10 Safe and Best Places to Travel Solo Female in US: Places I Visited and Practical Tips

I have always been fascinated by the thought of solo travel! Despite the ‘courageous’ tag my friends give me for venturing out alone, I’ve found that traversing the globe solo isn’t about having superpowers. It just needs a suitcase, some planning, and a curious mind. I have had many solo trips to the US and discovered the best places to travel solo female in US.

By sharing the bits of my journey, the best places to travel, and some practical tips, I wish to empower women all over the world to go for solo trips. Let’s check out and normalize independence among womenfolk:

Top 10 Places to Travel for a Solo Female in the US

Planning your first solo trip to the West? I was also extremely excited when I decided to travel to the US for the first time. The place is like a dream to many around the world. 

However, it is important to be considerate about the right locations like Portland, Boston, New York, and Miami when you are planning a female solo trip. Here are the best places to travel solo female in US where you can travel without any second thoughts:

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is very welcoming to travellers! Female solo tourists get to experience diversity at this place. Asheville is the beer lover’s favourite as it has more than 50 craft breweries. Other than that, it is known for vibrancy in arts and culture.

Places I Visited: 

• I devoted half a day to a guided tour of the Biltmore Estate, which is also known as “America’s Largest Home”. Renting a car is preferred if you want to navigate the large property thoroughly. 
• Next up, explore River Arts District, a walkable, creative area where I got to witness awesome art galleries and interact with many artisans.
• After these stunning visuals, I moved outside the city and went to the Blue Ridge Parkway to do some hiking on Craggy Pinnacle and enjoy the eye-pleasing waterfall. 
• When done for the day, I headed towards the Omni Grove Park Inn in the evening. A perfect spot for relaxing and scenic sunsets, along with sipping a heartfelt glass of cocktail.

Best Time to Visit	April to June or September and Early November for the mild weather
Best Places to Stay	Downtown for walkability: Kimpton Hotel Arras, The Restoration Biltmore Village: Grand Bohemian Lodge, Omni Grove Park Inn

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico, is one of the best places to travel solo female in US. It offers a unique blend of arts, culture, and nature that is rich with native American and Mexican influences. The top highlights of this location is walkable historic plaza, brilliant art, and friendly locals. I really enjoyed the slow-paced, relaxing atmosphere here.

Places I Visited:

• The downtown area is very safe and welcoming for women, encompassing many art galleries on Canyon Road and the historic downtown plaza. I spent an hour in the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum that led me to witness the New Mexico landscape in a “jewel box” setting.

• In the town, there were many adorable shops and Japanese-inspired spas. I took time to relax at Ten Thousand Waves spa and immersed myself in Meow Wolf that offers amazing quirky art installations. 
• Craving a refreshing, authentic meal, I headed to La Choza for vibrant Mexican flavours. Later, as a lover of Indian cuisine, I couldn’t resist dropping by Paper Dosa to indulge in their signature crispy dosa.

Best Time to Visit	May to June or September to November for mild, beautiful weather.
Best Places to Stay	There are many safe Mexico City hotels. Consider stayingnearby Historic Plaza for safety and convenience, such as boutique hotels like Old Edwards Inn and Spa.

Moab, Utah

Do you enjoy getting out in nature? Moah, Utah, “The Most Welcoming City in the US”, is the must-visit place for you. I had a myriad of choices when I visited this place, ranging from hiking, mountain biking, rafting, and rock climbing. As it felt like a safe choice to begin with, I chose to go hiking first. 

Places I Visited:

• As a novice hiker, I really enjoyed hiking at Fisher Towers and its sculptural rock formations.
• If you like meeting new people like me, then you can go for white water rafting at Colorado River. In it, a guide was required that would let me interact with new people while enjoying the landscape.

• There were a vast number of lively local restaurants and cafes. My personal favourite was high-end sushi at Sebaku Shushi. 
• I woke up early and enjoyed parks and local shops. Early morning exploration is preferred, as in summer, it gets very tough to step out during the day.

Best Time to Visit	March to May (Spring) or September to October (Fall) to avoid the desert heat.
Best Places to Stay	Downtown: Best Western Plus Canyonlands Inn, 3b/2b Modern Downtown Townhouse Resorts: Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa and Red Cliffs Lodge

New York, New York

Travel solo to the city that never sleeps, New York! While some women may have reservations about the city’s safety, my multiple visits have shown it to be both secure and exciting.

Whenever you get the opportunity to visit New York, you can’t skip the must-see locations, including the Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Grand Central Terminal, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. There are so many things to do in Beacon, like shopping and a brewery tour.

 Places I Visited:

• I started by morning, strolling through Central Park, and had a memorable, bountiful brunch at Sarabeth’s. 
• After this, I moved to catching a Broadway show for the world-class theatrical experience and treated myself to a designer bouquet from SoHo.
• The city had so much to keep me captivated! I then took the $4.50 ferry to Dumbo, soaking in the iconic Manhattan skyline from the Brooklyn Heights waterfront.
• Ended the day exploring the charming, culinary-rich streets of neighbouring Greenwich Village.

Best Time to Visit	April to June and September to November offer comfortable weather for walking. If you want to enjoy the festivities and decorations, then consider late November to December.
Best Places to Stay	The safest areas to stay are Midtown, Greenwich Village, SoHo, Upper West Side, and Brooklyn Heights.

Quick Tip

Though the city is generally safe, avoid walking alone in secluded areas late at night and trust your instincts.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston, Massachusetts, is packed with potential! It is an exceptionally safe and walkable place offering European charm and a mix of history. When I visited Boston some years back, I explored the popular areas like Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the waterfront. The city erased the boundary between traveller and local, making me feel like I belonged there.

The locals were incredibly welcoming, and I found numerous opportunities to connect with others through museum tours and group activities.

Places I Visited: 

• I spent time exploring the impressive collection at Porter Square Bookstore. 
• Lateron, I headed to enjoy an authentic Italian cuisine in the vibrant, culturally rich North End.
• After this, I went to Charles Street and took a train to Harvard. my self guided tour to Harvard led me to witness the sought-after university, historic architecture, and bustling streets. 
• Around the Charles River, I indulged myself in activities like sailing and kayaking. 

One of the best solo travel tips for beginners in Boston is to be careful of the pickpockets if you are taking the subway.

Best Time to Visit	September to October for pleasant weather and November to December for festivities.
Best Places to Stay	Back Bay (backpackers’ top choice!): Hotel AKA Back Bay, The Newbury Boston, Fairmont Copley Plaza Downtown: The Envoy Hotel, Boston Harbour Hotel.

Washington DC

Washington DC offers a plethora of activities to keep a travel enthusiast hooked! The city is walkable and provides easy access to public transport like the metro. I had a really intellectually engaging experience when I visited the museums on the National Mall and explored the iconic monuments at night with fellow travellers. My trip became extra picture-perfect because of the cherry blossom season in mid-march.

Places I Visited:

• I had some memorable time at the National Portrait Gallery and the Renwick Gallery (Both had free entry). At the National Portrait Gallery, I saw the portraits of the well-known figures, including presidents, poets, activists and villains that signify America’s long-lived past.

• Renwick Gallery, a branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, encompasses decorative art and contemporary craft. I found it to be a very thought-provoking exhibition. 
• After the historic spots, I couldn’t miss out on going to Georgetown to up my shopping game and have a decadent meal at M Street and Wisconsin Avenue.

Best Time to Visit	Late March to May (for cherry blossoms) and September to October for the pleasant weather.
Best Places to Stay	Downtown: Inn at the Market and Mayflower Park Hotel Queen Anne: The Mediterranean Inn Seattle Airport: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson and Hampton Inn & Suites

Miami, Florida

Typically known as the party city, Miami never fails to impress. Whether it’s dining in Little Havana, going to South Beach or exploring Wynwood Walls Art District, Miami is all about fun. Though generally considered a safe place for women its important to take some precautions.

Places I Visited:

• I saw the works of many of the world’s top street artists at the Wynwood Walls Arts District. Besides the artwork, the place has many bars and restaurants that helped me mingle and socialize.

• Another highlight of my journey was a 2-3-hour guided food tour of Little Havana, where I enjoyed coffee, mojitos, Cuban sandwiches and guava pastries. I would suggest trying the signature items like classic mojito, Cuban coffee, and freshly squeezed sugarcane juice. 
• Last but not least was my visit to the Everglades for an airboat ride to see alligators in their natural habitat.

Best Time to Visit	December to February for the best weather and low rainfall.  March to May also offers low risks and a vibrant atmosphere of events like Ultra Music Festival and Miami Open. Avoid going in June-November, there is a high hurricane risk with humid weather that is not pleasant.
Best Places to Stay	South Beach or Mid Beach: Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, The Good Time Hotel and Freehand Miami Hostel (Best for meeting people) Downtown: Marriott Biscayne Bay

Quick Tip

Exercise standard big-city caution and avoid walking alone late at night in less crowded, non-touristy areas.

Sedona, Arizona

Sedona, Arizona, is the go-to travel destination if you are awaiting a solo trip to the US. It provided me with a rejuvenating experience with outdoor yoga locations and gorgeous spas. In a nutshell, it made me connect with my feminine side and self-reflect.

Places I Visited:

• Listening to many praises about the best hikes in Sedona for stunning views and outdoor adventure, I decided to start with it only. Hiking up to Devil’s Bridge, a 4.5-mile round trip, was a thrilling experience that led to panoramic views. 
• After the tiresome hiking, I stopped at Local Juicery and had a refreshing, vibrant smoothie. I found Sedona perfect, whether for engaging oneself in outdoor fun or taking out time to contemplate. 
• I spent an unforgettable evening at Hideaway House, pairing a succulent burger with a breathtaking Sedona sunset. As the sky turned fiery red, the cozy, vibrant atmosphere made for the perfect dining experience. You can also go for vacation rentals in the USA if you are planning a long stay in this place.

Best Time to Visit	March to May (Spring) and September to October (Fall) offer the ideal weather. December to February (Winter) offers cool weather with occasional snowfall.
Best Places to Stay	Uptown and Midtown: Amara Resort and Spa and Arabella Hotel Sedona Village of Oak Creek: Wildflower Inn at Bell Rock (scenic place)

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Carmel-by-the-Sea is a village full of pleasant surprises! It is one of the best places to travel solo female in US. The best part about this place is the charming visuals filled with boutique shops, art galleries and cafes. The village has 60 restaurants and 16 wine tasting spots, which are within walking distance from each other, highly suited for those who don’t prefer to rent a car.

Places I Visited:

• My visit to White-sand Carmel Beach was pure bliss. I strolled along the bluffs and enjoyed the bonfires. It is one of the best places to visit in the USA.
• I stopped at Terry’s Lounge at the Historic Cypress Inn for a light meal and drinks. 

Carmel-by-the-Sea is the ultimate go-to place if you want to enjoy the relaxing vibes and romantic atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit	July to September are the warmest months, best with sunny and clear days. March to May (Spring) with mild weather and wildflower blooms.
Best Places to Stay	Luxury: Cypress Inn, L’Auberge Carmel, La Playa Hotel. Mid-range: The Hotel Carmel, Lobos Lodge.

Portland, Oregon

I preferred to explore Portland, Oregon, at my own pace! There is an abundance of things to do in Portland, from cozy coffee shops to enlightening bookstores to access to nature. While perfect for car owners, this location also offers easy access to public transport, allowing you to explore downtown and the Pearl District entirely on foot.

Places I Visited:

• Before moving on to the restaurants, I went to the Columbia River Gorge for waterfalls and walked through the North Oregon coast to experience Cannon Beach. 
• Enjoyed seafood at Portland City Grill, which is specifically famous for nightouts and dining.
• I took some bottles of wine home from Ponzi and Soter Vineyards that are well-known for high-quality winemaking.

Best Time to Visit	June to August offers pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor spaces. If you want to prevent the summer rush, consider going in September.
Best Places to Stay	Hotel deLuxe, Kimpton RiverPlace Hotel, and McMenamins Crystal Hotel.

Quick Tip

Property crime is high in Portland. Avoid leaving your valuables in the car. The city is generally safe for women travellers, but it’s important to be careful of the surroundings. Don’t indulge yourself with individuals exhibiting unusual behaviour.

How to Reach the US by Air and Sea?

As I have discussed the best places to travel solo for females in the US, it’s equally important to tell you the safe and convenient ways to travel to the country.

Reaching the US from different international locations can be achieved with direct or connecting flights to New York, Chicago or Los Angeles. Other options are private cruises by sea. Here is a detailed breakdown:

By Air (Most Preferred!)

Major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Dubai, and London offer direct flights to the US, such as New York, Newark, and Chicago. Flights with stopovers are also common in cities like Dubai, Vienna and London.

Major Airlines: Air India, American Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and British Airways. 

By Sea

Sea travel is typically slower than air travel thats why it is not the first preference of the tourists. Travellers can choose a cruise journey or a private boat according to their location.

Cruises and Ferries: Cruises work well if you are travelling from Europe or America, docking in cities like Los Angeles or Florida.

Private Boats: Easily accessible for private use.

Practical Tips for a Safe and Hassle-Free Journey for Solo Female Travellers

For all the female solo travellers, safety should always be at the back of the mind. However, the above-mentioned locations in the US are considered safe; it is still important to follow some tips:

Practical Tips Inform someone at phone about your daily plans and accommodation. Avoid walking alone at night and opt for a trusted transportation like Uber or Lyft. Keep valuables secured, and carry only the required amount of cash with you. Be cautious with alcohol and spiked drinks that can happen on nighttime outings. Avoid looking distracted and trust your gut feeling if something feels off. Do not disclose your accommodation details with anyone, and don’t accept rides from strangers. Avoid being completely isolated. Join group travellers and gain knowledge. Keep digital and physical copies of emergency documents like insurance, IDs and passports. Install travel safety apps like GeoSure for checking neighbourhood safety scores and MayDay for emergency alerts.

Final Words

Over the years, I got the opportunity to travel to different places in the US and know that this country has much to commend it. Whether it be Asheville, Portland, Sedona or Boston, every place carries something special in itself.

As a woman, it is important to take care of the safety concerns no matter where the location is. The above-mentioned places are generally considered as best places to travel solo female in US, but it’s important to follow the practical tips and trust your gut feeling during the journey to enjoy yourself.

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