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

3.3 /5

Based on 21 experiences from female travelers

3.5 /5

Based on our research and crime data

3.2 /5

Based on 37 experiences from local women

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How safe is Los Angeles?

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: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: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: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

3.8 /5

based on 21 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.1/5

Safety

3.3/5

Food

3.7/5

Budget-friendly

3.1/5

Salma

Iran

Solo travel

Overall I didn't feel the safest if I wasn't in a super crowded or public place. I didn't feel to at ease walking the streets as a solo traveller. It wasn't super easy to get around without getting an uber but that's the case for most of North America. I was on a tight budget but there are lots of hotels offering shared female's rooms with lockers. That was a cool experience.

Posted: April 18, 2025Experienced: March, 2024

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Solo travel

Los Angeles was overall a nice experience. I met some friends and I stayed there for three months and I enjoyed the sun. There are a lot of things to do like museum, visiting filming Studios but I would say that it can be really dangerous based on the place you are staying. Also, don’t take public transportation in Los Angeles because they are not safe and they are a lot of crackheads in the public transportation so I would advise you to rent a car and stay in tourist areas.

Posted: December 29, 2024Experienced: April, 2024

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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

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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Is Los Angeles safe for women?

Safety index

3.2 /5

Based on 37 local experiences

Crime index

2.7 /5

Based on 37 local experiences

Pretty safe depending on what areas you are in of the city. Generally like any big city, car theft is probably the most common crime. Public transport can be sketchy since most people in LA have cars and drive.

Posted: May 9, 2025

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Meet locals in Los Angeles

Alejandra

About Me

Designer who loves to traveling the world. Living in Los Angeles originally from Colombia. Next trip is eastern Europe. Reach out if you want to join, looking for a traveling companion.

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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.

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Stay with locals in Los Angeles

Leyla

Los Angeles

Can host for:

7 days

About me

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Alejandra

Los Angeles

Can host for:

2 days

About me

Designer who loves to traveling the world. Living in Los Angeles originally from Colombia. Next trip is eastern Europe. Reach out if you want to join, looking for a traveling companion.

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Upcoming visitors to Los Angeles

Mia

About Me

Hi I am Mia and I am 20 years old right now🦋 I grew up with a lot of traveling and couch surfing and as soon as I turned 18 I started to explore the world by myself. I'm more an extrovert person and I love to talk when the vibe is nice. I've been to several countries and worked in different areas by now. I'm a very empathetic and understanding person. Respecting boundaries is very important for me and I would never do something which makes another one uncomfortable. ♡ I have a lot of interest.... but my real passion are dogs (dog training, breeding...) and also KPOP. I love to learn about new things and cultures and I am open to almost everything. I love meeting new people because I think this is how you understand the world, listening to different opinions and seeing the world with different eyes.