Solo travel is all about freedom. It’s the king bed you don’t have to share. The bar seat that’s magically always open. The conversations that start with a casual “where are you from?” and ends hours later with swapped playlists and inside jokes. It’s the freedom to chase your own whims, whether that means a meticulously planned itinerary or a day that unspools like a slow film.
There are no wrong turns when you’re exploring solo. (Photo Credit: @sevendayweekender)
These five cities know how to treat a party of one like a party in itself.
Portland — Creative Spirit, Coffee in Hand
Portland moves to its own beat. A little quirky, a little outdoorsy, and endlessly creative, it’s a city that’s never boring. Mornings here start strong (and caffeinated) with a pour-over from Coava or Heart Coffee Roasters, best enjoyed while plotting your day in a notebook that you’ll probably fill before your trip ends.
Wander the indie boutiques of the Pearl District, hunt for vintage vinyl in Hawthorne, or lose yourself in the stacks at Powell’s City of Books — where a solo afternoon feels like pure bliss. Hungry? Portland rewards curiosity with everything from steaming bowls of ramen in tucked-away alleys to food-cart pods serving flavors from every corner of the globe.
Bike your way through Portland’s Pearl District. (Photo Credit: @hotelvintagepdx)
Dining for one never tasted so good. (Photo Credit: @thewineshutter)
And when the city hum gets loud, it’s easy to escape. Forest Park’s mossy trails are minutes from downtown and the Columbia River Gorge, with its ribbon of waterfalls, is just a short drive away.
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland or Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel
Palm Springs — Midcentury Cool in the Desert Heat
Palm Springs isn’t shy, as its iconic midcentury modern lines practically pose for photos. Start your day with a self-guided tour of the city’s architectural stars, then browse Soukie Modern for Moroccan rugs and ceramics that might just force you to check another bag.
When you’re ready for a dose of nature, swap palm-lined streets for Tahquitz Canyon, where the hush of a 60-foot waterfall is the soundtrack. Evenings here are made for golden hour by the pool, drink in hand and mountains turning a rosey hue in the distance.
Midcentury dreams come to life under the desert sun in Palm Springs. (Photo Credit: @rowanpalmsprings)
Where to stay: Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
New Orleans — Where the Music Finds You
In New Orleans, you don’t find the music — the music finds you. Brass bands parade past as you bite into a powdered-sugar cloud from Café du Monde, and you might just wander into an art-filled block party or end up at Tipitina’s, a Garden District institution where the drinks are strong and the dancing is stronger.
Local flavors shine in unexpected forms — think crawfish étouffée folded into flaky empanadas or a late-night po’ boy eaten leaning against a French Quarter lamppost. And you’re never actually alone here because there’s always a neighbor to toast with. Parfait.
Dance your way through the Garden District — because in New Orleans, the music will find you. (Photo Credit: @hotelfontenot)
French foodie culture is alive in New Orleans. (Photo Credit: @kingbrasserienola)
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Fontenot
Miami — Color, Culture, and a Hint of Wild
Miami is a feast for the senses with its pastel art deco facades, Latin beats floating through the air, and the salty tang of an ocean breeze. Between rooftop bars and beachfront sunrise yoga, you could spend days just soaking in the city’s charisma. But leave time for the wild side and visit the Everglades. This sprawling wetland is home to rare birds, gentle manatees, and the kind of sunsets that make you forget your phone.
Back in town, snag a rooftop table at Juvia for fusion plates that match the city’s mix-and-match energy — Peruvian, Japanese, and French influences all in one perfect bite.
Room for one, please — and make it one with a view. (Photo Credit: @ethanbhill)
Solo, but never lonely. (Photo Credit: @ethanbhill)
Where to stay: Kimpton Hotel Palomar South Beach, Kimpton EPIC Hotel, or Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel
San Francisco — Bay Breezes and Big Horizons
Few cities balance urban energy and natural beauty like San Francisco. Here, solo days might start with a coffee in North Beach, then a detour through the murals of the Mission, and end with a ferry ride back from Sausalito after biking across the Golden Gate.
The Ferry Building is a solo traveler’s dream where you can easily roll up to oyster bars, purchase artisan snacks for the road, and enjoy bay views that turn your lunch break into a scene from a movie. Bring layers, curiosity, and maybe a little extra time — San Francisco has a way of keeping you longer than planned.
Solo travel is the freedom of not having a plan — and loving every second of it. (Photo Credit: @altonhotelsf)
Where to stay: Kimpton Alton Fisherman’s Wharf or Kimpton Hotel Enso
