A solo female traveler's guide to the USA

Solo female travel in the USA

The USA has a huge variety of landscapes and cultures waiting to be explored, but it can be a little overwhelming deciding what exactly a solo female traveler should do there and also whether it’s even safe to go it alone. We’re here to show you that from the tips of the highest mountains to the depths of the iciest glaciers, solo female travel USA might just be the closest thing to the American dream…

Best time to visit the USA

Embarking on a journey of female solo travel in the USA is always a good idea, and the best time to go all depends on you! The summer months are generally regarded as high season and school holidays mean there’s lots of movement between May and September. This can be a lovely time of year to visit the northern USA but it may be a little too hot to enjoy everything the southern states have to offer. The end of the fall and winter months are considered to be low season in many parts of the United States, which means you can get more for your money and avoid the crowds. Of course, the lead-up to the holiday season can be a magical experience filled with excitement, but be prepared to wrap up warm unless you’re traveling down south.

Must-see places and things to do in the USA

If we were to give you an extensive list of where to go as a solo female traveler in the USA, we’d be here all day! Here are some of the most popular destinations to start with: 

New York City, New York

Welcome to the concrete jungle where just about anything is possible - including solo female travel! The USA’s top tourist destination (and subsequently, an extremely popular destination for solo female travelers in the USA), New York City is iconic and electrifying, and from the glittering lights of Times Square to the tranquility of the sprawling Central Park, there’s never a dull moment in this vibrant metropolis. 

San Francisco, California  

Fog makes its way across the Golden Gate Bridge as solo female travelers head to San Francisco for history, culture, and food (among other things). Explore the art galleries, shop for hand-crafted items, indulge your tastebuds in Chinatown, and don’t miss a visit to Pier 39 to say hello to the resident sea lions. 

San Diego, California 

The sunkissed streets of San Diego make for the perfect coastal escape - USA solo female travelers will discover beautiful beaches, trendy boutiques, and a culinary scene to die for. Indulge in Mexican-inspired flavors and seafood delights in this Pacific paradise as you discover the true meaning of the phrase “life’s a beach”. 

Miami, Florida 

It might be known for its sizzling nightlight, but there’s plenty more to see and do as a solo female traveler in Miami. From the colorful murals of Wynwood to the sun-soaked shores of South Beach, Miami is filled with the magic of a trip to the tropics.

Austin, Texas

Perhaps Austin’s laid-back, friendly atmosphere has something to do with being known as both the live music capital of the world and the heart and soul of Texas. Beyond the music, solo female travelers can explore the city’s numerous outdoor spaces, shop for treasure in the vintage shops dotted along Congress Avenue, and feast on delicious Tex-Mex fusions.

Yosemite National Park, California 

Some of the best solo female travel destinations in the USA are outside the cities, and what better place to get back to nature than Yosemite National Park? Towering granite cliffs, rushing waterfalls, and pristine alpine meadows characterize the natural beauty of this National Park, where iconic monoliths dominate the skyline and a network of trails catering to all hiking levels adorn the valley floor. 

Grand Canyon, Arizona

The South Rim of the Grand Canyon is a popular starting point for exploration, offering breathtaking views from Mather Point and Yavapai Observation Station, while adventurous travelers can venture into the abyss via the Bright Angel Trail, or perhaps take a helicopter ride for a true birds-eye view of the place. 

Big Sur, California 

This 90-mile stretch of coastline is home to redwood forests, rugged peaks, and crashing waterfalls, all of which are best seen on foot via the numerous hiking trails, or by driving along the highway that hugs the dramatic cliffside. 

Getting around the USA

We’ve discussed where to travel as a solo female in the USA, but what about getting there? Well, depending on where you’re traveling from, there are multiple options. Traveling by car or campervan is by far the most convenient choice, allowing you to hop between various travel destinations and making it much easier to access places off the beaten track. The USA isn’t known for having the most extensive rail network, so if you want to opt for public transport, Greyhound buses can take you all the way from Miami, Florida, to Vancouver on the other side of the border (this journey will take you four days though!). For this exact reason, it’s extremely common for people to take internal flights when traveling around the USA, and while domestic flights might be more expensive than buses or car rentals, the prices are usually quite competitive. 

Weather in the USA

In a country that’s almost as big as Europe, it makes sense that the weather in the USA is as varied as it is from northern Scandinavia to the southernmost tip of Malta. Winter paints the state of Alaska in a blanket of white snow while at the same time, the USA is also home to the hottest place on earth, Death Valley. The northeastern states typically enjoy all four seasons, with warm summers and snowfall during the winter months while the southeast is generally warm and humid all year round, with the possibility of tropical storms and hurricanes during the summer. The midwestern states have cold winters and warm summers with occasional thunderstorms, and the West Coast has a similarly varied climate, with coastal areas experiencing mild temperatures and the interior being more arid. In the southwest, desert landscapes experience hot temperatures while there’s often snowfall in the mountainous terrains, and the Deep South has a more tropical climate, with hot summers and stormy seasons.

Accommodation for solo female travelers in the USA 

Solo female travelers exploring the USA can choose from a wide range of accommodation options that cater to safety and comfort. Hotels and hostels are widely available and are often centrally located for convenience, while vacation rentals like Airbnb offer a more homely experience. House sitting offers the best of both worlds, particularly for those seeking a personalized and cost-effective approach, allowing solo female travelers to stay in a home away from home in exchange for loving pet care. This immersive experience allows travelers to live like a local and explore neighborhoods off the beaten track while enjoying the privacy and security of a home environment with a cute pet for company! 

Is the USA safe for solo female travelers?

The question of safety is extremely important for women solo traveling, but in a country as vast and varied as the USA, it can be difficult to navigate the nuances of every location. Generally speaking, solo female travelers should take the following precautions when traveling alone in the USA:

• Safe travel for solo females in the United States is all about research. Research your destination and familiarize yourself with the local culture and potential safety concerns of the specific areas you plan to visit. Research the location of your accommodation and make sure the area is safe and well-lit. Finally, research your Plan B in case things change.
• Share your itinerary and check in with friends and family regularly. 
• Be vigilant and stay aware of your surroundings at all times - avoid zoning out on your phone or listening to music when walking alone.
• Do as much as you can during daylight hours and tag along with groups after dark. 
• Keep your phone charged at all times, and bring a battery pack if you’re heading out for the day.
• Trust your instincts - if a situation feels off, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
• Get travel insurance.

Meeting people and connecting with locals

If you speak English, meeting locals in the USA shouldn’t be too difficult - you might choose to strike up a conversation with a local shopkeeper or join a meetup group to connect with like-minded people. Joining group tours can also be a great way of meeting fellow travelers, and ultimately, appearing open and approachable is the best way to make friends - smile, make eye contact, and be open to starting a new conversation.

Tips from a local

While you’ll be able to find lots of solo female travel tips on Reddit, here are a few from a true local: 

• Start local! If it’s your first-time solo traveling as a woman, why not investigate what you have right on your doorstep before going further afield?
• Remember that you don’t have to achieve everything on your first solo trip. Why not start with a short city break rather than diving in at the deep end?
• If you’re planning a longer trip, having a car will help you get the most from your experience.
• Go to a game - whether it’s baseball, basketball, or another sport, it's a chance to experience the local sports culture and connect with passionate fans.
• Ask for local food recommendations rather than relying on online reviews to discover top notch eating spots.

The USA for solo female pet sitters

House and pet sitting is the perfect way to travel around the USA, and it could take you all the way from the tropical beaches of Hawaii to the mountains and sea fjords of Alaska. Plus, you might end up discovering even more with a four-legged friend in tow…

Things to do with dogs in the USA

Discover our travel guides on what to do while house and pet sitting in different states across the USA, or simply try out the following:

• Walk along dog-friendly hiking trails 
• Let your pooch pal off the leash at one of the many dog-friendly parks
• Visit dog-friendly national parks and state parks 
• Go to a dog-friendly beach
• Attend dog-friendly events
• Enjoy outdoor activities with your furry friend
• Dine at dog-friendly restaurants
• Take a road trip
• Go on a dog-friendly walking tour
• Go on a dog-friendly boat tour

Dog-friendly bars and restaurants in the USA

The laws on where you can take your pooch pal vary from state to state, and dogs aren’t typically allowed inside restaurants unless they’re service animals. The good news is that pups are usually permitted on the patio, but it’s always best to check with staff before pulling up a chair. You can find lists of dog-friendly restaurants in some of the most popular cities in the USA on our blog, and from San Francisco to LA, there are plenty of tail-wagging establishments for both you and your canine companion to enjoy.   

House and pet sits

Has this guide to solo female travel in the United States given you itchy feet?! Whether you want to explore more of the country you live in or travel across the seas to experience the American Dream for yourself, house and pet sitting is the way to do it! So what are you waiting for? Start your house and pet sitting adventure in the USA today!