Is California Safe for Travel Now (A Local Weighs In)

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Is California safe for travel right now?

If this question is on your mind, that is great! Making personal safety a priority is one of the key ways to stay safe while traveling.

Is it safe to travel to California? This is the most asked question I get from friends, relatives, and travel buddies; let’s unpack the well-debated topic of safe travel in California.

I’ve been living and traveling in California since 2001.

As a Californian local, I’ve lived in Northern and Southern California, and California is generally a safe place to travel year-round.

I’ve compiled some California safety tips for the next time you visit the golden state. One of the most visited destinations in the world.

Let’s get to it!

Is It Safe to Travel to California?

In general, California is a safe place to travel year-round, offering stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, and vibrant cities.

While crime does exist in certain areas, many popular tourist destinations, such as San Diego and Santa Cruz, have low crime rates and are considered safe for visitors. 

The key to a worry-free experience in California is staying informed about your surroundings and trusting your instincts when assessing any situation.

Big cities like Los Angeles (where I live) and San Francisco (where I used to live) are considered statistically safe according to Safe Cities Index.

LA received a very high overall score of 76.5 on the 2021 Safe Cities Index, making it the 18th-safest city among 60 cities worldwide, and San Francisco did even better at number 15 with an overall score of 77.2.

California has a moderate ranking in terms of safety among states in the U.S. despite having a relatively low crime rate overall. 

The state’s large size and numerous densely populated metropolitan areas contribute to a higher incidence of property crimes than smaller, rural towns in California, like Bodega Bay. 

But still, according to the Safe Cities Index, two of California’s most visited cities rank high for safety!

Tourist destinations in California are generally unaffected by violence, as those areas are popular destinations.

The increasing incidents of gun violence in the United States primarily affect residents rather than tourists. 

However, visitors should be mindful of property crimes and take common sense precautions to safeguard their belongings, ensuring their safety while traveling in California.

Is California Safe to Live In for Locals

Safewise.com provides an in-depth report on crime concerns and statistics, comparing Californians’ fear of crime to their actual experience​​, which means our fears might be more problematic than the actual crime we’ve experienced.

Higher-than-average levels of concern in California don’t necessarily coincide with higher reports of personal experience with different types of crime.

Safewise.com

Where I live, the worst crime we experience in my neighborhood is people stealing packages off porches. I’d be a wealthy woman if I had a dollar for every Ring video posted on Nextdoor.com of someone blatantly (no mask, nothing) stealing a package off a porch.

This concern bears out in safewise.com’s reporting,

Property crime, in general, and package theft specifically, were the top crime concerns of Californians, with 64% of respondents worrying about each daily.

Safewise.com

Is California Safe for Tourists?

California is generally safe for tourists, especially in major tourist areas, where many people congregate.

When traveling to any unfamiliar large city, it is wise to avoid traveling alone at night and be aware of your belongings.

I have lived in California, in two of its largest cities, for 20-plus years and have almost always felt safe, even when walking past the Tenderloin in San Francisco (only during the day). 

There was one time about 20 years ago when I was in Downtown LA very late at night after a party in a highrise and even walking with people to my car; I didn’t feel safe.

Most likely because it was my first time in DTLA, and this was long before the downtown was revitalized.

However, feeling safe is subjective. If you’ve had a bad experience when traveling to California, you won’t feel like it’s a safe place; otherwise, if nothing terrible happens to you when traveling, you’ll most likely consider it safe.

Is LA Safe to Visit?

Despite its bad wrap, LA is safe. When you visit Los Angeles, you’ll most likely experience parts of the city overrun with tourists.

Tourist attractions in major cities are usually super safe due to heightened security measures and a strong police presence to protect visitors.

These areas often have well-developed infrastructure and services to ensure a safe and enjoyable tourist experience.

The things that people in my neighborhood worry about most in Los Angeles are porch pirates and coyotes.

Occasionally, we hear about a smashed car window or a catalytic converter being taken from a car.

Never leave anything in the car to prevent your vehicle from being broken into. My friend had her purse stolen from her front seat; it was in plain view during the day.

Covid-19 Information and Safety in California

California has made significant progress in vaccinating its population. Although the State of Emergency is over, it’s essential to stay informed about vaccination rates and trends to ensure your safety.

Keep an eye on local vaccination rates and follow recommended guidelines.

Masking and Quarantine Requirements

As of this writing, California has no masking or quarantine requirements.

However, don’t be surprised if you see people wearing masks in California. You will. No one will pressure you to wear a mask, but I suggest wearing a mask in crowded places, especially the airport.

The airport is one of the highest-risk places to catch a cold, the flu, and Covid-19.

You don’t want to get sick and ruin your vacation. 

I haven’t worn a mask in a while; it’s almost like it was a dream from long ago. I never judge anyone who wants to wear a mask. You do you.

COVID CALIFORNIA TRAVEL INFORMATION
While I update the information here at least monthly, for the latest stats, see the below widget from Covid Act Now, which automatically updates Covid statistics in California. ⤵

California Crime Rate — Rates and Statistics

California Property Crime Rates

Most of the crimes in California are aggravated assaults and robberies in major urban areas. Property crime rates in California have been steadily declining since the 1990s.

While California does have a higher rate of property crimes compared to other states, many cities are taking steps to address these issues and ensure the safety of their residents. 

Tourists and locals are subject to petty theft, so it’s best to be on alert when traveling.

Property crimes such as burglary, vandalism, and trespassing are prevalent in California. These offenses can occur in various settings, including public transportation, urban areas, and restaurants.

To minimize the risk of becoming a victim, being vigilant and attentive to your belongings is advisable.

Carrying only essential items is recommended, and it’s wise to keep a limited amount of cash on hand, with the remainder stored securely in your hotel room and taking one credit card with you and leaving one in your hotel room. 

Taking these precautions can help ensure your safety and reduce the likelihood of falling prey to property crimes.

It’s essential to keep in mind that the chances of you being the victim of a property or violent crime are low, but taking common sense precautions will help you stay safe.

California Violent Crime Rates

Violent crime rates in California should also be considered when assessing overall safety.

Although some spots have higher violent crime rates, there are also areas with significantly lower rates, like small beach towns and communities and tourist attractions.

Gun Violence and Major Cities

Gun violence is a prevalent issue in the United States, with 57% of Californians worrying about it daily compared to the national average of 47%.

Major cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco can often see higher rates of gun violence, but it’s important to remember that these incidents are still relatively rare in comparison to the overall population. 

Being aware of your surroundings and conscious of potential safety risks will enable you to better protect yourself.

Check out our 21 Fun Things to Do for Your Birthday in Los Angeles for tour ideas. Visiting Hollywood, which can be sketchy, especially at night, on a group tour is the safest way to see Hollywood.

Safety in Public Transportation

When it comes to public transportation, California has made significant strides to ensure the safety and security of both residents and visitors.

Buses and trains are generally safe, but it is important to exercise caution, especially in crowded areas. 

Pay attention to your belongings, and avoid using your smartphone or other devices while on public transportation, which might make you a target for thieves.

Tourist Scams and Pickpockets

While California has a property crime rate lower than many other states, tourists should remain cautious of common scams prevalent in the Golden State, such as pickpocketing.

To help you stay aware and prepared, here are the primary scams you should be vigilant about:

🎟️ Tour Scams

Have you ever felt that someone is overcharging you because they know you’re a tourist? Most likely, they are. To avoid this, compare prices online and even buy your tour before you go to ensure you’re getting the best prices.

Viator Tour company is the one I recommend. They have a ton of tours to choose from at great prices. They offer tours all over the world, not just California.

💸 Pickpockets

Although the property crime rate in California has seen a significant decline this year compared to previous years, pickpocketing remains one of the most prevalent property crimes in the state, especially in large cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.

While the overall situation has improved, knowing that such incidents can still occur is crucial.

Travel Tip: An anti-theft purse or a backpack is a great way to go. Buy a bag with a strap that comfortably fits cross-body and zip your most valuable items in inside pockets. This is a great addition to your California packing list. ⤵

💳 Muggings

To ensure your safety, it is recommended to take certain precautions, such as avoiding walking alone at night and limit drinking, particularly in major cities.

While mugging incidents can occur during the day, the risk tends to be higher after sunset.

Whenever possible, consider using a personal vehicle or rideshare service to travel to and from your destinations, minimizing the need to walk on the streets at night. 

These measures can help enhance your personal safety while exploring California.

🚕 Taxi Scams

Taxi scams happen all over the world. These include taking a longer route intentionally, not turning the meter on, or claiming they don’t have change when you hand them a large bill.

To avoid these scams, investigate the route before you get into the taxi, carry smaller bills, and ask the driver to turn on the meter as soon as you get into the taxi. 

You can also choose Uber or Lyft when available instead of a cab.

⛽️ Gas Scams

Most scams happen at the pump. California has some of the highest gas prices in the country.

But, I’ve also been personally scammed by credit card hackers more than twice when getting gas. Both times I used my debit card.

To avoid this, use a credit card or cash. If you get hacked at the pump using a credit card, your credit card company will reimburse the funds. So will your bank that issues your debit card, but getting money back to your debit card is much more of a hassle, and in that case, hackers are taking actual money and not credit.

📱Asking an “innocent” bystander to take your photo

This is an old scam. Be careful when asking someone to take your photo in front of Lombard Street or Grauman’s Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard; people steal phones using this “method.”

Ask a family member to take the photo or another family with kids. 

🚘 Car theft

Whether you’re in the car driving or the car is parked somewhere, keep doors locked. You are safer that way.

Also, even if you’re running into a store to quickly pick something up, keep possessions in the car out of sight, like in the trunk or under the seats. It’s not uncommon for thieves to smash a window, grab what they can, and run.

Weather and Natural Disasters

Some less-obvious things you’ll want to watch out for in California are dehydration, sunburns, earthquakes, and hangovers!

It’s sunny here. 

The sun can negatively affect your skin all year round if you don’t use sunblock, and it dehydrates you faster than you’re used to. Drink up!

More life-threatening than a bad sunburn, though, is the fact that the destinations people tend to want to visit in California — San Diego, San Francisco, and Los Angeles — sit on top of the San Andreas Fault. 

Not to scare you, but we haven’t had a big earthquake in a while, and statistically, we are due for one.

The San Andreas Fault is a continental right-lateral strike-slip transform fault that extends roughly 1,200 kilometers (750 mi) through California.

As a local Californian, I’ve never really felt the earthquakes we have; they are so small. This always surprises family members when they call to ask if I’m OK.

I haven’t been through a big one, though. 🤞🏻🤞🏻

In the event of an earthquake, it is advisable to either seek shelter under a sturdy table, or in a doorway, take cover to protect your head, or quickly move outside where there is no risk of infrastructure collapsing.

Additionally, it is important to be mindful of rainstorms in California. 

While Southern California is predominantly dry and receives limited rainfall, Northern California experiences a considerable amount. Depending on the time of your visit, it is wise to be prepared for unexpected rainstorms by bringing a rain jacket.

Is It Safe to Drink the Water in California?

Drinking tap water in California is safe, although many Californians don’t. You won’t get sick from drinking the tap water, but it’s not clean.

To filter out harmful contaminants, I recommend The Water-To-Go Bottle, which incorporates a three-stage filtration mechanism that eliminates 99.9999% of waterborne pollutants, such as viruses, bacteria, microplastics, heavy metals, and chemicals. 

I can attest to its efficacy as I own three and can confidently consume tap water anywhere I travel without concern.

Safe Neighborhoods in California

Most beach towns in California are considered safe and suitable for both stays and visits. Among the safest beach cities are Laguna Beach, Stinson Beach, Santa Barbara Beaches, and Carmel-by-the-Sea.

These coastal towns, known for their high median household income, generally experience low crime rates, making them family-friendly destinations.

California’s mountain towns are generally regarded as safe areas to stay within the state. Examples of such towns include Lake Tahoe, Lake Arrowhead, and Idyllwild. 

Due to their somewhat remote locations and the effort required to reach them, these places tend to have lower property crime rates.

Additionally, neighborhoods in California with a high cost of living, such as Beverly Hills and Palm Springs, are considered safe. 

The elevated prices of rent, hotels, and food in these areas act as a deterrent for potential thieves, making them less likely to target these places.

10 California Safety Tips for Traveling Safely in California

1. Trust Your Intuition

One of the most important factors in staying safe anywhere you travel is to learn to trust your intuition. 

In Gavin de Becker’s groundbreaking book – and one of my favorites – The Gift of Fear, he explains how trusting your intuition can save your life.

Have you ever not trusted your intuition – the funny feeling you get in your gut that tells you something isn’t right – then what your thought would happen happens?

Trust that feeling; it’s always right. Get this book; I listen to the audio version once a year. It’s a fascinating look into human psychology.

2. There’s Safety in Numbers

Don’t walk alone at night. I vacillated between putting this tip as number one or Trust Your Intuition. They are equally important. You are a target, especially if you’re a woman when you walk by yourself at night.

There are so many options to avoid this. Have a friend walk you back to your hotel, then call her a cab. Take an Uber or Lyft. Call your hotel to come pick you up. There is safety in numbers.

3. Use a VPN

I’m surprised more people don’t use a VPN (Virtual Private Network); they are so inexpensive compared to the cost of hackers stealing your information.

VPNs allow you to create a secure network connection over a shared network. 

When you’re in a coffee shop and using their WiFi, for example, you’re digitally connected to all the other people in the cafe on the same network.

This puts your private information, like bank account numbers, credit card numbers, and cryptocurrency, in jeopardy of being hacked.

I use NordVPN. I love it! It’s simple to use for non-techie peeps like me.

With one account, you can put it on several devices and share it with family members. I set mine up in 15 minutes.

4. Be Aware of California’s Crazy Drivers

Planning on renting a car in California to visit some of the beautiful surrounding areas? That’s a good idea, except know before you do that we have some of the craziest, most aggressive drivers on highways that are sometimes ten lanes across.

Everyone seems to be in a hurry.

Good advice is to stay in the right lanes when you need help determining where you’re going and take it slow.

Bring a cellphone holder with you or purchase one because you will need it. You can’t hold your phone because it’s dangerous and illegal. 

And unless you’ve studied every map before you come to California, Google will be your best friend.

5. Avoid Public Transportation During Rush Hour and at Night

In California, the highest risk of pickpocketing typically occurs during rush hour on public transportation. 

It is crucial to exercise additional caution, especially when public buses are overcrowded with passengers, as this is when the likelihood of falling victim to scams is the greatest.

Also, I would avoid taking public transportation in Los Angeles at night. It’s not safe.

6. Keep Items Hidden in Parked Cars

If you plan to rent a car in California, a good rule of thumb is keep the inside of your car empty. 

Keep items in the trunk or under seats so possessions are out of sight. 

If you leave stuff in your car in plain sight, it invites thieves to take your property, breaking a window in the process.

7. Get Travel Insurance

Looking for an extra layer of security and tranquility during these uncertain times of travel? Just as you safeguard your car, home, and personal well-being, you can also protect your luggage, belongings, and health while on a trip. 

Drawing from my extensive experience in traveling in California, I can confidently assure you that mishaps are bound to occur! And most likely when you least expect them to.

If California travel safety is on your mind, get your FREE quote below ⤵ from World Nomads and SafetyWing, two of the biggest names in travel insurance.

• World Nomads: Ideal for general and adventure travelers
• SafetyWing: Ideal for long-term travelers and digital nomads

8. Take Group Tours

If there’s somewhere you want to go that’s not making any “Safest Places to Visit in California” lists, go with a group tour. 

Two of the best companies to use are Viator and Get Your Guide, two well-known tour operators. They both have plenty of California tours to choose from, and in places all over the country.

9. Avoid Flashy Clothes and Jewelry

Leave valuables at home. When you travel, you’re in unfamiliar surroundings; it’s best to blend in and have your wits about you and not worry about that special, irreplaceable heirloom given to you by your mother. 

You don’t want to risk standing out as a target by wearing expensive jewelry and fancy clothes that scream, Hey! Look at me!

10. Keep Some Things Personal

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to divulge every detail about your life and travel plans just because you’re engaged in a conversation with someone.

It’s perfectly fine to withhold information, especially if you have a gut feeling that something is off about the person. 

Trusting your intuition is crucial.

If you’re unsure or uncomfortable about answering a question, it’s completely acceptable to respond with “I’m not sure,” “I haven’t decided yet,” or even a simple “I don’t know” 🤷‍♀️. You can also provide vague responses when necessary. For instance, if someone asks about your accommodation, you can say, “I’m staying Downtown.”

Is California Safe: FAQs

Is California a safe place to live?

California was ranked as the 27th safest state in the country, earning a total score of 48.94. As a local who has lived in California her entire adult life, California is very safe. 

Is California safe for tourists?

Yes, statically, it is quite safe to travel in California. There are barely any violent crimes in cities in California. If you are worried, stick to beach towns and tourist attractions with fewer property crimes. 

What is the safest city in California?

According to the Safe Cities Index, San Francisco is the safest city in California, coming in at number 15, with Los Angeles two numbers down on the list at 18.

Is it safe to visit Los Angeles California?

Yes! Los Angeles is one of the safest cities to visit in the US. Los Angeles received a very high overall score of 76.5 on the 2021 Safe Cities Index, making it the 18th-safest city among 60 cities worldwide. 

Is California or Texas safer?

California is safer than Texas. According to the latest data available from the Centers for Disease Control, the firearm death rate in California in 2020 stood at 8.5 per 100,000 individuals.

In comparison, Texas had a higher rate of 14.2.

When considering safety rankings, WalletHub placed California as the 36th safest state last year, while Texas ranked 47th.

Is it safe to walk around in California?

California is recognized as a safe and secure place to live. Based on FBI data, the state does not fall within the category of states with the highest crime rates. 

Moreover, numerous cities within California are known for their safety. Walking on the streets is considered safe in California. As with any place, it’s best not to walk alone at night, especially for women. 

Is it safe to drive in California?

Overall, California is one of the more safe places to drive. We have one of the best freeway systems for such a large state, with well-lit and maintained roads and many designated HOV lanes.

However, your risk of getting into an accident is significantly higher when it comes to areas with high traffic, hello! Los Angeles and San Francisco!

Whatever state you’re in, do your best to drive defensively on the road.

Is Beverly Hills safe at night?

For the most part, yes. When it comes to Beverly Hills, there are hardly any areas considered unsafe. While you may come across some lively activity on Sunset Blvd during weekend nights, and the occasional homeless person, that’s typically the extent of it. 

Nonetheless, it’s important to remember that crime can occur anywhere, so it’s wise to remain vigilant and mindful of your surroundings at all times. There is safety in numbers. 

What is the least safest city in California?

Emeryville, outside of San Francisco. According to recent data, Emeryville ranks as the most dangerous city in California. Despite having approximately 12,000 residents, its crime rate exceeds 18,000 incidents per 100,000 people. This alarming figure places Emeryville at a violent crime rate 272% higher than the national average. These statistics were recorded as of April 24, 2023.

Where is the least crime in California?

Danville, situated in the San Ramon Valley, is recognized as the safest city in California. With a population of 43,582, Danville boasts an impressively low crime rate that is 78% lower than the state average. This suburban town provides residents with a peaceful living environment within the Bay Area, offering a welcome respite from the nearby urban areas.

Where does California rank in crime rates?

According to available nationwide statistics from 2021, aggravated assaults accounted for 67% of reported violent crimes in California. Robberies comprised 24% of the total, while rape constituted 8%, and homicides made up 1%. 

In terms of the overall violent crime rate, California exceeded the national average of 387 incidents per 100,000 residents in 2020, ranking 16th among all states.

Please note that these figures represent the latest data available at the national level.

Is violent crime higher in Texas or California?

Violent crime and property crime is higher in Texas than it is in California. 

Is LA safe to live?

Yes. As a long-time Angeleno, Los Angeles is a very safe place to live.

Final Thoughts: Is California Safe to Visit Right Now?

Despite my extensive travels and current residence in California, I have deliberately tried (and failed) to refrain from making a definitive statement about California’s safety.

That’s because whether it’s safe to travel in California or not lacks a more straightforward answer than everyone seeks.

No one can provide an absolute response to this question.

We can offer statistics, which I’ve tried to do here and avoid overwhelming you with numbers.

The reality is that if you visit California and nothing unfortunate happens from your perspective, then you can consider yourself safe in California.

Conversely, if you experience something, you deem negative while in California, then you might conclude that you were not safe.

From my personal experience, I have felt very safe in California. I feel very safe in most areas of Los Angeles and San Francisco because I know every part of them well.

I was more cautious when I first moved to these cities, but once you get to know them intimately, you instinctively know what to look out for. Keeping your safety and your family’s safety in mind should be your top priority.

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