Which areas should we skip?

Question

Wife and I have been planning a trip to the west coast since we have never been there and we are from South America so we don't exactly follow whatever is going on there outside what the media show which I know isn't exactly always the truth.

Lately we saw different cases related to violence in general and now we are wondering if there are places we shouldn't go to there. Our initial goal was to visit most tourists attractions like Disneylsnd, Universal studios, aquarium, Yosemite and so on. Are those areas safe in general? Are there places we should definitely skip?

Answer

Visiting the West Coast of the United States can be a wonderful experience, and most major tourist attractions are generally safe for visitors. Places like Disneyland in Anaheim, Universal Studios in Los Angeles, the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and Yosemite National Park see millions of visitors every year and have well-maintained security and safety measures. Violent crime is rare in these specific tourist areas, though petty theft like pickpocketing or car break-ins can occur, especially in crowded places or parking lots.

While the main attractions are safe, some urban areas in large cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland have neighborhoods where higher crime rates are reported. It’s not that the cities themselves are unsafe, but certain districts are known for violent crime, gang activity, or property crime. As tourists, it’s best to be aware of these areas and plan accordingly.

Areas in California that visitors often choose to avoid for safety reasons include:

Skid Row in downtown Los Angeles – known for homelessness and related crimes.
Some neighborhoods in Oakland – especially parts of West Oakland and East Oakland.
Parts of South Central Los Angeles – certain areas have higher violent crime rates.
Some neighborhoods in San Francisco – Tenderloin district is known for drug activity and theft.
Certain parts of Sacramento, Fresno, and Stockton – typically outside tourist zones.

Most tourist areas are well-policed and are safe to visit if standard precautions are taken:

Keep valuables out of sight or in a hotel safe.
Be cautious when using ATMs or walking alone at night in urban areas.
Stay in well-populated, well-lit areas and use rideshare services if unsure about walking at night.
Check local guidance or your hotel staff for any recent safety advisories.

Natural attractions like Yosemite National Park, Sequoia, and Big Sur are generally very safe, but they do have their own risks like wildlife encounters, hiking hazards, and seasonal weather conditions. Always follow park guidelines, stay on marked trails, and be aware of your surroundings.

In summary, you can safely enjoy most iconic West Coast destinations without major concern. Avoid high-crime urban neighborhoods, be cautious with belongings, and follow common-sense safety measures, and your trip should be enjoyable and trouble-free.

Which areas should we skip?

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