Solo travel in America can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but not every destination is ideal for going it alone. Some places come with safety risks, while others have limited resources if something goes wrong.
By planning ahead, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable trip. These are the risky U.S. locations solo travelers should avoid.
Skid Row, Los Angeles, California
This world-class city has plenty to see and do, but solo travelers should steer clear of Skid Row. This area has one of the highest homeless populations in the country, along with high crime rates and widespread drug activity. Tourists who wander into the neighborhood can feel unsafe, even in broad daylight.
Without someone watching your back, walking alone here can quickly become dangerous.
The Tenderloin, San Francisco, California
There’s no shortage of must-see sights in San Francisco, but the Tenderloin district is not one of them. This neighborhood is known for its open-air drug use, high crime rates, and aggressive panhandling. During the day, lone travelers can feel uneasy. At night, the risk of being targeted for theft or harassment increases. It’s best to avoid this area altogether.
The South Side of Chicago, Illinois
Famous for its deep-dish pizza, vibrant music scene, and stunning skyline, Chicago is a must-visit city. However, parts of the South Side have long struggled with high crime rates, including violent offenses and carjackings. Walking alone, especially at night, can make you an easy target. Sticking to well-populated areas with plenty of security is a safer bet.
New Orleans’ Lower Ninth Ward, Louisiana
Tourists love New Orleans because it’s an incredible place to visit, but some areas are best avoided, especially if you’re alone. The Lower Ninth Ward, heavily impacted by Hurricane Katrina, still deals with economic struggles and crime.
While it has historical significance, it lacks tourist infrastructure and can feel isolated. Even rideshare services may be hard to find, leaving you without a quick exit if needed.
Downtown St. Louis, Missouri (After Dark)
There are beautiful attractions in St. Louis, but certain parts of downtown become unsafe after dark. Crime rates, particularly muggings and vehicle break-ins, spike at night, making it risky for the solo tourist. Even in busy areas, wandering alone can draw unwanted attention.
If you’re visiting the Gateway Arch or other landmarks, it’s best to do so during the day and arrange safe transportation back to your accommodation before nightfall.
Certain Areas of Detroit, Michigan
Abandoned buildings, high crime, and limited police presence in parts of this city make them no-go areas if you’re on your own. Detroit has been making a comeback, with revitalized areas like Midtown and Downtown drawing more visitors, but those unfamiliar with the city’s layout can easily wander into the wrong neighborhood.
Albuquerque’s Central Avenue, New Mexico
There’s breathtaking scenery and cultural attractions in Albuquerque, but certain parts of the city can be dangerous. Central Avenue, particularly near the University of New Mexico, has frequent issues with crime, including theft and assault. While some sections are safer than others, walking alone, especially at night, can be risky.
Atlantic City, New Jersey (Off the Boardwalk)
The casinos and boardwalk of Atlantic City attract tourists year-round, but stepping too far from the main attractions can be risky. Several blocks away from the glitzy resorts, crime rates increase, and the streets become less welcoming.
Travelers wandering into these areas can find themselves in uncomfortable situations. Even during the day, it’s wise to stay close to the busy casino strip, where there’s security and a steady flow of people.
The Red Light District of Honolulu, Hawaii
This might seem like the perfect solo travel destination, but certain areas of Honolulu should be avoided, especially at night. The city has a well-known red light district near Chinatown and some surrounding streets that see high crime rates, including drug activity and muggings. Sticking to popular beaches and resorts is a much safer way to enjoy your trip.
The Nevada Desert (Outside of Main Highways)
Driving solo through the Nevada desert might sound adventurous, but it can quickly become dangerous. Remote highways stretch for miles without gas stations, cell service can be spotty, and extreme temperatures can turn a car breakdown into a life-threatening situation.
Rural Appalachian Trails, West Virginia
A solo hike in the Appalachian Mountains comes with risks. Some trails in West Virginia are incredibly remote, with little to no cell service and few other hikers around. If an emergency happens, help could be hours, or even days, away.
Wild animal encounters, unpredictable weather, and rugged terrain add to the dangers. If you plan to explore these trails, going with a group or at least notifying someone of your plans is essential.
The Border Towns of Texas (Certain Areas)
There are many beautiful places to visit in Texas, but some towns near the U.S.-Mexico border suffer high crime rates due to drug cartel activity. Most of these towns are safe for travelers, but some areas can be unpredictable, especially at night. If visiting a border town, staying in well-populated, tourist-friendly areas is the best approach.
Certain Areas of Memphis, Tennessee
Tourists visit Memphis for its rich music history and great barbecue, but crime is a serious concern in some parts of the city. Downtown and Beale Street are lively and generally safe in crowds, but lone travelers should avoid venturing too far into unfamiliar areas, especially after dark. Car break-ins and street crimes are common, and walking alone makes you more vulnerable.
The Everglades, Florida (Without Proper Preparation)
The vast, swampy landscape of Florida’s Everglades is home to alligators, snakes, and other wildlife that can pose serious risks. It’s particularly dangerous for solo travelers who aren’t well-prepared. Getting lost is a real possibility, and with limited cell service in many areas, calling for help can be difficult. Going with a guided tour or a group is the safest way to enjoy this unique environment.