The Best Places to Travel Solo: Females in the US

Moab, Utah

Don’t take my word for it - Travel and Leisure just named Moab, Utah, as "The Most Welcoming City in the US." And for good reason! Moab is the perfect road trip destination for solo female travel in the US. Not only does it have a plethora of outdoor activities like hiking, mountain biking, rafting and rock climbing, but it also is a magnet for other solo travelers who want to experience the same kind of adventure. Moab has a tight-knit community that is welcoming and accepting, which helps other travelers, especially those traveling solo, feel at ease.

Moab is located right outside Arches National Park, and truly offers something for both the experienced national park junkie and the novice hiker. If solo travel to you means enjoying solitude, you can definitely explore the park and hike on your own. But if meeting new people is your thing, there are plenty of activities such as the Fiery Furnace hike (my personal favorite) or white water rafting (another popular day trip) that actually require you to go with a guide, giving you the opportunity to connect with other travelers.

The best time to visit would be late spring or early fall. I’ve been there in the summer twice, and although you can still hit the trails if you wake up before dawn, it gets incredibly hot as the day goes on. However, that did leave me plenty of time to explore the local shops and restaurants during the heat of the day!

Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

If you love adventure, but also delight in unexpected luxuries, Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect place to travel solo. Carmel is at the northern end of Highway 1 in California, another popular destination for US road trips. What makes Carmel-by-the-Sea so inviting to me as a solo female traveler is that I can enjoy the gorgeous scenery of the Big Sur coastline and fit in all of the hiking and water activities during the day, while later retreating to a luxury bed-and-breakfast-style hotel to relax and recharge. Le Petit Pali offers exactly that, with homemade pastries, bicycles for guests and even social happy hours for you to meet other like-minded travelers. What could be better?

Carmel has 60 restaurants and 18 wine tasting rooms, plus dozens of local boutiques and stores, all within walking distance of each other. Carmel is super pedestrian friendly. Solo female travelers can stroll through the picturesque streets, visit art galleries and boutique shops, and enjoy the beautiful scenery at their own pace. Carmel boasts a beautiful (dog-friendly!) beach, lots of nearby hiking trails and day spas to help you feel restored. It truly has something for every type of solo female traveler, whether you want to spend your time enjoying one of the country's best beach towns, enjoy the arts and culture scene or get out and explore the surrounding state parks.

Image courtesy of Omni Grove Park Inn & Spa

Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville is a foodie’s paradise, a craft beer lover’s dream, and heaven on earth for outdoor enthusiasts. This diversity of experiences makes it one of the best places for solo female travel in the US! Asheville is known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as its over 50 craft breweries and more than 250 local restaurants. If you enjoy history, or want to get a taste of old-world American luxury, be sure to visit the Biltmore Estate, known as America’s largest home and the former residence of the Vanderbilt family. I would leave at least half a day to explore this iconic mansion!

If you’re visiting Asheville, make sure you rent a car. You’ll definitely want to check out the River Arts District, check out Biltmore Estate and head outside of the city for a bit to hike to a waterfall or explore the Blue Ridge Parkway. The best part about traveling to Asheville solo is that you can bet you’ll meet lots of other people who are out to have a good time, and from my experience, everyone is super friendly and excited to connect. A lot of the breweries are dog-friendly, as well!

At the end of the day, be sure to head to Omni Grove Park Inn and Spa. The Sunset Cocktail Terrace at this luxury hotel was truly the highlight of my trip. When the weather permits, you can sit outside on the beautiful stone patio, sip a cocktail and watch the sunset over the Blue Ridge Mountains. The terrace was packed with others who were soaking in the view, so be sure to get there early enough to snag a spot! Seating is first come, first served.

Getaway (25+ Locations)

If your idea of solo travel is to go off the grid and reconnect with yourself in nature, meet Getaway. Getaway is known for tiny cabin rentals with cozy beds and incredible views. I showed up to my Getaway House at Hocking Hills, an hour away from Columbus, Ohio, and completely unplugged for the weekend. I was able to communicate with the property ahead of my stay to let them know what all I would need to enjoy my two days in the woods. They provided me with firewood and firestarter, a s’mores kit, coffee and tea, and oatmeal for my stay. The best part? These tiny cabins are dog friendly, and they even left complimentary treats, a dog bowl and a muddy-paw towel for for my girl, Evie. Even though each tiny cabin is only 140–200 square feet, they all come with a queen bed, heat/AC, firepit, picnic table, radio, stovetop, kitchen essentials and a bathroom with a hot shower. They even include a cellphone lockbox to really encourage you to disconnect. It doesn’t sound like much, but it truly felt luxurious. Each cabin feels both modern and rustic, and has “everything you need and nothing you don’t.”

When I first booked my Getaway, my only hestitation was that I would feel too isolated in a tiny cabin out in the woods. However, these properties are perfect for solo female travelers because each cabin is located within a cul-de-sac of sorts with other travelers. When you’re at your own cabin, you really can’t see the other houses, but you are truly just a stone’s throw away from others in case you need anything at all. At the Hocking Hills property, there were 40 cabins located on 97 private acres. It’s the best of both worlds. What makes Getaway so great is that all of their locations are within a few hours of major US cities (Boston, New Orleans, Chicago, Austin and Portland to name a few), which makes it perfect for, well, a weekend getaway!

If solo female travel in the US is on your bucket list, know that there are lots of incredible places you can safely enjoy. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation or connection with other solo travelers, you can find it at a national park, in a major city or in a charming coastal town. Solo travel as a woman doesn't have to feel intimidating or overwhelming. Reach out and let me help you plan your perfect solo trip!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on solo travel. In need of further inspiration? Check out Lauren Chapman’s guide, Exploring the World with Solo Travel Groups.