Best Places to Travel Solo Female in the US: Safe, Fun, and Empowering Destinations
Thinking about packing a bag and hitting the road on your own? You’ve made an excellent choice. Solo travel is one of the most rewarding experiences – it’s all about freedom, self-discovery, and crafting an adventure that’s 100% yours. And guess what? The USA is packed with incredible, welcoming, and the best places to solo travel for women.
If your dream trip includes buzzing cities, serene beaches, or majestic mountains, consider this your ultimate guide to the best places to travel solo female in US. Let’s plan your perfect solo vacation.
Best Places to Travel Solo Female in the US: What to Look For
Before we get to the single travel destinations, let’s talk about the magic formula for great solo trips for women.
Safety, Walkability, and Public Transportation
This is priority number one for solo female travel US. Look for destinations with low crime rates in tourist areas, well-lit streets, and a general vibe of security. Walkability frees you to explore without a car, while robust public transit is a solo traveler’s best friend.
Friendliness, Social Scene, and Solo Activities
Places where it’s easy to strike up a conversation with a bartender, shopkeeper, or fellow traveler feel warmer and safer. Look for a social scene that doesn’t require a “plus one” – like cafes with communal tables, group tours, or bars with a low-key vibe. The best solo travel destinations naturally offer activities that are just as fun alone: museums, hiking, photography walks, or food tours.
Budget, Accommodation, and Ease of Travel
Your solo vacation ideas should match your wallet. Consider the overall cost, but also the availability of safe, clean, and social accommodation options like highly-rated hostels, boutique hotels with communal spaces, or reputable Airbnb stays. Direct flight connections or easy train access can also simplify your journey.
Best Places to Travel Solo Female in the US for First-Time Solo Travelers
Easy-to-Navigate Cities With Strong Infrastructure
- Portland, Oregon: Compact, green, and famed for its friendly weirdness. The grid layout, excellent public transit, and sheer number of bookstores and coffee shops make it one of the greatest solo trip ideas.
- San Diego, California: Sunshine, manageable size, and neighborhoods like Little Italy and Gaslamp Quarter that are perfect for strolling.
Powell’s City of Books, Portland. The iconic marquee outside Powell’s City of Books beckons book lovers with new, used, and rare finds, plus a steady lineup of literary events. 
Water Avenue Coffee, Oregon, Portland 
Sisters Coffee Company in Sisters, Oregon. They serve Ethiopian beans and count Sister’s among the best. I’m especially into the Americanos here, no extras needed, the coffee is so strong it practically sings. 
San Diego, Little Italy. Explore Little Italy, a vibrant neighborhood packed with patio cafés, restaurants, pubs, galleries, shops, hotels, and the gorgeous Piazza della Famiglia. 
Little Italy, San Diego. San Diego’s Italian district is a vibrant mash-up of rich cultural experiences, foodie favorites, and an ongoing urban renaissance.
Destinations With Welcoming Communities
- Asheville, North Carolina: The heart of Southern hospitality meets a quirky, artsy soul. It’s incredibly easy to chat with locals at a brewery or in a downtown art gallery.
- Savannah, Georgia: The famous squares are made for leisurely solo walks, and the historic charm encourages a slow, friendly pace.
Places Offering Guided Tours and Group Activities
- Austin, Texas: Join a walking food tour to sample legendary BBQ and tacos, or kayak on Lady Bird Lake. The city’s active vibe means there are always group activities to join.
- Chicago, Illinois: An architecture boat tour is the perfect activity for vacations for singles – you get stunning views, a dose of history, and you’re in a built-in group setting.
Austin, Texas. Authentic food tours that take you beyond the guidebook and straight into the real Austin. Can’t wait to share the city’s best bites, drinks, and culture with you. 
Experience Quintessential Austin via Austin’s original food tour. 
Architecture boat tours are one of the best ways to delve into Chicago’s history.
Best Places to Travel Solo Female in the US for City Lovers
Culture, Museums, and Urban Experiences
- New York City, New York: The ultimate solo vacation for culture vultures. You can get lost in the Met, catch a Broadway show, or people-watch in Central Park, all entirely on your own schedule.
- Washington D.C.: A top contender for best solo trips for women. The Smithsonian museums are free and incredible, the National Mall is majestic, and the city is very walkable with a great metro.
Walkable Downtown Areas and Safe Neighborhoods
- Boston, Massachusetts: Follow the Freedom Trail for a DIY history tour. Neighborhoods like Beacon Hill and Back Bay are picturesque and safe for wandering.
- Seattle, Washington: Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, and the waterfront are all connected. Neighborhoods like Capitol Hill are vibrant and pedestrian-friendly.
Boston’s iconic 2.5 mile-Freedom Trail connects 16 nationally significant historic sites, each one an authentic treasure. 
Walk into American history on this 2.5-mile path through Boston to see 16 historic sites with costumed guides. 
Tucked into the heart of Boston, Beacon Hill delights with gas-lit streets, classic brick row houses, and a deep sense of history. 
Discover 10 fun things to do in Boston’s Public Garden, from the Make Way for Ducklings statues and Swan Boats to spotting real swans, catching the Duckling Day Parade, kid-friendly activities, and more.
Nightlife and Dining for Solo Travelers
- Nashville, Tennessee: Yes, really! Sit at the bar in any honky-tonk on Broadway, and you’ll have live music and likely make new friends. The city is built for socializing.
- Denver, Colorado: The RiNo district is full of breweries and restaurants with large communal tables, making solo dining a breeze.
Best Places to Travel Solo Female in the US for Nature & Outdoor Adventures
Need to recharge in the great outdoors? These are some of the safest places for solo female travel into nature.
National Parks and Scenic Landscapes
- Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona: Stay in the park village at Bright Angel Lodge. You can join ranger-led walks, take the shuttle along the rim, and meet fellow hikers. It’s the best solo female travel destinations USA for awe-inspiring views.
- Acadia National Park, Maine: Explore the carriage roads by bike, hike the diverse trails, and enjoy the charming, safe town of Bar Harbor as your base.
Hiking, Wellness, and Outdoor Activities
- Sedona, Arizona: A haven for wellness and hiking. The energy is peaceful, the red rock vistas are stunning, and there are plenty of group vortex tours or yoga classes to join.
- Moab, Utah: While remote, it’s an adventure hub. Book a group 4×4 tour to see Arches or Canyonlands, or stay in a social hostel to find hiking buddies.
Small Towns Near Nature With Strong Safety Records
- Boulder, Colorado: At the foot of the Flatirons, it’s a healthy, active town with endless trails. Pearl Street Mall is a vibrant, safe pedestrian zone.
- Burlington, Vermont: On the shore of Lake Champlain with mountain views. The Church Street Marketplace is a buzzing, safe open-air mall, and the bike path is perfect for solo trips for women.
Best Places to Travel Solo Female in the US for Beach Getaways
Safe Coastal Towns and Island Destinations
- Santa Barbara, California: The “American Riviera.” It’s upscale, clean, and very safe. Cycle along the beach path, visit the Mission, and enjoy the Spanish architecture.
- Outer Banks, North Carolina: Slower-paced than many beach towns, with historic lighthouses, wild horses, and a family-friendly, relaxed vibe.
Relaxing Beach Cities With Solo-Friendly Resorts
- San Diego, California (again!): From Pacific Beach to La Jolla, there’s a spot for every mood. Many resorts offer day passes for pools and spas.
- Miami Beach, Florida: Stick to South Beach’s main, well-populated areas and Art Deco district. A solo female traveler guide tip: book a hotel with a lively pool for built-in ambiance.
Water Activities and Coastal Wellness Experiences
- Kauai, Hawaii: While a splurge, it’s one of the safe US destinations for women seeking nature. Join a group snorkel tour, take a surfing lesson, or simply unwind on the breathtaking beaches.
- Cannon Beach, Oregon: Dramatic, moody, and incredibly peaceful. Long walks on the beach with Haystack Rock are the ultimate solo meditation.
Best Places to Travel Solo Female in the US for Budget-Friendly Trips
Here are some best places to travel alone on a budget.
Affordable Cities With Free or Low-Cost Attractions
| City | Free/Low-Cost Highlights | Vibe |
| Albuquerque, NM | Hike the Sandia Mountains, explore Old Town, visit the Petroglyph National Monument. | Cultural, outdoorsy, unique. |
| Kansas City, MO | World-class Nelson-Atkins Museum (free), fountains, jazz clubs, legendary BBQ (eat cheap & well!). | Midwestern cool, great food. |
| Philadelphia, PA | See the Liberty Bell, run the Rocky Steps, explore Reading Terminal Market. | Historic, energetic, walkable. |
| Salt Lake City, UT | Stunning hikes accessible by public transit, Temple Square, free concerts at the Gallivan Center. | Outdoorsy, clean, modern. |
Budget Accommodation and Transportation Tips
Opt for hostels with female dorms (read reviews!), use booking sites for hotel deals, and consider public transit passes. Solo travel destinations like these offer great value.
Destinations With Great Value for Money
- New Orleans, Louisiana (outside of Mardi Gras): You can explore the French Quarter, listen to live music on Frenchmen Street, and enjoy beignets without a huge spend.
- Las Vegas, Nevada: Hear me out! You can find cheap flights and hotel deals mid-week. The Strip itself is a free, endless spectacle of people-watching and amazing pools.
The 2026 French Quarter Festival (FQF) in New Orleans is a massive, free, four-day event from April 16–19, 2026, celebrating local music, cuisine, and culture. Held in the historic French Quarter, it features over 20 stages with jazz, funk, and zydeco, plus 70+ Louisiana food vendors. 
New Orleans blends French, Spanish, and Creole influences into a culture and atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the United States.
Best Places to Travel Solo Female in the US for Food & Culture
| City | Category | Solo-Friendly Feature |
| Portland, OR | Food Scene | Ultimate food cart paradise for casual, no-pressure solo dining. |
| New Orleans, LA | Food Scene | Food is culture. Bar seating at classic spots makes for a special solo meal. |
| Santa Fe, NM | Culture & Festivals | Rich Indigenous/Spanish culture. Time your visit for a market or festival. |
| Asheville, NC | Culture & Festivals | Constant rotation of music and beer festivals in a stunning mountain setting. |
| Portland, ME | Solo Dining | Rising food star. Intimate seafood spots with abundant bar seating for solos. |
| Austin, TX | Solo Dining | Eating alone is the norm, from famous food trucks to legendary BBQ joints. |
Best Places to Travel Solo Female in the US by Region
West Coast Destinations
San Diego, Portland (OR), Seattle, Santa Barbara, Sedona, San Francisco.
East Coast Destinations
New York City, Washington D.C., Boston, Portland (ME), Asheville, Savannah.
Southern US Destinations
Austin, Nashville, New Orleans, Asheville, Savannah, Charleston.
Midwest Destinations
Chicago, Minneapolis, Kansas City, Madison (WI).
Best Places to Travel Solo Female in the US for Digital Nomads
Cities With Coworking Spaces and Cafes
- Austin, Texas: A tech hub with a cafe culture to match.
- Denver, Colorado: Full of remote workers in stylish coffee shops and dedicated co-working spaces.
Reliable Wi-Fi and Remote-Work Infrastructure
- Portland, Oregon: Almost every cafe is a potential office.
- Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina: Part of the tech-friendly Research Triangle.
Long-Stay Friendly Locations
- Chattanooga, Tennessee: Affordable, scenic, and boasts some of the fastest internet in the nation.
Safety Tips for Solo Female Travel in the US
These solo travel safety tips are non-negotiable.
Personal Safety and Situational Awareness
Trust your gut. If something feels off, leave. Stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Don’t broadcast your accommodation details loudly.
Choosing Safe Accommodation
Always read the most recent reviews, especially from other women traveling alone USA. Look for places with 24-hour reception, secure locks, and in well-lit, central neighborhoods.
Transportation and Night Travel Tips
Use official taxi services or apps like Uber/Lyyt (verify license plate before getting in). At night, opt for a ride-share even for short distances if an area feels quiet.
How to Plan a Solo Female Trip in the US
Creating a Flexible Travel Itinerary
Plan key activities but leave room for spontaneity. Over-scheduling can be stressful. Solo trips for women thrive on flexibility.
Packing Essentials for Solo Female Travelers
Pack light! Include a doorstop alarm for added hotel security, a portable charger, and a good book for meals.
Apps and Tools That Make Solo Travel Easier
Google Maps (offline maps!), TripAdvisor for reviews, Meetup for local events, and AllTrails for hiking.
So, what are you waiting for? Your adventure as a solo female traveler is out there. Whether it’s one of the best solo vacations in a national park or an urban escape in one of the best US cities for solo women, the journey is yours to design.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Places to Travel Solo Female in the US
Generally, yes. Like anywhere, safety varies by location and situation. By choosing well-reviewed destinations, staying aware, and following basic female solo travel tips, the US can be a fantastic and safe place for solo travel for women in the US.
Cities like Portland (OR), San Diego, and Boston consistently rank highly in the list of the best places to travel alone in the US due to their walkability, low violent crime rates in tourist areas, and friendly, helpful atmospheres.
Stay in social accommodation, join group tours or classes (cooking, yoga, hiking), sit at the bar in restaurants, or use apps like Meetup for events that interest you.
