12 Best Destinations for a Solo Beach Vacation

Solo traveling is truly one of the most rewarding experiences you can give yourself. It builds self-confidence, pushes you out of your comfort zone and is honestly just plain fun. And there’s nothing quite like a beach destination for solo travel: the freedom to post up with a picnic and a good book, maybe join a spontaneous beach volleyball game or attend a beach bonfire, then wander off to find the perfect spot for dinner and drinks as the sun sets over the horizon.

Having traveled solo to beaches around the world, I’ve learned that the best destinations for a solo beach vacation offer the perfect blend of safety, natural beauty and opportunities for both solitude and connection. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation—or a bit of both—these destinations have consistently delivered unforgettable experiences that remind me why solo travel is my favorite way to explore the world.

This bohemian paradise on Mexico’s Caribbean coast has everything a solo traveler could want: ancient Mayan ruins perched dramatically on cliffs overlooking turquoise waters, pristine white sand beaches and a laid-back vibe that makes it incredibly easy to meet fellow travelers.

Tulum is perfect for solo travel thanks to its walkable beachfront hotel zone, where you can easily explore cenotes (natural swimming holes), practice yoga on the beach at sunrise, or simply spend hours reading in a hammock. The town is safe, English is widely spoken and there’s always something happening—from full moon parties to wellness retreats. The food scene is incredible too, with everything from street tacos to high-end restaurants serving gourmet grub.

Puerto Escondido is a less trafficked spot (though is becoming more popular) that’s perfect for solo travelers who want more of an authentic Mexican beach experience. This surf town on Oaxaca’s Pacific coast is famous for its massive waves, but even if you’re not a surfer, the energy here is infectious. I spent my days watching surfers tackle the powerful breaks at Playa Zicatela, then retreated to the calmer waters of Playa Carrizalillo for swimming and sunbathing.

You’ll find yourself chatting with locals or digital nomads, eating at delicious restaurants and discovering incredible mezcal bars tucked away in narrow streets. A lot of people explore the town by scooter and it does have a bit of a party vibe (although it’s still mellow). It’s also pretty affordable, so it’s a good option for budget-conscious solo travelers. Most importantly, the warmth of the local people makes you feel welcome from the moment you arrive.

Santa Teresa is another boho surf town but it perfectly embodies the “pura vida” lifestyle Costa Rica is famous for. During my time here, I spent mornings swimming in my hotel pool, afternoons exploring the surrounding jungle and evenings watching spectacular sunsets from beachfront bars.

Something I love about Santa Teresa is how easy it is to meet people—whether you’re taking a surf lesson, joining a yoga class, or simply chatting with other travelers at one of the many healthy cafes lining the beach. The town is incredibly safe, and the infrastructure is well-developed for tourism while still maintaining its authentic charm. Rent an ATV like the locals and explore this hidden paradise for a few days.

Hvar is technically Croatia’s party island, but it’s also so much more than that. This Mediterranean gem offers some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, with baby blue waters and dramatic coastlines backed by lavender fields and olive groves. The island offers incredible diversity—you can spend the day exploring hidden coves and historic towns, then dance the night away at world-famous beach clubs.

Croatia has excellent infrastructure, most people speak English and the local culture is incredibly warm and hospitable. The food is fantastic (fresh seafood, local wines and olive oil), and the island is small enough that you can easily explore by scooter or on foot. The mix of nature and nightlife makes it perfect for solo travelers of all types.

Bali is a solo traveler’s dream, with everything from world-class surf breaks to spiritual retreats. During my time there, I was amazed by how easy it was to connect with both locals and fellow travelers. The island has an incredible backpacker community, with affordable accommodations, easy transportation and endless activities.

You can practice sunrise yoga on the beach in Canggu, spend an afternoon getting a massage in Ubud, or spend an evening watching the sunset from a clifftop bar in Uluwatu. In other words, you’re spoiled for choice on this island and it’s also incredibly safe. The Balinese culture is deeply spiritual and welcoming and you may even find yourself invited to local ceremonies and celebrations. The food scene is also a major perk, from street warungs serving nasi goreng to more high-end restaurants.

San Diego is the perfect introduction to solo beach travel for those who want to stay closer to home. The city boasts 70 miles of coastline with everything from family-friendly beaches to world-class surf breaks. During my nearly 12 years of living here, I never felt unsafe or unwelcome.

What I appreciate the most about San Diego is the diversity of beaches here. You can spend the morning at the trendy beaches of Pacific Beach, explore the tide pools at Cabrillo National Monument in the afternoon and catch a sunset at La Jolla Cove. The weather is almost always perfect and the craft beer and health food scene is fantastic. Plus, it’s a great base for exploring other Southern California destinations, too.

The Florida Keys have a laid-back island vibe and incredible marine life. Key Largo and Islamorada are perfect for solo travelers who want to combine beach time with activities like snorkeling, diving and sportfishing. 

You can swim with dolphins, snorkel over coral reefs and try your hand at deep-sea fishing. The islands are very safe, and the casual atmosphere means you can show up anywhere in flip-flops and a swimsuit. The seafood is incredible (try the key lime pie!) and the sunsets are absolutely spectacular.

Sydney surprised me with how effortlessly it combines urban living with some of the world’s most spectacular beaches. Bondi Beach gets all the attention, and rightfully so! I spent countless mornings watching surfers tackle the waves while nursing flat whites from nearby cafés. But there is a sheer variety of beach experiences within easy reach to choose from.

Coogee Beach became my personal favorite for its more relaxed vibe and the stunning coastal walk that connects it to Bondi. The locals are also incredibly friendly so don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. Manly Beach, just a scenic ferry ride away, offers a completely different energy with its surf schools and beachfront dining.

One of the best things about Sydney was how safe and walkable everything felt. The city’s excellent public transport means you can easily beach-hop and the café culture provides endless opportunities to meet people or simply people-watch. The weather is nearly perfect year-round, and there’s always something happening—from weekend markets to outdoor concerts in the Royal Botanic Gardens overlooking the harbor.

Barcelona has that rare combination of world-class city beaches right in the urban core, plus easy access to the stunning Costa Brava coastline. You can spend the morning exploring Gaudí’s masterpieces, then be lounging on Barceloneta Beach by afternoon.

The late-night culture here perfectly suits independent exploration. Dinner doesn’t start until 9 PM, giving you all day to explore beaches, and the city truly comes alive after dark. I spent evenings wandering the Gothic Quarter, stumbling upon hidden tapas bars where locals welcomed solo diners with warmth and curiosity about my travels.

The real magic happens when you venture beyond the city to Costa Brava gems like Cadaqués or Tossa de Mar (easily reachable by bus for day trips). These medieval coastal towns have dramatic clifftop views, secluded coves and that authentic Spanish seaside experience that’s becoming harder to find.

Lisbon might just be the perfect base for solo beach adventures, it’s got the energy of a capital city with easy access to some of Europe’s most spectacular coastlines. The city itself has incredible character: iconic yellow trams climbing steep hills, fado music drifting from small bars and locals who seem genuinely happy to share their city with visitors.

The train system whisks you to beach towns like Cascais in just 30 minutes, where dramatic Atlantic coastlines await. Portugal consistently ranks as one of the world’s safest countries, and you feel this immediately. Walking alone at night feels natural, locals are always willing to help and the affordable prices mean you can indulge in excellent seafood and wine without breaking your budget.

The Naples coast offers some of Italy’s most enchanting island experiences and I quickly found myself falling in love with the slower pace and genuine warmth of island life. Each island has its own personality: glamorous Capri for dramatic beauty, thermal-spring Ischia for relaxation and tiny Procida for authentic charm.

Procida became my unexpected favorite. This colorful fishing island has managed to stay authentic despite its proximity to tourist magnets. I spent mornings wandering pastel-colored harbors, afternoons swimming in secluded coves and evenings sharing meals with locals who treated solo diners like honored guests. The island is small enough to explore entirely on foot, creating those magical moments of discovery around every corner.

Capri delivers on its legendary reputation—the Blue Grotto is genuinely breathtaking and watching sunset from Villa San Michele feels like stepping into a dream. 

The ferry connections between islands make island-hopping effortless, and each journey offers spectacular views of the dramatic coastline. 

Koh Samui strikes the perfect balance between Thailand’s legendary backpacker friendliness and the infrastructure that makes solo travel effortless.

There is incredible diversity here packed into one island. You can start your day with street food breakfast at local markets (the mango sticky rice is a must), spend afternoon hours lounging on pristine beaches and end evenings watching fire shows at beachfront bars where solo travelers naturally gather and connect.

The island is small enough to feel intimate yet developed enough that you never feel isolated or unsafe. The affordability factor can’t be overstated—you can eat incredible meals for a few dollars and get traditional Thai massages on the beach for cheap and stay in beautiful accommodations without breaking the budget. This financial freedom allows for spontaneous adventures, whether it’s chartering a longtail boat to hidden beaches or taking that last-minute cooking class.