The thought of visiting a new place alone can seem daunting for women. But with the right research and preparation, solo female travel allows you to fully immerse yourself in destinations at your own pace. Fortunately, many major US cities now cater to women adventuring independently with everything from tours to accommodations focused on safety, interests and convenience.
This blog post covers the 10 Best US cities for solo female travel , from relaxed Santa Fe to glitzy New York City. Find a spot aligned with your travel style!
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe tops the charts with female travelers thanks to its walkable downtown dotted with art galleries, boutiques and restaurants alongside a vibrant but laidback cultural scene. Spend sunny afternoons people watching in the Plaza before grabbing your choice of Southwestern or international cuisine. Then check out live music and craft cocktails come evening while mingling with the friendly locals. With a focus on the arts rather than late nights, Santa Fe suits solo women interested in taking in the sights at
their own leisurely pace.
Planning an upcoming solo vacation and want destination advice tailored to women travelers? Check out Travel Cami for curated recommendations and tips from local female experts on the best attractions, tours, hotels and neighborhoods for single lady visitors across the Americas.
Portland, Oregon
Portland appeals to women traveling alone with its famously non-judgmental, quirky personality and pedestrian-friendly layout concentrated around vibrant neighborhoods. Bibliophiles browse the towering shelves at Powell’s Books while foodies sample their way through food cart pods and brewery tasting rooms citywide. And you’re never far from nature with lush parks and hiking trails like Forest Park and the Columbia River Gorge waterfalls minutes outside the urban core. At night, catch a feminist comedy show or support an up-and-coming female musician at an intimate venue.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philly delights female solo wanderers craving culture and history without intimidating crowds. Within the walkable sectors of downtown, Old City and Society Hill, you’ll discover charming cobblestone lanes, galleries flaunting local artists, and historic sites linked to the nation’s Revolutionary and Constitutional foundations. For spiritual seekers, enriching experiences also overflow, from taking in a Quaker Friends meeting to communing with nature along the Schuylkill River Trail. And you can easily refuel on Philly’s namesake cheesesteaks, pretzels and other hearty comfort classics.
Charleston, South Carolina
Brimming with genteel Southern charm, Charleston falls high on travel wish lists for its garden-filled historic district dotted with pastel pre-Civil War mansions, landmark churches and wrought-iron-gated townhomes. Solo visitors can easily immerse themselves in that quintessential Southern aesthetic while exploring at their own relaxed pace. Stop to chat with shop owners on King Street boutiques between visiting Revolutionary War-era sites or grabbing Southern comfort cuisine highlights like shrimp and grits al fresco. Just don’t skip Charleston’s darker history of slavery and segregation underneath its postcard veneer.
Washington, D.C.
The eclectic neighborhoods and free world-class museums attracting visitors to the nation's capital also appeal to solo female travelers. Base yourself downtown near the National Mall to walk between iconic sites like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial. Or select a charming outlying community like Dupont Circle defined by indie shops and global dining. For navigating D.C.’s metro and prominent sites, hop-on-hop-off bus tours allow solo ladies to set customized itineraries. At night, check out jazz bars hosting local talents in the U Street Corridor.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The vibrant melting pot of cultures and influences making New Orleans a perennial favorite likewise draws solitary women visitors. Stroll the French Quarter’s wrought-iron balconies taking in street musicians and art galleries before grabbing legendary Creole cuisine. Pay homage to the origins of jazz with a steamboat cruise on the Mississippi then people watch with a cocktail in the Garden District’s Magazine Street boutiques. Solo travelers find welcoming hospitality and inspiration around every corner. Just utilize rides shares at night and avoid poorly lit areas.
Seattle, Washington
Combining urban amenities with access to nature, Seattle delights solo wanderers. Spend gray yet cozy days getting lost inside the eccentric nooks of punk rock dive bars and indie record stores around Capitol Hill. Head down to Pike Place Market to sample regional food and handcrafted wares against views of the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier. With a famously liberal, introspective culture, Seattle invites women to roam solo sans judgment. Though the changing weather does necessitate layers and an umbrella!
Austin, Texas
Quirky, creative, progressive...Austin rolls out the welcome mat for solitary wayfarers. Wander through the city’s abundant green spaces and along the Colorado River’s banks before joining foodies at acclaimed barbecue joints and Tex-Mex cantinas. Catch homegrown musical talents at long-running venues on any night of the week or support hyperlocal businesses, from vegan bakeries to underground boutiques. While embracing rapid growth, Austinites still take pride in originality - perfect for solo women pursuing their own path.
Planning an upcoming solo vacation and want destination advice tailored to women travelers? Check out Travel Cami for curated recommendations and tips from local female experts on the best attractions, tours, hotels and neighborhoods for solo trips for women in US.
Final Thoughts
Embarking on trips alone no longer needs to limit American women travelers to just a handful of "safe spaces" like New York or Los Angeles. Destinations nationwide now better cater to solo female travelers through amenities, transportation, tours and overall inclusive attitudes. Do your research to find the right fit based on interests, style and personal comfort levels out among new places on your own. The reward of self-growth and transformational experiences awaits.
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