Is it safe in Los Angeles

Whether it’s for its eternally warm beaches, its many amusement parks or the glitzy lure of Hollywood, more than 50 million people visit Los Angeles each year. The sunny Southern California oasis is a magnet for tourists, and it’s generally safe to visit even if you’re on your own. As in any city, there are parts of the city where crime is more rampant than others. Downtown, Hollywood, Crenshaw, Compton, etc.

Travel advisory

Due to COVID-19, the State of California (in conjunction with Oregon and Washington) issued a travel advisory in November 2020 restricting travel outside or through California, and also discouraging travel within State. Residents and tourists returning to or entering the state for the first time are asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Is Los Angeles dangerous?

There are parts of Los Angeles where crime is higher than typical tourist areas. Most violent crime (homicide, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault) is concentrated in the south central area of ​​the city. Further north, property crimes (burglary, theft and arson) are more common.

Tourists need not worry about being drawn into violent drug dealings and robberies when visiting; the worst that happens to out-of-towners is usually car accidents, tourist scams, and petty theft. Crowds at major attractions (the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Boardwalk, for example) provide plenty of opportunities for pickpockets to snatch wallets and phones, so keep your things handy, not in your back pocket. Note that taking pictures with costumed characters in Hollywood or accepting “free CDs” from budding musicians in Venice will almost always result in requests for donations in the end. If someone offers to take you on a private tour of any kind, opt for a well-known company instead. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

If you plan to drive during your visit, try to avoid highways or all roads, better yet during rush hour, 7-10 a.m. and 4-7 p.m., as fender benders are common.

Is Los Angeles safe for solo travelers?

Los Angeles is extremely busy, every day, almost every hour, and solo travelers who stay in public places generally do just fine. The city is teeming with other tourists, so there are plenty of opportunities to find and stay with a trusted group. Otherwise, take the usual precautions: don’t drink too much in bars, don’t go down poorly lit alleyways, and don’t visit high-crime areas of the city, especially at night.

Is Los Angeles safe for female travellers?

Female travelers are as safe as any other group in Los Angeles, but they are encouraged to avoid public transportation at night and take extra precautions when entering an Uber or Lyft. In nearby San Diego, a number of sexual assaults and rapes were reported against Lyft drivers in 2019.

Safety tips for LGBTQ+ travelers

Los Angeles is an exceptionally LGBTQ+ friendly city, with its “Boystown” neighborhood flying the West Hollywood rainbow flag and a Pride event that attracts 200,000 spectators each year. To keep members of the LGBTQ+ community safe, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has developed a Safe Place program in which local businesses allow victims of homophobia to take refuge in their establishments and will help them inform the police, if necessary. Safe Place decals and signage in storefronts indicate attendance.

Safety tips for BIPOC travelers

Los Angeles consistently ranks among the most ethnically and racially diverse cities in the United States. Nearly half of the population identifies as Hispanic or Latino, 11 percent is African American, and 10 percent is Asian. It’s certainly not immune to racism, but travelers shouldn’t expect to feel out of place or discriminated against when visiting. If you are the victim of a hate crime while traveling, you should report it to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Safety tips for travelers

Here are some more general tips that all travelers should consider following when visiting:

• Carry only the money you will need for a few days. In Los Angeles, you can pay for most things with credit or debit cards, and there are ATMs on almost every street corner.

• Make sure handbags and backpacks are closed tightly and kept close to the body. For more security, carry your belongings over the shoulder or in a money belt.

• Pickpockets usually work in groups of two or three. If you are jostled or bumped into, consider that a pickpocket may be in action.

• Never hang your handbag on the back of a chair in a restaurant or any other public place.

• There are a lot of homeless people in Los Angeles. You are likely to be approached for money, but if the encounter turns hostile, simply walk away and, if necessary, contact the authorities.

• Let someone know if you plan to take an Uber or Lyft alone. Always check the license plate before getting into the car.

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