With trending videos for travel tips and #solotravel garnering over 3 billion views on TikTok, it’s clear that social media is embracing a solo travel revolution. Searches for “first-time solo travel” climbed by 350% in March 2023, while searches for “is solo travel worth it” have increased by 600%, all due to this phenomenon.
More and more people are opting to travel solo. No matter if it’s a bustling metropolis or a quiet beach town.
SIXT recently released research that highlights the top destinations for first-time solo travelers in 2023. The survey was based on Tripadvisor review score, TikTok popularity, and must-see attractions.
Washington D.C.
With a massive 2.2 billion views under the hashtag, the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., tops the list as the most popular solo travel location on TikTok. There’s something for every kind of lone traveler among its many great parks, national monuments, and memorials.
The Lincoln Memorial is the best attraction in town, according to the survey. It’s easy to see why so many solo travelers are booking flights to this amazing place of history.
Austin, Texas
With an astonishing 1.4 billion views under the hashtag on TikTok, Austin, Texas, takes the second spot on our list of the most popular first-time solo travel destinations in the United States. Austin may not be the capital of the United States, but it is the country’s live music and dynamic nightlife epicenter.
Take in some rays and get a rush from the city’s laid-back, exciting atmosphere. The Texas State Capitol is a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning about the state’s past.
You can see why this entertaining place, with its bustling nightlife and calm ambiance, is perfect for first-time solo travelers.
Denver, Colorado
Denver is a must-see for first-time solo travelers thanks to its collection of world-class museums and robust beer culture, which has garnered 1 billion views under the hashtag on TikTok. The Mile High City is ideal for first-time solo travelers since it combines urban elegance with outdoor adventure, making it a great destination for everyone.
Check out the Denver Botanic Gardens, one of Denver’s top attractions, or shop at one of the city’s Black-owned dispensaries. There’s also the Denver Art Museum and Museum of Nature and Science for some cultural exploration.
Nature lovers will most enjoy Denver for a solo travel adventure due to its easy access to nature. Hike during warmer months and plan a ski or cabin trip in the winter. Denver has plenty to keep you entertained year-round.
Portland, Oregon
Lone travelers can expect to enjoy many culinary adventures while in Portland. The city has several magnificent parks, including Forest Park, one of the largest urban woods in the U.S., where lone travelers can hike, cycle, or simply enjoy nature. International Rose Test Garden is the city’s top attraction to visit, according to SIXT.
Portland has a 4.5/5 rating on TripAdvisor and received 686.5 million TikTok views over the past 12 months. The city has many museums, galleries, and theaters. Art, music, and performances thrive within the city’s eclectic arts community.
Portland offers metropolitan amenities and access to the Pacific Northwest’s magnificent natural beauty. Solo visitors can hike, ski, and explore surrounding waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge and Mount Hood.
Exploring the city without a car is fairly simple thanks to its well-connected public transit system, which includes buses and light rail.
Naples, Florida
Naples, Florida, with its 393.9 million TikTok views, ranks fifth on the list of the most popular destinations for solo travelers.
The Naples Botanical Garden is the city’s most popular tourist destination. The 170 acres of the garden are home to many plants and animals, as well as water features like waterfalls, lakes, art installations, and sculptures.
It’s a wonderful place for lone tourists to relax and take in the sights. Naples has many things to do for solo travelers, including golfing, shopping, and eating out.
Naples Beach is the most well-known beach in the area and for good reason. The powdery white sand and refreshingly clear blue water make it an ideal place for solitary vacationers to unwind.
Scottsdale, Arizona
The sixth most popular city for first-time solo travelers on Tiktok is Scottsdale, Arizona.
Taliesin West, an architectural masterpiece by Frank Lloyd Wright, is the most popular tourist destination in Scottsdale, attracting visitors from all over the world. Guided tours of Taliesin West’s beautiful campus are available for those who are traveling alone and want to learn more about the school’s storied past.
Visitors to the city can enjoy a wide range of cultural and recreational opportunities. They include more than 80 art galleries, hiking trails, and retail shopping. Once you’ve worked up an appetite outdoors or while shopping, try one of Scottsdale’s 90 restaurants.
Miami, Florida
Miami ranks 7th for first-time solo travelers due to its diverse culture, stunning beaches, and vibrant nightlife. For those seeking adventure and exploration, Miami is an ideal destination with plenty to see and do.
The survey named Vizcaya Museum and Gardens one of the city’s top attractions. Enjoy a full day exploring the museum’s European art, furnishings, and gardens that overlook Biscayne Bay.
First-time visitors to Miami can enjoy its beaches, nightlife, and cuisine. The city’s warm weather and welcoming atmosphere make it a great winter getaway.
SIXT says that first-time solo tourists looked at the city 304.6 million times on TikTok.
Seattle, Washington
Coming in the eighth spot is Seattle, Washington. The city is ideal for first-time visitors, with 269.5 million Tiktok views. Tourists from all over the world flock to Seattle to see the city’s famous sights, like the Space Needle and Pike Place Market.
Seattle has excellent restaurants, live music venues, and proximity to outdoor pursuits such as hiking and skiing.
The Chihuly Garden and Glass is a must-see for art lovers and tourists alike, as it is located in the heart of Seattle. The exhibit displays the breathtaking studio glass art of Dale Chihuly. Visitors will have a one-of-a-kind experience at this exhibit, which features intricate sculptures and installations amidst lush gardens.
Nashville, Tennessee
With 233.7 million Tiktok views, Nashville, Tennessee, ranks as the ninth most popular destination among first-time solo travelers. The Grand Ole Opry is one of Nashville’s many landmarks.
The Johnny Cash Museum and the Country Music Hall of Fame are also highly visited destinations in Nashville.
The city’s many bars and restaurants regularly host live music performances, and the Southern food served is delicious. Try one of Nashville’s Black-owned BBQ spots or any one of several must-try options for brunch in Music City.
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona, is the tenth most popular spot on TikTok for first-time visitors, with 212.5 million views. Arizona’s capital city is the destination for warm weather and stunning scenery, making it a popular location for outdoor enthusiasts.
Spend the day exploring outdoors during a visit to any one of several nature preserves and hiking areas. Museums and galleries provide another avenue for tourists to learn about the city’s history and cultural heritage.
The Desert Botanical Garden is the most popular destination in the city, according to SIXT. With the Grand Canyon only four hours away by car, consider planning a day trip to visit the national park.
RELATED: The Safest Countries For Black Solo Travel According To Other Black Travelers
