Solo Travel USA - Best Destinations
There are amazing places around the world that are great for solo travel. And that definitely includes solo travel USA destinations.
If you aren’t ready to venture far or just want to plan your next trip closer to home, there are a ton of locations to choose from. (P.S. And these locations also apply if you are traveling to the USA from somewhere else for your journey!)
Solo travel in the USA offers a vast array of diverse destinations, ranging from busy cities like New York and Los Angeles to natural landscapes such as the Grand Canyon and Yellowstone National Park.
Here are some of the best solo travel USA destinations for women.
Best Solo Travel USA Destinations for Women
Each of these destinations combines safety, walkability, good infrastructure, and welcoming local cultures that make solo travel both comfortable and rewarding for women travelers.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a city that practically invites exploration. It’s a generally safe urban environment and offers excellent public transportation. The city’s fairly compact size also makes it easy to navigate and walkable for wandering, even with some of the streets with steep hills! There are diverse neighborhoods to explore, and attractions like Alcatraz, Golden Gate Park, and a vibrant food scene providing plenty of solo-friendly activities.
Asheville, North Carolina
Ashville is a perfect escape for solo travelers seeking both outdoor adventures and a cultural vibe. The downtown area is incredibly walkable, with local breweries, art galleries, music venues, and farm-to-table restaurants that welcome solo diners. Explore the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains with a scenic hike or drive. The size of this artsy mountain town is just right to be big enough for variety but small enough to feel friendly and laid-back.
Portland, Oregon
Portland is a unique city, known for its quirky, independent spirit and love of all things eco-friendly. It’s safe and filled with experiences that celebrate individuality, making it feel like it was designed with female travelers in mind. The extensive public transportation system and walkable neighborhoods create an ideal environment for solo exploration. The laid-back, friendly atmosphere and abundance of coffee shops, food trucks, and bookstores provide comfortable spaces for solo travelers. And the nearby Columbia River Gorge offers stunning day trip opportunities.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a charming Southern city that combines historic architecture with modern amenities. The compact downtown area is perfect for walking tours and enjoying live music. The city's renowned food scene offers everything from historic taverns to innovative restaurants. This enchanting city’s safety, tourist areas, and hospitable culture make solo dining and exploration comfortable.
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe has a unique blend of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures that creates a fascinating destination for solo cultural immersion. The city's compact plaza area, numerous art galleries, and distinctive architecture provide rich exploration opportunities. The relaxed pace and artistic community make it welcoming for solo travelers.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah offers structured ways to explore while maintaining flexibility, with its beautiful historic district, trolley tours, and walkable squares. The city's compact size and many walking tours make navigation easy, while ghost tours and riverfront activities provide engaging solo experiences. The Southern hospitality enhances the welcoming atmosphere. The food scene here is incredible for solo diners, with counter seating and cozy cafes.
Seattle, Washington
Seattle's coffee culture, excellent public transportation, museums, and neighborhood diversity create numerous solo-friendly environments. The generally progressive, accepting culture makes solo travel comfortable. From the bustling Pike Place Market to serene parks and waterfront views, there's plenty to keep you occupied. Explore the iconic Space Needle and admire the city's skyline, or venture out on a ferry ride to nearby islands.
Key West, Florida
Key West is a laid-back island destination that offers a welcoming atmosphere perfect for solo relaxation. The small size makes it easy to explore on foot or by bike. Visit historic sites like the Ernest Hemingway House, take glass-bottom boat tours to see coral reefs, or simply wander the quiet residential streets, admiring the unique architecture. Sunset celebrations at Mallory Square provide a daily community gathering where solo travelers naturally connect with others who've come to witness one of nature's most spectacular shows.
San Diego, California
San Diego offers the perfect blend of urban and beach vibes, making solo exploration feel both exciting and relaxing. The year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches, and endless attractions will keep your itinerary full, while allowing you to be as active or as leisurely as you want. Visit Balboa Park for museums, gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo. The Gaslamp Quarter offers everything from rooftop bars where you can meet fellow travelers to quiet bookshops where you can escape the crowds.
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville has become one of the top US cities for solo travelers, particularly if you're passionate about music, food, and genuine connection. Music City's honky-tonk scene might seem intimidating for solo travelers, but the live music creates an instant community that’s very welcoming. The city's neighborhoods are perfect for solo exploration, with walkable streets lined with murals, boutiques, and restaurants that welcome solo diners. You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Grand Ole Opry, explore the Country Music Hall of Fame, or simply sit in a coffee shop and soak up the creative energy of the city.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston offers solo travelers a blend of the contemporary and the historical, with a compact, walkable layout that makes solo exploration both educational and enjoyable. The Freedom Trail literally guides your steps through centuries of American history, and you can join ranger-led tours or explore independently with the confidence that you're following a well-marked path. The city's neighborhoods each tell their own story, and the excellent public transportation system means you can easily hop between areas. Boston's cafe culture is perfect for solo travelers, where you can plan your next adventure over exceptional coffee and pastries.
Austin, Texas
Austin has a friendly, laid-back vibe that makes it a wonderful place to wander solo. The city’s “Keep Austin Weird” spirit welcomes solo travelers with its nightlife, live music, and food scene. The food truck culture is perfect for solo dining adventures, and places like the walkable South First area offer local boutiques, galleries, and places to eat. Lady Bird Lake provides a peaceful escape right in the heart of the city, where you can rent a kayak, take a solo hike, or just watch the bats emerge at sunset.
New York City, New York
Finally, I couldn’t make this list without including New York City. Yes, the one drawback is that safety can be more of a consideration there at times. But, really, it’s mostly just being mindful of your surroundings, and where and when it’s best to go it alone. And it’s so worth experiencing.
New York City is truly a place where solo travelers thrive. There’s lots of public transportation, but the best way to experience this city is to walk it, and it’s made for that. The buzzing energy and endless sights and cultural experiences are truly unique. You can wander from Broadway, Times Square, the Empire State Building, and endless museums and restaurants, to Central Park. Each neighborhood offers something different, and solo exploring lets you take your time discovering what excites you most.
Choose Your Next Solo Travel USA Destination
So, there you go. A group of incredible cities to choose from for your solo travel USA journey, each with unique offerings for solo adventurers.
One of the great benefits of solo travel to these USA destinations is discovering locations with incredible diversity while staying within a familiar cultural context. You can challenge yourself with new experiences while still feeling the comfort of home.
Select the destination that aligns with your travel style, personal interests, and the type of experience you're seeking for your trip. And then choose one for the next time! Enjoy your journeys.
