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
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Carlsbad, California
- Jackson Hole, Wyoming
- Key West, Florida
- Kingston, New York
- Miami, Florida
- Palm Springs, California
- Nashville, Tennessee
- San Diego, California
- Savannah, Georgia
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:
