If you’ve been bit by the travel bug and are looking to try your hand at some local “solo traveling,” you’ve come to the right place. The Jersey City and New York City areas are home to a variety of incredible things to explore on your own if you’re up for it! Step outside your comfort zone and kick off your autumn with some personal growth and exploration. Here are the best local adventures to have on your own!

Dine solo at a restaurant 

A classic solo adventure to have locally is dining alone at a restaurant. Take the opportunity to be present, enjoy your food and drink, take in your surroundings, and chat with the bartender; the world is your oyster! We suggest picking a restaurant that offers countertop seating and casual vibes for the most pleasant solo dining experience. 

Go wine tasting at a local vineyard 

Take a day trip to one of New Jersey’s or New York’s award winning vineyards! Spend the day sipping on fine local wines while you take in the gorgeous scenery. Take a tour of the winery and discover the history of the fine wines crafted right in your own backyard!

Stand-Up Paddleboarding on the Hudson

A great solo activity to try is hitting the Hudson to practice your SUP or kayaking skills! Sign up for a private tour, a lesson, or join a group, and you may just make a friend or two on your solo adventure in the city!

Head to the park to people watch 

Head to either Liberty State Park or Central Park for the area’s absolute best people watching. Both of these parks offer great opportunities to view humanity at their finest! This unique activity just couldn’t be properly experienced if you weren’t on your own!

Check out a Museum 

If there’s one thing Jersey City and NYC do right, it’s museums! Pick a museum that piques your interest and spend the day strolling through the exhibits. Lose yourself in the age-old history, art, science, and culture that these fascinating museums provide!

Take a sightseeing cruise of Manhattan

Head out on a sightseeing cruise of New York City and explore the city’s gorgeous layout and structures by water. The three-hour Circle Line Full Island Cruise will take you all the way around Manhattan while your guide shares interesting tidbits about NYC.

Go see a movie 

One of the best solo adventures to have locally is going to see a movie! A perfect activity to do alone, head to a movie theater to completely unplug and become totally present for two whole hours. Movie theaters are now open in Jersey City, and if you’d prefer it, you can check out a drive-in movie in NYC!

Get lost in an NYC neighborhood

Pick one of NYC’s many eclectic neighborhoods and explore on foot! Dip into funky shops and galleries and grab a snack or drink whenever the mood strikes. The best thing about exploring on your own is that you can do anything you want whenever you want, and when you’re sick of doing it, you simply stop. With no one to answer to, getting lost in an NYC neighborhood is the best way to live your own adventure.