One of the best things about a solo road trip is the freedom to choose your own adventure. Whether you like mountains, coastal highways, or national parks, there’s a route for you.
If you’re wondering where to go on your first solo trip, check out these destinations that are safe, scenic, and easy to navigate. Best of all, with a Cruise America RV rental, you can experience these amazing places with the comfort and convenience of your own home base.
Why a Solo Road Trip is the Adventure of a Lifetime
Solo road trips combine freedom, excitement, and personal growth. Without the need to compromise on destinations, schedules, or stops, you can fully live the adventure at your own pace. Want to stop to watch the sunset? Go for it. Feel like staying an extra day in a charming small town? No problem.
Solo female travelers especially gain extra comfort and convenience from solo road trips. With a Cruise America RV, you don’t have to worry about finding last-minute hotels or navigating unfamiliar cities at night. Your home-on-wheels ensures you always have a cozy, secure space to rest, recharge, and refuel for the next day’s adventures.
Solo Travel is on the Rise
Solo travel has been on the rise in recent years as more people are embracing the idea of independent travel. Remote work and flexible schedules are more common than ever, and solo travelers are heading for adventure, relaxation, and self-discovery.
Benefits of Traveling Solo
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Flexibility – No compromises on itinerary, stops, or detours
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Self-Discovery – Learn to trust your instincts and gain confidence in new environments.
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Independence – Become more resourceful as you navigate the open road.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway, NC/VA – A Scenic Drive Through the Mountains
The Blue Ridge Parkway, which runs 479 miles through North Carolina and Virginia, is often called “America’s Favorite Drive”—and for good reason. This beautiful route runs through the Appalachian Mountains, with stunning scenic overlooks, peaceful hiking trails, and charming mountain towns.
It’s a great route for solo travelers because of the well-maintained roads, plenty of campgrounds, and many places to pull over and enjoy the views. The scenery is especially spectacular in the fall when the mountains turn into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows.
2. Pacific Coast Highway, CA – Paradise Found
For solo travelers looking for ocean views, charming coastal towns, and dramatic cliffs, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in California is a must. This legendary drive runs along Highway 1 and passes through Big Sur, Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Malibu.
You’ll find quaint coffee shops, hidden beaches, and scenic overlooks along the way. The best part? With your Cruise America RV, you can pull over to designated campgrounds along the coast and wake up to the sound of the waves.
3. Utah’s Mighty 5 – A National Park Lover’s Dream
Utah’s Mighty 5 is a bucket-list road trip for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This epic drive takes you through Arches, Bryce Canyon, Capitol Reef, Zion, and Canyonlands National Parks, each with stunning rock formations, scenic drives, and endless hiking trails.
This trip is great for solo travelers because of the well-established campgrounds, accessible trails, and breathtaking scenery at every turn. You can camp near national park entrances and wake up to unspoiled natural beauty.
4. Route 66 – A Nostalgic Journey Through America’s Heartland
Few road trips are as iconic as Route 66. This historic highway, which spans eight states from Illinois to California, is packed with quirky roadside attractions, vintage diners, and fascinating history.
Solo travelers will love the well-marked roads, unique stops, and welcoming small towns along the way. Whether you’re snapping photos at the Cadillac Ranch in Texas, checking out the Petrified Forest in Arizona, or grabbing a burger at a classic Route 66 diner, this trip is a slice of Americana like no other.
5. Yellowstone National Park, WY – A Wildlife Wonderland
Yellowstone is one of the safest and easiest destinations for solo travelers. As America’s first national park, it’s full of stunning landscapes, geothermal wonders, and wildlife.
From Old Faithful Geyser to Yellowstone Lake, there’s plenty to see. The park’s well-maintained roads and many campgrounds make it an easy and enjoyable RV destination. Plus, staying in a Cruise America RV means you can set up camp in the park and avoid the hassle of crowded hotels.
6. Great Smoky Mountains, TN/NC – A Misty Mountain Escape
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has scenic drives, peaceful trails, and historic mountain towns. Solo travelers will love the easy-to-navigate roads and friendly atmosphere of places like Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Cherokee, North Carolina.
With dense forests, waterfalls, and misty mountain peaks, this is the perfect place to unplug, recharge, and get solo time. RV travelers can take advantage of the park’s designated campgrounds and enjoy nature while still having modern comforts.
7. New England Fall Foliage Route – A Seasonal Spectacle
A New England road trip is a must if you travel in the fall. The fall foliage along routes in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts is stunning.
Drive along the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire or explore Vermont’s covered bridges for a picture-perfect journey. Small towns like Woodstock and North Conway offer warm hospitality, cozy cafes, and plenty of scenic spots to park your RV and take in the fall colors.
8. Florida Keys Road Trip – A Tropical Getaway
Looking for sunshine, palm trees, and turquoise water? The drive from Miami to Key West is a solo traveler’s dream. With the ocean on both sides and the Overseas Highway’s famous Seven Mile Bridge, the journey itself is as beautiful as the destination.
The Florida Keys have laid-back beach towns, state parks, and waterfront dining spots to enjoy fresh seafood and ocean breezes. Solo travelers will love the relaxed vibe and endless opportunities to snorkel, kayak, or just soak up the sun.
9. Badlands National Park, SD – Otherworldly Landscapes
If you’re looking for unique scenery and quiet solitude, the Badlands of South Dakota should be on your list. Known for its jagged rock formations, vast prairies, and stargazing opportunities, this destination is perfect for solo travelers seeking a peaceful escape.
There are many RV-friendly campgrounds near the park, so you can spend the night under the stars and wake up to the rocky formations bathed in morning light.
10. Big Sur, CA – The Ultimate Coastal Escape
Big Sur is one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the country. With towering cliffs, redwood forests, and ocean views, this stretch of Highway 1 is a dream for solo travelers who love stunning landscapes.
Stop at famous landmarks like McWay Falls, Bixby Bridge, and Pfeiffer Beach. Many campgrounds along the route make it easy to pull over, relax, and enjoy one of California’s most beautiful places.
Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Solo Road Trip
There are a few things to note before you go on a road trip alone through the United States.
Plan Your Trip in Advance
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Research routes, campgrounds, and must-see stops using Google Maps or another GPS.
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Have a backup plan in case of road closures or weather changes.
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Avoid driving too much at night and utilize rest areas for physical safety.
Stay Connected and Share Your Plans
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Let friends or family know your itinerary.
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Use apps like Find My Friends or Google Location Sharing for added security.
Be Smart About Personal Safety
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Don’t announce your solo status on social media in real-time.
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Stay in well-lit, populated areas when stopping.
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Trust your instincts—if something feels off, move along.
Nighttime Travel Precautions
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Try to get to the campgrounds before dark to set up comfortably.
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If you must stop overnight, choose secure RV parks or campgrounds instead of rest stops.
Protect Your Valuables
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Keep important documents and cash in separate places.
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Store digital copies of your ID and credit cards on a secure cloud service.
Prepare for the Unexpected
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Keep your gas tank above half full at all times.
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Invest in a roadside assistance membership.
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Download offline maps in case of spotty cell service.
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Consider travel insurance.
Take it One Step at a Time
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Start with shorter solo trips before embarking on a cross-country adventure.
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Give yourself time to adjust—solo travel gets easier the more you do it!
Experience These Destinations with Cruise America
Wherever your solo road trip takes you, traveling in a Cruise America RV makes the journey even more fun. With your own kitchen, bathroom, and cozy sleeping space, you can explore these destinations at your own pace without worrying about last-minute hotel bookings or restaurant stops.
Ready to hit the open road? Reserve a Cruise America RV rental today and plan your next adventure!
