Is Los Angeles Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Los Angeles is a large, vibrant, and multinational city with a wide array of cultural experiences. However, the safety varies significantly between neighborhoods. While areas like Santa Monica or Beverly Hills are generally safe to roam around, some areas downtown can be unpredictable, especially at night. As a solo female traveler, it's important to use well-populated transportation, be cautious while exploring at night, and try to stay in well-known, tourist-friendly areas. Always trust your instincts, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.

Safety rating

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How safe is Los Angeles?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Moderate

Los Angeles can vary widely in safety depending on the neighborhood. While areas like West L.A and upscale business districts generally remain safe even after dark, other neighborhoods may feel less secure. It's recommended to research your area in advance, stay vigilant, and avoid traveling alone in unknown neighborhoods at night. A good practice is to use reliable public transportation or trusted ride-share services instead of walking in less crowded areas during night hours.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

When it comes to safety while using public transportation in Los Angeles, it varies depending on the time of day and specific neighborhood. Buses and Metros are generally safe, but it's always important to stay vigilant. Some areas may have higher rates of crime than others, making the overall safety perception inconsistent. As usual, always stay aware of your belongings and surroundings, especially late at night.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

Los Angeles is a heavily populated city with diverse neighborhoods, each encountering different levels of street harassment. Certain busy areas with high tourist footfall may have instances of catcalling or unwarranted attention, but this is not a standard for the entire city. Good awareness and avoidance of less populated areas after dark can usually ensure a safer experience. Always remain alert and be aware of your surroundings.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

In Los Angeles, petty crimes such as pickpocketing, theft, and burglary are fairly common, particularly in tourist-heavy areas or crowded spaces. This is not to suggest that every corner holds potential danger, but awareness and usual precautions should be taken. Be mindful of your belongings in crowded places, don't flash valuable items in public, and avoid desolate areas especially at night. Your travel experience can be largely safe with the right precautions and by staying alert.

Is Los Angeles worth visiting?

Overall rating

3.9 /5

based on 18 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4/5

Safety

3.4/5

Food

3.9/5

Budget-friendly

2.9/5

Solo travel

LA is expensive and big. I stayed in a hostel in Santa Monica, it is cool being so close to the water and also fairly closer to The Getty and Hammer museum which are both free. The Getty gives you a beautiful view of the city and is nice to be there when the sun sets. LA seems like an interesting lace and too many different neighbours to determine safety. I felt safe in the places I was in and felt safe alone travelling on public transit.

Posted: September 29, 2024
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Mireia

Mireia

Spain

Couple travel

It is a city that you have to be careful depending on the area. Unfortunately there are a lot of people with mental problems on the streets. Food is expensive. There are many burrito places that are very good.

Posted: May 15, 2024
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Solo travel

I felt safe inside and while walking in crowds. Overall, the food choices in regular spaces were regular. There are kind people and there are people with ostentatious personalities, too. I stayed at hostels and they were good. Samesun is safe and quiet

Posted: March 23, 2024
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Solo travel

Absolutely love LA for solo female travelers. So much to do and so many sweet people! It is safe for the most part; I would just avoid downtown LA. There is always something to do, and you won't ever get bored!

Posted: January 9, 2024
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Solo travel

I visited Los Angeles alone and here are a few things that might come in handy. I was in Downtown and Hollywood in the evening to grab drinks but I only did it a few times and I was always in company. People say that it can get really dangerous there at night so I didn't want to spend the nights there alone. I also always tried to be aware of my surroundings. I stayed in West Hollywood and felt really safe there (even at night). I made sure to plan out each day, as Los Angeles is huge and very spread out, and planning my schedule based on location really helped me save time. As for the beaches, Santa Monica Beach and Venice Beach were really nice places to visit and people-watch.

Posted: October 8, 2023
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Group travel

The city is amazing full of so many things to do. It can be unsafe if you drift too far from downtown without really knowing the neighborhoods. Great diversity and delicious food. It’s really easy to beat around the city and visit neighboring places too.

Posted: June 4, 2023
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Solo travel

I visited Venice Beach during the day and although it was a great experience, it can be a bit dangerous there at night. On the other hand, Santa Monica was much safer. Getting around Los Angeles is not easy, so I used Lyft Pools to save money and focused all my activities in one place for the entire day.

Posted: May 23, 2023
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Solo travel

I suggest avoiding Hollywood. It's quite neglected and there are many homeless people there, so it's not the most pleasant experience. Santa Monica and Venice are popular areas, and downtown Los Angeles has wonderful museums.

Posted: May 15, 2023
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Solo travel

I felt unsafe and dirty. Many homeless people were using the bathroom on the sidewalk. The smell of urine was everywhere. Tents set up on the sidewalks. I couldn't escape from there quickly. The Griffith Observatory was amazing.

Posted: June 4, 2022
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Is Los Angeles safe for women?

Safety index

3 /5

Based on 30 local experiences

Crime index

2.5 /5

Based on 30 local experiences

Overall LA is as safe as most major cities. The biggest issue is more likely to be property theft from a vehicle. Certain areas (Skid Row, downtown LA, North Hollywood, etc) are worth avoiding both during the day and at night. These areas are unlikely to be attacked/kidnapped type of unsafe, but the have your stuff stolen/encounter erratic and unpredictable behavior type of unsafe.

Posted: October 8, 2024
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Monica

Monica

Certain areas in LA are totally safe but others are the opposite. Tricky thing about it is you can be in a safe area then half a mile down it’s “ghetto” and unsafe. Definitely ask a local before ever booking anything.

Posted: September 12, 2024
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Meet locals in Los Angeles

Cece

Cece

About Me

Young at heart and love meeting new people.

Speaking

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Leyla

Leyla

About Me

I’m a high school language teacher, and although I’m older, I have a youthful attitude. I like to meet new people, try new food, and learn something new as I explore new places. I prefer spending longer times in 1 place rather than a day or two in many places. Plain and simple. I love to host visitors and take them around, too.

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Los Angeles

Leyla

Leyla

Los Angeles

Can host for:

7 days

About me

I’m a high school language teacher, and although I’m older, I have a youthful attitude. I like to meet new people, try new food, and learn something new as I explore new places. I prefer spending longer times in 1 place rather than a day or two in many places. Plain and simple. I love to host visitors and take them around, too.

Speaking

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Cece

Cece

Los Angeles

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Young at heart and love meeting new people.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Los Angeles

Madina

Madina

About Me

Hey! My name is Madina, I’m from Kyrgyzstan. I’m fashion photographer and stylist. I worked in several projects for Kyrgyz singers, artists, films and fashion brands. This year I decided to try travelling. I would like to learn and exchange cultures, knowledge and mindset with people from different countries of the world.

Speaking

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Safety in United States