Feeling the urge for solo travel but hesitant to venture alone in a foreign-speaking country far from home? It’s completely understandable. Embarking on your first solo adventure can feel overwhelming! A fantastic way to ease into traveling by yourself is to explore somewhere new, yet still comfortably familiar. For the past year, I’ve been road-tripping solo across the United States, and I’ve discovered numerous American cities that are incredibly welcoming to solo travelers. Narrowing down the list was tough – there are just so many amazing options! Here are my top picks for the best places in the U.S. for solo travel. Thinking about a solo road trip? Be sure to read my essential preparations for an American cross-country road trip!
San Francisco, California
Let’s begin our solo travel journey on the West Coast in California! San Francisco truly has something to offer every kind of solo traveler. Imagine wandering through stunning parks, exploring iconic historical landmarks, and hiking picturesque nature trails – San Francisco delivers it all within a compact and easily navigable city. While renting a car opens up opportunities to visit destinations like Muir Woods National Monument or the beautiful Napa Valley outside the city center, solo travelers can easily explore San Francisco without one thanks to excellent public transportation and walkability.
San Francisco is also known for being a relatively safe city, where solo female travelers can generally feel comfortable exploring on their own. Of course, it’s always important to practice intuitive travel habits – be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone late at night or in less safe areas. For more detailed safety advice, check out my tips on what NOT to do when traveling solo. San Francisco provides a perfect blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it one of the best Places To Travel Solo and discover the joys of independent exploration.