Women Who Travel

11 Best Places for Women to Travel Solo in the US

From Savannah to San Diego, these destinations make it easy to visit alone—and love every second of it.
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Traveling solo as a woman can be one of the most empowering experiences—and across the US, there’s no shortage of fabulous, welcoming destinations perfect for just that. From the chill-yet-fun buzz of Austin, Texas, to the chic and design-forward heart of Palm Springs, California, and the rugged beauty of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, these American cities offer something for every type of solo traveler.

Curated by our editors and trusted Condé Nast Traveler contributors, we’ve compiled a guide that highlights cities proven to be both enjoyable and mindful of any solo travel concerns. You’ll find smart advice, sample itineraries, and insider tips to help you plan your own trip with confidence. Whether that means joining a guided hike through Joshua Tree National Park, sipping cocktails solo in Carlsbad, California, or taking a weekend getaway for fresh air and cool art in Kingston, New York, it's all about discovering places where you can venture out and feel welcome. From trip ideas to the best places to stay, we’ve got you covered with everything you need to embrace the freedom of traveling solo as a woman—without compromising on style, safety, or substance. Below, listed in alphabetical order, 11 of the best places to travel solo as a woman in the US.

Our top picks:

Austin Texas

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Austin, Texas

Last spring, I went to Austin solo for a conference. I’d been to the city once before with my dad, but only for a few hours—this time, I finally got to explore it on my own over a few days. I loved the energy of the city: Music spills into the streets and genuinely friendly people are everywhere. While it’s better to have a vehicle in Austin, I found the bus system surprisingly accessible and easy to navigate. Most mornings, I grabbed a matcha from Revolución Coffee, which also turned out to be a great spot to get some work done. Over the course of my stay, I wandered around downtown, stopped by The Contemporary Austin Art Museum, strolled along the river, and headed over to East Austin for dinner at Canje, a Caribbean restaurant. With near-perfect spring weather, Austin made for a refreshing, low-key getaway that never felt overwhelming. —Kayla Brock, associate social media manager

Where to stay:

Boston

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Boston, Massachusetts

I went to Boston last fall to visit a friend, and it was one of the most comfortable solo travel experiences I’ve had. I loved that I could reach most areas of interest in Cambridge and Charlestown by foot, and it’s sure hard to beat a crisp autumn in New England, especially in a city with such deep-set colonial roots. I stayed at a houseboat Airbnb docked in the Charlestown marina, which was as serene as it was unique. I loved being able to spend long nights on the deck, looking out to Boston city proper after spending the days romping through town. While this isn’t the part of the country that usually takes the cake for hospitality, I found that everyone local was incredibly friendly, helpful, and eager to share recommendations on where to head next. If you think you’re tired of hearing AI-this, new buzzy techword-that, still pay a visit to the MIT Museum, where the cutting edge feels hands-on, interactive, and actually exciting. —Kat Chen, editorial assistant, destinations

Where to stay:

Carlsbad, California

Marcel Fuentes

Carlsbad, California

Often overshadowed by its flashier southern neighbor, San Diego, Carlsbad has a more laid-back, surfy charm perfect for solo female travelers. I stayed at Beach Terrace, a family-owned hotel built directly on the sand about 50 feet from the water. Sunday morning started with oceanfront yoga, where I connected with fellow travelers before exploring on foot (no car needed). Carlsbad Village is incredibly walkable and safe, even at night, with everything from antique shops to boutique clothing stores and Michelin-starred dining within reach. I joined a Carlsbad Food Tour to sample the town’s best bites—such as the Strawberry Shack and Señor Grubby's—with a small, friendly group. For a solo dinner that doesn’t feel lonely, grab a seat at the bar at Campfire, where wood-fired dishes and communal energy make it easy to strike up a conversation with locals. —Kaila Yu, contributor

Where to stay:

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Jackson Hole, Wyoming

Whether you’re in town to camp and hike in the Grand Tetons or get bougie at a luxe resort, like the Rusty Parrot Lodge & Spa, Jackson Hole has a little something for everyone. It’s small enough to safely walk around at night—even after a rowdy evening spent sipping local brews at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. And yet it also remains adventurous enough to serve as a basecamp for nature lovers of all stripes. Check out the fab Mediterranean food at FIGS restaurant after a day spent hiking around String Lake or visiting the National Elk Refuge. —Emily Pennington, contributor

Where to stay:

Key West Florida

Peter Unger

Key West, Florida

Key West is no stranger to group travel—walk down Duval St. at night and you’ll encounter crowds of bachelorette parties, cruise-goers, and rowdy spring breakers. But the quirky Conch Republic is also home to a thriving artistic community that opens its arms to solo travelers without hesitation. Stop by Andy’s Cabana on open mic nights, the Key West Yoga Sanctuary for community classes or creative writing workshops, and Fort Zachary beach to camp out under the palms. By doing just this, I have befriended fishing guides, van-lifers, painters, musicians, and writers who welcomed me into their creative circle. My favorite part about traveling solo is that it forces you to meet new people and try new things, and The Keys have long embodied the essence of this independence and freedom. Just don’t be surprised if you get invited out on a sailboat (or two) on your first day. —Hannah Towey, associate editor

Where to stay:

Aerial shot of Kingston, New York on a partly cloudy day in autumn.halbergman

Kingston, New York

I recently took a solo trip to Kingston, New York, and it was exactly what I needed. Just a quick jet up north via Amtrak, the town is easy to explore on foot and has a calm, welcoming vibe. I started my day with breakfast at Hotel Kinsley—home to good coffee, a quiet atmosphere, and vintage records by each window. Then spent time reading with a cappuccino at Rough Draft Bar & Books. From there, I wandered through Italian provisions at Salamone’s, picked up playful stickers at quirky bookstore Everywhere Shop, and browsed the home goods at Kingston Social. What stood out most was how safe and queer-friendly it felt. The rainbow crosswalk near the main street felt like a warm welcome, and every shop I visited felt easy to be in. —Laura Delarato, contributor

Where to stay in Kingston, NY:

Miami

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Miami, Florida

A couple years back I flew from Denver to Miami for my January birthday, as I wanted to be somewhere warm, near the water, and full of vibrant food. I chose to stay at The Standard—it’s a solid hotel with easy-to-access water and it's removed enough from the chaos of South Beach (but also, just close enough, if that's what you're looking for). There are a handful of restaurants that are within a short walking distance, and even more restaurants that are a quick rideshare away, making it easy to move around at night alone as well. Pop over to Little Havana for exceptional Cuban food via a food tour (an opportunity to make new friends) or on your own. The Brickell area has a cozy little wine bar called Niu Wine, and I can't recommend SuViche enough for casual but fresh Peruvian ceviche after a sunny walk or lazy beach day. —Amanda Villarosa, contributor

Where to stay:

Palm Spring Mod Squad Tours

Kurt Cyr/Palm Springs Mod Squad Tours

Palm Springs, California

I headed to a group design tour with Palm Springs Mod Squad that showcased several pristinely-preserved architectural gems built in the prevailing Desert Modern style. I spent an afternoon indulging in the city’s incredible vintage shops along the strip before popping into Superbloom, an innovative paint studio, where a childlike sense of play emerged as I splattered paint on a new passport holder and luggage tag. For pampering, I made my way to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians' recently opened Spa at Séc-he and indulged in a hot stone massage, cold lavender-scented towels, and a phenomenal prickly pear lemonade before relaxing in the hot spring-fed thermal pool. It’s in the natural world where I’m always concerned about safety, both as a woman and a New Yorker whose access to wild places is fairly limited. Hiking the trails throughout the stunning Indian Canyons, the tribe's ancestral homeland where a palm oasis of native Washingtonia Filiferas provided shelter to their ancestors, felt incredibly safe and peaceful. And I couldn’t skip the designated Dark Sky Park that is Joshua Tree. Knowing I’d eventually lose cell phone reception, I downloaded an offline map to navigate the park alone in the dark—an anxiety-inducing experience that felt like driving into an endless void, yet one I’d recommend to women looking to step out of her comfort zone and build confidence in an unforgiving desert landscape. My disappointment about not having enough time to see the Mojave Desert’s famous succulent in the daylight quickly dissipated during my stargazing tour with Joshua Tree Astronomy Adventures. Sharing a canopy of stars with just a few strangers, I contemplated the magnitude of the universe and felt humbled by my own existence. —Katherine Gallardo, contributor

Where to stay:

Nashville

Jeremy Poland

Nashville, Tennessee

The Tennessee capital is a quintessential bachelorette town in every sense of the phrase, but works just as well for a solo trip. There’s no need to get glammed up unless you absolutely wish to: If you’re feeling lonely, your next best friends might be just a honky tonk dancefloor away. And while the world’s your oyster here, that also includes kicking back and enjoying the city’s slower offerings, like a day filled with art at the Frist Art Museum, or balmy outdoor reading at Centennial Park. You can’t go wrong with a show at the Opry, which is turning 100 this year, and where famously—there is no such thing as a bad seat. Nashville is kitsch, it’s booming, and between the hot chicken and barbecue, you won’t miss out on heartwarming food. I grew up visiting every year when I was a kid, and I still feel a childlike sense of adventure when I visit now, and dare I say—it may be even more fun all grown up. —K.C.

Where to stay:

Embarcadero Marina Park, San Diego

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San Diego, California

Traveling to San Diego alone, I based myself in the Little Italy neighborhood—a walkable, vibrant pocket of the city filled with cafés, markets, and insanely beautiful coastal sunsets. I rented a car for the freedom to explore, but most days, I stayed close to the coast. One afternoon, I drove up to La Jolla, parked near the cliffs, and watched some seals—then surfers chase the golden-hour waves as the sun melted into the Pacific. The best views, though, were alongside colorful flowers and cacti at Sunset Cliffs. I wandered on foot through India Street and around town, popping into sweet cafés and boutique clothing shops. Though San Diego is known for its stellar mountain hikes farther out, I am far too clumsy to risk going alone and falling. It was no issue, though—I stuck to the coastal trails, with routes that kept me tethered to the water and civilization. It was these paths that delivered a certain magic: There’s no better feeling than seemingly standing at the edge of the world while still being just minutes from the heart of the city. It was a balance I didn’t know I needed—solitude and connection, nature and city—woven seamlessly together in Californian paradise. —Jessica Chapel, commerce writer

Where to stay:

Savannah, Georgia

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Savannah, Georgia

I took a February trip to Savannah last winter—a long weekend based at Hotel Bardo—during which I planned to walk lazily through sunny parks, indulge in great food, and soak up the small city’s history. I traveled with my partner, but when a work thing came up on his end, I had a day to myself and found the city to be perfect for a party of one. At Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, an institution of a soul-food kitchen (they still have the chair Obama sat in when he visited on display), you’re seated around a big, family-style table with whoever else walks in when you do—ideal for a solo traveler looking for company. The gorgeous Common Thread, where fluke crudos and roasted sunchokes sit side by side, has seats at the bar if you don’t have a reservation (bar seats are most often the perfect choice as a solo traveler). Because this was a city where I actually wanted to do a tour—I easily slid into a mixed group being guided through the Owens-Thomas House & Slave Quarters. It was a highlight of the trip: Home tours of opulent 1800s-built properties are popular in the city, and the team at Owens-Thomas does a particularly great job of acknowledging everyone who lived in the home, including the enslaved people who kept it running. It was yet another reminder of how much there is to learn in this city—and how it is evolving constantly. —Megan Spurrell, associate articles director

Where to stay in Savannah, GA: