Travel outlet names Bellingham the best solo travel destination for adventure in the US

Fresh off naming Bellingham its top destination for adventure seekers in 2024, travel outlet Matador Network named the Whatcom County city its top adventure destination in the U.S. for solo travelers.

On Jan. 31 the outlet released its list of the 12 best destinations for solo travelers in the country. Each city (or state, region, cruise ship or train) to make the list was given a different superlative, with Bellingham winning the “for adventure lovers” category.

Bellingham named best destination for solo travelers

Matador Network mostly recommends Bellingham to solo travelers for the same reasons it recommended the city to all adventure travelers back in December: the hiking, mountain biking, walkable downtown, coffee shops and breweries. There was no mention of skiing or Bellingham’s proximity to Mount Baker, although the write-up did focus on summer activities. The list, which suggested visitors come to town between May and October, summed up Bellingham’s appeal as “hikes, bikes, views and brews.”

There are some things about Bellingham that stand out particularly for solo travel, though. For example, Matador Network recommends biking Galbraith and Chuckanut Mountain. That’s partially because they offer some of the best mountain biking trails around, but also because they’re well marked and busy enough that you can always find someone to talk to on the trail, both of which are particularly important for solo travelers.

Another perk for solo travelers, according to Matador Network, is Bellingham’s size, which it called “the sweet spot for whatever level of socialization you’d prefer,” and the number of restaurants and breweries where visitors won’t feel uncomfortable dining alone.