10 Safest Destinations in the U.S. for Women Traveling Solo

Solo travel is one of the best things you can do for yourself; it's truly one of the most empowering experiences you’ll ever have. Nothing is more freeing than that feeling of deciding you’re going to independently embark on a solo adventure and booking the flight. Whether you want to hike the trails and admire the rugged beauty of a place like Jackson Hole or make new friends at the hottest nightclub in New York City, there are plenty of cities across the U.S. that are perfect for solo travelers. You just need to match the destination to your vibe. We’ve compiled a list of some of the safest destinations in the U.S. for women traveling solo to help you build your next adventure.

Each of these cities are generally safe by solo traveler standards. Solo travelers can feel safe walking around at night, and generally speaking, the crime rates are pretty low. However, remember that even Pleasantville went technicolor, so it's important to always pay attention to your surroundings. Don't leave your valuables unattended, and always trust your gut.

New York City, New York

The city that never sleeps is a great city for a solo traveler. It’s easy to get around via the subway, and you’ll never run out of things to do. Catch a Broadway show, get lost in Central Park, tour a museum… the possibilities are endless! (One of our favorite Peloton yogis, Kirra Michel, loves her solo walks in NYC.) Even if you want to spend your entire time in New York eating bagels and finding the perfect slice of pizza, your time will be well spent. 

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston is another great city for solo travelers. It’s an incredibly walkable city, plus you’ve got the T to hop on to take you anywhere you want to go. History buffs can wander along the Freedom Trail to learn about Boston’s early days, which will take you all around the city. Spend some time in Boston Commons, take a stroll along the waterfront, and enjoy all the best that Beantown has to offer. Watch a baseball game at Fenway or see what the Bruins are up to at TD Garden!

Traveling with a kiddo? Senior Editor Sarah McCosham and her 7 year old had a blast exploring Boston!

Chicago, Illinois

Walkable neighborhoods and efficient public transportation make Chicago a top destination for solo female travelers. As a solo traveler myself, I truly enjoy cities where you don’t need a car, and Chicago, Boston, and NYC are all high on the list for that reason. Strolling around Millennium Park is a must, as well as seeing that iconic panoramic view from the Skydeck.

For comedy nerds, there’s no better place to be! Catch a show at Second City or the iO theater—these comedy clubs are where all of your favorite comedians got their start (Amy Poehler, Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, and Chris Farley, to name a few). 

San Antonio, Texas

San Antonio has a lot to offer solo travelers, and there’s a great mix of historical landmarks and natural beauty. Take a step back in time and visit The Alamo, one of the most historic sites in Texas, and then venture over to the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Texas. San Antonio’s River Walk connects many of the city’s historic landmarks, and it’s a beautiful spot for a walk. The San Antonio Botanical Garden and Natural Bridge Caverns are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to exploring San Antonio’s natural side. 

Key West, Florida

Between beach bumming and a vibrant nightlife, solo travelers love Key West, Florida. It’s a really compact city with well-lit streets, and getting around on foot (or by bike) is easily manageable for solo travelers. Rent a bike and explore some of the many attractions in Key West, like Ernest Hemingway’s home, the Butterfly Conservatory, and Mallory Square. Options like paddleboarding, snorkeling, and sunset sails offer a chance to get out on the water and really soak in that mesmerizing blue water. 

Portland, Oregon

Portland is the perfect blend of city and nature and is an underrated destination for solo travelers. You can easily navigate the city by car, public transportation, bike, or on foot. Portland may be a large city, but thanks to its diverse neighborhoods, it has a small-town feel. Spend some time exploring the different neighborhoods and popping into the many coffee shops, bookstores, and locally owned shops that pepper the city. Portland’s parks offer a magical nature escape without ever leaving the city, so be sure to add spots like Washington Park to your itinerary. You might even be inspired to check out Mill Ends Park, the smallest park in the world!

New Orleans, Louisiana

Nightlife, history, architecture, music, and incredible food make New Orleans a great city for solo travelers. New Orleans is extremely walkable, and the streetcar system can get you anywhere your feet won’t take you. Obvious draws to The Big Easy include the French Quarter, but I’d encourage you to step outside of the Quarter and wander down St. Charles Avenue, admire the incredible houses in the Garden District, and then take a stroll through City Park and Audubon Park. There are so many hidden gems in New Orleans, you'll want to give yourself enough time to explore them all.

Charleston, South Carolina

Charleston was the first place I ever solo-traveled to, so it has a special place in my heart. Charleston is extremely walkable, and the mix of unique architecture, waterfront walkways, and plenty of waterfront parks really solidified my love for solo travel. As one of the oldest cities in the country, you can bet Charleston has a paranormal side that’s worth a ghost tour. And when all of those water views have you reaching for your bathing suit, you can head over to one of the many beaches near Charleston to soak up some sun.

Carlsbad, California

Another beautiful beach town for solo travelers is Carlsbad. Stay in Carlsbad Village and wander around the town, making sure to pop into the many excellent restaurants in town. Carlsbad State Beach is a great spot to pull up a patch of sand, relax, and watch the volleyball games. Keep your eyes on the water, and you might even spot some dolphins! Tamarack Surf Beach is just a little further south if you want to bring your board and catch some waves. If you time your visit right, you can witness the explosion of color from the Flower Fields, which is truly a picture-perfect spring experience.

Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Nature lovers, this one is for you. If you’re a nature-inspired solo traveler, you won’t find a better place than Jackson Hole. Its easy access to Grand Teton National Park ensures you can be one with nature and spend your days hitting the trails and admiring those iconic mountains. The town itself is fairly compact and walkable with plenty of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions to enjoy, though this is one region where renting a car would be helpful.

Solo travel is all about freedom and setting your own pace. You’ll learn what kind of traveler you are, and what you prioritize when no one else is in the equation. While you are exploring these new solo adventures, it’s important to remember basic safety tips wherever you go. Pay attention to your surroundings, don’t leave your belongings unattended, and always let at least one person back home know where you are. Check out my guide for taking your first solo trip, and try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. Stay smart, stay awesome.