Besides the wealth of natural gems surrounding Page in all directions, the city also promises to captivate my attention with a variety of cultural experiences. From charming festivals like November’s Balloon Regatta Street Fair to the culturally diverse outdoor market held on the second Saturday of every month, there’s always something new and intriguing to discover.