Is L.A. Safe?

The City of Angels – a melting pot of cultures, the second-largest US metropolis, and THE place to be if you want to pursue stardom! The famed city attracts lots of hopefuls and even more tourists interested in its storied past and eclectic sights.

The Los Angeles of today is a far cry from the hotbed of violence and criminal activity it was in the 90s. Even so, is it safe to visit? How should you behave & what should you pay attention to once there? Here’s a quick rundown.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

While generally safe, LA is still a haven for petty crime. Purse snatching and pickpocketing are the most common dangers tourists face, so keep your belongings close and your wits about you. It’s best to dress down and make yourself less of a mark by not looking like the average tourist.

Create an itinerary before visiting and stick to it. A sense of purpose and knowing where to go next will help you blend in better. You’ll also want to look up and store the contacts for the local police, fire department, etc. Also, check in with loved ones every so often if you’re traveling alone.

Look out for Scams

It's the City of Dreams, and a few of its residents might try to sell you one. That "producer" you just met who sees great potential in you is likely a scammer. So are some street performers, "tourists" who want you to take their picture, or charity "representatives" hoping you'll part with some cash for a worthy cause. Read up on the most common scams, and don't let yourself become a victim.

Be Mindful about Transportation

Many parts of LA aren't walkable. The bus, subway, and light rail public transit system lets you get around town cheaply. It's safe to use during the day and when traveling in a group. However, solo travelers might want to avoid it during nighttime.

Renting a car works, but be aware that parking space is hard to come by in areas like Downtown LA, Hollywood, or Koreatown. Consider using ride-sharing services instead, especially if you plan on experiencing LA's rich nightlife.

Stick to Safe Neighborhoods

With almost 50 million annual visitors, it’s in the city’s best interest to be presentable and safe. Much of it is, from wealthy neighborhoods for the rich & famous like Bel Air & Beverly Hills to walkable suburb-like oases in the middle of LA like Larchmont Village. Still, there are exceptions you should avoid.

Skid Row comes to mind first since that's where much of LA's sizeable homeless population is. You'll also want to avoid South Central, Boyle Heights, and Watson because of gang activity. Some areas are fine to visit in the day but sketchy at night, like Venice Beach.

Conclusion

Los Angeles has its share of safety challenges – so does any major world metropolis. Even so, the risks tend to be exaggerated, as both the locals and satisfied visitors will tell you. Use common sense, follow our tips, and have an unforgettable stay!