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Is Los Angeles Safe for Travelers?

ViaHero

Updated September 17, 2023

Generally, Los Angeles is a safe place to travel (we can never get enough of those beaches). But like elsewhere in the world, LA has had cases of coronavirus.

Is Los Angeles Safe?

Los Angeles and COVID-19
Safety in Los Angeles
What to know about L.A. neighborhoods
Transportation in Los Angeles
Tips for solo travelers in L.A.

Los Angeles and COVID

LA has had strict rules throughout much of the pandemic, but like many cities around the world, those rules are easing.

Here's the latest:

Masks are required in healthcare settings (including congregate care facilities). They are also recommended in indoor public places based on the level of COVID transmission in the community.
Some businesses may require masks or proof of vaccination at their discretion.
Most non-U.S. citizens must provide proof of vaccination before entering the US.

Ready to explore sunny California? Talk to a Los Angeles local to start planning your trip and to get the scoop on the current COVID situation.

Statistically, Los Angeles is a safe place to visit

Los Angeles has a lower violent crime rate than places like Minneapolis, Minnesota and Denver, Colorado. The city struggled with gang violence in the 1990s, but homicides peaked in 1992 and have been declining ever since.

That being said, locals tell us there are some safety considerations—Los Angeles is a big city, after all. Locals note that safety concerns in L.A. tend to stem from two issues:

Los Angeles has a large homeless population: Some neighborhoods have turned into homes for people who have nowhere else to go at night. Like anywhere else, some of the homeless in LA suffer from mental illness and drug abuse.
Scam artists target tourists: Because Los Angeles is home to tourist hubs like Hollywood and the Sunset Strip, be aware of scam artists and pickpockets. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times, and stay aware of your surroundings.

Here's what to know about safety in L.A. neighborhoods

Largely as a result of LA’s homelessness issue, locals tell us it's generally best to avoid certain neighborhoods, especially at night. They tell us that safe neighborhoods include:

Hollywood
Venice
Beverly Hills
Koreatown
The Arts District
Little Tokyo
North Hollywood
Universal City
Los Feliz
Silver Lake
Brentwood
Highland Park

(Yes—Los Angeles has a lot of neighborhoods!)

Locals also note that there are some neighborhoods you may want to avoid, especially at night. These include:

Skid Row
South Los Angeles (at night)
Downtown Los Angeles (at night)
Watts
Exposition Park
Chinatown (at night)

Los Angeles has undergone immense changes in the last two decades. Locals tell us that some neighborhoods, like Echo Park and Silver Lake, used to be considered more dangerous. Today, locals say that these neighborhoods draw young people looking for cheaper rents.

So where should you stay in Los Angeles? It really depends on your travel style. Our trip planners can give suggestions about where to stay based on how you want to enjoy L.A.

You'll have plenty of transportation options in L.A. (Really!)

While most people who live in LA prefer to drive, you can get around the city by taking taxis, using rideshare apps, or taking advantage of LA’s massive public transit system—yes, L.A. has a public transit system. And it's pretty fantastic.

L.A's metro is getting better and better (and safer—reported crimes have been dropping since 2015).

If you’re using Uber or renting a car, locals highly recommend factoring in plenty of time for a traffic jam or two. The traffic in L.A. is no joke.

Solo female travelers love Los Angeles

LA’s attractions, restaurants, and beaches are filled with solo female travelers. Locals living in L.A. provided these tips:

Do your research. Female travel bloggers can be important resources in helping you plan a safe and enjoyable trip. (Or, better yet, talk to someone who actually lives in L.A.)
Take the same precautions you would anywhere else. Don’t accept drinks from strangers, keep an eye on your belongings, and call Uber if it gets too late.
LA can feel like a ghost town after dark, so it’s best to go out in neighborhoods that have an active nightlife scene.

Conclusion

So, is Los Angeles safe for travel? Of course. All you really need to keep in mind are the same travel tips you would hear about any city: watch out for anything suspicious, travel well-lit and busy streets at night, and make sure your phone is fully charged: LA is a big city and even the locals use GPS daily.

Ready to plan your trip to LA? We don’t blame you, but it’s really easy to miss out the *real* Los Angeles—the one that only in-the-know locals know about. That’s why we’d recommend having an LA local who shares your interests help you plan your trip! They’ll help you build an amazing itinerary full of hidden gems, practical tips, and amazing experiences—plus, they’re available by phone 24/7 if you have any questions. Any questions about how it works? Send us a message! And don’t forget to check out:

Still have questions about travel to Los Angeles?

Why not ask someone who lives there? ViaHero connects you with a local to help plan your trip. They’ll create a guidebook based on your personal travel style.

You’ll see a unique side of a destination and travel independently—all while saving time and money in the planning process. Find a local today.