I love my family…oh, how I LOVE them! But after a year of forced family togetherness, I can think of nothing better than getting away by myself. This is nothing new for me. I have a history of loving a little “me” time away, whether it be for a business trip or a trip for rest and rejuvenation. Seeing new places on your own terms is an empowering, exciting experience. It allows you the chance to take your time and linger in your favorite places with no one else’s schedule to worry about!
For starters, the good old USA has so much to offer and these five US cities are great for female solo traveling! Start here at home and if you feel like it…you may end up solo traveling your way around the world.
New York, NY
Being alone in a city as densely populated as New York might seem lonely, but I’m here to tell you it feels amazing! Get yourself in a New York state of mind while checking out some of the best museums and restaurants in the country. You may also want to visit a Broadway show, the Metropolitan Opera, or the NYC Ballet. Foodies will love New York. You can go in any culinary direction you choose and never fear going to a restaurant or bar to dine solo! Everyone’s doing it. Enjoy the fast-paced lifestyle, melting-pot culture, and renowned landmarks everywhere you look. If you need a little space, take a break in sprawling Central Park, which spans over a square mile of the city.
Portland, OR
A beautiful city, filled with hipsters, a relaxed vibe, lots of green space, and a great music scene. Another great town for foodies! Take the streetcar to downtown Portland and have your pick of one of many great restaurants in the Pearl District. Get in some nature time while hiking through Forest Park or among the thousands of flowers in the International Rose Test Garden. Later on, you can find great music at local favorite Mississippi Studios or have a drink at one of the city’s many bars. Get a bird’s eye view of Portland on the Portland Aerial Tram…a great experience for any solo traveler.
Washington, DC
If you love American history, Washington, DC, is the place to go. In my experience, museums and galleries are perfect for solo travel, and you can take your time exploring so many choices that may interest you here. Many of the city’s museums are free and can fill up an entire day of exploring. Visiting DC solo will offer you the chance to discover the city at your own pace. In the evening, you might like to take in a performance at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts or enjoy a play at historic Ford’s Theater, where President Lincoln was shot. Interested in shopping and eating? Make sure to visit Dupont Circle and Georgetown.
Austin, TX
Austin is a year-round dream destination. The weather is almost always warm and sunny, and there are always fun activities to involve yourself in. Solo travelers will find Austin’s spirit infectious. The city has a creative vibe with a thriving music scene. Nightlife is abundant. During daylight hours, take stand-up paddleboard tours of Lady Bird Lake and check out one of the restaurants downtown for some of the best Tex-Mex food you’ll ever find.
Charleston, SC
A quaint Southern city, Charleston is full of history and hospitality. Charleston is continually voted the number one travel destination in the United States, and you will see why. It offers brightly painted homes, cobblestone streets, and palm trees all right by the water. Most of the popular downtown restaurants have outdoor seating, where you can order a cocktail and try the most amazing food in town. So chat up the friendly bartender and forget about being solo. Enjoy the inviting Charleston ambiance. The beach is also just a short drive away, if it’s sand and surf you’re craving.
