The United States is a fantastic place to explore, and with many friendly and quirky places to visit, there is plenty to keep visitors entertained and intrigued. City breaks are perfect for solo travelers who are just looking to get away for a few days, and the cities of the United States can offer culture, historic sites and amazing shopping and entertainment within a relatively small area. Whether you're going for the weekend or taking a few days out from a midweek schedule to explore, here are some of the United States' most popular cities that will offer a warm welcome to solo travelers.
New York
The biggest tourist city in the United States is a massive attraction on the East Coast for a very good reason, as it is a diverse and fascinating place that boasts a vibrant culture and some amazing historic sites to visit. The skyline of Manhattan is one of the most iconic cityscapes in the world, while the Statue of Liberty is also one of the most iconic places in the city to visit. The amazing cultural life is thriving in the city, with Broadway holding regular shows that can be explored, while there are themed walking tours around the city, with the 'Mad Men' walking tour one of the popular additions to the city's attractions.
San Francisco
Although San Fran may only be the fourth largest city in California, this welcoming city is a great place to visit for solo travelers, with a range of activities to keep you busy, and plenty of organized activities to help people to meet others visiting the area. A visit to the island prison of Alcatraz makes for a fascinating afternoon or evening trip, while crossing the Golden Gate Bridge is also a key tourist activity during a visit to the City by the Bay.
Taking a trip on the historic trams that ride the hills of the city is an interesting experience, while the War Memorial Opera House will often host great cultural events including Opera, Ballet and the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.
New Orleans
This Louisiana city lies on the banks of the Mississippi and is famous for the French and African influences that have helped the city to have its own unique culture that is quite distinct from many other parts of the country. Mardi Gras is a great time to visit the city as it is bouncing and visitors and locals mix freely during the celebrations, with the history of the area brought to the fore in many events during this period. Famous for its food, music and the wonderful nightlife of Bourbon Street, New Orleans may have suffered after Hurricane Katrina, but it has bounced back and is once again a wonderful place for a short break.
Los Angeles
This sprawling city is the second largest in the country, and is a truly interesting and attractive place to visit, with a trip up to the Hollywood sign being one of the activities that every visitor to the city has to do. There are plenty of walking tours and bus tours for those who want to meet new people as they explore the city, with many of these themed to attract fans of certain authors and films that are a part of the culture of LA. The city also has some amazing shopping, with everything from upmarket boutiques and designer labels through to quirky stores in the arty districts where you can find vintage and alternative clothing.
Las Vegas
Going solo to Vegas can often be one of the most daunting trips of all for the solo traveler, as it is such a large and bustling place, but it also offers so much to do and so many attractions that it is still well worth considering. For those who like to avoid the crush, try to avoid the different conventions and Spring Break when the city is full to the brim, although there will still be plenty of people around whenever you travel to Vegas. While the big shows and the large hotels draw many visitors, there are also plenty of other attractions worth considering, including the Mob Museum and the Neon Museum, which has the largest collection of retired neon lights in the city.