Want to get your feet wet traveling solo within the US before going abroad? And why not? The U.S. has so many diverse and friendly destinations to choose from. Here are 7 destination ideas for female solo travel in the U.S. based on safety, activities, and friendliness.
Of course, you should still take regular precautions in all these places. Read my essential tips for female solo travel.
1. Seattle, WA
Seattle is a city I never felt unsafe in. Go to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, take a ferry, or walk along the Puget Sound. It is a city that has a more relaxed feel to it.
One of my favorite things is to simply go to a local coffee shop to take in their coffee culture. Hang out there for a couple hours with a book or your laptop.
2. San Francisco, CA
San Fransisco’s is one of my favorite cities – partly because of the nostalgia of traveling there for years as a child, but also because it is a very unique city. You won’t run out of iconic things to do here. There have been reports of higher crime rates in recent years, but just use your street smarts for where to go and when.
- Chrissy Fields Beach (right under the Golden Gate Bridge)
- Walk over the Golden Gate Bridge
- Ride the infamous cable cars
- Take a ride or walk down Lombard Street
- Go to Castro Street and see all the unique stores and people
- Go to Chinatown
- Go to Garedeli Square and eat some chocolate
- Rent a bike and bike around the city (there are intense hills so be warned)
- Go to the Ferry Terminal
- Go to Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39 to see seals
3. Washington D.C.
The Nation’s Capital is great for female solo travelers. The public transit is reliable and efficient, it is extremely walkable, and there are so many free things to do.
Go to the National Mall and see all the historical sights and monuments. Then pick whatever Smithsonian’s interests you – this alone could last you 2-3 days (don’t go during spring break season as there will be thousands of school field trips, as I’ve experienced). I also recommend renting a city bike to explore further in the city. Capitol Hill is a cool neighborhood to explore and get lost in.
4. Charleston, SC
If you want to kick back on the beach and just soak in the southern sun then Charleston is for you. It is great for female solo travelers to simply relax on the beach (again, don’t go during spring break season).
Within the city, there are open air farmers markets, you can take a ride in a horse drawn carriage, or eat some great southern food.
5. New York City, NY
New York City is one of the most iconic destinations to go, but also one where you might have to be more alert especially at night. Besides that, there is also so much for a solo traveler to do. Of course, see all the sights from the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building, Central Park, and Time Square. As well as the Chelsea Market and the Elevated High Line walkway.
NYC is a foodie’s paradise. From the best version of every ethnicity of food to your classic NY pizza. You can easily do a walking food tour around the city and indulge in the deliciousness.
6. Boston, MA
Boston is a historic city with many unique activities and is especially great for those history buffs.
Go to the campuses of Harvard or MIT to soak in the knowledge and history. Walk the Freedom Trail, which is 2.5 miles of historic sights, enjoy the Public Garden city park, play some candle stick bowling, and if it’s baseball season grab a ticket to a game to experience Fenway Park.
7. Denver, CO
Denver is great for nature lovers. In the city you are surrounded by the beautiful Rocky Mountains. Wander around the different areas like Edgewood, go to the Denver Botanic Gardens, and walk around 16th Street Mall.
Drive a bit outside of the city and go to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheater. There is a park outside of it where you can see Colorado nature and go on some short hikes. There is also an adorable town right outside of it to walk around.
