Downtown at Night in Los Angeles and Other Warnings and Dangers

The city of Los Angeles is among the most famous in the world and an annual destination for tens of millions of tourists. However, like all major cities, there are warnings to heed and dangers to be aware of when in downtown at night.

Downtown Los Angeles is not the greatest place to be at night. During the week, it is a ghost town, with most shops closing up around six in the evening. The majority of the people leave the city for surrounding areas. The best warning is to stay away from downtown after sunset. When the crowd goes home, shadier sorts of people come around, including drug users. Among the worst parts about the nightlife downtown after five is, in addition to so many people leaving the area, there are a significant number of homeless that appear. While most are harmless, you will encounter the occasional individual who is too aggressive. General warnings for anyone driving around the area is not to park your car anywhere you feel uncomfortable leaving it. Also, if you’re out after dark, stay in populated, well-lit areas.

There is a list of places to avoid after dark. These include East Hollywood, Downtown, Skid Row, Alameda, Long Beach, South Central, Westlake and MacArthur Park, Mid-City, East L.A., Highland Park and Lincoln Heights. Some of these places center around downtown but others extend further out to the city's edge.

Macarthur Park and the Westlake District are not places venture aimlessly at night. If going during the day, use extra precaution. When the sun is still out, locals do relax at the park while taking in some sun around the pond here. Since the turn of the century, there have been visible improvements to the area, with more policing and beautification of the park and immediate surroundings.

Skid Row is probably the worst area of the city, with high crime, a large homeless population, and a general lack of safety. On Hollywood, you have to take extra precautions after dark. Make sure to guard your car and belongings if you’re there after dark. At daylight, you’ll fare better, but this still isn’t a great part of the city. Keep an eye out when you are walking around and try not to carry too many valuables

There are a number of mentally ill and homeless people walking around Los Angeles. Those with mental issues can be abusive at times, particularly those closer to downtown. While not all of them are dangerous, tourists should take care to remain alert to their surroundings

Editor's note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warning and dangers in Los Angeles.