20 Best Solo Beach Vacation Destinations to Unwind

Need to unwind? The best solo beach and water escapes

If the sound of waves and the sweep of a horizon calm your mind, you’re not alone. Many travelers find that being near, on, or in the water is the fastest path to a reset. Whether your perfect day means a beach hammock and a good book or a kayak at dawn, these solo-friendly destinations deliver restorative vibes and memorable scenery.

Growing up by lakes, sleeping to the rhythm of waves, and seeking out waterfront rooms has taught me one thing: water is medicine. Even if you don’t plan to sunbathe all day, simply being close to it—walking a windy shore, riding a ferry, watching a storm roll across a bay—brings the stress down and the joy up.

Africa and the Indian Ocean

Cape Town, South Africa

Where mountains meet the sea, Cape Town offers drama at every turn. From the penguins of Boulders Beach to long golden stretches like Camps Bay and surfing at Muizenberg, you can fill your days with coastal walks, wine country detours, and sunset viewpoints.

“Cape Town has it all: beaches, mountains, gardens, vineyards, wildlife, and food that’s as exciting as the scenery.”

Eastern Cape, South Africa

Wild Coast solitude, warm Indian Ocean swells, and a sense of timelessness define the Eastern Cape. Expect empty sands, surf towns, and unexpected moments—like spotting cows wading in the waves.

“Our beaches are often quiet and pet-friendly, and the warm Agulhas Current makes the water inviting. For surfers, names like Jeffreys Bay and St. Francis say it all.”

Sal Island, Cape Verde

Trade winds, wide beaches, and an unrushed rhythm make Sal Island an easy-breezy escape. Watch the sun melt into the Atlantic, try Zumba in the sand, or tour the island’s highlights.

“Don’t miss Buracona’s ‘Blue Eye’ at midday when sunlight turns the sea a luminous sapphire. And float in Pedra de Lume’s salt lake inside an ancient volcano—your skin will thank you.”

Maldives

Postcard-worthy atolls, bath-warm water, and technicolor reefs show the soft side of adventure. Beyond lazing on sandbars, consider drift dives (great with instructors even for beginners), dolphin cruises, and island-hopping picnics.

Asia

Istanbul, Turkey

One of the world’s great waterfront cities is wrapped in the Bosphorus, Golden Horn, and Sea of Marmara. Sail between continents, linger at fish restaurants, and explore storied mosques, palaces, and bazaars—then end the day with a ferry ride at sunset.

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Karst-studded seascapes are best savored by boat. Opt for an overnight cruise to kayak glassy coves, explore caverns like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), practice sunrise tai chi on deck, and watch the peaks glow at dusk.

Gili Air, Indonesia

Sandy lanes, reef-snorkeling mornings, and slow, saffron sunsets set the tone on Gili Air. Claim a hut, sip something cold, and let a book and the gentle chop do the rest.

“I spent hours reading in a beach hut and watched the sea change color as day faded. Simple. Perfect.”

Europe and the United Kingdom

Faroe Islands

Road-trip through emerald cliffs and fjords stitched together by tunnels and causeways. Villages like Gjógv feel lifted from a fairytale—dramatic, peaceful, and perfect for slow travel.

Hallstatt and Gosausee, Austria

Mirror-still lakes ringed by mountains make this corner of Upper Austria an alpine balm. Ride the bus to Gosausee, stroll the shoreline, and watch clouds drift from mist to sun.

“The walk around Gosausee takes about two hours. The water is crystal clear, with the Dachstein glacier in the distance. Pure tranquility.”

Lofoten Islands, Norway

Serrated peaks, red rorbu cabins, and Arctic light combine for a hauntingly beautiful escape. Ferry-hop or drive between islands and seek out quiet coves when the weather turns moody.

Stresa, Italy

On Lake Maggiore, Stresa is where solo travelers go to exhale. Island-hop by ferry, dine lakeside, and let the Alps-painted skyline reset your pace.

Santander, Spain

Beaches without the bustle, a lively city core, and easy boat shuttles to sandbar escapes. Spend a morning exploring museums and an afternoon with your toes in the sand.

Mallorca, Spain

Turquoise coves, limestone cliffs, and bright Balearic skies invite a slower rhythm. Alternate coastal rambles with swims in clear, calm water.

Isle of Skye and the NC500, Scotland

You don’t need a car to enjoy Skye—buses and day tours reach top sights—and the North Coast 500 reveals windswept beaches that look Caribbean on a sunny day. Bring layers, then let the weather add drama to your coastline walks.

The Americas

Central America

Hopkins, Belize

A friendly Garifuna village with palm-fringed sands and a dreamy lagoon for kayaking. After dark, look for bioluminescence; by day, try cave tubing or hiking to waterfall pools.

Puerto Viejo and La Fortuna, Costa Rica

On the Caribbean side, Puerto Viejo trades in hammocks, reef snorkeling, and jungle downpours that make a porch swing feel like paradise. Inland, La Fortuna’s 70-meter waterfall ends in a swimmable pool of blue-green water—refreshing after a short, steep descent.

Panama (solo retreat idea)

Rent a simple cottage by the sea, set a daily beach walk, and give your creativity a month to breathe. Sometimes the best itinerary is a blank one.

North America

Cancún, Mexico

Resorts are easy, but ferries make it just as easy to step off the strip. Day trip to Isla Mujeres or Cozumel for colorful snorkeling and calmer coves.

Florida Keys, USA

Salt air, mangrove tunnels, snorkeling reefs, and sunset sails—this island chain is a masterclass in water therapy. Book a kayak tour to glide silently beneath tangled roots and watch herons hunt.

“The most tranquil moment is a quiet paddle through a mangrove forest. They even offer paddleboard yoga there—peace on water.”

Grace

Jacksonville, Florida, USA

Base yourself near the ocean to wake to salt-laced breezes. With 22 miles of beaches, you’ll find your own patch of sand for reading, walking, or a sunrise dip.

Killarney, Ontario, Canada

A Georgian Bay boat cruise, fish-fresh dinners, and a resort that nudges you offline form a perfect reset. The water, rock, and pines feel iconic for a reason.

“Out on the bay I finally relaxed—hot sun, cool spray, clean air, and endless views. Two hours on the water made the long drive more than worth it.”

Barbados and Bermuda

Barbados’ calm, swimmable beaches pair nicely with sea-turtle snorkels and rum shops, while Bermuda’s pastel villages, pink-sand coves, and aquamarine water are almost impossibly pretty.

South America

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

From a rented beach chair on Copacabana to a sunset stroll past Sugarloaf’s silhouette, Rio’s coastal energy is contagious. All city beaches are public—settle in, sip a fresh juice, and watch the parade of life.

Plan a stress-free solo seaside escape

• Pick your pace: choose a base with easy access to water—beach, lake, fjord, river—and mix lazy hours with short excursions.
• Mind the elements: reef-safe sunscreen, hat, light layers, and a dry bag for boat days.
• Stay flexible: coastal weather changes fast; have a “windy day” plan (cafés, museums, markets).
• Join small groups: low-commitment tours (sunset cruise, snorkel, shoreline hike) add connection when you want it.
• Protect your trip: comprehensive travel insurance can be a smart move for water-focused adventures.

Last updated: May 6, 2025