A guide to solo female travel, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the city of angels — a sprawling city of iconic landmarks, celebrity hideouts, beaches, artsy neighborhoods, and diverse dining — is the city that has it all! For a solo female traveler, it can be slightly overwhelming, but we’re here to help. Here’s our useful guide on how to solo travel through Tinseltown…

Key takeaways

• Solo female travel in Los Angeles
• Best time to visit Los Angeles
• Must-see places in Los Angeles
• Things to do in Los Angeles
• Getting around Los Angeles
• Weather in Los Angeles
• Accommodation for solo female travelers in Los Angeles
• Is Los Angeles safe for solo female travelers?
• Tips from a Los Angeles local
• Los Angeles for solo female pet sitters
• Things to do with dogs in Los Angeles
• House and pet sits in Los Angeles

Solo female travel in Los Angeles

Best time to visit Los Angeles

The best time to visit LA will wholly depend on whether you’re there for the weather, the sights, or simply to soak up the vibes. Overall, March to May & September to November are considered to be the most ideal for many solo female travelers. Spring and Fall offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices compared to the peak summer season. Temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to mid-70s °F (18-24 °C), making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

Must-see places in Los Angeles

Hollywood! 

If this is your first time in LA, you can’t not visit all the Hollywood sights! Whether it’s the Hollywood Walk of Fame (with over 2,700 stars embedded along Hollywood Boulevard), the Hollywood Sign, or TCL Chinese Theatre, movie buffs can easily lose themselves in these fabulously famous sights.

Historic neighborhoods and buildings

Los Angeles is bursting with US history and is an eclectic melting point of many different cultures. If you’re heading up to see the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory is one of the best places to see this alongside amazing city views. It also hosts year-round exhibits and planetarium shows if you fancy soaking up some knowledge. For more art exhibitions and installations, head to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) which is famous for its outdoor exhibit, Urban Light.

Otherwise, you can stroll down the historic high streets of Olvera Street (part of LA's birthplace, The Arts District, Angelino Heights, and Downtown LA. Or kick back and find your feet on the iconic walkways of Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach Boardwalk.

Beaches

Los Angeles is as famous for its beaches as it is its residence. If you’re looking for a classic LA beach with soft sand and views of the pier, you need to head to the iconic Santa Monica Beach. Be warned, it is a tourist hotspot, so if you’re looking for something a bit more low quay you can try Malibu’s Zuma Beach, the relaxing Manhattan Beach, or the secluded and gorgeous El Matador Beach.

Things to do in Los Angeles

Cultural & Arts

You can’t move for art and culture in Los Angeles, so if you’re a solo traveler who is looking to learn, you can start at the La Brea Tar Pits and Natural History Museum. For art connoisseurs, you have the choice of The Broad Museum and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) which boast large collections of contemporary art.  If you’re a music lover, you have to stop by the beautiful Walt Disney Concert Hall, home to the LA Philharmonic.

Attractions

If you’re a thrill seeker who loves movie-themed parks, you have to swing by the Universal Studios Hollywood and Disneyland & California Adventure (it’s not just for kids). There’s also the famous Los Angeles Zoo in Griffith Park if you’re an animal lover.

Shopping & Entertainment

A solo trip to LA can’t be completed without seeing the shopping and entertainment districts. If you have some extra bucks to hand, check out the luxury shops around Rodeo Drive, Melrose Avenue, and The Grove. If you’re looking for a fancy night out (and the possibility of doing some celebrity spotting), Sunset Strip has the best clubs and bars in the city. For foodies, LA stocks every type of cuisine you can think of, however, it’s best known for its exceptional, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, and Koreatown. If you’re unsure where to eat, check out the Grand Central Market food hall instead.

Outdoor Spots

Despite the glitz and glam of the movie world and high-end shops, the surrounding Los Angeles area is also a great place for nature outdoor travelers. Runyon Canyon is a popular hiking trail with panoramic views of the city and other outdoor activities. Travelers seeking a more serene stroll, spend a sunny day wandering the gardens of The Getty Center, Los Angeles Arboretum, or The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens.

Getting around Los Angeles

In all honesty, Los Angeles is not known for having the best public transport available. However, there are options for those who don’t want to add to the crazy traffic in and around the city. LA Metro (Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority) provides both rail and bus systems: Metro Rail System, Metro Bus System, and Metro Busway (Bus Rapid Transit) run across the city to all the main sights. While the LADOT-operated DASH provides small buses at low-cost rides in various neighborhoods.

Otherwise, the cheapest way to get around LA is using Uber or Lyft ride-share taxis. But, due to LA’s consistently good weather, you can also choose to hire bikes or electric scooters at various spots all over the city.

Weather in Los Angeles

Speaking of the weather, Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. Humidity is relatively low year-round, but coastal areas experience some humidity, especially with marine layer fog in the mornings. Fun fact, LA also has an average of 284 sunny days per year. However, summertime can also lead to wildfires, so keep an eye on the weather reports if you’re visiting at this time. 

Accommodation for solo female travelers in Los Angeles

As we always say: The best way to stay anywhere is by pet sitting. It’s an enriching experience for those looking for an extra something on their solo travels. Rewarding, fun, and a great way to see huge cities like LA, you can’t beat the overall experience of pet sitting.

However, if no pet sits are available, LA is packed with hotels ranging in prices. For solo female travelers, there’s the historic Hotel Figueroa which was set up by women for women! It has some deep feminist roots and this is still reflected in how they run things to this day.

Otherwise, if a more communal hostel vibe is your thing, some of the best-priced in the safest areas include, HI Los Angeles - Santa Monica Hostel, Freehand Los Angeles, Banana Bungalow West Hollywood, and The Rumi Hostel.

Is Los Angeles safe for solo female travelers?

Los Angeles can be a safe destination for solo female travelers with the right precautions. Like any major city in the US, it has safer areas and others where it's better to be more cautious. Here's a breakdown of what to consider:

• Stay in well-reviewed accommodations in safer neighborhoods.
• Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas.
• Keep belongings secure and avoid displaying expensive items like jewelry or electronics.
• Use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft for getting around at night.
• Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
• Share your itinerary with friends or family and check in regularly.
• Stay in busy, tourist-friendly areas during sightseeing.

Tips from a Los Angeles local

Here are some insider tips for visiting Los Angeles from a local's perspective, helping you make the most of your time in the City of Angels.

• Avoid rush hour - Traffic in LA is infamous. Try to avoid freeways between 7-10 AM and 3-7 PM if possible. Use apps like Waze or Google Maps for real-time updates.
• Hidden Beaches - Yes, they exist in LA! Try El Matador Beach in Malibu or Abalone Cove in Palos Verdes for fewer crowds.
• Taco trucks - LA’s street taco scene is unbeatable (taco scenes are a thing!). Try Leo's Tacos Truck or Tacos 1986.
• Stay hydrated - It’s often dry and sunny, so carry water, especially if you’re hiking or exploring outdoors.
• The best sunset spots - Santa Monica Pier, Topanga State Park, or The Getty for stunning views.

Los Angeles for solo female pet sitters

Things to do with dogs in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles locals love their dogs! So, it makes sense that the city offers a variety of dog-friendly activities that you and your canine companion can enjoy together. Of course, always double-check the dog policies in places, just in case to avoid disappointment.

Runyon Canyon Park

A 160-acre park featuring a 90-acre off-leash area and numerous hiking trails. It's a popular spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy outdoor activities with their dogs. 

Rosie's Dog Beach

Located in Long Beach, this is the only legal off-leash dog beach in L.A. County, providing a great place for dogs to play in the surf and sand. 

Lake Hollywood Park

Offers an excellent view of the Hollywood sign and is a favorite spot for dog owners. While dogs must be on a leash, it's a pleasant area for a leisurely walk. 

The Morrison

A dog-friendly restaurant in Los Angeles that offers a special menu for dogs, making it a delightful dining experience for both you and your pet. 

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

Features five miles of trails, picnic areas, and a fishing lake. Dogs are welcome on a leash, making it a versatile spot for various outdoor activities. 

House and pet sits in Los Angeles

If you haven’t worked it out already, LA is HUGE. There are so many different neighborhoods to choose from and luckily we have house sits available across the City of Angels. While we may not be able to guarantee anything on Sunset Strip (although, never say never!), check out the latest pet sits available around Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Venice Beach. Enjoy the sites with a furry friend in tow or a paw-some pal to love and care for.