Looking for a quick escape from Raleigh? These spots are easy to get to, budget friendly and offer plenty of culture to fill your time.
by Rachel Simon
As fun as traveling with a partner or group can be, there’s something special about taking yourself on a solo vacation. Without anyone else telling you where to go and what to do, you can spend the trip exactly as you please, getting some likely much-needed relaxation while doing so.
That said, figuring out where to get that out-of-home alone time can often bring on the stress, especially if you’re on a tight budget or only have a weekend’s worth of getaway time. As a seasoned solo traveler myself, I know firsthand how much of a difference location can make in a trip’s quality. Staying alone in an affordable hotel full of other individual guests, that’s also safely walkable to a central area? Perfect. Staying alone in a pricey property surrounded by loud families or couples and far away from a cultural scene? A recipe for disaster.
To help you on your own search, I’ve rounded up some of the very best options for solo travelers this summer, ranging from intimate Triangle-area inns to luxe East Coast resorts.
Fearrington Village (Pittsboro, NC)
Located just a 45-minute drive from downtown Raleigh in Pittsboro, the historic (and storybook-gorgeous) Fearrington Village boasts a luxurious inn just steps away from an acclaimed restaurant, award-winning spa and numerous boutiques. I stayed there solo last fall and loved the Village’s peaceful vibe, spending my days writing in one of the property’s several quaint lounges and my nights enjoying Galloway’s, the recently-opened eatery-slash-wine bar.
Asheville, NC
After the devastation of Hurricane Helene last year, Asheville has rebuilt itself into the unique, arts-focused haven that’s made it so beloved by both locals and visitors alike. If you’re willing to drive a few hours west, I recommend staying at a boutique hotel like The Foundry or The Radical, both of which are centrally located in the city’s center so you can easily walk to any eatery, bar or shop you like (I’m personally a fan of Wicked Weed Brewing’s Brewpub and the vegetarian-friendly Chestnut restaurant). Plus, the hotels’ relatively quiet atmospheres make them perfect for solo travelers in need of some decompression time.
Boston, MA
With several airlines now offering regular inexpensive (and under two-hour) flights from RDU to Boston, getting to Beantown has never been easier. If you’re craving some lobster rolls this summer, I highly suggest staying at the Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport, which has the unique distinction of featuring The Artist Tower, which is specifically designed for solo travelers. The rooms are intimate and less pricey than those in the main building, and they provide easy access to the luxurious hotel’s many restaurants, rooftop pool and indoor art gallery. Honestly, it’s a solo vacationer’s dream.
Alexandria, VA
A five-and-a-half-hour Amtrak ride will take you right to Alexandria, Virginia, which has so much to offer for solo visitors. From walking tours of historic Old Town, to water taxi rides on the gorgeous Potomac, to jazz clubs and restaurants in the city’s heart, you’ll never be at a loss for things to do alone. As for where to stay, the Colonial-inspired Morrison House is renowned by travelers for its charming rooms and relaxing vibe.
New York City
If the idea of exploring NYC solo sounds intimidating or overwhelming, trust me: It doesn’t have to be. In recent years, a handful of solo-friendly accommodations have popped up around the city to help ensure individual travelers have the best experiences possible. Take the very cool Now Now NoHo, for instance, which (like the Omni in Boston) is designed especially for solo visitors with helpful amenities like a women+ only floor, 24-hour security, and an event calendar filled with on-site activities. One caveat is that the bathrooms are shared, but otherwise you’ll have total privacy and only need to interact with other guests if you head to the social lounge.
Asheboro, NC
Just 90-ish minutes away from Raleigh via car or train, Asheboro is an excellent destination for any solo traveler. While you can certainly entertain yourself with a visit to the zoo or a hike in Uwharrie National Forest, you could also maximize your alone time by staying at Postcard Cabins’ Asheboro locale. The small, lovely cabin is designed for individuals wanting a quiet and safe place to rest their heads, and it comes with things like a fire pit and picnic table so you can cook right on the property.
Washington, DC
Fun fact: In 2024, DC was named the best solo travel destination in the country, and it’s easy to see why. Between the simple-to-use Metro system, the free cost of nearly every museum, and the deliciously eclectic food scene, the city is an ideal spot for solo visitors. The DuPont Circle Hotel and Henley Park Hotel are both excellent options for individuals, with convenient locations and rooms in a wide range of prices.
This article was originally posted on waltermagazine.com on May 13, 2025.
