As we all know, that the USA is expensive, and traveling solo on a budget can be challenging, especially for solo female travelers, who rightfully consider safety standards their priority.
But don’t worry—despite many challenges, there are multiple cheap places for solo female travelers in the USA. Whether you love visiting beaches, national parks, or different parks and gardens, there are countless affordable destinations where you can start your solo adventure with confidence and excitement.
In this guide, we’ll uncover some of the best budget-friendly places in the US where solo female travelers can feel safe and welcome despite not breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
Safety Tips For Solo Female Travelers
Below are some safety tips for females that can help you explore your destination with peace of mind.
1. Research Your Destination
It’s always better to research your upcoming destination before finalizing your tour. Ensure you know which areas are safe and which are not.
2. Stay Connected
stay connected with your friends and family back home via mobile phone. Also, ensure you have internet access 24/7, as it can be helpful.
3. Respect Local Culture
Do not wear jewelry and expensive accessories that make people notice you. Respect local culture and do not do anything that can hurt local people’s sentiments.
4. Stay Aware Of Your Surrounding
Keep noticing what’s happening around you. Avoid distractions like constantly using your phone.
5. Use Trusted Transportation
Try using reputable transportation options. If you use rideshare, verify the vehicle and driver details and avoid walking alone at night.
6. Know Local Emergency Numbers
A local emergency number is always a good choice if something unexpected happens.
1. Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is well-known for its natural beauty and cultural scene. For nature lovers, Blue Ridge Parkway is a must-visit. Here, you will see a serene landscape covered with greenery and mountains, giving this place a stunning look.
Then, head over to the botanical garden in Asheville, where you will see more than 500 species of native plants.
Mount Mitchel State Park and Pisgah National Forest are great places to hike; you will also see numerous waterfalls and swimming holes.
Remember to visit the Biltmore Estate, which is America’s largest privately owned home. The estate features beautiful gardens and outdoor activities like horseback riding.
If you love museums, art, and culture, visit the Rivert Art District, which is home to numerous art studios and galleries showcasing local artists. Then, try to visit Lexington Glasswork, where you will see souvenirs and art pieces made of glass by local artists.
Travel Cost And Safety Score
- Skyscanner and Kayak are the best options for finding affordable flight tickets to Asheville.
- Accommodation can cost you around $50-$60 for one night.
- Safety score of 84 on Safe Travel Guide.
2. Harbor Springs, Michigan
Famous for its natural wonders like parks, gardens, and beaches, Harbour Spring shouldn’t go unnoticed.
First, you should visit Zoll Street Beach and view the beautiful lake of Michigan’s Little Traverse Bay. You will also see shops, cafes, and enchanting bay views near the beach.
If you love nature and greenery, you will love the Tunnel of Trees, a scenic route covered with trees on both sides and the beauty of this serene place is at its peak during the fall foliage season.
If you like visiting museums, head over to the Harbor Springs History Museum. This museum offers exhibits on the area’s rich heritage.
Moreover, in the downtown area, you will see different art galleries and boutique shops, which are perfect for purchasing souvenirs.
Travel Cost
- Skyscanner and Kayak are the best options for finding affordable flight tickets to Harbour Springs.
- Accommodation can cost you around $75-$85 for one day.
3. Austin, Texas
Known as the “live music capital of the world,” Austin is a go-to place for every type of traveler, especially solo female travelers.
Start your tour by visiting the Texas State Capitol, an architectural beauty with beautiful grounds and informative tours. And don’t forget to visit The Driskill, where you will find architects from the late 1800s.
After that, if you love visiting museums, then the LBJ Presidential Library, Texas Military Forces Museums, and the Blanton Museum of Art should be on your list.
If you are a nature enthusiast, head to Lady Bird Lake, which offers stunning views and is perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. However, Barton Spring Pool is ideal for swimming.
And make sure that Parks and gardens like Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Centre, Zilker Metropolitan Park, and Mount Bonnell shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Travel Cost and Safety Score
- Skyscanner and Kayak are the best options for finding affordable flight tickets to Austin.
- Accommodation can cost you around $50-$60 for one night.
- Safety score of 82 on Safe Travel Guide.
4. Madison, Wisconsin
Situated between two lakes, Madison offers natural and rich cultural beauty while being easy on the wallet. The main highlight of this city is the Wisconsin State Capitol, built in the early 1900s. More than 40 types of stones are used inside this architectural beauty.
This city has many museums, including the Chazen Museum of Art, Wisconsin’s Veterans Museum, and the Wisconsin Geology Museum.
Different parks and gardens, such as Olbrich Botanical Garden, Allen Centennial Garden, and Vilas Park, are must-visits in Madison. At the same time, Henry Vilas Zoo shouldn’t go unnoticed by those who love watching animals.
This city has two beautiful lakes, Lake Mendota and Lake Monona, which can be navigated via ferries and boats.
Don’t forget to visit State Street in Madison, which is full of activities. There are many restaurants and cafes for your refreshment. At the same time, different art galleries and shops are perfect for purchasing souvenirs.
Travel Cost and Safety Score
- Skyscanner and Kayak are the best options for finding affordable flight tickets to Austin.
- Accommodation can cost you around $55-$65 for one night.
- Safety score of 83 on Safe Travel Guide.
5. Seattle, Washington
Between Lake Washington and Elliot Bay lies Seattle, a modern city with a flair of natural beauty, making it best for travel.
The Space Needle in Seattle is arguably the biggest highlight of this city. Built in 1962, this Space Needle is 520 feet high and offers exceptional views of the city from the top.
If you love the seaside, you should visit Alki Beach (featured in the movie of Tom Hanks, “Sleepless in Seattle”). You can also see Washington Lake and Elliot Bay and use boats to navigate these lakes.
Different parks and gardens, like Kerry Park, Washington Park Arboretum, and Kubota Garden, holds great importance in this city. At the same time, the Woodland Park Zoo is also a must-visit in Seattle.
Different museums like Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Flight, and the Museum of History and Industry are there for those who love visiting museums. At the same time, the Seattle Great Wheel adds more beauty to this city.
Last but not least, do visit the Pike Place Market, founded in 1907 and rightfully known as “the soul of Seattle” for its iconic history. Here, you will find almost every type of shop.
Travel Cost and Safety Score
- Skyscanner and Kayak are the best options for finding affordable flight tickets to Seattle.
- Accommodation can cost you around $55-$65 for one night.
- Safety score of 79 on Safe Travel Guide.
6. San Diego, California
With the enchanting views of the Pacific and its rich history, San Diego is among the perfect spots for solo female travelers on a budget.
Beaches are San Diego’s biggest highlights. Mission Beach, Black Beach, and Pacific Beach are among the most visited beaches in San Diego. However, the Mission Beach boardwalk is perfect for sunset views and memorable pictures.
If you love watching wildlife, then visit the San Diego Zoo, La Jolla Cove, and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserves, where you will see plenty of wildlife.
There are a handful of gardens and parks in San Diego, which are usually visited by those who love natural beauty. The Botanical Building and Lily Pond, Mission Bay Park, and Balboa Park are among the most popular.
After that, different points of interest like the USS Midway Museum, Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, Little Italy, and Seaport Village also play a significant role in making this city cheap and safe for solo female travelers.
Travel Cost and Safety Score
- Skyscanner and Kayak are the best options for finding affordable flight tickets to San Diego.
- Accommodation can cost you around $45-$55 for one night.
- Safety score of 81 on Safe Travel Guide.
7. Savannah, Georgia
Known as the history hub of Georgia, Savannah is an all-round city for every type of traveler.
You will see many historical landmarks in this city, like the Savannah Historic District, Historic River Street, and Green-Meldrim House, telling us why it is the historical hub of this state.
Different museums, like Owen-Thomas House and Slave Quarters, the American Prohibition Museum, and Old Fort Jackson, also play a crucial role in showcasing Savannah’s historical side.
Moreover, parks with natural beauty, such as Forsyth Park, Wormsloe Historic Sites, and Skidaway Island State Park, will refresh your mood.
And If you love wildlife, you should visit Oatland Island Wildlife Centre, which is on 175 acres and offers countless opportunities to view wildlife and marine life.
Travel Cost and Safety Score
- Skyscanner and kayak are the best options for finding affordable flight tickets to Savannah.
- Accommodation can cost you around $70-$80 for one night.
- Safety score of 77 on Safe Travel Guide.
8. Denver, Colorado
If you love outdoor activities, skiing, hiking, and the Rocky Mountains, Denver is for you.
Start by visiting Denver Botanic Garden, where you will see countless flowers. The whole area is covered with greenery, with a lake in the middle, making this garden even more enchanting.
At the same time, Washington Park and Denver Mountain Park are among the most visited places here.
If you love hiking, head over to Mount Blue Sky, one of the most popular hiking destinations in Denver. For more scenic natural views, visit Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway, which will stun your eyes.
Moreover, If you love wildlife, head to Denver Zoo, where you will see more than 4,000 animals of more than 600 species.
And If you love visiting museums, check out the Denver Museum of Art and Science, Molly Brown House Museum, and Forney Museum of Transportation. However, Denver Union Station and the Denver State Capitol are also essential to this city’s tourism.
Travel Cost and Safety Score
- Skyscanner and Kayak are the best options for finding affordable flight tickets to Denver.
- Accommodation can cost you around $55-$65 for one night.
- Safety score of 82 on Safe Travel Guide.
9. Santa Fe, New Mexico
Famous for its rich history and mountains, Santa Fe is also an economical place that is appropriate for solo female travelers.
Start your day by visiting the cathedrals, such as Loretto Chapel and the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. Then, head to the New Mexico State Capitol (Roundhouse), a beautiful building with tremendous art pieces on the wall.
If you love visiting museums, check out the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, the Museums of Indian Art and Culture, and the New Mexico History Museum, which is also loved by history lovers.
After that, remember to visit Santa Fe Plaza, a historical landmark, and the surrounding downtown; you will see many shops, boutiques, and cafes.
At the same time, Canyon Road is for those who generally love art, as you will see more than 80 art galleries along the road.
For nature and wildlife enthusiasts, Hyde Memorial State Park and Randall Davey Audubon Centre are must-visit places to see natural beauty and wildlife.
Santa Fe also has many mountains, which can be good for viewing the city from a high ground.
Travel Cost and Safety Score
- Skyscanner and Kayak are the best options for finding affordable flight tickets to Santa Fe.
- Accommodation can cost you around $80-$90 for one night.
- Safety score of 83 on Safe Travel Guide.
10. Charleston, South Carolina
Known for its greenery and waterfront areas, visiting Charleston on a budget is possible for solo female travelers.
Start by visiting lush green parks and gardens like Charleston Waterfront Park, Mongolia Plantation and Gardens, and Battery & White Point Garden. This will refresh your mood and energy so that you can visit other destinations.
Speaking of gardens, don’t forget to visit Audubon Swamp Garden, which is not an ordinary garden but a wildlife area where you can see plenty of birds and animals. And do check out the Pinappeal fountain as well.
Historical landmarks like Middleton Place, Fort Sumter National Monument, and Nathaniel Russel House are crucial to this city’s tourism.
For stunning river views, visit Arhtur Ravenel Jr. Bridge, which is also an excellent spot for taking pictures and viewing the sunset as well.
Lastly, museums like The Charleston Museum, Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon, and art galleries like Robert Lange Studios shouldn’t go unnoticed.
Travel Cost and Safety Score
- Skyscanner and Kayak are the best options for finding affordable flight tickets to Charleston.
- Accommodation can cost you around $70-$80 for one night.
- Safety score of 79 on Safe Travel Guide.
FAQ’s
1. Is the USA good for solo travel?
Yes, there is no doubt that America is a suitable destination for every type of traveler.
2. What are some affordable destinations for solo female travelers in the US?
Asheville, Harbor Springs, Austin, Madison, Seattle, and more are mentioned above.
3. Are these places safe for solo female travelers?
Yes, all the destinations mentioned above are safe for solo female travelers.
4. How to save money on accommodations while traveling solo?
Finding cheap accommodations on sites like Booking.com, Airbnb, and Kayak can help you save money.
5. Is public transportation safe for solo female travelers in these cities?
The short answer is yes. But it’s always a good idea to remain active and notice your surroundings.