united states Solo trip recommendation

So I recently ended a relationship and want to take a vacation in mid May.

I wanted to go with friends but everyone is either no money, time doesn't work, or have plans with their significant others >

Where can I go in the US for 3-4 days by myself, to relax and have fun.

Something that doesn't require too much money or planning.

My budget is around $500+airfare

I've been wanting to go to National parks but don't want to by myself for safety reasons.

Any recommendations is welcome!

Thank you!

Does it have to be in the US?

yes because of the limited time and I want to keep it simple

Vegas, baby! That's what I'd do.

- You can totally do airfare and maybe even hotel on $500

- The strip is right next to the airport, it's almost silly

- You can take an organized side-trip to the Grand Canyon (that's a national park, right? With tons of people around)

- On that note, you can take side trips to other things too. If you like nature there is also the red rocks? Red mountains? Something like that

- You can chill by the pool instead if you want

- Clubs, casinos, shows, just seeing the different hotels is cool.

Vegas has everything, IMO. And IMO after 3-4 days, you've had enough. Perfect.

A short tour with a group of people? Set up by the travel company. Not sure what there is in the US but have looked for myself. Helpful I know!

Some kind of Spa maybe?

I'm with RedDress- Las Vegas! Keep busy and have fun at the same time. Lots of shows on in the evening too.

Don't do Vegas. Go to a beach. It will force you to lose weight to get into a bikini and having drinks on a beach is more relaxing than walking down the strip.

I'd say Ft. Lauderdale. Fits in your budget and Miami is right down the way.

Well, that depends on what kind of person you are. If you want to just relax on the beach, I would suggest Florida or Myrtle Beach. With a little digging, you should be able to find a relatively inexpensive hotel on or near a beach, especially in Florida. Charleston is near Myrtle Beach and it's a lovely city full of interesting architecture. The Gulf side of Florida would probably have warmer water at this time of year if you want to swim in the ocean.

If you want something a little more active, check out Flagstaff Arizona. There's a hostel there I've stayed at that was fine, so cheap accommodations. You will need a car, on the way up you can stop off in Sedona which is beautiful. Flagstaff is about an hour away from several national parks that are pretty empty and totally safe (you pretty much have to stay on the trail) so long as you're careful with the sunscreen and water because it is the desert and it will be hot by then (but not stifling). Both times I've gone there, I have barely run into a soul (except the meteor crater which is actually privately owned, it's where the astronauts trained for the moon landing). The Grand Canyon (which is stunning especially at sunset), link removed (which backs onto the Painted Desert), Petrified Forest all are within an hour or two's drive. There are also smaller sites where they've found Indian settlements scattered about, too, like link removed.

It would be more expensive due to accommodations, but the drive up highway 101, San Francisco to Santa Barbara is amazing. San Francisco is also a great city with plenty of museums and attractions to keep someone busy all day, but it would be a little pricey.

Depends on what you like.

If noise, crowds, gambling, drinking are your thing... Vegas is certainly a good option.

If you want quiet, peace, solitude... I'd shoot for one of the Florida Keys. (I like Sanibel, personally.)

If you want a city scene with museums, sports, etc.... Boston, Chicago, or New York.

Beach bodies, blondes, surfing, sunning - California beaches.

Thank you for all the suggestions. So I think vegas is a good idea but I think ill feel lonely when im there by by myself because its so touristy. FL is no because my ex lives there it reminds me of all the memories. Myrtle beach is a possibility im not sure if im im swimsuit ready lol

Sorry I know I sound very picky.

More suggestions?

Acadia National Park in Maine? Absolutely gorgeous!

A hot springs/spa trip would be a fun solo venture, too.

You could probably find a spa within driving distance of you that does weekend getaways. Sure, you would spend the same in two days that you would spend in four, but you would be pampered from head to toe, no flights would be involved, you wouldn't have to worry about swimsuits or personal safety.

3/4 days is pretty short so if you want to enjoy a maximum I'd say Vegas, unless you don't drink/aren't a party person.

I think you'd be short on money in pricey San Fran.

Thank you for all the suggestions. So I think vegas is a good idea but I think ill feel lonely when im there by by myself because its so touristy. FL is no because my ex lives there it reminds me of all the memories. Myrtle beach is a possibility im not sure if im im swimsuit ready lol

Sorry I know I sound very picky.

 

More suggestions?

Where ever you go, you are going to be alone -so...you don't want beach, you don't want "lots" of people, and you don't want "alone in the park".

What is it that WOULD make you happy? The USA is very large.

I'd go to New Orleans.

Or find a hot springs and camp nearby.

Have you checked Groupon for "Travel and Escapes?" I would start there first because of your budget. $500 will only get you so far.

You might have a hard time heading to the beach with it getting warmer and closer to Memorial weekend. This is the time hotel costs start to go up. I would research hotels around the Outer Banks, Myrtle Beach, or around Florida (the Keys can get expensive depending on where you go).

Airfare is going to go up as well because gas prices are on the rise again. Instead of airflight, you can take train or buses to the city. Megabus to NY is awesome and super cheap.

I'd go to New Orleans.

I would too. But the OP's a woman and traveling alone... and New Orleans has a very high crime rate that I wouldn't trust going there by myself if I didn't know the area.