Solo Trip to US - Best Location? Considering Miami or LA

Question

Hi all,

I’m planning a solo trip to the USA and could use some advice! I’m based in the UK and thinking about heading out sometime this year. I’ve been considering Miami or Los Angeles, but I’m open to other suggestions if there’s somewhere that would be better for a solo traveller.

A few details:

Budget: Around £1,200 total (including flights if possible, though I know this is tight for the US).

Travel time: Open to suggestions on the best time to go (weather, crowds, prices, etc.).

Accommodation: Would like hotel or other forms of accomodation recommendations (safe, clean, well-located, ideally with social vibes or near lively areas).

Food: I’m a foodie! Love good food and ideally looking for halal options where possible.

Nightlife: I enjoy checking out bars, lounges, or cool social spots— beaches, but somewhere to meet people or just enjoy the vibe.

Possibly sports events, festivals etc.

Places I could go to meet people!

Things to do: I like a mix of sightseeing, beach time, exploring cool neighbourhoods, and trying local food.

Would love to hear from others who have done a solo trip in the US—where did you go, what did you love, and any tips to make the most of it?

Thanks in advance!

Answer

For a solo traveler from the UK with a budget of around £1,200, both Miami and Los Angeles offer unique experiences, but there are some key differences to help you decide. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Los Angeles (LA):

LA is a sprawling city with beaches, cultural hubs, and a strong foodie scene. It’s great if you enjoy mixing sightseeing, food, and nightlife. Safety can vary by neighborhood, so staying in well-known areas is recommended. The city is more car-dependent, though rideshares can help if you don’t want to rent a car.

Accommodation: Santa Monica, Venice Beach, or West Hollywood are safe, lively areas with easy access to beaches and social spots. Boutique hotels and hostels like PodShare or Samesun Venice offer social vibes and budget-friendly options.
Food: LA has an amazing mix of cuisines, including halal options, Middle Eastern, and international street food. Koreatown and Little Arabia areas are worth exploring for halal meals.
Nightlife & Social: Bars and rooftop lounges in West Hollywood, Venice, and Downtown LA are great for meeting people. Santa Monica and Venice have lively beachfront areas.
Activities: Beaches, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, hiking in Runyon Canyon, Santa Monica Pier, Venice Canals. Day trips to Malibu or Disneyland are also possible.

Miami:

Miami is more compact than LA and is very beach-centric, with vibrant nightlife and Latin American cultural influences. Public transport is limited, so rideshares or short-term car rentals might be necessary. Summer can be hot and humid, but it’s lively year-round.

Accommodation: South Beach (Miami Beach) is central, safe, and lively. Budget hostels like Freehand Miami provide a social atmosphere perfect for solo travelers. Wynwood and Brickell are also good options for arts and nightlife.
Food: Excellent seafood and Latin American cuisines. Plenty of halal options are available, especially in areas with Middle Eastern or South Asian communities.
Nightlife & Social: South Beach nightclubs, rooftop bars, and beach parties are popular. Group events, walking tours, and hostel social activities make it easy to meet others.
Activities: Beaches, Art Deco District, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, boat tours, Everglades day trips, watersports.

Timing:

LA: Spring (March-May) or Fall (September-November) for mild weather and lower crowds/prices.
Miami: Winter (December-February) is ideal to avoid high heat and hurricane season, but this is peak season and more expensive.

Budget tips:

Book flights early or consider budget carriers from the UK.
Use hostels, boutique hotels, or Airbnb for affordable stays.
Public transport or rideshare apps can reduce costs if avoiding a rental car.

Recommendation: For a solo traveler who wants a mix of beaches, social atmosphere, and sightseeing without needing a car too much, Miami might be slightly easier to navigate and more social. LA offers more varied sightseeing and food options but can be more expensive and logistically spread out. Both are safe for solo travelers if you stick to well-known areas, remain aware at night, and plan transport in advance.

Overall, your choice depends on whether you prefer a more compact, social beach city (Miami) or a sprawling city with diverse food, culture, and iconic sights (LA).

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