The United States is one of the best destinations for solo female travelers. I’ve felt safe everywhere I’ve traveled solo in the U.S. because I came prepared, had the right mindset, and always followed these solo female travel safety tips.

I chose these cities based on my personal experience, well-established tourist infrastructure (public transportation, internet, proximity to EMS, etc.), safety standards, and popularity with other solo travelers.

Ready to plan your next solo trip? Then here are the best cities in the U.S. for solo travelers!

Southeast

Asheville. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, this is one of the trendiest and most artistic cities in the Southeast U.S. When you’re here, you’ll want to visit the Biltmore Estate, stay in one of these hotels, paddle on the French Broad River, and do a self-Guided Craft Brewery Tour – start at Jack of the Wood, then head to Thirsty Monk, Asheville Brewing, Barley’s Tap Room, and Wicked Weed Brewing Company.

Charleston. This is one of my favorite cities in the entire country! The architecture, coastal waterways, fantastic food, mild winters, and beaches make this city a perfect destination. Plus, Charleston is one of the best budget cities in the U.S.

Savannah. Known for its Spanish moss-covered trees, stunning parks, horse-drawn carriages, cobblestone squares, and riverboat cruises, Savannah is one of the best getaways in the Southeast U.S. Make sure you eat at Peregrin when you’re here!

New Orleans. Home to Mardi Gras, a vibrant live-music scene, and some of the best food in the region, New Orleans is the perfect destination for your solo trip. When you’re here, I recommend a swamp tour, staying in one of these hotels or vacation homes, and visiting at least one of the restaurants on my New Orleans Foodie Guide.

Northeast

Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love is also the “City of Sisterly Love.” In addition to the famous Revolutionary War sites, you should bike around Rittenhouse, browse the Reading Terminal Market, and do a self-guided tour of the Philadelphia Distillery Trail.

New York City. NYC is one of the most-visited cities in the world, and for good reasons. The “Big Apple” is home to some of the best museums, shopping, and restaurants in the world. The keys to being safe in New York City are not walking by yourself at night, staying in a secure and well-located hotel or vacation home, and using slash-proof, lockable, and RFID-protected bags and purses. Check out the best vacation homes in NYC!

Portland. This is a smaller and more off-the-beaten-path city for your solo trip. Portland has incredible outdoor activities and an amazing food and drink scene. I highly recommend visiting the Portland Head Light & Willard Beach, touring the Old Port, taking a Schooner boat ride, drinking at Allagash Brewing Company, and strolling along the Eastern Promenade. Browse the best vacation homes and hotels in Portland.

Boston. As one of the best getaways in New England, you’ll love Boston for a solo trip. When you’re here, you’ll want to walk the Freedom Trail, catch a game at Fenway Park, tour the Samuel Adams Brewery, stay in one of these vacation homes, explore Beacon Hill, and take a Boston Harbor boat tour.

Midwest

St. Louis. Fun fact: St. Louis hosts one of the largest Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country. Gateway Arch National Park and St. Louis’s architecture, baseball, fantastic food, and parks make this city a perfect solo trip destination.

Chicago. My sister lives in Chicago, so I come here all the time. You’ll want to do a deep-dish pizza tour, visit one of the many incredible museums, catch a comedy club show, and take an evening cruise on the Chicago River. The key to staying safe in Chicago is researching your accommodation’s neighborhood and not making yourself an easy target for pickpockets. Check out the best hotels and Airbnbs in Chicago!

Milwaukee. Just up the road from Chicago, Milwaukee is a smaller and more laid-back city to visit. You should take a boat out on Lake Michigan, and my other favorite activities are brewery tours, touring the Harley-Davidson Museum, and visiting the Milwaukee Public Museum and its large-scale European Village.

Cincinnati. This mid-size city is one of the best Midwestern getaways. The city’s riverfront is beautiful, and you’ll love the 19th-century architecture. You’ll want to visit the Botanical Garden and The Cincinnati Museum Center, which is in the art deco Union Terminal.

Southwest

Dallas. Known for its incredible food scene, great outdoor activities, and historical sites, Dallas is one of my favorite cities in the Southwest U.S. One of the best things about this city is that almost every downtown park is also a sculpture garden, so you don’t have to go far in any direction to find some incredible art. Browse the best hotels in Dallas!

Tucson. If you want a desert getaway that has incredible food, amazing hikes, and an Insta-perfect city center, then Tucson is for you. When you’re here, you’ll want to visit Saguaro National Park, have a beer at Barrio Brewing Co., bike the historic part of the city, and visit Sentinel Peak Park. I highly recommend visiting Tucson as part of an Arizona road trip.

Albuquerque. Albuquerque is a fascinating blend of cultures. You’ve got the modern downtown and the historic Old Town, with original adobe buildings dating to the city’s 1706 founding as a Spanish colony. Even though Albuquerque is in the desert, it’s at a high elevation, so come prepared with layers.

Waco. This is one of the best getaways in the Southwest U.S. Waco is the perfect blend of city and country living. When you’re here, make sure you visit Magnolia Market at the Silos, Valley Mills Vineyards, the Dr. Pepper Museum, the Waco Hippodrome Theatre, and Austin Avenue.

West

Las Vegas. Spring is a wonderful time to visit Las Vegas. The city will be sunny and cool, and if you avoid the Spring Break weeks, the crowds will be manageable. I highly recommend visiting Valley of Fire State Park when you’re in Vegas, and I’ve rounded up the best hotels and vacation homes in the area.

Boulder. Tucked away in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is the perfect destination for nature lovers. You’ll want to hike the Flatirons and explore the downtown Pearl Street Mall.

Lake Tahoe. Straddling the border of Nevada and California, Lake Tahoe is beautiful and accessible during every season. You’ll want to take a boat ride on the lake and visit Crystal Bay, Eagle Rock, Sand Harbor Beach, The Long Pier at Timber Cove, Memorial Point Scenic Overlook, and ride one of the aerial trams.

Breckenridge. If you want a solo snow trip, then Breckenridge is for you. This is one of the best winter destinations in the U.S. The winter activities you’ll want to do are Snowshoeing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, skiing/snowboarding, ride the gondola, and drive the scenic Lake Dillon Loop.

San Francisco. This is one of the Best Stops Along The Pacific Coast Highway. San Francisco has everything you want in a city – every kind of art, attraction, shopping, and food. Plus, San Francisco’s parks and waterfront make the city feel very “outdoorsy” and not crowded.

San Diego. San Diego is the epitome of Southern California living. You’ll have mild weather year-round, the city is full of incredible indoor and outdoor activities, and you’re close to Mexico if you feel like going south of the border. Check out the coolest vacation homes in San Diego!

Seattle. I lived in Seattle for four years, so I know this city inside and out. The must-do activities when you’re here are to see the sunset at Kerry Park, visit the Pacific Science Center, browse Pike Place Market, tour the Pop Culture Museum, ride The Monorail, go up in the Space Needle at night, and catch a show at The Crocodile. Check out the best vacation homes in the Pacific Northwest!

Portland. Known for its urban forest, food scene, craft beer, and the Columbia River Gorge, Portland is the perfect mix of urban living and outdoor adventure. I highly recommend visiting Portland as part of a Pacific Northwest Road Trip.

Hawaii

The main Hawaiian islands – Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island – are excellent destinations for solo female travelers. The towns, cities, and roads on these islands are very safe, and there are lots of options for self-guided and group activities.

Tips for Traveling To Hawaii on a Budget

Hawaii has some of the best beaches, national and state parks, water sports, and outdoor activities in the world. So I’ve rounded up the top 101 things to do in Hawaii and the best adventure activities in Hawaii to help you plan an epic trip!

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