Best Places to Travel Solo Female in U.S.
Traveling solo offers a plethora of benefits, from meeting new people to gaining a deeper understanding of yourself. However, traveling alone as a woman can pose several safety risks that are worth considering, which is why knowing where to travel ensures you have a memorable and safe trip.
For those looking to stay closer to home, we’ve curated a list of the best places to travel as a solo woman in the U.S., from San Diego to New York City. Whether it’s your first solo trip or fifth, it’s essential to carefully research destinations to find a city or region to explore that’s known for both its safety and attractions, so you can discover landmarks and new areas with peace of mind. Take a look at the safest U.S. cities for solo female travelers to find your next destination to explore.
Austin, Texas
1. San Diego, California
One of the best solo trips in the U.S. for females is America’s Finest City, San Diego. Located in Southern California near the Mexico border, San Diego is a vibrant cultural hub known for its year-round pristine weather, world-class beaches, abundance of restaurants and cultural attractions.
Walk through Little Italy downtown and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine before venturing off to Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of Point Loma to explore tide pools and learn about the history of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Then, spend a morning relaxing on Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach before walking through Balboa Park and visiting one of the 18 museums or world-famous San Diego Zoo.
For a retreat from the hustle and bustle of touristy beaches and downtown streets, take a day trip to eastern San Diego County to mountain towns like Julian, where you can explore the historic Eagle Creek Mine or go apple picking. With low crime rates, friendly residents and a welcoming community, San Diego is one of the best U.S. cities for solo female travel.
2. Portland, Oregon
Adventure lovers, rejoice. Portland, Oregon, offers the perfect blend of outdoor beauty and city living. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Portland is surrounded by lush evergreen trees with numerous destinations for outdoor exploration a stone’s throw away from the heart of the city, such as Multnomah Falls, Beacon Rock and the Leif Erikson Trail in Forest Park.
In the city, spend your mornings at one of the many coffee shops before walking through areas like the Pearl District and Southeast Portland, where you can shop at local bookstores and boutiques. The Portland Japanese Garden is also worth a visit, featuring picturesque tea houses, gardens and waterfalls. With an easy-to-navigate transportation system and inclusive culture, Portland is one of the best U.S. destinations for solo female travelers.
3. Seattle, Washington
A few hours north of Portland is another one of the top safe solo trips for females in the U.S. Seattle is a big city that is home to numerous neighborhoods that are safe, welcoming and friendly, with efficient public transportation like buses and light rails connecting regions of the city for easy exploration. Popular attractions include Pike Place Market, the Space Needle and various scenic waterfront spots overlooking Puget Sound.
4. Austin, Texas
Austin is a world-renowned city known for its thriving live music and arts scene. It is perfect for solo female travelers interested in cultural attractions like the Blanton Museum of Art and Lyndon Baines Johnson Presidential Library. With relatively low crime rates and an inclusive vibe, Austin is one of the safest U.S. cities for solo female travelers that also has a thriving social scene, making it easy to meet others. Enjoy craft coffee at local cafes, live music at one of the city’s many venues, relax in local parks like Butler Metro Park and attend events like Austin City Limits.
5. Washington, D.C.
Our nation’s capital makes for one of the best solo trips in the U.S. for females, and with good reason. Popular tourist areas are well lit, with plenty of security and law enforcement to keep everyone safe. This way, solo female travelers can comfortably enjoy some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery and the U.S. Capitol. The Smithsonian museums, all of which are free to explore, are also excellent areas to take a step into the past to learn about the nation’s history and that of the world. Explore museums like the National Museum of Natural History, National Museum of American History and National Air and Space Museum. Paired with an excellent transportation system, Washington, D.C. is an excellent U.S. city worth exploring to discover historical sites and attractions.
6. New York, New York
Another one of the top solo travel destinations for women in the U.S. is New York City. The Big Apple is one of the most famous cities in the world due to its endless activities, from Broadway shows to world-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Museum of Modern Art. While certain areas of the city can be potentially risky, especially at night, most of the popular and well-trafficked areas are safe and well-policed, especially in Manhattan and Brooklyn. With an extensive transportation system, getting around New York City is extremely easy, allowing solo female travelers to get to attractions with ease.
Explore the Best U.S. Cities for Solo Female Travel With Road Scholar
With countless cities across the country to visit, finding the right destination can seem overwhelming. At Road Scholar, we have an exciting collection of solo female travel destinations that are safe and educational, allowing you to easily find a program that piques your interests. Through our experiential learning programs, you can travel solo with the comfort of a group, allowing you to meet new travelers and enjoy spirited conversations while still embracing traveling alone.
No matter which of the safe solo trips for females in the U.S. you choose to explore, you’ll join an experienced guide who will provide in-depth insights into the culture, geography, wildlife and history of the city you’re exploring. Browse our tips for solo female travelers to learn how you can prepare for your big adventure.