Who will take the lead in the presentation? Where to eat dinner? How much screen time to allow? Adult life is full of compromise, and the busier life becomes (career, partners, family), the less “me” time and unbridled choice is left. The good news? There’s a way to turn back the clock, just for a spell, to a time and place where all the choices were yours: through solo travel. With a few days on your own, in which you decide how much adventure or leisure you’d like in a day, what and when you’d like to eat, and at what pace you’d like to move, the overscheduled grind of daily life melts away. In its place? A calm, centered, and restorative state of being. 

With such appeal, no wonder solo travel is surging. (According to research firm ASA Luxury, solo travel was named as a top travel trend for 2025.) The best time of year to do it? In the fall months, which offer milder climates, fewer crowds, and more affordable stays. (Pro tip: tap or click Advance Purchase offers to find the very best deals.)

Whether you find solace in nature, spa treatments, cinematic towns, the beach, lively cities, or vintage bookstores, there are plenty of ways to step away from the chaos, settle, and rediscover your center. Below, find the best ways to go solo, no matter what kind of traveler you are.

Table of Contents 1. Massachusetts 2. New York 3. Washington, D.C. 4. Maryland 5. Pennsylvania 6. California 7. Texas 8. Florida

MASSACHUSETTS

For the History Buff

What better place to celebrate an independent streak than the birthplace of the American Revolution? Come fall, the city itself offers peak Americana for history buffs (think: PSL-fueled strolls along the redbrick Freedom Trail, all while beating the throngs anticipated to hit the trail as part of next year’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday).

For the Lit Lover

The opulent Boston Central Library is a bibliophile’s dream. Straight out of The Gilded Age, the marbled historical library features a special collection of rare books, art and architecture tours, and its own barrel-vaulted tea room, which provides a vegan-friendly afternoon tea service and drinks to go.

For the Astrology Obsessed

Those seeking a spiritual reset can find it just 50 minutes away in Salem. The historic town may be famous for its 17th-century witch trial sites, but it’s now a hub for astrologers, tarot readers, and other energy workers, who offer tea leaf/tarot readings at Zodiac Tea Room, aura readings at HausWitch Home & Healing, and more.

For the Wannabe Gilmore Girl

Where can one shop artisan boutiques, try $5 ice skating, and browse Saturday morning farmer’s market while soaking up the kind of cozy autumnal comfort and warm light befitting a Gilmore Girls set? The charming town of Newburyport, where strolling red-brick sidewalks can lead to an artisan jewelry discovery, a farm-to-table meal, and even wild geese sightings.

For the Artistically Inclined

One of America’s oldest art colonies, Provincetown (or P-town), situated at the northern tip of Cape Cod, has served as a creative refuge for icons like Jack Kerouac, Jackson Pollock, Tennessee Williams, and E.E. Cummings. It’s also a place that nurtures eccentrics, making the 3-mile-long, two-street-wide town a peaceful place to gallery hop and recharge your creative juices.

For the Naturalist Who Loves Cape Cod Style

With a population of just 999 and gorgeous scenery everywhere you look, Woods Hole is made for nature-lovers with a penchant for the Cape’s signature aesthetic. Take a scenic drive, pedal the bikeway, visit the historic Nobska Lighthouse, or dine on coastal seafood within the grey, weathered shingled storefronts that define Cape Cod style.

Where to Stay 

Boston, MA

The Envoy Hotel combines the modern design of a boutique hotel with the perks of a chic city tower (think: elevated cuisine and harbor views from a rooftop bar, complete with firepits).

The Whitney Hotel is a pet-friendly, posh townhouse in the Beacon Hill neighborhood (where Luisa May Alcott once resided) that offers complimentary bicycles, monogrammed Frette robes, and a garden courtyard straight out of a storybook.

Cape Cod, MA

Sea Crest Beach Resort: With five restaurants, two pools, private beach access, and a roster of live entertainment (among an abundance of other amenities), it would be easy to fill a Cape Cod retreat without leaving the property. What’s more, newly renovated rooms (hello, Serta Euro Pillow Top mattresses) make a case for staying in altogether.

NEW YORK

For the Cinephile Smitten with NYC Rom-Coms

In a world-class city like New York, there’s something for everyone, which makes traveling NYC solo that much more of a treat: rather than stacking itineraries, the individual traveler can enjoy the city at their own pace. A stroll in Central Park could lead to sunrise yoga, live music at Tavern on the Green, or roller skating to live DJs, though come fall, it’s hard to do better than the cinematic Mall Literary Walk for its leafy canopy. 

Add exploring quintessential neighborhoods like the village (don’t miss a walk on the superbly landscaped Highline dotted with art installations) and journeys with a view (Brooklyn Bridge, Domino Park, and Prospect Park), just make sure to leave unscheduled time for the unexpected, serendipity, and magic of New York.

For Brooklyn Cool By Way of the Backcountry

A Metro-North ride and a world away from busy NYC is Cold Spring, a historical town that offers hidden-gem shopping any Brooklynite would love. Don’t miss the handmade stoneware at Cold Spring Ceramics, elevated jelly tea at Rowseelee, and vintage finds at Poor George, a boutique grown from an Etsy store. There’s also plenty of nature: find Stonecrop Gardens in full bloom come fall, hike the Hudson Valley, or enjoy a true farm-to-table dinner at Glynwood Farm.

Where to Stay 

Manhattan, NY

Taking day trips upstate is easy from Aliz Hotel Times Square, where guests can enjoy thoughtful amenities, on-site dining, panoramic views, and convenient access to Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal. Ditto for Hotel 48LEX in Midtown, which offers a sophisticated, residential feel with kitchenette-equipped rooms, a lounge with complimentary drinks and snacks, and options for in-room spa treatments.

Brooklyn, NY

Brooklyn’s NU Hotel is both budget-friendly and design-forward: rooms feature accent walls adorned with murals by local artists. The Tillary Hotel offers a sleek stay, replete with a rooftop bar and a million-dollar view of the Manhattan Bridge.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

For the Pensive Patriot with Wanderlust

With so much political change underway, now feels a particularly poignant time to reflect upon what it means to be American. In Washington, D.C., timeless monuments like the National Mall, the massive Lincoln Memorial, and the WWII Memorial offer meaningful places for a walk. Once you’ve had your fill of American history, go international without schlepping to Dulles: visit one of the city’s many eclectic food halls (including the expansive Union Market and neighboring, Latin-American focused La Cosecha) or drop into special events offered by various embassies.

For Architecture Fans

One of the best places to find the building blocks of American architectural style is in Georgetown, D.C.’s oldest neighborhood. In this area, Federal and Georgian townhouses, with their red-brick facades and shuttered windows, and gaslamp-lit porches, stand among Queen Anne colonials, wood-framed vernacular homes, extremely narrow “spite” houses, and other styles dreamed up by the country’s first architects. After checking out the real estate, head for a bite along the C&O Canal Towpath and pop into the nearby Blues Alley, an intimate and moody music venue that has long served as an international destination for jazzheads, thanks in large part to Dizzy Giliespe, who touted the club to musicians around the world as a must-play spot in the States.

For Old World Ambiance

If looking to escape the breakneck clip of D.C. life, try the more relaxed cadence of Old Town Alexandria. Just a 30-minute water taxi away from the D.C. Wharf, this waterfront village packs hundreds of shops and restaurants into tidy confines. Boutique shopping, sightseeing, and dining along the lively King Street are a must. Hop a trolley to get the lay of the land before jumping off to visit the shops, bars, and restaurants that pique your interest, or save it for nightfall, where light-wrapped trees and sidewalks strike a whimsical mood. On your way back to the waterfront, leisurely explore the area’s oldest cobblestone street along residential Captain’s Row beneath a canopy of changing leaves. Did you just pass a couple in colonial garb? Yes, yes, you did.

Where to Stay

Washington, D.C.

The Morrow Hotel, in Washington, D.C.’s creative NoMa neighborhood, offers complimentary wellness programming (such as soundbaths and yoga classes), choice eats at Marcus Samuelsson’s MARCUS DC, and in-room bath amenities from Le Labo. 

The centrally located Hotel Madera in Dupont Circle puts guests right in the center of Washington, D.C.’s most walkable neighborhoods while giving them a tranquil place to retreat; each of the guest rooms are draped in soothing colors and soft textures. 

Just a few blocks away from the U.S. Capitol is Capitol Hill Hotel, which provides home-away-from-home amenities like kitchenettes, complimentary breakfast, and art-filled communal spaces.

MARYLAND

For the Sporty Type

To get into the spirit of Annapolis, you’ve got to set sail. Explore Chesapeake Bay aboard a schooner or opt for an intimate cruise of Spa Creek, which moves through residential Old Annapolis, Eastport, and the banks of the U.S. Naval Academy. Those who prefer to stay on dry land can make a run for it on the trails of Quiet Waters Park, which bumps up against the South River and Harness Creek. After burning calories, pop by The Choptank for crab cakes seasoned with their own special proprietary recipe, steamed blue crabs, and other Chesapeake Bay favorites.

For the Farm-to-Table Foodie

Just an hour away from Annapolis, you’ll find the idyllic towns of St. Michaels, M.D., and Easton, M.D. Both are meticulously manicured and strikingly tranquil. Visit indie boutiques and opt for oysters in St. Michaels, then pop by culinary hotspot Easton for incredible food, like the lauded Viennese fine dining restaurant Bas Rouge, and join in on Outdoor Movie Nights.

For Those Who Love Cats

Sometimes, you just need to curl up with a good cat. Frederick, MD has got you covered. Inside the Fetch Thrift Shop, which assists local animal welfare organizations, is the Cozy Cat Den, where you can book 20 minutes of cuddle time with adoptable felines in a comfy nook upstairs. Post purr, visit the neighboring town of Brunswick to journal and sip coffee at Beans in the Belfry, a beyond cozy coffee shop located in an old church.

Where to Stay

Annapolis, MD

With a soothing color palette of blue, white, and natural wood, Annapolis Waterfront Hotel boasts a sophisticated design with a maritime nod. Through the property’s  Neighborhood Passkey program, guests can enjoy special rates and perks on everything from area sailing tours to boutique shopping, just with the flash of a room key.

Frederick, MD

Visitation Hotel, in the heart of historic Frederick, makes the best use of a 200-year-old landmark building. It’s carefully preserved with original stained glass windows and woodwork, but appointed with modern luxuries for ultimate comfort. 

PENNSYLVANIA

For the Vintage Lover

There are plenty of fine art museums close to the affluent Rittenhouse Square, among them the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Barnes, and the Rodin. But for something a little more offbeat, check out The Mütter Museum, which showcases medical artifacts, including medical instruments and preserved anatomical specimens. Continue your unique approach to the City of Brotherly Love by shopping its excellent second-hand stores along and near 4th Street, like Wayward Collection, Sweet Peel Vintage, At My House, The Raxx Vintage Emporium, and Philly AIDS Thrift.

For the Country Lifer

A brief train ride away from Philadelphia, the little gem of Lancaster offers a fine selection of restaurants and boutiques. Many are closed on Sundays, so plan ahead to score locally made ice cream in cones created from Dutch stroopwafel irons at Lancaster Sweet Shoppe, for example. But what lies just outside the city — acres of rolling countryside, plenty of hiking trails, and fresh, farm-raised bounty — is just as compelling. Among the shoppable orchards and farm stands are Cherry Hill Orchards, Village Farm Market, and Everfresh Produce.

Where to Stay

Philadelphia, PA

The Rittenhouse, a luxury hotel in a neighborhood of leafy streets and elegant brownstones, offers plenty of ways to unwind: enjoy high tea at Mary Cassatt Tea Room or book a restorative treatment at the hotel’s expansive spa, replete with a heated saltwater pool and a salon that gives one of the city’s best blowouts.

CALIFORNIA

For the Sun Bum

Some 50M people visit Los Angeles every year. Most of them think they’re headed to the beach, but unless a visitor is staying on the west side, traffic will undoubtedly get in the way. This makes Santa Monica, a city on the coast of the Pacific, an ideal destination for beach lovers. As if that weren’t enough, Venice’s canals, boardwalk, and beaches are also close by with plenty of wellness destinations laced throughout (try Den Mother for massage or Osea Skin Care Studio for facials).

For the Bougie Beach Babe

While a third of Eastern Malibu was burned by the Palisades Fire in January of 2025, the 28-mile-long coastal enclave still offers plenty for visitors to experience. Grab a breakfast burrito at Lily’s Malibu or coffee at Le Cafe de la Plage Malibu, then hike the rugged trails of the famed Point Dume. Along the way, you’ll likely drive by a few celebrity homes in the residential neighborhood that goes by the same name. On your way back into the city, pop into scene-y Nobu or the more casual Broad Street Oyster Company for fresh seafood with a side of shopping.

For the Whale (and Sea Lion and Jellyfish) Watcher

Big Little Lies may have put Monterey on the map, but the gorgeous town along California’s craggy central coast is also a hub for non-exploitative marine wildlife watching. Book a whale watching expedition, spend the day in the Monterey Bay Aquarium (the esteemed marine research and ocean conservation nonprofit is located on famed Cannery Row), or go on a bike ride along the 18-mile, shore-hugging Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail, where you can spot sea otters sunning on the rocks.

For the New, New Ager

With its dramatic coastline cliffs and towering redwoods, Big Sur has always been breathtakingly beautiful. But it was 1960s counterculturists who put it on the map as a new age destination. Today, those seeking spiritual enlightenment can find similar opportunities for evolving self-actualization at the famed Esalen Institute, and for killer avocado toast, compliments of Big Sur Bakery.

For the Urbanite Who Hangs Loose

San Diego may be famous for its animal parks, but a trip to the expansive city on the premier coastline affords so much more. Check out the Gaslamp Quarter downtown for excellent eats and nightlife; hop over to Coronado for a peaceful neighborhood stroll (the houses are spectacular); or peruse the tide pools, extremely cute beach cafes, First Friday Art Walk, or the Open Aire Market in La Jolla. The seaside village is also a great place to try surfing. No matter how you approach San Diego, there’s plenty of beauty to be found.

For the Preservationist

At Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, get a sense of what the San Diego coastline looked like before developers built the city. At 1,500 acres, this long-protected stretch of California Coast teems with maritime chaparral, the rare Torrey pine, a lagoon, and untouched beaches. What better place to take a hike?

For a Digital Detox (in the Heart of Silicon Valley)

Silicon Valley’s Menlo Park may be home to some of tech’s biggest titans, but it’s also a lovely escape for those seeking the quieter side of urban life. Explore Allied Arts Guild’s spectacular gardens and collection of artist studios, which include jewelry, fashion, and interiors. Or get out into nature: with Eucalyptus trees above and wood chips below, San Francisquito Creek Woodchip Trail is a sensorial delight, as is the Great Spirit Path, a trail marked by large stone sculptures and 53 verses of a poem that are posted along the way.  

For Wine Aficionados

Some of the country’s very best wines are found in Northern California’s Napa and Sonoma counties, and with nearly 1000 options for finding vino in both counties, there’s plenty to discover. Take an aerial gondola to Sterling Vineyards for sips of Merlot or, come harvest, join a chef’s table al fresco at a Sonoma County Wine Dinner event.

Where to Stay

Santa Monica, CA

The Ambrose Hotel was made for solo traveling. It contains a library for a quiet coffee and read, a courtyard for inspired journaling, and the famed Tartine right across the street. Beach days are made easy, thanks to complimentary Tesla rides to and from the hotel. Who says you can’t do LA without a car?

Monterey Bay, CA

Situated on 19 acres of pristine Pacific shoreline, The Sanctuary Beach Resort specializes in providing a holistic retreat for you and your furry friend. Pups can sniff out the dog stick library or sit for a session with a pet psychic, while humans can take advantage of beach yoga, spa treatments, mindful art classes, and the new Burnout Recovery Journey, which guides a digital detox. Bonus: each room or suite is outfitted with a private ocean-view balcony.

San Diego, CA

Carté Hotel, in the heart of Little Italy, offers easy access to top restaurants, cafés, and boutique shops that you’ll want to visit again and again. Take a dip in the rooftop pool, cozy up to a fire pit, or enjoy complimentary access to Fit Athletic Club for workouts or wellness routines as a way of rounding out your trip.

Menlo Park, CA

Hotel Nia makes achieving work/play balance easy: its rooms are outfitted with oversized desks and lightning-fast wifi, along with premium bedding for maximum R&R. The property also provides complimentary bikes for easy CalTrain connection to Palo Alto and San Francisco, and wellness programming like the bi-weekly Self-Care Saturdays.

TEXAS

For Restaurant Lovers Looking for More Sabor

After the summer heat breaks, El Paso provides a low-key way to enjoy desert life. Get the lay of the land by walking, jogging, or biking Scenic Drive, which is closed to traffic weekly for Scenic Sundays, or cruise to the top of Scenic Drive at dusk for one of the best views of the city. When it’s time to fill up, try celebrated Mexican cuisine from one of three of the latest James Beard semifinalists: Taconeta, Elemi (known for its handmade tortillas), and La Puerta del Sol (recognized for its outstanding pastry chef/baker, Mateo Herrera). After seeing the historic streets, shops, and murals of Downtown El Paso, check out Franklin Mountains State Park, where hikers are rewarded with desert vista views.

Where to Stay

El Paso, TX

The only Michelin Key hotel in El Paso is The Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park. The richly-appointed boutique hotel has been a hotspot since the 1930s, where dignitaries and later, Hollywood stars (hello, Elizabeth Taylor) would drop in for a stay. Today, the property’s 130 Art Deco rooms are bathed in luxurious textures like velvet and Caffe Bruno marble, and a neutral palate of cream and champagne with pops of smooth burgundy to help center the mind and soothe the soul.

FLORIDA

For Extremely Laid-Back Creatives

With so much influence from Cuba, eclectic artists, and salty sailors, Key West makes a colorful escape for those who like culture at beach-cruiser speed. Here in the southernmost part of the U.S., you can bike just about anywhere: the storied Hemingway Home & Museum, Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory (a resort for flamingos and butterflies), Nancy Forrester’s Secret Garden (an artist’s parrot rescue), or beloved music venue and restaurant, Blue Heaven. Just be sure to save room for Key lime pie!

For Would-Be Mermaids

A seaplane ride away from Key West is Dry Tortugas National Park, a gorgeous place to swim, boat, snorkel, or dive. No matter how you take to the crystal blue water, you’re bound to see coral or other marine life. On land, find historic Fort Jefferson, one of America’s largest 19th-century forts.

For the Dancing Queen

Art Deco architecture, pastel palettes, and white-sand beaches — no wonder the legendary international art event, Art Basel, calls Miami Beach home. To simulate the experience without the crowds during a fall solo trip, get insight into the city’s unique architectural design with an Art Deco Walking Tour or see the latest street art at Wynwood Walls. After dark, pick a club and dance: salsa, Bachata, techno, and pop music nights bump 365 days a year.

For Believers in Retail Therapy

World-class shopping of all kinds can be found in Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. In Coral Gables, you’ll find Miracle Mile, a tropical shopping experience with more than 120 international restaurants. In Coconut Grove, explore Commodore Plaza for home decor and unique garments (like celeb-favorite, Seta Apparel, cofounded by Colombian fashion designer Andrea Salazar) or CocoWalk, which houses everything from School of Rock and cigar shops to fashion brand Monse. If your credit card needs a break, check out Vizcaya, an Italian Renaissance-style villa with gardens and spectacular views of Biscayne Bay.

For Kids at Heart

It can be tough to untether oneself from technology, but the palm-lined streets of Delray Beach offer some compelling options. Tap into your inner child at the Silverball Retro Arcade, where rows of pinball machines, skeeball, and arcade games light up the place. Or return to a pre-Internet world at Old Florida Bookshop, a wonderland of rare books and vintage magazines. For a dose of nature, Green Cay Nature Center & Wetlands overlooks 100 acres of constructed wetlands and provides a stunning place to bird-watch.

For (Tropical) Forest Bathers

Forest bathing, a Japanese tradition of mindful walks in nature, can be experienced right in Florida. Find your zen at Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens, where bonsai and other art forms invite quiet contemplation.

Where to Stay

Key West, FL

Surrounded by lush gardens and water views, Parrot Key Hotel & Villas delivers true tranquility (and four onsite pools). Book a spacious villa for extra room to unwind, or hop on the complimentary shuttle to explore downtown and the beach.

Miami Beach, FL

Cadillac Hotel & Beach Club delivers beachfront access and its own beach club, making room-to-sand ventures extremely easy. The property also offers monthly pasta-making workshops and morning yoga.

Delray Beach, FL

Guests of The Ray Hotel, situated in the heart of the Pineapple Grove Arts District, can enjoy complimentary beach shuttle services along with beach loungers and umbrellas at Delray Municipal Beach. The hotel is also equipped with an intimate rooftop pool, should guests want a more private swim session. Looking to boost endorphins? Gym rats are provided a 1,800 square foot facility, while wellness classes (yoga, bootcamp sessions, and monthly BVRN Pilates pop-ups) are led on the lawn.

No matter what region of the country you decide to explore, opportunity for self-enrichment, reflection, and genuine R+R is abundant. With fewer crowds, fall is the prime time to get away and make the most of it on your own. Plan and save with Advance Purchase offers or fly by the seat of your pants. Either way, reclaiming “me” time has never felt better.