If you’re traveling solo and single in the USA, the “best” places tend to share a few traits: lots of social venues (walkable neighborhoods, bars, cafés, events), a steady flow of other travelers and transplants, activities that make it easy to meet people (group tours, outdoor clubs, classes), and a culture that’s friendly to going out alone. Below are standout destinations—grouped by the kind of experience you want—with concrete examples of what to do and where you’re most likely to connect with others.

1) Big-city energy (high social density, endless events)

New York City, NY

• Why it’s great when you’re single: NYC has unmatched “do it alone” culture—sitting at a bar, going to a show, joining a class, or chatting in a park is normal. Constant influx of visitors and newcomers means people are open to meeting others.
• Best ways to meet people:
  • Neighborhood bar scenes: East Village / Lower East Side (Manhattan), Williamsburg (Brooklyn).
  • Social activities: comedy shows, improv classes, dance studios, museum nights, and food tours.
  • Group-friendly spots: Central Park gatherings, free events at Bryant Park, and live music venues.
• Example solo itinerary: food tour in the afternoon → comedy show at night → late drink at a busy bar with counter seating.

Chicago, IL

• Why it’s great: Big-city variety with a more approachable, neighborly vibe. Excellent bar-and-restaurant culture and lots of group activities.
• Where to go: Riverwalk in warm months, West Loop for dining, Wicker Park/Logan Square for nightlife and music.
• Easy social wins: architecture boat tours (people chat), improv/comedy (Second City area), sports bars during games.

Washington, DC

• Why it’s great: A heavy concentration of young professionals and transplants, plus tons of free museums (great for solo days) and a strong happy-hour culture.
• Where to go: Dupont Circle, U Street corridor, Adams Morgan for nightlife; Georgetown waterfront for daytime strolling.
• Example: Smithsonian museum day → evening meetup or trivia night → late-night live music on U Street.

2) Nightlife + “everyone’s here to have fun” (easy to mingle)

Las Vegas, NV

• Why it’s great: Vegas is built for spontaneous socializing—bars, lounges, day clubs, pool scenes, and group tours run nonstop. Going out solo is common and low-pressure.
• Best for: meeting other travelers quickly, especially on weekends.
• Examples: pool parties, nightclub guest lists, bar seating at casino lounges, group excursions to Red Rock Canyon.

New Orleans, LA

• Why it’s great: One of the most sociable cities in the US—live music everywhere, open-door venues, and a culture of talking to strangers.
• Where to go: Frenchmen Street for live music; the French Quarter for classic nightlife; Garden District for daytime charm.
• Easy social activities: jazz clubs, cocktail tours, ghost tours, cooking classes (gumbo/jambalaya).

Miami, FL

• Why it’s great: Beach + nightlife + international crowd. Great for day-to-night social flow.
• Where to go: South Beach for high-energy; Wynwood for art + breweries; Brickell for sleek bars and lounges.
• Examples: beach volleyball groups, rooftop bars, Latin dance nights, art walks in Wynwood.

3) Outdoors + adventure (bond fast through shared activities)

Denver & Boulder, CO

• Why it’s great: Outdoors culture makes it easy to join hikes, climbs, ski trips, and breweries afterward. Many transplants = lots of other solo newcomers.
• Examples: group hikes in the Front Range, Red Rocks concerts, brewery meetups, day trips to Rocky Mountain National Park.

Austin, TX (also fits nightlife)

• Why it’s great: Social city with a strong “show up and join in” vibe—live music, outdoor activities, and casual hangouts.
• Examples: Barton Springs, paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, live music on Red River, two-step lessons (great for meeting people).

Portland, OR

• Why it’s great: Perfect if you like a mix of nature, coffee culture, breweries, and quirky events. Many people socialize through shared interests (hiking, books, food).
• Examples: day trip to the Columbia River Gorge, food-cart pods, brewery tours, local markets.

4) Beach towns with strong “single traveler” vibes

San Diego, CA

• Why it’s great: Laid-back, sunny, and very social. Beach activities naturally create conversation opportunities.
• Where to go: Pacific Beach for a younger party vibe; Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife; North Park for breweries and food.
• Examples: surf lessons, beach bonfires, brewery hopping, group whale-watching tours.

Honolulu (O‘ahu), HI

• Why it’s great: Waikīkī is extremely solo-traveler-friendly; lots of tours and lessons where you’ll meet other visitors.
• Examples: surf classes, snorkeling tours, hikes like Diamond Head with other travelers, sunset catamaran cruises.

5) Culture + creativity (meet people via classes, art, and live events)

Los Angeles, CA

• Why it’s great: Massive variety—comedy, music, film events, fitness classes, and niche communities. Great if you like meeting people through shared interests.
• Where to go: Silver Lake/Echo Park (arts), West Hollywood (nightlife), Santa Monica/Venice (beach + social fitness).
• Examples: stand-up comedy nights, studio fitness classes, outdoor movie screenings, group hikes (Runyon Canyon is famously social).

Nashville, TN

• Why it’s great: Live music is the social glue—easy to strike up conversations in honky-tonks and music venues.
• Examples: Broadway bars, songwriter nights, line dancing, daytime coffee shops in 12 South.

San Francisco, CA

• Why it’s great: Walkable neighborhoods, strong event culture, and lots of groups centered around tech, arts, and outdoors.
• Examples: museum nights, food tours, ferry day trips, hikes in Marin, neighborhood bars in the Mission.

Practical tips to maximize meeting people (without it feeling forced)

• Choose social lodging: a well-reviewed hostel, a hotel with a lively lobby bar, or a guesthouse/B&B with communal spaces.
• Book at least one group activity per day: walking tours, cooking classes, pub crawls, surf lessons, trivia nights, or day trips.
• Sit at the bar (not a table): this is one of the simplest ways to start casual conversations in US cities.
• Go where locals do recurring activities: run clubs, climbing gyms, dance lessons, language exchanges, board game cafés.
• Pick walkable neighborhoods: you’ll have more spontaneous interactions when you can stroll between cafés, parks, and venues.

References & planning resources (helpful for picking and validating destinations)

• U.S. Travel Association (travel trends and destination info):https://www.ustravel.org/
• National Park Service (for outdoor-heavy solo trips):https://www.nps.gov/
• Time Out (city event calendars and nightlife guides):https://www.timeout.com/
• Meetup (find local group events by interest):https://www.meetup.com/
• Eventbrite (classes, parties, tours, pop-ups):https://www.eventbrite.com/

Quick recommendations based on your vibe

• If you want nonstop nightlife: Las Vegas, Miami, New Orleans
• If you want big-city variety and easy solo culture: New York City, Chicago, DC
• If you want outdoors + social scene: Denver/Boulder, Austin, San Diego
• If you want music-centered socializing: Nashville, Austin, New Orleans

If you tell me your age range, budget, preferred scene (clubs vs. breweries vs. outdoors), and the time of year, I can narrow this to the top 3–5 destinations and suggest specific neighborhoods, events, and a 3–5 day itinerary designed for meeting people.