Unsafe areas of LA

[mkmommy]

We are going on the Wonder next month, and I keep reading that many people feel safer in Cabo than LA.

We will have a car in LA and was thinking of heading to Griffin Park and then maybe Hollywood, but would like to know what are areas that I should avoid?


Thinking of staying near LAX or San Pedro the night before the cruise, any areas around LAX to avoid?

 

[disneyfaninaz]

Hi Lisa,

How are things? So you're heading over to the west coast this year.

Is there anyway to fit a trip into Disneyland?

We are cruising out of San Pedro in October for the Pacific Coast Cruise. We are staying in San Pedro at the Crowne Plaza. Seems to be a popular place to stay the night before a Wonder cruise.

As far as places to avoid, just keep to the touristy areas and you should be fine. If you're going to Hollywood, check out the Disney ice cream shoppe next to the El Capitan theater.

Have a great cruise!

 

[lilpooh108]

Unless you're staying right on the main strip of hotels near LAX (Marriott, Sheraton, Radisson, Westin), I wouldn't really stay near LAX. The areas surrounding LAX isn't that safe and there's nothing to see.

If you're keeping the car for the week you're on the cruise why don't you stay near the port for Park and Cruise?

 

[inhousemouse]

We just went down to LA and on a Wonder Cruise. We went a few days before and stayed in Long Beach at the comfort inn on East Willow. LOVED Long Beach and the Aquarium of the Pacific. We were a short walk to the transit so we took it up into Hollywood. We did the Hop On Hop Off Tour for the red line... takes you around Beverly Hills, Hollywood. Was so much fun and took the whole day. We didn't even have a chance to check out the Kodak or Chinese Theater. (we have a 2 young children, 1 needing his stoller still) The tour took us over to the Farmers Market and Grove. That was so cool and could have also taken most of a day to really explore.

We aren't use to public transportation and it took us a bit to figure out how to buy a ticket from the machine. But some locals took pity on us and walked us through it. Everyone was so friendly and helpful!

I personally always felt safe even with 2 little ones. In Long Beach we had a CVS and other stores across the street and I felt safe enough to go across shopping on my own at 11pm. So I left my DH and kids to relax while I explored a bit and picked up some milk and juice for the kids. I come from Windsor, Ontario where is reasonably quiet and we went for a stretch of like 26 months with no murders so I have very high standards for feeling safe.

We did check out the Disney Soda shop in Hollywood. Food was decent and a good price. Food nothing special but we did enjoy ourselves and it was a cool place to say we stopped at. Didn't know it was there when we headed that way so it was a fun find.

We headed up to Lakewood shopping center in Lakewood and that was fun. Could have had a LOT more fun there if we gave ourselves a lot more packing space and time. Good Disney store there though. Went to a Red Robins for dinner and that was amazing.. we don't have them here.
That also felt safe.

The only area we were really careful and felt that it might be unsafe was at the Holiday Inn in Hawthorn. Hotel was great, good shuttle to the airport. Great huge room, beautiful pool area and very friendly staff but as people warned me here the area was a bit rough. My DH wouldn't let me walk around alone here and that was fine with me. We went there after the cruise and we had an early flight so I just wanted to hang out in the room and rest with with the wee ones.

Don't know when we will do another cruise.. we'll wait till the kids are older. But we are already talking about our next trip to the LA area.

 

[ALK$Disney]

We are going on the Wonder next month, and I keep reading that many people feel safer in Cabo than LA.

We will have a car in LA and was thinking of heading to Griffin Park and then maybe Hollywood, but would like to know what are areas that I should avoid?


Thinking of staying near LAX or San Pedro the night before the cruise, any areas around LAX to avoid?

I have lived in SOuther California all my life, and here is my take.

I would not stay in the areas around LAX. If you have to stay near LAX then stay at the main hotels on Century Blvd.

I would highly recommend staying near the Long Beach Airport, its a very nice and safe area and there are a lot of things to do in the area. I have lived in this area for 30 years and raised my 5 year old daughter here. There are some bad areas of Long Beach, but near the airport is good. If you stay in Long Beach you are only a few miles away from the port as well.

Griffith park is a pretty nice place to visit, you will have great views of the city of Los Angeles from up there. Also, the Hollywood sign is up there. Hollywood walk of fame is only a few miles from the park. I would recommend you drive through Los Feliz, Beverly Hills, and drive down Rodeo Drive.

Don't worry too much LA is not that bad of a place at all. You will be fine, enjoy your stay and if you have any question I will be happy to answer.

 

[sayhello]

I'd stay away from the area near the Forum (an arena where the Lakers used to play). That whole area of LA is pretty scary.

I also agree with the PP's who say not to stay near LAX. It's a bad area, and not really close to anything except for the freeway.

Sayhello

 

[princesscinderella]

You definitely need to get an in and out burger, they are awesome!

 

[MBPrincessMoM]

LA is like any big city - you need to be aware of what's around you but don't worry. I would go to Griffith park, etc. during the day. LAX is like any big airport. The big chain hotels right by the airport are fine and close. LAX is on the ocean and some of the nicest beaches are just to the north or south. I would avoid going too far inland (east). I second how much fun Long Beach is and do recommend Disneyland especially California Adventure since it is very different from WDW.

 

[woody73]

I'd stay away from the area near the Forum (an arena where the Lakers used to play). That whole area of LA is pretty scary.

The Forum is in Inglewood, which is east of LAX.

Woody

 

[lilpooh108]

The only area we were really careful and felt that it might be unsafe was at the Holiday Inn in Hawthorn.

My car broke down in Hawthorne once. I coasted it to a 7/11 and had to fight with the clerk to allow me to leave it there. He said he couldn't guarantee that it'd still be there when I got back with the tow truck since I refused to stand outside waiting for the tow truck...because Hawthorne is

 

[MillauFr]

The most dangerous place in LA by far is when you are in your car driving on the freeway. Hundreds of people die every year in auto accidents. Walking around in any high crime area in LA is far safer than driving.

 

[inhousemouse]

My car broke down in Hawthorne once. I coasted it to a 7/11 and had to fight with the clerk to allow me to leave it there. He said he couldn't guarantee that it'd still be there when I got back with the tow truck since I refused to stand outside waiting for the tow truck...because Hawthorne is

We were only there for 2 nights.. second morning we had to leave the hotel by 4AM. So it wasn't to bad... first night we did Pizza Hut delivery and second day my DH just went over to Subway which was near by. But it was the dark side of the moon compared to Long Beach and therefore we never went out after dark and I never went out or took the kids out. But then again it wasn't an issue because I was warned on here before we went so we knew to be careful. Also we had been sick on board and really just wanted to hang out in our over size room and watch tv.

 

[PizzieDuster]

I would never go to Griff.park. Ever. And agree with others, don't stay near the airport. I only go to LA for USC games (season tickets holders for over 20 years). The Barkleys are good friends...FIGHT ON!

With that said...I'd stay in Westwood lol or anywhere near the beaches.

 

[disfan07]

As a PP said, LA is like any other large city....good areas and bad areas.

I agree about staying near LAX...only if you stay in one of the major hotels right near the airport.

LA is really not that bad...and this is coming from someone who grew up in a very very safe suburb.

If you are looking for somewher to stay for a couple of days in the LA area, I would recommend lookig at some places in the Beverly Hills, West LA area. The prices for the large chain hotels are actually not terrible (unless it is around Christmas) and overall, a very nice area.

If you want to see some really good views and it is a clear day while you are there, the Getty Center is a great place to go.

We've been about 5 times (we take ALL out of town guests there) and we've only ever actually been inside once. We just find it so relaxing up there adn love the views.

And I agree with the PP about driving! Especially in Southern California. I drive from Orange County to LA once a week and people are nuts. And I learned how to drive on the 495 and 95 in the DC area and they are nowhere near as crazy as the people on the 405!!

 

[mkmommy]

Hi Lisa,

How are things? So you're heading over to the west coast this year.

Is there anyway to fit a trip into Disneyland?

We are cruising out of San Pedro in October for the Pacific Coast Cruise. We are staying in San Pedro at the Crowne Plaza. Seems to be a popular place to stay the night before a Wonder cruise.

As far as places to avoid, just keep to the touristy areas and you should be fine. If you're going to Hollywood, check out the Disney ice cream shoppe next to the El Capitan theater.



Have a great cruise!

Yes we are heading West this year, the price was too good.

We are getting excited, but no time for Disneland.


Thanks for all the tips. Not too worried about driving in LA, I drive in Toronto and traffic is crazy here too, but I will try and avoid freeways.

 

[luv2sleep]

I'm from LA and I have to say that this thread makes LA sound so scary. It's not. I lived in NY for a year and felt very uncomfortable there. Same with Chicago. Griffith Park is a wonderful place to visit. We like the train ride, pony rides, carousel, the Observatory and frequent the LA Zoo there often. I have no issues with the freeways except for the traffic. Long Beach is fun. So is Santa Monica. For the cruise I'd just stay in LB, San Pedro, Palos Verdes or in any of the beach cities (Hermosa, Manhattan, Santa Monica). Walk the strand, rent bikes and ride it. It's so much fun! If I were visiting LA I'd just hang at the beach, ride bikes, eat in the many restaurants along it, visit Farmer's Market and maybe go to the Giffith Park Observatory. Breathtaking views from there! Enjoy my city and have fun! I love LA and wouldn't live anywhere else!

 

[BibbidyBobbidyBoo]

^^ cosign that.
Just returned from a 2 week trip to LA (that only involved a few days at DL believe it or not! LOL) - the first night we stayed in an economical hotel near hollywood sign area... and last night in hotel a mile or so away from LAX. We did a lot of sightseeing and driving (driving is the only complaint there- besides the smog which can do a number on your sinuses apparently LOL) throughout those two weeks in all areas and never felt unsafe even though most of the trip it was just me and a friend (female few years younger than myself.) We visited "touristy" areas as well as areas off the beaten path and the worst we encountered were some weirdos on Hollywood blvd (and some obviously mentally unstable homeless ppl there too) but never felt in danger, way too many ppl around to help or witness if anything were to happen. Have fun on your trip!

 

[abayaflowers]

I would never go to Griff.park. Ever. And agree with others, don't stay near the airport. I only go to LA for USC games (season tickets holders for over 20 years). The Barkleys are good friends...FIGHT ON!

With that said...I'd stay in Westwood lol or anywhere near the beaches.

I lived in East LA (Downey, CA) as a child and it was really pretty sketchy then. Over the years, it has become worse. Remember, East LA. But, overall you should be fine.

I actually like the Zoo at Griffin Park. Small Zoo. It's near Pasadena and that's a cute town. Home to offices of Kaiser, Disney, and CalTech. Just remember the farther you are away from LAX, it will add more to your commute back to the airport.

It is true that the freeways are dangerous. I would say the average MPH is 80. Crazy, but it's true. Just remember to use your blinker when you need to change lanes or get off the freeway.

I like Pasadena, but again it is very far to commute during commuter hours. It's technically 33 miles away, but it will take up to 2 hours just to get there or back during commuter hours.

The only time that I found traveling through LA without traffic is 1 a.m. in the morning.

Try Avenue of the Stars hotel, it near Rodeo drive and the FOX studios. You can also try Long Beach or Huntington Beach.

If you are daring the freeways, try to stay in Newport Beach. I graduated from University of California in Irvine located next to Newport Beach. It's really beautiful. You can try Balboa Island... so nice near Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).

It's all the traffic from there to LAX.

Good luck!

 

[inhousemouse]

Yes we are heading West this year, the price was too good.

We are getting excited, but no time for Disneland.


Thanks for all the tips. Not too worried about driving in LA, I drive in Toronto and traffic is crazy here too, but I will try and avoid freeways.

I've been to Toronto many times and my Husband lived and learned how to drive in TO and honestly neither of us would ever attempt LA driving. It's way busier then TO and the highways are HUGE! compared to any up here. I might attempt around some outer areas but not in the thick of it. The public transportation is really easier to use and cheaper then driving.

 

[sayhello]

I would never go to Griff.park. Ever. And agree with others, don't stay near the airport. I only go to LA for USC games (season tickets holders for over 20 years). The Barkleys are good friends...FIGHT ON!

Why in the world not? Griffith Park is beautiful, and has so much to see and do.

I'm from LA and I have to say that this thread makes LA sound so scary. It's not. I lived in NY for a year and felt very uncomfortable there. Same with Chicago. Griffith Park is a wonderful place to visit. We like the train ride, pony rides, carousel, the Observatory and frequent the LA Zoo there often. I have no issues with the freeways except for the traffic. Long Beach is fun. So is Santa Monica. For the cruise I'd just stay in LB, San Pedro, Palos Verdes or in any of the beach cities (Hermosa, Manhattan, Santa Monica). Walk the strand, rent bikes and ride it. It's so much fun! If I were visiting LA I'd just hang at the beach, ride bikes, eat in the many restaurants along it, visit Farmer's Market and maybe go to the Giffith Park Observatory. Breathtaking views from there! Enjoy my city and have fun! I love LA and wouldn't live anywhere else!

I agree with all of this! Unfortunately, the traffic is a serious pain, but there's lots to see & do in LA!

It is true that the freeways are dangerous. I would say the average MPH is 80. Crazy, but it's true. Just remember to use your blinker when you need to change lanes or get off the freeway.

When and where is that? Most times in LA, you're lucky if you're going 35 MPH on the freeways! Usually, you crawl. 6 lanes of traffic, both directions (a total of 12) and completely stopped. I grew up in Southern California, and you'd think I'd be used to it, but I still can't stand going back & driving there.

The real danger driving there is the people who try to shoehorn their car in front of you when there's only 2 feet between you and the car in front of you.

Sayhello