Top 20 U.S. Winter Destinations for Solo Travelers
Winter is one of the most rewarding times to travel solo. Cities sparkle with holiday lights, mountain towns buzz with ski season energy, and warm-weather getaways offer an escape from the cold. Whether you want snowy adventure, cultural festivals, or a sunny reset, these 20 U.S. destinations are safe, female solo-friendly, and full of seasonal magic.
1. New York City, New York
- Solo Vibe: Energetic, festive, and cultural
- Budget Range: High
- Ease of Getting There: Very easy with three major airports
- Nearest Airport: JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), Newark (EWR)
- Best Time to Visit: December for holiday markets and lights
- Why It’s Best: From Rockefeller Center’s tree to Broadway shows, NYC in winter is packed with festive energy and endless solo-friendly activities.
2. Aspen, Colorado
- Solo Vibe: Luxurious, outdoorsy, chic
- Budget Range: High
- Ease of Getting There: Regional airport with some direct flights, or drive from Denver
- Nearest Airport: Aspen/Pitkin County (ASE)
- Best Time to Visit: December–February for ski season
- Why It’s Best: World-class slopes, après-ski culture, and high-end dining make Aspen an indulgent solo winter escape.
3. Breckenridge, Colorado
- Solo Vibe: Social ski town with a laid-back feel
- Budget Range: Medium
- Ease of Getting There: Drive from Denver
- Nearest Airport: Denver International (DEN)
- Best Time to Visit: January–February for prime skiing
- Why It’s Best: Breckenridge has a welcoming atmosphere, ski groups for solo travelers, and a cozy, walkable downtown.
4. Park City, Utah
- Solo Vibe: Trendy, outdoorsy, festival-focused
- Budget Range: High
- Ease of Getting There: 45-minute drive from Salt Lake City
- Nearest Airport: Salt Lake City International (SLC)
- Best Time to Visit: January for Sundance Film Festival, December–March for skiing
- Why It’s Best: Park City blends world-class skiing with cultural events and a vibrant solo-friendly Main Street.
5. Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Solo Vibe: Cozy, artsy, soulful
- Budget Range: Medium
- Ease of Getting There: Regional flights or drive from Albuquerque
- Nearest Airport: Santa Fe Regional (SAF)
- Best Time to Visit: December for Christmas markets and farolito walks
- Why It’s Best: Adobe streets, art galleries, and warm New Mexican cuisine make Santa Fe a winter charmer.
6. Charleston, South Carolina
- Solo Vibe: Romantic, historic, relaxed
- Budget Range: Medium to High
- Ease of Getting There: Direct flights from many East Coast cities
- Nearest Airport: Charleston International (CHS)
- Best Time to Visit: January–February for mild weather and fewer crowds
- Why It’s Best: Charleston’s historic streets, coastal charm, and walkability shine in the cooler months without the summer crowds.
7. Savannah, Georgia
- Solo Vibe: Quirky, historic, artistic
- Budget Range: Medium
- Ease of Getting There: Easy flights from hubs or scenic drive
- Nearest Airport: Savannah/Hilton Head (SAV)
- Best Time to Visit: December–February
- Why It’s Best: Mild winters, charming squares, and ghost tours make Savannah a great solo-friendly winter getaway.
8. Scottsdale, Arizona
- Solo Vibe: Relaxed, spa-focused, outdoorsy
- Budget Range: Medium to High
- Ease of Getting There: Easy flights into Phoenix
- Nearest Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
- Best Time to Visit: January–March for hiking weather
- Why It’s Best: Desert hikes, luxury spas, and art walks give solo travelers a sunny reset in winter.
9. Palm Springs, California
- Solo Vibe: Retro, sunny, stylish
- Budget Range: Medium to High
- Ease of Getting There: Regional airport, easy drive from LA
- Nearest Airport: Palm Springs International (PSP)
- Best Time to Visit: January–March
- Why It’s Best: Pools, desert hikes, and a fun mid-century modern vibe make Palm Springs a winter playground.
10. Miami, Florida
- Solo Vibe: Energetic, beachy, social
- Budget Range: High
- Ease of Getting There: Major hub with easy flights
- Nearest Airport: Miami International (MIA)
- Best Time to Visit: December–February for perfect weather
- Why It’s Best: Miami offers sun, sand, art, and nightlife, with plenty of solo-friendly tours and cultural neighborhoods.
11. Key West, Florida
- Solo Vibe: Quirky, colorful, laid-back
- Budget Range: Medium to High
- Ease of Getting There: Regional flights or drive from Miami
- Nearest Airport: Key West International (EYW)
- Best Time to Visit: January–March
- Why It’s Best: A lively yet relaxed island escape with beaches, historic homes, and friendly bars.
12. Honolulu, Hawaii
- Solo Vibe: Tropical, vibrant, diverse
- Budget Range: Medium to High
- Ease of Getting There: Easy with many direct flights
- Nearest Airport: Daniel K. Inouye International (HNL)
- Best Time to Visit: December–March for whale watching
- Why It’s Best: Honolulu combines beaches, city life, and cultural activities in one solo-friendly hub.
13. New Orleans, Louisiana
- Solo Vibe: Musical, cultural, and festive
- Budget Range: Medium
- Ease of Getting There: Major airport with direct flights nationwide
- Nearest Airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International (MSY)
- Best Time to Visit: December–February, before peak Mardi Gras season
- Why It’s Best: With jazz clubs, Creole cuisine, and historic neighborhoods, New Orleans offers warmth, culture, and a lively but safe vibe for solo travelers.
14. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
- Solo Vibe: Outdoorsy, sporty, lively
- Budget Range: Medium to High
- Ease of Getting There: Drive from Reno or Sacramento
- Nearest Airport: Reno-Tahoe International (RNO)
- Best Time to Visit: December–March for skiing
- Why It’s Best: Tahoe mixes snow sports with a social après-ski scene, great for solo adventurers.
15. Chicago, Illinois
- Solo Vibe: Urban, cultural, festive
- Budget Range: Medium
- Ease of Getting There: Major hub with easy flights
- Nearest Airport: O’Hare (ORD) or Midway (MDW)
- Best Time to Visit: December for holiday lights and markets
- Why It’s Best: Chicago’s winter markets, museums, and lakefront views create a festive solo city break.
16. Orlando, Florida
- Solo Vibe: Fun, playful, theme park-centric
- Budget Range: Medium to High
- Ease of Getting There: Easy flights from anywhere in the U.S.
- Nearest Airport: Orlando International (MCO)
- Best Time to Visit: January–February for fewer crowds
- Why It’s Best: Theme parks like Disney and Universal are fun solo, with plenty of entertainment and safety.
17. Las Vegas, Nevada
- Solo Vibe: High-energy, entertainment-heavy
- Budget Range: Medium
- Ease of Getting There: Very easy with direct flights nationwide
- Nearest Airport: Harry Reid International (LAS)
- Best Time to Visit: December–February
- Why It’s Best: Vegas is solo-friendly with endless shows, restaurants, and activities, plus warm winter days.
18. Sedona, Arizona
- Solo Vibe: Peaceful, healing, adventurous
- Budget Range: Medium to High
- Ease of Getting There: Drive from Phoenix
- Nearest Airport: Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
- Best Time to Visit: December–February for cool hikes
- Why It’s Best: Winter hiking, energy vortex sites, and spas make Sedona a rejuvenating winter escape.
19. Big Sky, Montana
- Solo Vibe: Rugged, outdoorsy, adventurous
- Budget Range: Medium to High
- Ease of Getting There: Drive from Bozeman
- Nearest Airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International (BZN)
- Best Time to Visit: January–March for skiing
- Why It’s Best: Big Sky offers wide-open slopes, fewer crowds than Aspen, and a welcoming ski culture.
20. San Diego, California
- Solo Vibe: Chill, sunny, easy-going
- Budget Range: Medium
- Ease of Getting There: Major hub with many flights
- Nearest Airport: San Diego International (SAN)
- Best Time to Visit: December–February for mild weather
- Why It’s Best: San Diego’s beaches, parks, and food scene give you warm sunshine without the holiday frenzy.
Winter doesn’t have to mean staying home. From festive cities to mountain adventures and tropical escapes, these destinations make solo travel easy, safe, and fun. Whether you’re looking for holiday sparkle, snowy slopes, or sunny skies, there’s a perfect winter trip waiting for you.
Ready to plan your solo winter getaway?
- Check out our Ultimate Packing List for stress-free packing.
- Don’t miss the upcoming seasonal guides for Spring and Summer solo destinations.
