If you’re a woman who’s always wanted to strike out on an independent adventure, let these five cities empower you to not only discover a new place, but also embrace the growth opportunities that pop up when you’re the only navigator behind the wheel. Factoring in comfort, accessibility, culture and attractions, these five cities rank among the best places for solo female travelers.
Austin, Texas
- Drive 9 miles northwest of Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Fly into Austin for a solo escape, and before you know it, you’ll be repping the city’s slogan: Keep Austin Weird. Home to well-known annual festivals including South by Southwest (SXSW) in March and the Austin City Limits Festival in October, Austin also entertains travelers and locals alike year-round in the vibrant South Congress (SoCo) neighborhood, south of the Texas State Capitol. Stay in the heart of this hip ’hood just a few blocks from downtown at the bungalow-style Hotel San Jose, which is also a community gathering spot ideal for solo travelers seeking to meet new people.
While in SoCo, catch a show at the Continental Club or sift through trendy shops like Blackmail Boutique, a monochromatic accessories and clothing store, or Crofts Original for handmade local Austin shirts and accessories. Then hit up eateries offering tacos, barbecue and good ol’ Southern-style cookin’ on your way to the South Lamar neighborhood. Try the brisket at Brown’s Bar-B-Que on South Lamar Boulevard. For hipster vibes and a variety of hole-in-the-wall eateries and food trucks, head 5 miles north via Interstate 35 to the eclectic East Austin neighborhood. Check out the acclaimed fish tacos at Veracruz All Natural food trailer on East Cesar Chavez Street, certain to satisfy any single traveler’s appetite on the go.
After relishing in Austin’s cultural and savory attractions, enjoy an afternoon of cool, calm reflection with a dip in Barton Springs Pool. Just 2 ½ miles southwest of downtown Austin, this spring-fed pool averages a pleasant 68 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. If you’d prefer to soak up the Lone Star State’s sun from a boat, rent one on Lady Bird Lake, just a 3 ½-mile drive southeast of downtown.