Traveling solo? Consider these 10 destinations in North America and the Caribbean

The best part of a solo adventure is not having to compromise on where you want to go. Yet when no one else is devising the itinerary, the choice of just where to go can feel overwhelming.

Which is why we asked our expert writers and staff – all women – to share their favorite places for solo travel in North America and the Caribbean, highlighting the captivating cities, lush islands and national parks that await those who wish to wander alone across the continent.

So whether you’re looking for absolute solitude or to find some brand-new travel companions, here are 10 places that are perfect for solo travelers in the northern half of the western hemisphere.

1. Grenada

Recommended by Alicia Johnson

The Caribbean island of Grenada offers the perfect mix of relaxation and outdoor fun. For those solo travelers who just want to rest and embrace “island vibes,” Grenada’s beaches, particularly Grand Anse, are picture-perfect – and with the clearest water you’ve ever seen. The nearly 2-mile (3¼km) stretch offers ample space to lie in the sun away from the crowds.

For those looking to add a little sweat to their vacation, head to St Andrew Parish to Grand Etang National Park and see some of the country’s highest peaks. Treks range from an easy 655ft (200m) jaunt (Morne LaBaye trail) to an hours-long hike to a series of waterfalls (Seven Sisters trail). Keep an eye out for wildlife like mona monkeys on the trails. Since you’ll be traveling alone, stop by the visitor center for information about hiking guides.

Everyone who visits Grenada must make time to see the Underwater Sculpture Garden in Molinière Bay. Some 16ft (5m) below the surface, the park features sculptures depicting a variety of scenes: a little girl busting out of a giant nutmeg, a group of life-sized children holding hands and more. The park recently added an additional 23 pieces to the original 75, this time representing traditional characters from the annual Spicemas, a carnival-like celebration. Book an excursion with a local dive shop ⁠– they rarely mind adding an extra person to a group outing.

Swimmers in the Conchi Natural Pool, Arikok National Park, Aruba. Marc Guitard/Getty Images ©by Marc Guitard/Getty Images

2. Aruba

Recommended by Sheri-Kae McLeod

Traveling solo to Aruba presents an incredible opportunity, blending relaxation, excitement and a wonderfully inviting ambiance. Famed for its stunning beaches, rich culture and hospitable locals, this Caribbean gem is an ideal place for solo adventurers. Palm Beach is a paradise for water-sports aficionados; on Flamingo Beach and Iguana Beach on Renaissance Island, friendly creatures await.

If you’re seeking land-based adventures, consider traversing the island’s rugged landscapes through activities like exhilarating ATV tours or invigorating hikes in Arikok National Park. Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting historical landmarks like Fort Zoutman, home to the Aruba Historical Museum, or meandering through the capital city of Oranjestad to enjoy its colorful architecture, boutiques and vibrant markets. In Aruba, solo travel becomes an enriching experience as you embrace both the island’s natural wonders and its captivating cultural tapestry.

Exploring the Baths, British Virgin Islands, Caribbean. cdwheatley/Getty Images cdwheatley / Getty Images

3. British Virgin Islands

Recommended by Victoria Gill

Hopping between the dozens of lush, volcanically formed islands of the BVIs (British Virgin Islands) chain means discovering a different culture, pace and experience at every stop. The sound of the Caribbean’s most melodic music genre, fungi, drifts through the market stalls and restaurants lining Road Town, the epicenter of the archipelago’s most populous island, Tortola. On Virgin Gorda – home to the famed Baths, with their stacked boulders and Jacuzzi-like waters laced with psychedelic fish – the pace slows down and the lifestyle is relaxed. On smaller Jost van Dyke, meanwhile, you’ll find bays filled with bars and live music.

The scuba diving here is among the best in the Americas. Anegada, one of the BVIs’ many notable verdant, vetiver biospheres (most of which are private or uninhabited) is a Crusoe-esque flat coral cay juxtaposed amid the mountains of the Lesser Antilles. A magnet for multicolored marine life, it has one of the largest barrier reefs in the Caribbean.

Getting to the BVIs will usually require a connection via another Caribbean island – and such relative remoteness helps the islands keep their sense of unique culture and character. With so much variety on offer, these islands offer the perfect opportunity for solo explorers to build the trip of their dreams.

Enjoying a swim at Dos Ojos cenote, near Tulum, Mexico. mundosemfim/Getty Images ©mundosemfim/Getty Images

4. Riviera Maya, Mexico

Recommended by Bailey Freeman

The Riviera Maya isn’t all resorts. This well-loved stretch of Yucatán coastline is perfect for solo travelers looking for a taste of culture and the Caribbean Sea. The region has a solid backpacker route thanks to prolific public transport – including the just-opened Tren Maya – and plenty of affordable accommodation options.

From Cancún all the way down to Tulum, the Riviera Maya’s friendly towns are all easily accessible by highway. Stop off at laid-back Puerto Morelos, fun and friendly Playa del Carmen, and the turtle hub of Akumal – or take a dip in one of the several gorgeous cenotes in between.

Solo travelers will easily be able to navigate to the region’s many activities. If you’re looking for camaraderie, bunk at one of the region’s many bohemian hostels; if you prefer solitude, regular hotel rooms can be a real steal outside of major tourism corridors.

Admiring the art at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC. becauz gao/Shutterstock becauz gao / Shutterstock

5. Washington, DC

Recommended by Ann Douglas Lott

The best way to explore a museum is...all alone. And when there’s a whole fleet of them, you’ll need a lot of alone time. That’s why DC is the perfect city to explore solo. Deciding which museums most suit your interests – from the National Portrait Gallery and the National Air and Space Museum to off-the-mall spaces like the Phillips Collection and the National Postal Museum – can be overwhelming. But since you’ll be spending as much (or as little) time as you want at each, and since many of DC’s museums are within walking distance, pick a couple of institutions and set out – being sure to carefully pace yourself.

As a solo diner, you’ll also have more luck with harder-to-get reservations, like Anju (Korean), Sushi Taro, Albi (Middle Eastern) or Maydan (also Middle Eastern). After dinner, I’d follow travel creator Alexa Moore's advice and head to one of DC’s iconic monuments after dark – like the Lincoln Memorial or the Martin Luther King Jr Memorial – to take in their dramatically illuminated majesty, without massive crowds. Then have a nightcap at a speakeasy, like Allegory – or get rowdier at Players Club. Arcade games, ‘70s–‘80s music, pool tables – need I say more?

Joshua Tree National Park offers plenty of simple trails for solo travelers. Peathegee Inc/Getty Images/Tetra Images © Peathegee Inc/ Getty Images / Tetra images RF

6. Joshua Tree National Park, California

Recommended by Julia Buckley

In the California high desert above Palm Springs lies this paradise for one. Nobody gives you a second glance if you’re alone in Joshua Tree – because everyone comes here to be exactly who they want to be. Want company? You’re bound to bump into people at the sprawling Healing Arts complex. At this wellness emporium, you can choose your own essential-oil blend at the Grateful Desert Apothecary; get a massage or beauty treatment at The Pointed Pearl; or sip a mocktail or tisane at Brewja Elixir Lounge, which creates drinks from healing plants like hemp and mushrooms.

But people don’t just come here for the hippie-ish lifestyle: the main draw is, of course, the national park. While you should always take precautions hiking alone, there are plenty of simple trails in Joshua Tree, from the easy walkways carving a ¼-mile (400m) loop through the photo-friendly Cholla Cactus Garden to the boulder-filled Hidden Valley Nature Trail, which is always reassuringly busy. Finish by driving for a solo sunset at Keys View, which serves up sweeping panoramas over the Coachella Valley and the San Andreas Fault – and give thanks for being up here alone, instead of having to make conversation in a busy bar down there.

Exploring the Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Forest, Washington. Flystock/Shutterstock Shutterstock / Flystock

7. Olympic Peninsula, Washington

Recommended by Chamidae Ford

If you’re a solo traveler looking for a little introspection in nature, head to the Olympic Peninsula in Washington State. Its dense wilderness and picturesque towns provide the perfect place for those in need of peace, quiet and solitude – not to mention sheer beauty. Take in the scenery with nonstop hikes through the Olympic National Forest. Wander through the greenery of the Hoh Rainforest, or camp among its towering trees.

When you need a break from nature, spend a day in Port Townsend, a truly quaint seaside town beloved by Washingtonians and visitors alike, which has year-round festivals and Victorian architecture. And whether you want to get your Twilight on or simply appreciate the beauty of Washington beaches, La Push is a breathtaking spot for catching some waves or hiking along rocky cliffs. Whether you take a ferry or drive, expect to fall in love with Washington’s mesmerizing outdoors.

Santa Fe, New Mexico is the perfect city for solo exploration. Professional Foto CL/Shutterstock ©Professional Foto CL/Shutterstock

8. Santa Fe, New Mexico

Recommended by Liza Prado

It’s hard to feel lonely traveling solo in a place like Santa Fe, New Mexico. It’s one of the oldest and most charming towns in the US, and its Indigenous roots, Spanish and Mexican influences, and status as an artists’ haven will have you engaged at every turn. Start with a stroll in the Plaza, the city’s leafy heart, peeking into its adobe buildings with their upscale boutiques and cafes, and Indigenous artisans selling handmade jewelry under the porticos. In summer, free concerts (and sometimes impromptu dancing too) take place here.

Nearby, learn about Santa Fe’s history at the impressive Palace of the Governors and the New Mexico History Museum, and step into the one-of-a-kind Museum of Contemporary Native Art or the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, with ever-changing exhibits of the work of its namesake trailblazer. It’s also fun to gallery hop along Canyon Rd and to wander through the year-round artisan market at the Railyard Arts District – and for a immersive-art experience that’s almost psychedelic, don’t miss Meow Wolf. When hunger strikes, splurge on a meal (and meet locals) at the community table at Pasqual’s; afterward, have a soak – and strike up a conversation – in a heated pool at Ten Thousand Waves, a Japanese-inspired spa tucked into the foothills.

Hiking on the Plain of Six Glaciers, Banff National Park, Canada. Janice Chen/Shutterstock ©Janice Chen/Shutterstock

9. Banff, Alberta

Recommended by Alex Butler

Banff is probably the most picturesque place to start your exploration of the Canadian Rockies, which is why it draws crowds of travelers year-round. And while these crowds can be heavy at times, this can be a benefit for solo travelers. There’s a wide selection of accommodation in town – including numerous hostels that are more cost-effective for solo travelers than some of Banff’s pricey hotels. Busy trails mean plenty of fellow hikers – not necessarily a bad thing in a rugged landscape where bear sightings aren’t rare. And if winter activities are more your speed, Banff Town heaves with skiers and snowboarders in the winter months; you’ll find ample opportunities to jump in the singles line and make friends on the lift.

And just because Banff is famous for the outdoors doesn't mean it skips on relaxation, fun and culture. Treat yourself to a soothing dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs; sample craft brews and spirits at Banff Ave Brewing, Three Bears Brewery and Park Distillery; or stop by the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies to see art from the 1800s to the present, including works by Canada’s famed Group of Seven. Before your trip, check out what’s on at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, which hosts a wide-ranging list of events throughout the year. In late October and early November, climbers and outdoor enthusiasts will find their people at the Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival.

Biking along the Lachine Canal, Montréal, Québec. senturkserkan/Shutterstock Shutterstock / senturkserkan

10. Montréal, Québec

Recommended by Caroline Trefler

Cities are great for solo travel – and vibrant Montréal is one of the best. You'll find never-ending entertainment strolling the city’s eclectic neighborhoods, from the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal to the Plateau and Mile End, where old-school bagel shops share the streets with trendy cafes, record stores and boutiques selling vintage clothes. Make use of the city’s Bixi bike-share program to pedal along the scenic Lachine Canal, and stop for lunch at the Marché Atwater, where vendors sell fresh produce, baked goods and cheeses, and street-food eateries like Satay Brothers serve fresh lunch options.

Speaking of lunch: you can eat and drink very well in Montréal. Solo diners will find plenty of bar seats – perfect for single diners – at some of the best restaurants in town, including famed bistros L’Express and Au Pied de Cochon. It’s usually faster for single diners to get a counter seat at Schwartz’s Deli, an institution known for its outrageous smoked meat sandwiches.

Museums are made for solo diversions, and Montréal’s Musée de Beaux-Arts is home to works by American and European masters as well as top Canadian artists. If you want to learn more about Canadian history, check out the Musée McCord Stewart or Pointe-à-Callière Cité d’archéologie et d’histoire de Montréal. If some scenic peace and quiet sounds appealing, you can have that too: the forest paths of the city’s namesake “mountain” Parc du Mont-Royal are right in the middle of the city, and the Belvédère Kondiaronk lookout has stunning views.