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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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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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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Iman

Los Angeles is a very large city, but I wouldn’t say most of the city is safe to walk around at night. It’s a car centric city so either you’ll be isolated when walking or you’ll be in a neighborhood that isn’t as safe. In a group, it’s ok.

Posted: April 21, 2025

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