The best 10 places for a solo weekend getaway
There are many benefits to solo travel: time to reflect, a chance to build confidence and the freedom to plan your schedule (or wing it) without having to please anyone else.
If you just want to dip your toe into solo travel, or if you're short on vacation time, a weekend getaway can be a great option. Here, we've gathered 10 TPG-tested destinations that are perfect for solo travelers, easy to reach and small enough to see in a weekend.
Related: The 9 best places to travel solo in the US
New York City
The OG solo destination, NYC makes solo travel not just possible but downright cool.
You'll find plenty to do here to fill your weekend. Stay in Midtown or Times Square to hit marquis attractions like Rockefeller Center and Broadway, Greenwich Village for foodie delights or the Upper West Side for a quiet family getaway — or use the extensive public transportation system to hop between neighborhoods.
"There's no city in the world as conducive to solo travel as NYC," says TPG senior writer Tanner Saunders. "Bring your walking shoes and get lost on foot, or have a cocktail outside and people watch. And being solo means you can find great deals on Broadway shows using apps like TodayTix."
TPG tip: Despite the program's recent devaluation, you can still get solid value for your World of Hyatt points at The Manner, a stylish boutique property in SoHo. Rates start around $488 or 35,000 Hyatt points per night.
Quebec City
Between its cobblestone streets and fortified city walls — the last of their kind remaining on the continent north of Mexico — Quebec City has the feel of a French or Swiss vacation while being much closer to home for U.S. travelers. The city's architecture is like something out of a movie, and it's even home to the world's most photographed hotel.
You'll find plenty of green spaces too. Quebec recently became the first entire city to be designated a UNESCO biosphere reserve thanks to its extensive waterways, wetlands, lakes and surrounding forests.
"Combining walkability and a distinctly European vibe, Quebec City is ideal for a solo weekend getaway," says TPG managing editor of hotels and destinations, Ellie Nan Storck. "Between the lengthy history, the quaint streets worthy of an entire film roll of photos and transporting experiences like Stromspa along the ambling St. Lawrence River, there is plenty to do as a solo traveler here — and it's extremely safe, which is especially nice for solo female travelers."
TPG tip: Start your search with seats.aero to find the best deals on award flights to Quebec. It even has a new AI redemption tool you can try.
London
There are endless things to do in London, from the usual suspects like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to solo-friendly activities like a huge zoo, a riverside book market and various (often free) museums. Of course, no visit would be complete without a full English breakfast or a plate of fish 'n' chips — and foodies can reap the benefits of flying solo.
Carly Helfand, TPG's director of content strategy, site, notes that some of London's highlights may be easier to enjoy as a party of one. "I got into Michelin-starred Gymkhana last-minute because I was on my own! It was easily some of the best Indian food I've ever had." Plus, she says, "no language barrier makes it easy to get around, and London feels safe day and night."
TPG tip: London ranks among the easiest European cities to reach, with nonstop flights from various U.S. hubs — including some great points and miles deals. For instance, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club offers Saver awards from the northeastern U.S. to London starting at just 6,000 points each way.
San Diego
Often considered a second city to LA, San Diego offers similar food, art and culture but in a smaller, more manageable package. Solo travelers will feel welcome in the laid-back Southern California surf culture, especially once they crack open a cold one in one of the city's 150-plus independent breweries, cideries and more.
With abundant outdoor activities like snorkeling La Jolla Underwater Park, kayaking past playful colonies of sea lions and hiking Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, San Diego is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. But the city truly has something for everyone, from Michelin- and James Beard-recognized dining outlets to award-winning zoos, museums and botanic gardens.
TPG tip: Atmos Rewards members can fly to San Diego International Airport (SAN), one of Alaska Airlines' fastest-growing West Coast hubs, for as few as 5,000 Atmos points and $5.60 each way. And don't miss our roundup of the best hotels in San Diego.
Nashville
Solo travelers will never feel alone in the Music City, whose dazzling southern hospitality and larger-than-life bar scene — with live music 365 days per year — make it easy to meet people organically. Nashville's dining scene isn't far behind its music scene, with hole-in-the-wall Southern comfort spots feeling right at home alongside globally inspired Michelin-starred restaurants.
"Nashville is a great place to explore alone because you can easily make friends at the bars and honkeytonks, or just grab a bar seat and jam out alone," Tanner Saunders says. "My expert tip would be to make sure you check out a 'writers round,' where you can catch some of the best songwriters in town perform their hits, at places like The Bluebird Cafe."
TPG tip: Nashville's burgeoning hotel scene offers something for everyone, including points options from all the major hotel loyalty programs as well as the eco-chic 1 Hotel Nashville.
Portland, Maine
For a cozy coastal escape, look no further than Portland, Maine. Squeezing a ton of maritime history and charm — and plenty of fresh seafood — into one compact peninsula, Portland is the perfect size for a weekend getaway.
Ellie Nan Storck describes Portland as "a quintessential New England port city (read: adorable and extremely walkable) with a charming working waterfront and a historic downtown dotted with phenomenal bars and restaurants. Dining solo here isn't unusual, and even as a local I love cozying into a cafe or one of my favorite waterfront restaurants with a good book."
Leave some space in your suitcase for souvenirs. Portland's array of artisan craft shops, galleries and boutiques is hard to resist.
TPG tip: The shoulder season in the weeks after Labor Day is a great time to visit Portland because you can avoid the summer tourism surge and leaf peepers. Check out our tips for saving money on a luxe weekend getaway to coastal Maine.
Barcelona
Spain's second-biggest city combines excellent walkability, public transport and a thriving tapas culture that makes it easy to dine alone. You can hop from one tapas bar to another (no reservation needed), sampling small plates and wines while chatting with the bartender or other patrons.
Beyond dining, Barcelona manages to pack a huge variety of activities into one coastal city. You can wander the maze-like streets of the Gothic Quarter, take a hike through Park Guell or lounge on one of the nearby beaches — all in the same sun-soaked day.
TPG managing editor Madison Blancaflor loves Barecelona for solo trips because "Spanish is one of the easier languages to pick up phrases as an English speaker, most people speak English, it's popular for solo travelers (so it's easy to meet others) and it's easy/safe to get around."
TPG tip: This city has a plethora of points hotels, including the W Barcelona. We like using Rooms.aero to narrow down our options.
Santa Fe
Founded as a Spanish colony some 400 years ago, New Mexico's capital is famous for its distinctive Pueblo-style adobe architecture and blend of Indigenous, Spanish and Anglo cultural influences.
Between its vibrant art scene, slew of world-class spas and its location in the Sangre de Cristo foothills, Santa Fe is a prime destination for a relaxing solo retreat. Plus, it's small enough to see in a weekend, with a more intimate feel and slower pace than many of the metropolitan areas on this list.
Tanner Saunders says, "After a year of COVID lockdowns in NYC, I went out to Santa Fe for a week to simply be alone. I found easy peace there while hiking beautiful trails, dining alone on New Mexico's famous foods and I even made a solo journey to Meow Wolf to feel like I was on another planet for a minute."
TPG tip: American Airlines has expanded its service to Santa Fe Regional Airport (SAF), with daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) starting from 7,000 AAdvantage miles and $5.60 one-way.
Vancouver
Just across the border from Seattle, this Canadian city is very accessible from the U.S. but feels a world away, with the cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture of historic Gastown, and the rich Indigenous heritage showcased in the Museum of Anthropology.
Outdoorsy solo travelers will have a blast exploring British Columbia's famed wilderness, which is closer to the city than you might expect. You can hike through the lush downtown rainforest of Stanley Park, snowshoe your way up nearby Grouse Mountain or bike the Vancouver Seawall, the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path.
"I just went to Vancouver for the first time solo, and I would absolutely recommend it!" says Madison Blancaflor, citing, "It's close to the U.S., there's no language barrier for anyone who only knows English, there are super friendly people and there's also easy public transit."
TPG tip: Air Canada Aeroplan has award flights to Vancouver starting from just 9,200 points one-way from western hubs like San Francisco, Los Angeles and Denver. Plus, since the program is a 1:1 transfer partner of several major transferable currencies, it's easy to earn Aeroplan points.
Puerto Rico
With no passport required for U.S. citizens and the U.S. dollar as its official currency, Puerto Rico stands out as one of the most convenient Caribbean destinations for a weekend getaway.
This compact island takes only a couple hours to drive across, but you could just as easily fill a weekend in the capital city of San Juan. You can soak in creativity both indoors and out, from the vast assortment of local art on display in Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico to the fantastic Santurce street art district. Get in on the fun at an art class, bomba dance lesson or drumming workshop.
For more active pursuits, Puerto Rico's breathtaking outdoors — including powder-soft beaches, bioluminescent bays and mangrove forests — are just a short drive away. You can leverage guided tours and the area's plentiful Ubers to get around with ease.
TPG tip: JetBlue is making a major push in Puerto Rico, with new flights from five mainland cities launched this year. For instance, you can fly nonstop from Jacksonville, Florida starting from 11,300 TrueBlue points or from Buffalo, New York from 14,100 points plus minimal taxes and fees.
Bottom line
These points-friendly solo destinations run the gamut, whether you're seeking a quiet retreat, a lively party scene, outdoor adventure or a little bit of everything. Even better, they're accessible enough that you can visit them in a single weekend — though you'll surely return home hungry for more.