Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Unsafe and Safe Places to Visit in Los Angeles
- Safety Advice Within Los Angeles
- General Safety
- Conclusion
- Los Angeles Blogs
Introduction
With a city as large as Los Angeles, it can be intimidating to figure out safety in the city. This blog post will alleviate some of the safety concerns you may have while visiting the city. This post will cover safe and unsafe areas of Los Angeles, and safety advice in L.A.
Unsafe and Safe Places to Visit in Los Angeles
Any city in the world requires common sense and situational awareness to traverse safely, and Los Angeles is no exception. Although the city has its bad parts, overall I’d say it is a safe place to visit. Just be aware and do your research before visiting the city to ensure your safety in this modern metropolis. This section will cover unsafe areas in Los Angeles to visit and safe areas to visit in Los Angeles.
Unsafe Areas in Los Angeles to Visit
The Los Angeles Metropolitan Area is a massive city composed of 88 cities and many more neighborhoods. It can be very confusing to find your barrings and figure out which parts are safer than others. I’ve organized these areas from most to least dangerous per several websites that highlight petty, property, and violent crime statistics, alongside my observations and/or experiences.
- Wholesale District/Skid Row
Arguably one of the most notorious areas in Los Angeles, Skid Row has stood synonymous with drug use, crime, and illegal activity. Skid Row sits inside the Wholesale District, and although Skid Row is much more dangerous than the entirety of the Wholesale District, they both unfortunately deserve this spot. The streets are lined with tents and makeshift shelters where many homeless people live. Many of these people are addicted to some sort of substance and can lash out while you walk to your accommodation. The Wholesale District can be safer to visit during the day, but not at night. Skid Row is as bad as it gets in L.A.
- Downtown Los Angeles
This may be a surprising addition (it was to me as well), but right next to the skyscrapers and Walt Disney Concert Hall lies a darker side when the sun goes down. Nighttime in this part of the city can be unsafe for a tourist. The proximity of Downtown Los Angeles to Skid Row makes it vulnerable to the encroachment of its unwelcomed inhabitants. Downtown Los Angeles can be safe to visit during the day and offers some great things for tourists, but overall, I would not recommend you travel or visit at night.
- South Los Angeles
South Los Angeles is an area that sits southwest of the Crytpo.com arena and encompasses the West Adams neighborhood and SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. The entirety of South Los Angeles (except West Adams) can be safe to explore during the day. The California Science Center and the Exposition Park Rose Garden are great places to explore and enjoy some gorgeous photo ops. However, after the sun descends, the area can turn rather unsafe. Assaults, robberies, and thievery can occur here, so if you are here after sunset, please be aware of your surroundings.
- Compton
Compton is well-known due to its mention in many popular songs and other media. Very similar to South Los Angeles, Compton has a higher crime rate due to gang violence. Gun violence, assaults, and robberies are common here and this area should be avoided at all costs. The city is not located near any major tourist attractions, so it is an area of the city you should never accidentally wander into. Compton and the surrounding areas are places to visit in Los Angeles.
- West Adams
West Adams is located right next to one of the most prestigious universities in the country, the University of Southern California (USC), and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. West Adams has a high crime rate (one of the highest crime rates in the city) primarily due to gang activity. Robberies, assaults, and gun violence are common here, but luckily, there is nothing to see in West Adams, so as a tourist, you shouldn’t find yourself around this neighborhood. Just as in Downtown Los Angeles, the USC campus and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County are better just explored during the day, and not an area to be in at night.
- Watts
Watts suffers the same fate as Compton and West Adams. Gang activity unfortunately drives up the crime in this neighborhood. Robberies, muggings, car thefts, and gun violence can be issues in Watts. Unlike Compton, there is one point of interest in Watts with the Watts Tower, which is an art installation and an official State Park. But besides that art installation, you should never find yourself stumbling into the area unknowingly. In general, It is best to avoid Watts at night and cautiously during the day.
- Hollywood
The area is home to the most popular tourist activities in the city and is synonymous with Los Angeles, but it can be a little dangerous, especially at night. Hollywood is very lively, with lots of nightlife, things to do, and places to stay. You can visit popular museums, walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or hike up to the Hollywood Sign. Despite all these activities, homelessness has unfortunately brought up crime in the area. Pickpockets, thievery, and muggings can occur at night. In spite of the possible dangers, you can explore safely with good travelers’ awareness and common sense.
- Koreatown
One of the many ethnically distinct areas of Los Angeles, Koreatown (sometimes called K-Town), as its name implies, is home to many Korean shops, restaurants, and culture. Koreatown may be known for its restaurants, but not for its safety. Robberies and car thefts can occur. A couple of tips I can give you is not to withdraw money in Koreatown to avoid being mugged. And if you drive, try to park in a parking structure to avoid something happening to your personal or rented car. Koreatown is a good place to grab a bite to eat and walk around during the day, but not explore too much at night.
- Fashion District
The Fashion District is the last entry on this list. It is located below Skid Row and, like its northern neighbor, is home to a large homeless population. Just as in Skid Row, the homeless venture from that area into the Fashion District, which can make it more dangerous. I have noticed a lot of individuals with mental illnesses around this area, so please be careful walking around, and do not visit at night.
I want to emphasize that crimes of opportunity can occur anywhere, and just because a city or neighborhood is not on this list, does not mean it is 100 percent safe nor does going to any one of the previously discussed locations, guarantee a crime to occur. Common sense and good awareness are integral to any traveler. Please keep an eye out, be observant, and trust your gut while traversing any city in any country.
Safe Areas in Los Angeles to Visit
Among the unsafe areas of Los Angeles are more safe areas in the city. The majority of places within the city are safe for tourists to visit. Whether you want to visit the mountains, the heart of the city, or right next to the Pacific Ocean, there are areas that everyone will be content with. Since all of these places are safe, this list will not be in a particular order.
- Santa Monica
Santa Monica is one of the most popular destinations in all of California. There is so much to do, from the Santa Monica Pier to exploring relaxing beaches. It can be really fun and convenient to stay in Santa Monica. There are major tourist attractions, beaches, and wonderful nightlife. it is also located right next to the Los Angeles International Airport, normally referred to as LAX, which makes it very simple for those flying into the city or on a long layover. The proximity to the ocean gives Santa Monica a much cooler temperature than the inner city, but it can get very hot, especially during summer. It is a good and safe spot in Los Angeles
- West Hollywood
Home to some of the best nightlife in the city, West Hollywood has always been a popular place for people to dance and drink the night away. This neighborhood doesn’t have tourist destinations like Hollywood or Downtown Los Angeles does, but offers unbeatable and unique nightlife. West Hollywood is also home to the gay district, which is an area that is adorned with LGBT flags and pride.
- Venice Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Southern California, Venice Beach is the most popular beach in Los Angeles, in my opinion. Venice Beach is located south of Santa Monica and offers a lot of benefits for those who stay in its vicinity. Besides the obvious beach it has, Venice also has a wonderful boardwalk and a more relaxed vibe than Santa Monica, but still lively. Just as in Santa Monica, Venice Beach has a much cooler temperature due to the Pacific Ocean.
- Pasadena
Pasadena is a very relaxed and safe area to stay in Los Angeles. It is located to the northeast of the city and borders the Angeles National Forest. Pasadena is a little out of the way from the major theme parks and tourist areas but has some great nearby hiking spots and museums.
- Beverly Hills
This may come as no surprise, but Beverly Hills is one of the safest areas in Los Angeles. The area is known for its upscale living and high-end shopping. Beverly Hills also sees some great weather, but can get hot during summer. The area is conveniently located near popular areas such as the Tolerance Museum and the Getty Center.
- Silver Lake
Silver Lake is a nice, relaxing place in Los Angeles. It is located near the Griffith Observatory, Dodger Stadium, and Elysian Park. The area can get a bit hot during late spring through summer, but a good and safe spot nonetheless. There is also a reservoir in the middle of the city where you can relax, walk, and have a nice picnic.
- Marina del Rey
Marina del Rey is a fabulous spot to visit. It is located less than 30 minutes away from LAX and offers a nice, refreshing temperature as the ocean breeze cools the areas down. Marina del Rey is located south of Venice Beach but does not offer a busy atmosphere as it has a much more laid-back beach vibe. You can walk around Fisherman’s Village or use the area as your base around L.A.
- Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach is a wonderful area inside Los Angeles to visit as well. This is yet another fresh and relaxing place to relax and enjoy the Pacific Ocean. Alongside Hermosa Beach, this is probably one of the most calm city beaches in all of Los Angeles.
- Malibu
Malibu is synonymous with sun and fun in L.A. There are great hikes, good seafood, relaxing on the Beach, and very fun bars. It is a great place to spend a day wandering about. Malibu is very long, expanding 21 miles / 34 kilometers across the southwestern part of Los Angeles. The city is also known for the amount of celebrities that live there, just don’t expect to see any. This is a location you cannot miss in Los Angeles.
- Glendale
Glendale has had some of the lowest crime in the city for years. It is located right next to the Los Angeles Zoo and Griffith Park, which gives it access to some of the best hiking in Los Angeles. The city is also pretty quiet (minus the traffic), so if you want a place to visit in the city that’s club-free and calmer, Glendale is a good spot to visit.
There are plenty of other places to list, but then the blog post would be too long. It is a nice introduction to safe places to visit in Los Angeles. It is worth mentioning that even though these areas are very safe for tourists, crimes of opportunity can happen anywhere, so common sense and general awareness are vital to being safe while traveling. If you want to learnmore about safe area of Los Angeles and where to stay, click here to go to the “Where to Stay in Los Angeles” blog post.
Safety Advice Within Los Angeles
Danger is not always restricted to the most dangerous parts of Los Angeles. It’s important to always keep an eye out, have a good traveling sense, and be aware of your surroundings. This section will discuss safety for solo, group, and family travelers and help cover some general safety within the city and other unique dangers and concerns within Los Angeles.
Is Los Angeles Safe for Solo Travelers?
Is Los Angeles Safe for Solo Travelers? Yes, it is. Solo traveling can be a bit more expensive in Los Angeles, but it is an excellent way to travel around the City of Angels. Traveling by yourself can be a great experience as you get to decide where you want to go when you want to go, and how long you’ll do it. There are plenty of things to do to keep someone busy, and the city is safe enough (in most areas) that wandering around alone is ok. Again, just have good common sense and keep an eye out for potential dangers.
Is Los Angeles Safe for Group Travelers or Couples?
Los Angeles is safe for group travelers or couples. There are plenty of things to do as a group, from visiting amusement parks to enjoying some of the various studio tours offered around the city. L.A. also has some very romantic spots that make it a nice destination for couples. If you have a certain number of people in your group, it’s a good idea to utilize websites like Groupon. Groupon offers discounts on different activities, but only if multiple are bought. To go to their official website, click here.
Is Los Angeles Safe for Families?
Yes, Los Angeles can be very safe for families. Hundreds of thousands of families visit the city every year, and some places are built with children and teenagers in mind. Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags: Magic Mountain, and many beach areas have things for adults, adolescents, teenagers, and children to do. As previously mentioned, it may also be a good idea to use Groupon to save on your family’s tickets. Click here to go to Groupon’s official website.
Is Los Angeles Safe at Night?
Is Los Angeles Safe at Night? Yes, and that is partly why you want to come. The nightlife in Los Angeles is unlike any other, just make sure you are in the right areas. There are nightclubs and bars that dot this metropolis. You can find them in the heart of L.A., on the beaches, and up in the air. In fact, Los Angeles is home to the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere, Spire 73. Just make sure you are in safe areas (read the above section) and L.A. is sure to be unlike any other place.
General Safety
Homelessness
This has been a hot topic in Los Angeles for the past few years. The homeless population has been increasing by a staggering amount for the past several years and unfortunately, it is reflecting on the city. Popular areas like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach see many makeshift shelters and tents where the homeless sleep. These shelters are found throughout the city and seem to set up camp wherever they please.
The reason I put this topic in the safety section, I because some homeless people can cause uneasiness or on rare occasions, harm. Many people who live on the streets are addicts and/or mentally unstable individuals, and although they keep to themselves on most occasions, they can cause some trouble. It is not uncommon to hear them yell into the sky, or move erratically, so just ignore their shouts and if they make you uncomfortable, walk to the other side of the street.
It is worth noting that not all homeless are bad people, but to say they don’t impact safety would be misleading. I have noticed an improvement in homelessness in the city, particularly around major tourist destinations. I think it is just preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games that will take place in Los Angeles. So hopefully, the improvement stays.
Download a Map
Downloading a map has a plethora of benefits. Not only are you less reliant on Wi-Fi or cellular data to navigate the city, but you can save important areas you want to visit in L.A. The reason I have this in the safety section is because people looking where you are at can cause some hazards. Many people stand on the street looking at the maps to see where they’re at and where they want to go. This makes any traveler look like a lost adventurer who is vulnerable and that is when crimes of opportunity can occur as you are distracted and oblivious to possible danger. This is where some people may use the opportunity to pickpocket or steal your cell phone and run away. In Los Angeles, phone theft is not common, but pickpockets can occur especially in crowded and popular areas.
My recommendation is Google Maps. Although it is standard for the app to be installed on many cell phones, if you do not have an application already downloaded, you can find the app for Google Maps for the Google Play Store here. And Google Maps for the Apple App Store here. With Google Maps, you can download all of Los Angeles to use offline and save important areas that you want to visit, and it’s all for free! I know there are other map applications out there, but I love Google Maps and recommend it 100 percent.
Driving and Road Hazards
Since Los Angeles is such a car-based city, some road and driving hazards are to be expected. If you are using an electric bike or electric scooter, read the information provided on the laws to operate those vehicles. In Los Angeles, cars move fast. Everyone in L.A. has a place to be promptly, so cars move fast. If you use these devices on the street, please be mindful of cars, observant, and wear a helmet (which sometimes is required by law).
If you are driving in Los Angeles, there are more concerns to be aware of. As previously stated, many drivers in Los Angeles drive fast and are in a hurry to get to their destination. On the freeways, follow the speed limit, and if you are going slower than the general speed of traffic, stick to the rightmost lane. Stoplights can also be a bit different. People in L.A. love to use their horns, and if you are on a red light, and it turns green, and you don’t move in two seconds, guess what? You will receive some honks. These honks are not to be aggressive, but rather let you know to get on your way.
The streets in Los Angeles are very well-managed and tend to be free of potholes. Parking can also pose another challenge as it can get very crowded and hard to find spots. I advise anyone who is driving, to be confident with parallel parking as many times, it is the only way you will get parking. Traffic collisions can occur, so make sure you are insured in case anything happens. Large animal crossings shouldn’t be too common, but deer will occasionally cross near national parks and wooded areas, so please be careful.
Lastly, DO NOT drive under the influence of anything (alcohol, marijuana, etc.). This is called a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and it is a big deal in the United States. You can get a fine of up to $1,000 / €941.48, suspension of your license, and possibly jail time. If you are drinking, use a ride-share app or have a designated driver (dd) ready to take you home.
Ocean Dangers
So many people come to Los Angeles for the beach and surfing culture the city offers. As marvelous and mesmerizing as the ocean is, it comes with its fair share of dangers. The three biggest dangers for tourists on the beach are rip currents, sharks, and jellyfish.
– Jellyfish
Jellyfish are fascinating animals, but they are better observed at the Aquarium of the Pacific and not attached to your legs. The jellyfish in Los Angeles are not as abundant or lethal, but they can ruin your vacation. If you get stung, remove all tentacles that are attached to your body. DO NOT rinse with fresh water. Instead, look for a lifeguard as they can have vinegar and saline to neutralize the nematocysts (stinging cells). If you experience any allergic reactions, call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. For more information on jellyfish and their stings in Southern California, click here to go to the County of Los Angeles Fire Department’s official website.
– Rip Currents
What is a rip current? A rip current is a strong channel of water that leads from the shore out to the ocean. They can move faster than an Olympic swimmer and can be there without any observable warnings. If you get caught in a rip current, DO NOT swim against the current as you will drown due to fatigue. Instead, swim perpendicular to the coast and then toward the coast at an angle. For more information on what to do in a rip current, click here to go to the National Weather Service Website for more information.
– Sharks
The second danger is sharks. Sharks strike fear in many people due to many popular movies made right in Los Angeles. Although it can seem intimidating, shark attacks are very rare. Only nine shark attacks have been recorded in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area since 1950. Considering all the swimmers, divers, and surfers that enjoy the Pacific Ocean daily, it’s incredibly unlikely you will encounter a shark. To learn about what to do if bitten by a shark, click here to go to Australia’s website, giving great advice on shark attacks.
Dressing Up
Popular events like the Grammys, Emmys, and Oscar Awards are held in L.A. and you get to see your favorite celebrities make their mark on the red carpet. So if everyone seems to dress up, why is it in the safety section? Well, that is a small percentage of the L.A. population. You can dress your best in L.A. and be just fine. Some places are intended for such a purpose. Some restaurants and bars have dress codes, and more affluent areas, like Beverly Hills, have people dressed in designer from head to toe. But that logic should not be applied everywhere. Dressing in Gucci or Louis Vuitton attracts attention and shows thieves and pickpockets you have money. Unless you are going to be going to five-star restaurants and staying within the most expensive places in Los Angeles, do not dress like you are a Kardashian.
Withdrawing Money
Withdrawing money in many areas is required. I mean, you need to use the money to eat, travel, and survive right? Well, in Los Angeles, not so much. You do need money, but not physical currency. Los Angeles is very much card-based. You can use credit and debit everywhere you go. And the few places that don’t accept cards, take mobile payments like Zelle, Venmo, and PayPal. Even people selling street food and fruit take mobile payments. Call and let your debit and credit card company know you are traveling. If you don’t, they can flag the card as fraud and block the card. I had this done to me in Colombia, not fun!
When you withdraw money, you can get robbed for your freshly taken cash. Although it is rare, if you don’t need it, why do it? But if you are afraid your card will be rejected for any reason, I can see the appeal of having cash on hand just in case. Just be careful and observant while withdrawing cash. And of course, do not withdraw cash from sketchy locations. I’d also avoid random ATMs in major tourist areas and museums as the rates can be quite high (like the one shown to the right). There are plenty of banks scattered throughout the city for you to withdraw money.
When anyone withdraws money from a country that is not their home country, it is charged with a foreign transaction fee. A foreign transaction fee is a fee that the user pays to withdraw money from an ATM, and they range in quantity. When you withdraw money from a foreign bank, many ATMs will also ask if you want to do the conversion there to make it “more convenient”. DO NOT use this option. The conversion rate is always better at your home bank, just keep it in U.S. dollars and your home bank will convert it later at a much better rate.
Natural Weather Events
Like most other places around the globe, Los Angeles is not immune to weather events. The good news? In L.A., extreme weather events are quite uncommon. I guess the stereotype holds that the weather is sunny and warm year-round. In no order, these are weather events that can occur in Los Angeles.
– Earthquakes
Starting with, the most uncommon is earthquakes. I feel like there is this thought that L.A. is always being hit with earthquakes. Well, earthquakes are not too common. Technically, they do occur a lot, but the ones that people feel? Maybe once every two or three years. Statistically, earthquakes with a magnitude of 6.0 or more hit Los Angeles every three to four years. It’s best not to worry about them, as it’s improbable you will experience one. Besides, all hotels and other tourist areas are built with an earthquake in mind, so you will be fine.
– Mudslides/Landslides
Mudslides and landslides are effectively the same thing but require different conditions. These both can occur after earthquakes, wildfires, and rain and can be very destructive. They are normally restricted to the coast, particularly Malibu, but can occur anywhere with steep mountains or hills. This is another to not worry about as it is unlikely.
– Rain/Floods
The next are rain and floods. The rest of the U.S. tends to clown Los Angeles for its inability to withstand rain. Unfortunately, that is true. The infrastructure in the city cannot handle a lot of rain, so if it does rain (which is not common) the city can flood. Since the city is so dry, the water sits on top of the dirt and can’t be absorbed fast enough. So don’t be surprised if you are in the city during heavy rain, that many streets are closed, or you get flash flood warnings on your phone. If rain were to occur, it would most likely be in late winter to mid-spring (February to April). Rains like this are rare, but worth a mention.
– Tsunamis
Tsunamis are very rare in southern California, particularly Los Angeles. A tsunami is a large surge of water from the ocean that causes considerable damage and loss of life. Throughout the coastal parts of Los Angeles, you will see tsunami evacuation routes posted around the cities. This is something not to worry about, and I almost didn’t mention them. Los Angeles is lucky to have the Channel Islands, which protect the city from tsunamis. Other parts of California are not so lucky, but L.A. is.
– Wildfires
Wildfires have become more common due to warming temperatures, and they are very destructive. I have witnessed two major wildfires in California (The Wolsey and Thomas Wildfires) and everything can stop. Of course, as a tourist, this won’t affect you too much, but it can worsen air quality and close some attractions. I do feel like California is getting better at combating the fires and will often get outside help from Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, and other states from much further away. Wildfires can occur at any time of the year since rain isn’t too common in Los Angeles. But major fires are usually during summer to early winter (June to December)
In general, Los Angeles is still safe from a weather standpoint, and the city sees warm to hot temperatures for most of the year. Don’t let these small possibilities scare you, you will have fun!
Wildlife
There is wildlife in Los Angeles? Yes! And quite a lot of it. From the coast to the mountain there are large mammals, marine life, insects, reptiles, birds, and foliage that call L.A. home. Of these beautiful flora and fauna, there are a few that require some advisories. If you want to learn about sharks and jellyfish, go to the above section entitled “Ocean Dangers.”
– Black Bears
I thought bears in California were extinct. Well, brown bears are, not black bears. Black bears are a smaller species of bear that are not as aggressive or as threatening as its cousin, the grizzly bear. Black bears are only found in one location in all of L.A. County, the Angeles National Forest. There are approximately 150–500 bears in the forest. Black bears rarely attack and stick to themselves. Bears can become more aggressive if they have cubs, but it is still uncommon for them to attack. To learn more about the California Black Bear, click here to go to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s official website.
– Bobcats
Bobcats are a species of feline that resembles a large house cat. They are much bigger than your average house cat and can be territorial, and aggressive. However, they stick to themselves and rarely confront humans. If you see one, clap loudly and create noise to scare them off. They can be found in hiking areas as well as some urban areas.
– Coyotes
Coyotes are small canines related to dogs and wolves. They rarely approach, let alone, attack humans. They are often found in groups and can be seen in hiking areas, as well as, around the city. Coyotes do not pose a threat but in rare instances, transit rabies, so keep a safe distance and you will be fine.
– Insects
Insects exist everywhere on Earth, except Antarctica. There are three that are best known for their ability to transmit some nasty diseases: fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks. All three are in and around Los Angeles, but the diseases they transmit are not common in the area. I’m adding a couple of spiders to this list as there are misconceptions about them. There are dozens of species of spider in Los Angeles, but two stand among the group: the black widow and the brown recluse. Black Widow and brown recluse bites will rarely result in hospitalization or death, despite what you heard. However, if you are allergic to bees, you may also be allergic to spiders, so have your epinephrine ready just in case. Remember, spiders are more afraid of you than you are of them.
– Mountain Lions
Mountain Lions are the most intimidating animals in the area, but also the most elusive. Sometimes referred to as pumas, cougars, and panthers, mountain lions are the apex predators in the areas and, just like the black bears, are found in the Angeles National Forest as well as the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu and possibly Griffith Park. As of June of 2024, there is one mountain lion in Griffith Park. Sightings are rare, and there has never been a recorded attack on a human in Los Angeles. If you see a mountain lion, wave your hands above your head and make noise so they get frightened and leave your area.
– Rattlesnakes
The most common animal that can cause harm is rattlesnakes. They are most commonly found in hiking areas but can also be found in bushes and shrubs around parts of the city. There are seven different species of rattlesnakes in southern California, and all can be fatal if bitten. The good news is that they have a rattle to let you know you are getting too close. They like to hide during the day to avoid the sun and come out at night.
If you are bitten, do not constrict the area or try and suck out the venom. Remain calm and call 911. Rattlesnakes are not the only snakes in the area but are the only deadly ones in L.A. One piece of advice I can give you is to stick to the trails. Rattlesnakes only go on the trail to cross from one side to the other since there is no shade. For more information, click here to go to the official University of California, Davis Health website.
– Poison Oak
Poison oak can be found all around L.A. and can ruin your trip. Poison oak contains an oily resin (urushiol oil) that causes an allergic reaction when exposed to human skin. It is not life-threatening, but the rash can last days and ruin your trip. If you come into contact with poison oak, rinse the affected area with soap and cold water and remove any clothes that may have come into contact with the oak. If you want to learn more about prevention and treatment, click here to go to the FDA’s official website.
Street Marijuana
Marijuana, weed, ganja, pot, Mary Jane, there are so many names to describe this drug. It is legal for individuals to smoke marijuana in California and you will see many dispensaries around the city, with a cannabis leaf proudly displayed. You do need to be 21 to purchase, carry, and use marijuana. All dispensaries will ask for your ID before they give you your desired products. Some people will sell you marijuana on the street regardless of your age. Please, DO NOT take any drugs from strangers. You do not know what you are smoking or what it could be laced with.
The U.S. is facing an ever-increasing fentanyl problem. Fentanyl is a drug made from opioids that is easily lethal to people. For whatever reason, people are lacing other drugs including marijuana with this substance. If you want to smoke, and you are not 21, then play it safe and don’t smoke. Is your life worth cheap street marijuana?
Air Quality
In the past, Los Angeles had some of the worst smog in the country. It was so bad, you couldn’t even see right in front of you. Although it has gotten better, L.A. unfortunately still has some of the worst air quality in the country. If someone has allergies or asthma, smog can trigger these conditions, so you should check to see the air quality for the day and determine whether you should wear a mask. The air is usually not too bad, but when there are wildfires nearby, the air quality can worsen. Click here to go to the IQ Air Quality website to check Los Angeles’ smog level.
Weather
It’s always sunny in Los Angeles! Part of the reason why L.A. was chosen as the movie capital of the world was due to its ideal weather, sunny and warm year-round. Although it’s obviously not sunny and warm every single day, it is enough of the year to make that general claim. The sun is strong, so sunburn, dehydration, and heat stroke are things to keep in mind. Days can reach more than 95? / 35? for weeks, and it is a dry heat. Wear plenty of sunblock to ensure you do not get burnt and turn into “lobsters.” Drink plenty of water and wear hats and sunglasses to keep you cooler, decreasing your chances of succumbing to heat stroke and dehydration. Do not underestimate the power of the sun here.
Pickpockets
Unfortunately, pickpocketing has been increasing in Los Angeles in the past few years. What is pickpocketing? Pickpocketing is the act of taking an object from someone’s bag, or pockets, without their knowledge. It can be done as a team or independently. In Los Angeles, the most common items taken are wallets, but sometimes cell phones as well. Popular areas for pickpockets are crowded places such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Venice Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier.
What can you do to reduce your chances of getting pickpocketed? Walk around attentive, and not with our phone out, distracted. Don’t dress too expensive and try to keep your distance from larger crowds. Additionally, you can purchase a neck wallet or other variation to make it nearly impossible to have it pickpocketed. I would also recommend you put your phone and wallet in your front pockets as opposed to the back pockets, as it is harder to pickpocket from the front pockets. I also recommend you keep an extra credit card and/or debit card in your accommodation just in case you do get pickpocketed, you have forms of payment.
What can you do if you get pickpocketed? Once you figure out you’ve been a victim of pickpocketing, you do have limited options. Try to re-trace your steps and check trash cans. Why? Because some pickpockets will only take cash and throw away the rest, and sometimes you can find your cards and ID in the wallet. You should also cancel or freeze all your cards immediately, to prevent the thief from using them. You can notify the authorities, but in most cases, there is nothing they can do.
Robberies
This is the worst-case scenario. Every traveler’s worst nightmare is being approached by an individual with a weapon and demanding your wallet, purse, watch, etc. If, in the uncommon chance, someone approaches you with or without a weapon and demands your items, just give them their desired items and report the incident to the local authorities. It is not worth getting injured or worse for a few materialistic items. I do want to emphasize that as long as you stay in the safer areas and avoid the dangerous ones, I have no worries this will not happen to you.
Make sure you practice common sense. If a situation or area seems sketchy or risky, don’t go. Don’t get intoxicated if you are alone or with strangers, as this will help reduce your chances of becoming targeted for a crime. Your gut is right more often than you think, trust it!
Conclusion
Despite this wordy L.A. safety guide, Los Angeles is pretty safe and can be done without any issues. This blog was just an overarching guide to explain all possible threats and other factors that could impact your safety. It went over safe and unsafe areas of Los Angeles, and safety advice within L.A. Have you visited Los Angeles? If so, how was your trip?
If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to L.A.
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