I travel alone a lot. I like quiet mornings, good coffee, and streets I can walk without worry. I also like kind people. You know what? That matters more than anything when you’re solo.
If you're mapping out your own journey, the destination guides on ValidTravel spotlight cities that consistently rank high with solo travelers for safety and warmth. I also found this roundup of the best solo travel destinations in the USA for women super handy when narrowing my shortlist. For the full story of how I stitched all these stops together, you can dive into my coast-to-coast account of traveling solo across the U.S..
Here’s how I judge a city: walkability, transit, friendly vibes, and how safe I feel after dark. I use Google Maps, Citymapper, and sometimes the bSafe app. I put an AirTag in my day bag. I text my sister my plans. It’s simple, and it works.
These are my real stops and what I loved (and what bugged me) as a solo female traveler in the U.S.
Portland, Maine — Small, Seaside, Stress-Free
I loved how soft Portland feels. Harbors. Old brick. Sea air that smells clean. I stayed near Old Port and walked almost everywhere.
I grabbed a latte at Tandem Coffee, ate a warm donut at The Holy Donut, and watched the boats by the Eastern Prom. The Casco Bay ferry ride? Cheap, calm, and perfect if you need a breath.
- My quick take: I felt safe walking to dinner early, and still fine getting ice cream after. The streets are lit, and folks are chatty.
- A tiny drag: Weekend crowds near the piers. I ducked down side streets and it was better.
Santa Fe, New Mexico — Art, Sun, and Gentle Pace
Santa Fe was a slow exhale. Adobe walls. Big sky. I spent a late morning at the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum and wandered Canyon Road with a cocoa shot at Kakawa. I also got blissed-out at Ten Thousand Waves, a bathhouse in the hills. Going solo there felt easy and normal. Santa Fe also convinced me to pack an extra tote home; this city is a dream if you’re curious about New Mexico travel art (and the stories that cling to it like dust and rain).
I rode a simple shuttle to get around and stayed near the Plaza so I could walk most of the time. At night, I stuck to the main square and felt fine.
- Best surprise: Meow Wolf. Wild, bright, and safe staff presence.
- A tiny drag: Dry air. I carried a Hydro Flask and lip balm like my life depended on it.
Seattle, Washington — City Comfort with Water Everywhere
Seattle can feel big, but it treated me well. I used the Link light rail from the airport and stayed near Pike Place Market. Morning coffee at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery felt cozy, even if it’s busy. I loved the ferry to Bainbridge Island—safe, scenic, and simple to do alone.
I walked the Green Lake loop in late afternoon and didn’t feel weird about it. I stuck to well-lit routes downtown after dark.
- Must-do: The Chihuly Garden and Glass near the Space Needle. Staff were helpful when I asked for directions.
- Heads-up: Hills. My Hoka shoes saved my knees.
Asheville, North Carolina — Artsy, Outdoorsy, and Kind
I came for the mountains and stayed for the chocolate. Asheville felt like a friend’s town. I took the LaZoom bus tour (it’s goofy and fun), then ate cake at French Broad Chocolate Lounge. The River Arts District is full of makers who love to talk. That eased the “I’m alone” feeling fast.
I drove a short bit on the Blue Ridge Parkway for sunset. If you don’t have a car, local tours make it painless.
- Felt safe: Walking downtown until about 9 p.m., sticking to the main strips.
- Small drag: Weekend bachelor parties. I ate early and skipped the late-night bar rush.
Chicago, Illinois — Big City That Still Holds Your Hand
Chicago surprised me. I stayed in River North and used the CTA a lot. The Blue Line from O’Hare was easy, even with a carry-on. I walked to Millennium Park and sat by the Bean with coffee. No one bothered me. The Art Institute gave me three quiet hours I didn’t know I needed.
I took the architecture boat tour solo and loved it. Staff were used to solo folks and kept things orderly.
- Eats: Lou Malnati’s for deep dish. I felt fine dining alone in a booth.
- Safety note: I planned my routes before leaving the hotel and used well-lit streets after dinner.
Savannah, Georgia — Spanish Moss and Slow Walks
Savannah feels like a soft song. I stayed near the Historic District and wandered square to square. Forsyth Park in the morning is pure peace. I did a ghost tour at night and felt safe with the group. Folks look out for you here.
River Street can get rowdy, so I took my time and stayed aware. I loved brunch at The Collins Quarter and a quiet walk back.
- Sweet touch: Everyone says hello. It calmed my nerves.
- Tiny drag: Uneven sidewalks. Watch those ankles.
Burlington, Vermont — Lake Views and Student Energy
Burlington is bright, clean, and easy. I rented a bike and rode the Lake Champlain path. I grabbed a maple creemee and sat by the water with my book. No rush, no stress. Church Street Marketplace has buskers and safe, social vibes.
I went in fall—gold leaves, crisp air, perfect sweaters. I took the free shuttle around town when my legs got tired.
- Good eats: Hen of the Wood for a treat-yourself dinner. Staff seated me without a fuss about sitting solo.
- Note: It’s quiet at night. I loved that.
Sedona, Arizona — Red Rocks, Clear Mind
I went to Sedona for hikes and came back lighter. I hiked Bell Rock and the Airport Mesa viewpoint. Trails were clearly marked, and I saw many solo women hiking. I started early, packed water, and told the front desk where I was going.
Pink Jeep Tours were fun and felt safe with a solid guide. Even Uptown, which is touristy, felt manageable alone.
- Pack list: Sun hat, sunscreen, water, snacks. Anker power bank too.
- Small drag: Parking at trailheads fills fast. Early bird wins.
San Diego, California — Chill Coastal Days
San Diego gave me sun and soft evenings. I used the MTS trolley and stayed near Little Italy. Balboa Park took a full afternoon, and the museums were easy to do solo. La Jolla sea lions made me laugh out loud. I ate tacos (Torchy’s is good, but I liked Puesto more) and watched the sunset at Sunset Cliffs with a hundred quiet strangers.
I felt fine walking to my hotel after dinner, sticking to bright streets.
- Favorite moment: Morning walk through Little Italy farmers’ market. Kind vendors. No weird vibes.
- Tiny drag: Uber prices spike on the beach at night. I took the trolley when I could.
Madison, Wisconsin — Lakes, Bikes, and Good Sense
Madison felt like summer camp for adults. I rented a BCycle and rode the Lake Monona Loop. I visited the Capitol and ate cheese curds at The Old Fashioned. Saturday farmers’ market around the square? So friendly. People were happy to chat, then let me be. That’s my kind of crowd.
It gets cold, but summer and fall are gold.
- Walking after dark: I stayed near the square and felt fine until about 9:30.
- Small drag: Wind off the lake. Bring a light jacket even when it looks warm.
Quick Hits I Also Loved
- Boulder, Colorado: Pearl Street, Chautauqua hikes, easy bus from Denver airport. Solo hikers everywhere.
- Austin, Texas: Lady Bird Lake trail, South Congress. Hot, though—morning walks only for me.
- Charleston, South Carolina: Rainbow Row, waterfront breezes, early dinners. Humid but lovely.
What Helped Me Feel Safe (and Free)
I keep a short toolkit in mind wherever I go, and the straightforward safety tips in this guide for solo female travelers echo most of my own habits.
- I share my live location with my sister on iPhone.
- I keep a small crossbody bag that zips. Nothing flashy.
- I bring a doorstop alarm. It’s tiny and lets me sleep better.
- I save hotel and transit routes offline on Google Maps.
- I book dinners at 6 or 6:30 p.m. Less chaos, more calm.
- I wear comfy shoes (Hokas or Brooks) so I don’t look lost or slow.
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