I’ve long thought that traveling solo is one of the best ways to learn about yourself and the world. Over the years, I have experienced some incredible places in the United States. The USA saw 72.39 million visitors last year. The fantastic part is that solo female travel is also growing fast day by day. This guide is for both genders who are looking for both fun and safe travel. From epic US road trips to quiet national park destinations, these are my top picks for any independent traveler. These are some of the best places to travel solo.
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The top 11 places to travel solo in the USA
1. New York City, New York
New York is an excellent single travel destination. The energy is exciting, and the subway is a very easy way to get around. I spent days in museums, saw a Broadway show, and just watched people in Central Park. It’s a city where being alone feels completely normal, making it ideal for solo female travel.
- Special Feature: Countless attractions and easy public transit.
- Where to Stay: Pod 51 Hotel, 230 E 51st St, New York, NY 10022
- Hours: Varies by attraction; many are open late.
- Hidden Gem: Pier 57 Rooftop Park for great skyline views.
2. Moab, Utah (Delicate Arch Trail)
Moab is an essential life stop for adventure travel enthusiasts. It is the gateway for Arches and Canyonlands National Parks. The Delicate Arch hike is famous, offering a rewarding view that feels special when you reach it alone. The town is filled with outdoor enthusiasts—lots of good energy and feels very safe/friendly for a hiking trip.
- Best for: Moderate
- Distance: 3.2 miles
- Elevation: 480 feet
- Type of Route: Out & Back
- Length: 2–3 hours
3. San Francisco, California
The Bay Area is a great spot for a solo trip, and has a great vibe and food scene (especially in Chinatown). I love walking across the Golden Gate but the view is just as nice & less crowded coming from Baker Beach! While city life is at your fingertips, the Bay Area also has some pretty accessible nature. It’s a great combo.
- Special Feature: Iconic Golden Gate Bridge views from Baker Beach.
- Where to Stay: HI San Francisco Fisherman’s Wharf Hostel, 240 Fort Mason, San Francisco, CA 94123
- Hours: Varies by attraction; parks are generally accessible.
- Hidden Gem: The Wave Organ, an acoustic sculpture by the bay.
4. Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is like a fairy tale, and the friendliness of the city makes it one of the best solo female travel places I have experienced. The historic district is very walkable, with 22 beautiful squares. It’s a safe city where you can see historic homes or join a ghost tour. I found it to be one of the top places to travel solo.
- Special Feature: Walkable historic district with 22 park squares.
- Where to Stay: The Foley House Inn, 14 W Hull St, Savannah, GA 31401
- Hours: Shops typically 10 AM–6 PM; tours run late.
- Hidden Gem: E. Shaver Bookseller, an indie shop with cats.
5. Austin, Texas
Austin is a great city for solo travelers and has awesome opportunities to travel solo, especially if you are interested in music and food. The vibe is pretty fun and people meet very easily at the food truck parks (whether they’re solo or they’re with friends). I enjoyed the shops on South Congress and paddling on Lady Bird Lake. It’s a warm and sunny city with some great outdoor activities.
- Special Feature: Live Music Capital with a vibrant food truck culture.
- Where to Stay: The LINE Austin, 111 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
- Hours: Varies; live music venues are open late.
- Hidden Gem: Watch the Congress Avenue Bridge bats at dusk.
6. Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston has Southern charm coming out of its ears. It is also a beautiful and safe city for female solo travel. I loved walking through the historic French Quarter, and seeing the colorful houses along Rainbow Row. You can feel at home here whether you are participating in a food tour, or just walking down the streets.
- Special Feature: Historic Rainbow Row and a nice waterfront park.
- Where to Stay: The Vendue, 19 Vendue Range, Charleston, SC 29401
- Hours: Museums and shops are open daily; restaurants open late.
- Hidden Gem: The Gateway Walk through historic churchyards.
7. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Cape Cod is a lovely beach destination for traveling solo. It’s very safe and it is easy to get around (a car helps). The beach, sandy dunes, and small towns are exactly what you need for a relaxing trip away. I enjoyed biking the Cape Cod Rail Trail and watching the sunset over the ocean. This is a great escape.
- Special Feature: Over 500 miles of scenic coastline and beaches.
- Where to Stay: Verify on the official site.
- Hours: Varies by season; many places close early.
- Hidden Gem: The Atlantic White Cedar Swamp Trail in Wellfleet.
Check out our latest blog :- 11 Best Hikes in Acadia National Park
8. Seattle, Washington
Seattle, Washington is a city that offers an awesome variety of city and social surroundings with nature. This city is very welcoming for solo travelers who enjoy great coffee and spend a great deal of time outdoors. Pike Place Market is a lot of fun to walk through alone. Plus, it’s a good base for day trips to amazing national park destinations like Mount Rainier. The public transit makes getting around easy.
- Special Feature: Gateway to Pacific Northwest national parks.
- Where to Stay: Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel, 105 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
- Hours: Varies; Pike Place Market is best in the morning.
- Hidden Gem: Volunteer Park Water Tower for panoramic views.
9. The Big Island, Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is like visiting multiple worlds with deserts and rainforests. It remains one of my all-time favorite solo travel destinations. the people are just so friendly. Surf lessons are widely available, you can hike volcanoes! or relax on a black sand beach. A rental car is essential to see all the very disparate experiences this island offers.
- Special Feature: Eleven different climate zones to see.
- Where to Stay: Verify on the official site.
- Hours: Varies by activity and location.
- Hidden Gem: A unique treehouse Airbnb in the jungle.
10. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is more than a party city; it is a city of soul, history, and good food to a lone traveler. I felt very safe in the French Quarter by day, and I loved the live jazz on Frenchman Street in the evenings. Taking a haunted tour is a great way to experience the town!
- Special Feature: Vibrant live music on Frenchman Street.
- Where to Stay: Hotel Peter and Paul, 2317 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117
- Hours: Varies; music venues and bars are open very late.
- Hidden Gem: The quiet Backstreet Cultural Museum.
11. Las Vegas, Nevada
Vegas may feel like an odd solo travel choice, but it is way more fun than you think. Lots of other people travel alone. You can see a world-class show, have a fancy dinner, or see the nature nearby, like the Valley of Fire. It’s a city of endless entertainment where you can create your own solo night out.
- Special Feature: World-class shows and endless dining options.
- Where to Stay: Verify on the official site.
- Hours: 24/7 for most casinos and some restaurants.
- Hidden Gem: Seeing the red rocks of Valley of Fire State Park.
Travel Basics & Tips for solo travellers
- An annual park pass saves money on entrance fees.
- A rental car is needed for remote spots and most US road trips.
- Parking in cities can be a nuisance; therefore, I recommend transit/public transport, or pre-booking on apps.
- Share your plans with someone for added safety.
- Always let someone know your itinerary.
- Check out these places to travel solo for a good time.
Conclusion
Traveling alone in the U.S. provides fantastic outdoor adventures and self-renewal. These places to travel solo have safety, environmental way, and freedom to offer. Traveling alone has offered one of the best experiences for me, inciting confidence and inner boldness. No matter if it is a busy city or national park, I hope that this guide of solo traveling inspires you to get out there and do that solo trip that you have been contemplating. Safe travels!
