Solo trips are a delightful way to get to know yourself and rediscover a zest for life. California, in particular, is an impressive travel destination, with over 160,000 square miles of land to explore. It’s the home of big tech, Hollywood, hippie culture, beaches, surfing, and redwood forests, so there’s much to do and see — but is it safe to travel alone to the Golden State?
It’s safe to travel to California alone as long as you research the place you plan to visit (and surrounding areas). San Diego, San Francisco, and Yosemite National Park are safe places for solo travelers. Use public transportation wisely, be smart, don’t venture into unknown areas, and stay aware.
This article examines the safety of three of Cali’s most popular travel destinations to determine whether it’s safe to take a solo trip to the state. It also discusses several travel tips for traveling alone to the Golden State. Read on to learn more.
3 of California’s Safest Areas for Solo Travel
California features breathtaking Pacific beaches, gargantuan redwood forests, bustling cities, rural farmland, and everything in between. With so much to explore and so many things to do, the Golden State is one of the best solo travel destinations in the United States.
Below are three of the safest areas to visit for those traveling alone — and keep in mind that the state has two different climates, so if you’re exploring northern and southern Cali, you’ll need to pack for both areas.
San Diego
In California, one of the most popular destinations for solo travelers
is San Diego.
San Diego boasts comfortable year-round temperatures, magnificent beaches, various shopping options, and locally-owned cafés and restaurants. Ocean Beach, Balboa Park, and Mission Beach are spectacular spots and definite must-sees for tourists.
Speaking of tourists, while other cities in California — Los Angeles, for example — have a strong tourist vibe, San Diego doesn’t. Therefore, you get more of an authentic feel while visiting this friendly city.
The safest area to stay in San Diego is the southeast Midway District, conveniently located near the San Diego International Airport.
San Francisco
The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system allows solo travelers to get around without relying on rideshare apps or taxi services. The train transports passengers from the airport straight to the San Francisco city center, where additional public transportation makes not having a car no issue at all.
You can visit the Golden Gate Bridge, North Beach, Chinatown, and other popular areas using cable cars, streetcars, or buses.
Union Square in the Civic Center area is the best area to stay for hotels, big restaurants, and shopping. The square remains well-lit at night and you can easily explore other parts of the city from here.
Yosemite National Park
California is home to one of the country’s most famous national parks, Yosemite. Yosemite National Park is around 165 miles east of San Francisco and features a variety of outdoor activities for advanced outdoor enthusiasts and novices alike.
You’ll find hiking trails, fishing, rock climbing, white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, cave diving, camping, bird watching, zip lining, and more.
Yosemite National Park is safe for travelers. The majority of crime in the area consists of theft from unsecured vehicles and bags. However, with well over 750 miles of trails, the most significant safety risks come from nature. Visitors may encounter steep cliffs, rough terrain, winding paths, and wildlife, including bears, coyotes, and bobcats.
If you’re considering a solo trip to Yosemite, keep these tips in mind:
- Come prepared. Dress for the weather, and wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots with a secure, high grip to reduce the likelihood of ankle injuries. Always carry a flashlight (even if you intend to stay out for a couple of hours in the daytime).
- Maintain hydration. Drink at least one quart of water every two hours, and carry the same amount for every two hours you intend to hike (and an additional two hours in case of emergency.
- Be smart. Never deviate from the well-worn path, and always remain aware of your surroundings. Do not hike steep paths if you have a health or medical condition that may worsen with vigorous activity (i.e., heart complications, asthma, etc.). Research the trail and map out the track before heading out.
- Respect wildlife. Keep all food, drinks, and trash properly stored and disposed of to keep wildlife away. If you encounter wildlife, remain at least 100 yards away to ensure safety. Do not approach, antagonize, or attempt to lure animals toward you.
- Stay safe. In case you end up lost or injured, always let a trusted third-party know where you are, where you’re going, and when you expect to return from the hiking trip.
- Know what to expect. Visit the United States National Park Service website to learn about the current conditions at Yosemite so that you’re best prepared.
Yosemite National Park has multiple entrances, so lodging depends on where you’re accessing the park. You can lodge inside Yosemite National Park or outside of the park through various private lodging facilities.
A Word About Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a wildly popular tourist destination, and because it’s home to Hollywood, you’re likely to consider visiting. However, LA is a vast, sprawling metropolis with dangerous outer areas, including Skid Row. Therefore, it’s best to stay with someone familiar with the area during your first trip, especially if you’re inexperienced with big city life.
California Solo Traveling Tips
When embarking on a solo trip to California, it’s vital that you remain vigilant and prepare as much as possible before setting out. These tips should help you make the most of your traveling experience and ensure your safety.
Do Your Own Research on the Area You Intend to Visit
Many travel blogs recommend visiting specific tourist attractions in California. For example, multiple websites mention Old Town San Diego Historic Park. While this park is considered safe, the websites fail to mention that staying in the surrounding area should be avoided. With a bit of research, you’ll find that the United States Electronic System for Travel Authorization mentions Old Town as one of the most dangerous places in San Diego.
Therefore, don’t rely on travel blogs as your only source of information. Always look deeply into the areas you intend to visit, as well as the surrounding locations, to determine if they’re safe for dining, shopping, lodging, or sightseeing.
Some of the best websites and apps for checking out the safety of a neighborhood or area include:
You can also use these websites to check areas of interest when browsing for an AirBnB; remember, if you feel like a location is sketchy or have a gut feeling that something is off, trust yourself — don’t book it!
Use Transportation Wisely
Public transportation in southern California isn’t nearly as comprehensive as in the northern part of the state, so expect to invest in a rental car, rideshare, or taxi service when visiting SoCal.
Areas like San Francisco have excellent public transportation systems that are generally safe, but it’s still essential to practice safety when using public transit, especially at night.
- Always ensure your phone is fully charged before hopping onto public transportation systems.
- Let a couple of friends and family members know where you are and when you expect to arrive at your destination.
- If something looks or feels “off,” make a phone call (while maintaining situational awareness) and speak to someone you trust until you get to a well-lit, crowded area.
When utilizing ridesharing apps, always check the driver’s rating. Also, look at their location and check their license plate to ensure you’re entering the correct vehicle.
If you’re opting for taxi services, use the airport taxis, or ask the hotel to recommend or call a taxi service for you. Avoid hailing taxis on the street in California.
Drink Responsibly
As we know, drinking sometimes impedes our ability to maintain situational awareness and make sound decisions. Because of this, it’s important to drink responsibly, especially when traveling alone in California.
Go to reputable, crowded bars and let friends and family know where you’re going and, if possible, share your real-time location with someone you trust using your smartphone. Never leave drinks unattended; choose bottled or canned drinks whenever possible. These are opened in front of you (or you open them yourself). [XX Best Bars in Prague for Solo Female Travelers]
Final Thoughts
The Golden State offers thousands of opportunities for adventure seekers and casual vacationers alike, so it’s an ideal destination for anyone looking to embark on a solo trip and rediscover themselves.
As you plan for your travels, safety should be the first priority. If you maintain awareness, play it smart, and come prepared, California could go down in your travel journal as one of the most awe-inspiring solo trips you’ve ever experienced.