Is Los Angeles Safe? A brutally honest guide for tourists

Los Angeles is generally safe for tourists, but its urban sprawl means safe neighborhoods and dangerous ones are often just blocks apart.

The “No-Go” Zones

Every tourist must know about Skid Row.

• Where is it? Downtown LA (DTLA), roughly bordered by 3rd St, 7th St, Alameda St, and Main St.
• What to expect? Thousands of homeless encampments. It is unpredictable and unsafe for walking, even during the day.
• Advice: If you stay in DTLA, stick to the Financial District and Bunker Hill.

Car Safety: Smash and Grab

This is the #1 crime affecting tourists.

• The Rule: NEVER leave anything visible in your car.
• Not even a charging cable.
• Not even a jacket.
• If thieves see a bag, they break the window. Put everything in the trunk before you arrive at your parking spot.

Nighttime Safety

Hollywood Blvd is famous, but it gets gritty after 10 PM. Santa Monica Pier is safe, but the parks nearby can be sketchy at night. Stick to well-lit areas with crowds.