Hollywood Sign

Is Los Angeles Safe?

By Eppie Shepherd

Eternal sunshine, movie makers, star-studded hilltops, and a strip of sunny beaches - Los Angeles is an enviable city on California’s coastline. The real-life La La Land is where dreams are made, and not just for wannabe film stars.

However, turn the city on its head and L.A. has a more cynical side including infamous gangs and criminal neighborhoods. So you might be wondering, is Los Angeles safe to visit?

Yes, Los Angeles is safe for tourists.

In reality, L.A. is in fact a safe city to visit, with most tourist attractions and sites of interest situated within affluent neighborhoods overlooking the ocean. Of course, like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, but overall it’s very easy to stay safe in L.A.

To cover your bases, we’ve put together an insider guide to staying safe in Los Angeles...

Hollywood sign

Yes, Los Angeles is safe for tourists.

In reality, L.A is in fact a safe city to visit, with most tourist attractions and popular sites situated within affluent neighborhoods overlooking the ocean. Of course, like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets in crowded areas, but overall it’s very easy to stay safe in L.A.

To cover your bases, we’ve put together an insider guide to staying safe in Los Angeles...

Beverly Hills

Transportation in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sprawling city and whilst public transportation is available, the most recommended way to travel is by car. If car hire isn’t an option for your trip to the city, then rest assured, taxis including Uber or Lyft, and the reliable bus system are also safe. It is recommended however to avoid public transportation at night time if you are unaccompanied or traveling through neighborhoods with a higher crime rate.

Check out our full guide to getting around LA for more information.

L.A at night

Los Angeles crime threats

Like any popular destination, visitors are encouraged to remain vigilant for pickpockets and petty theft in crowded areas. At key tourist spots such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and on public transport, be aware of concealing your money, keeping your wallets in front pockets, and holding purses tightly. If possible, don’t carry valuables around with you, and check your bags if you are bumped by a group of people.

Similarly, remain alert to potential scams such as tampered ATMs, distracting flashing signs, and fake talent scouts. Never follow an individual who approaches you claiming to be a producer, casting agent, etc. and if you’re unsure, ask for a business card that you can use to do an internet search. There are legitimate talent scouts in Hollywood - just be sure to do your research and always tell someone where you are going.

Although not a high risk, to avoid more serious crime, be careful not to wander into dangerous neighborhoods by sticking to the main streets.

Santa Monica

Natural disasters in Los Angeles

Natural disasters are not a high-risk concern in Los Angeles. There have been earthquakes, but the last most dangerous major earthquake occurred in 1994. If you are however caught in a serious earthquake, you’re encouraged to either:

  • Get under a sturdy desk or table if indoors and cover your head and neck with your arms
  • Stay clear of windows, mirrors, or anything that may fall
  • Avoid elevators, running in the street, trees and power lines
  • Pull to the side of the road away from bridges and overpasses and stay inside the car
  • Duck into a doorway if you are near buildings on a sidewalk

If you are swimming in the ocean, you need to be aware of strong currents known as riptides. If you find yourself being carried offshore, try not to panic or swim against the current and instead swim parallel to the shoreline. Once the current stops, you’ll be able to swim back to shore.

Riding a bike in L.A

Solo travel and female travelers in Los Angeles

The risk for female travelers in Los Angeles is low. For solo travelers of either gender, the advice applies to follow common sense, avoiding certain neighborhoods in the dark, deserted areas, and poorly lit streets. Another way of staying safe is to inform hotel staff or hostel guests where you’re going and keep emergency numbers close on your phone. You could also join a guided tour as a great way to see the city, stay safe, and meet new people!

To summarize

Los Angeles might not actually be a city of angels but it's definitely a safe destination to visit for all travelers. With a little common sense, tourists can see and enjoy this fantastic city with very little risk to their own safety.

Downtown L.A.

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Family Places to Eat in Los Angeles

When you are traveling and your family is hungry, the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time poring over a map or reading reviews to figure out where to go to eat. When kids get hungry, it’s best to feed them - fast. Here’s a list of a few family places to eat in the Los Angeles area that are guaranteed to please. Located at 5773 Wilshire Boulevard, Marie Callender's Grill has an innovative menu that will tickle your refined taste buds and also please the palette of little kids. Start things off with a fresh salad like the Mediterranean Chopped Salad or the Chinese Chicken Salad before moving on to entrees like the signature mesquite-grilled, slow-smoked Tri-Tip or expertly-cooked, hickory-smoked Baby Back Ribs. Marie Callender's Grill also proudly offers a kid’s menu with popular selections like Slider Burgers, Golden Chicken Strips, Macaroni & Cheese or unlimited trips to the Kid's Produce Bar. Although you might not think of Los Angeles as being a city that offer delicious deli food, that’s actually not the case. Brent's Delicatessen & Restaurant at 19565 Parthenia Street is a family-owned business that has been serving up delectable deli sandwiches for over 40 years. The food at Brent's Delicatessen & Restaurant is so popular that they delivery anywhere in Southern California (as far north as Santa Barbara and as far south as San Diego) and the staff is almost fanatical in their dedication to outstanding customer service. With classic deli favorites like Stuffed Kishka and Farfel, Beef Stuffed or Chicken Stuffed Cabbage, Fried Kreplach with Grilled Onions and Grandma Eva's Noodle Kugel and a kids menu that features Mini Waffles, Ella's Silver Dollar Pancakes, Peanut Butter & Jelly and Taylor's Grilled Cheese, Brent's Delicatessen & Restaurant will delight the entire family. (If you want another option, there’s also Langer's Delicatessen-Restaurant at 704 South Alvarado Street.) With numerous locations in the Los Angeles area, In-N-Out Burger is quite possibly the best fast-food franchise in the country because the chow is so good it hardly seems like it should qualify as “fast” food. A simple menu featuring 100% pure beef patties served with hand-leafed lettuce, tomato and onions stacked high on a freshly baked bun, In-N-Out Burger is hands-down the best place to pop in for grub on the go. Need things to do in Los Angeles? Save up to 55% on admission to top attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood and Madame Tussauds Hollywood with a LA discount attractions pass by Smart Destinations. Learn more!
Go City Expert
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Los Angeles Labor Day Weekend 2019 - 10+ Fun Things to Do in September

Make sure your summer goes out with a bang this year – spend Labor Day Weekend in Los Angeles and you’re guaranteed to have a fantastic time. If you’re looking for Los Angeles Labor Day Weekend 2019 ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things do in Los Angeles in September, including: Six Flags Magic Mountain Friday Night Jazz at LACMA 626 Night Market L.A. County Fair The Taste Cinecon Classic Film Festival Pacific Park Universal Studios Hollywood Knott's Berry Farm L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens Whale Watching Cruise 2. Friday Night Jazz @ LACMA View this post on Instagram A post shared by LA County Museum of Art (@lacma) on Jun 7, 2019 at 6:18pm PDT Every Friday from April to November the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) hosts a free jazz concert outdoors. It's one of the museum's most beloved ongoing programs. The style and performers vary each week, so you're bound to find something new each time you go. Bring a blanket, the whole family, and just relax at this free community event. Be sure to arrive early to secure the best spots! 3. 626 Night Market This summer marks the 8th year of this annual food festival. Evocative of classic Asian night markets, this festive local event is billed as a "quintessential Californian experience." Come here to taste authentic, mouth-watering Asian fare of the type you don't see in the hot new sushi joint. This year's theme of the 626 Night Market is "Bring on the Memories," which seems pretty appropriate for the combination of excitement and nostalgia that this event evokes for many of us. The 626 Night Market is located at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. The event dates closest to Labor Day are August 30-September 1, 2019. The event is free to attend and food is available for purchase. 4. L.A. County Fair Making its debut on Labor Day Weekend, the popular L.A. County Fair has a little bit of something for everyone. Like most county fairs, it was originally designed as an agricultural festival; things like livestock beauty contests and fresh local produce attest to that heritage. But you’ll also find fun modern events like dance performances, wine tastings, cultural exhibits, children’s activities, and more. This year the fair begins on August 30, 2019 and runs through September 22, 2019. 5. The Taste Yet another food-centric event, The Taste is a great Hollywood attraction for just about everyone. It's sponsored by the L.A. Times, and is a great experience for locals and visitors alike. Sip, savor, and celebrate with food and beer samples, cooking demonstrations, mixologist demonstrations, wine tastings, and even special competitions. Remember to come with an empty stomach! The 2019 dates are yet to be announced, but it usually takes place around Labor Day. 6. Cinecon Classic Film Festival Held in one of Hollywood’s most historic theaters, Cinecon Classic Film Festival is a Hollywood darling. It's located at the Grauman's Egyptian Theatre (somewhere worth touring on your own time, like the TCL Chinese Theatres) and features a lovingly curated selection of classic cinema. If you just can’t get enough of old black and white films, this is the event for you. The first night opens with a grand gala featuring the silent comedy Bare Knees (1928) and the whole thing only gets better from there. The 2019 event dates are August 29 - September 2, 2019. Tickets are available now, and act quickly -- this event does sell out! 8. Universal Studios Hollywood If you're in search of some extreme theme park fun with an emphasis on your favorite movies and TV shows, then Universal Studios Hollywood should be your next destination. Combine the exhilaration of amazing theme park coasters and other rides with the fun of an interactive studio tour - it sure makes for one unbeatable day! Don't forget to leave an hour or so to explore Universal CityWalk, which boasts dozens of shops, restaurants, and attractions. It's a nice place for dinner after a long afternoon on the rides, or a convenient place to pick up a souvenir. We've also written a specific guide for how to make the most of your visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, if you're looking to maximize your time there. 11. Whale Watching Cruise Take a break from the heat with a venture far out into the ocean to explore the great waters of the Pacific and its magnificent creatures. A Newport Landing Whale Watch is a 2.5-hour excursion out to one of the largest marine sanctuaries in California, where you'll see dolphins, orcas, humpback whales, and even the massive blue whale--the largest creature in the world. As you're waiting to reach the marine sanctuary, just sit back and enjoy the cruise on a 65-foot double-deck ship that comes with a lovely sundeck. Save on Attraction Admission Regular admission to a number of these Los Angeles attractions is included on the Go Los Angeles pass. Choose as you go from dozens of top attractions and save up to 50% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. We hope you consider visiting some of these attractions to help round out your summer vacation in style. Share your adventure with us Remember to tag @GoCity in your holiday snaps and we'll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook pages for competitions, special offers, and events and inspiration for your chosen destination too!
Katie Sagal

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