10 Best US Cities for Solo Female Travelers (Safe & Scenic Destinations)

Published on 20 December 2025 at 12:25

Safe, Scenic & Easy to Explore on Your Own

Traveling solo as a woman isn’t about being fearless - it’s about choosing destinations that make you feel comfortable, confident, and inspired. Whether you’re strolling historic streets, enjoying a slow café morning, or exploring a city at your own pace, the right destination can make all the difference.

These 10 US cities are consistently loved by solo female travelers for their safety, walkability, charm, and welcoming atmosphere. They’re perfect for first-time solo trips, weekend getaways, or stress-free adventures when you just want to explore without worry.


Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission - at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please note that I only recommend products I have personally purchased and tested. All hotels, flights, rental vehicles, experiences, and other recommendations have been thoroughly researched and vetted by Coastline + Castles. While the information is accurate at the time of posting, things may change. We strive to keep our recommendations as up-to-date as possible.


1. Savannah, Georgia

As a proud Georgia native, I can’t recommend Savannah enough. This charming city seems tailor-made for solo adventures, inviting you to explore its historic squares, oak-shaded streets, and welcoming cafés. With its peaceful ambiance and walkable design, Savannah offers a perfect blend of beauty and tranquility. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply seeking a serene space for reflection, Savannah is an ideal destination - no car required.

 

Why it’s perfect for solo travelers: charming historic district to explore on foot, welcoming locals, and a peaceful ambiance


2. Charleston, South Carolina

 

Charleston effortlessly blends Southern hospitality, picturesque pastel-colored streets, and breathtaking waterfront views. Its historic downtown is compact, walkable, and perfect for easy exploration. With its warm, inviting culture, Charleston offers solo travelers an ideal mix of captivating photography spots, exceptional cuisine, and relaxed sightseeing opportunities.

 

Why it’s perfect for solo travelers: charming streets to wander, friendly solo dining experiences, and a safe, pedestrian-friendly downtown.


3. San Diego, California

 

San Diego is another city I can’t recommend enough. I discovered its charm in 2022 while visiting my daughter in California, and it immediately won me over. With its laid-back coastal vibe, this city is a haven for solo female travelers seeking sunshine, wellness, and outdoor adventures. San Diego offers a sense of openness and relaxation, featuring walkable neighborhoods, breathtaking beaches, lush parks, and stunning waterfronts that are all easily accessible.

 

Why it’s perfect for solo travelers: beach strolls, wellness-focused culture, and a relaxed pace of life


4. Boston, Massachusetts

 

Boston is widely recognized as one of the most walkable cities in the U.S. and is truly a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts. Its thoughtfully compact design, highly efficient public transportation system, and diverse, vibrant neighborhoods make it an ideal place for solo exploration and adventure. Whether you're tracing the iconic Freedom Trail, stepping back in time through centuries of American history, or uncovering hidden gems such as charming, tucked-away bookstores, Boston provides solo travelers with a perfect blend of activities, attractions, and experiences without ever feeling overwhelming or intimidating.

 

Why it’s perfect for solo travel: easy walkability, fascinating history, reliable public transit


5. Portland, Maine

 

If you’re drawn to quaint coastal towns with a touch of European charm, Portland is the perfect destination for solo travelers seeking a unique escape. This picturesque city offers a cozy, small-town vibe, complete with scenic waterfront views that inspire tranquility, charming streets lined with character, and unique local shops filled with one-of-a-kind treasures. It’s an ideal spot for those who appreciate a relaxed pace of life, quiet moments of exploration, and the chance to discover hidden gems around every corner.

 

Why it’s perfect for solo travel: coastal allure, intimate small-city ambiance, serene atmosphere


6. Asheville, North Carolina

 

Set against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is a haven for solo travelers drawn to creativity, wellness, and the great outdoors. Its charming, walkable downtown is brimming with character, and the city’s friendly, open-minded community makes every visitor feel at home. Here, you can seamlessly blend invigorating outdoor adventures with leisurely moments at cozy cafés.

 

Why it’s ideal for solo travelers: a focus on wellness, breathtaking mountain views, and a vibrant creative culture


7. Madison, Wisconsin

 

Madison is consistently recognized as one of the safest and most welcoming mid-sized cities in the United States. Nestled among a collection of picturesque lakes and crisscrossed by scenic walking paths, it offers an idyllic blend of breathtaking natural beauty and a lively, vibrant downtown atmosphere. With its warm, inviting charm and an abundance of activities to enjoy, Madison effortlessly combines a sense of adventure with a peaceful tranquility, making it the perfect destination for solo travelers seeking a balanced experience. Be sure not to miss a visit to the serene and enchanting Olbrich Botanical Gardens, a true gem of the city.

 

Why it’s perfect for solo travelers: exceptional safety, serene lakeside strolls, and easy-to-navigate streets


8. Santa Fe, New Mexico

 

 

Santa Fe offers a truly unique and enriching solo travel experience with its vibrant culture, iconic historic adobe architecture, and soothing, unhurried atmosphere that invites relaxation and exploration. It’s an ideal destination for solo female travelers who are seeking a harmonious blend of art, spirituality, and cultural discovery, all beautifully wrapped in the tranquil ambiance of a small city, free from the overwhelming hustle and bustle of larger urban centers.

 

Why it’s perfect for solo travelers: a rich and inspiring artistic scene, timeless and captivating charm, and a serene, unpressured pace


9. Boulder, Colorado

 

 

Boulder seamlessly blends outdoor adventure with a mindful, wellness-centered lifestyle, making it a destination that truly stands out. With its walkable downtown filled with unique shops and eateries, along with an abundance of breathtaking scenic nature trails, it’s the perfect place to explore on your own terms. It offers solo travelers not only the tranquility and serenity of nature but also the convenience, energy, and charm of a vibrant, thriving city that caters to all interests.

 

Why it’s perfect for solo travelers: Easy access to the outdoors, a thriving wellness culture, and a compact, walkable downtown.


10. Annapolis, Maryland

 

Annapolis, a quaint historic waterfront city, exudes charm with its picturesque old-town vibe. Its cozy size and stunning harbor create an inviting retreat for solo travelers seeking a peaceful destination rich in history and coastal allure. Beyond its scenic beauty, Annapolis is also known as America’s Sailing Capital. Visitors can enjoy sailing excursions, admire the elegant yachts docked along the harbor, or even take sailing lessons to experience the city’s vibrant maritime culture firsthand, making it a haven for water enthusiasts and adventurers alike.

 

Why it’s perfect for solo travelers: small-town charm, historic streets, scenic waterfront strolls


Final Thoughts

 

Solo female travel doesn’t have to involve crossing oceans or navigating unfamiliar territories. These U.S. cities demonstrate that you can embrace safety, beauty, culture, and independence without leaving the country. Whether you're planning your first solo adventure or seeking a serene getaway, each of these destinations offers something unique - minus the hassle.

For those who appreciate slow travel, charming historic streets, and destinations that make you feel at home the moment you arrive, these cities are the perfect starting point.

Do you have a favorite city? Share it with us in the comments below! Don’t forget to follow us on social media to stay updated on our carefully curated destinations designed for solo female travelers. Be the first to discover your next adventure!

 

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, however, I only recommend products that I have personally purchased and used.

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