California is America's most populous and diverse state, stretching 1,300 kilometers along the Pacific Coast from the Oregon border to Mexico. It encompasses everything from sun-drenched beaches and towering redwood forests to the dramatic Sierra Nevada mountains and the arid Mojave Desert.
California is generally safe for tourists with world-class infrastructure and well-patrolled parks and cities. The main risks are property crime in urban areas, natural hazards (wildfires, earthquakes, rip currents, extreme heat), and road safety in congested metro areas.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise normal precautions. Property crime rates are elevated in major cities; store valuables securely. Check wildfire conditions before outdoor activities June–November. Follow national park safety guidelines.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Exercise Normal Precautions
California is a domestic US destination; standard travel precautions apply
Property Crime Alert
Vehicle break-ins are prevalent in San Francisco and Los Angeles — never leave items visible in parked cars
Wildfire Season Warning
Elevated wildfire risk June–November; check air quality and evacuation orders before visiting mountain or rural areas
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Never leave valuables visible in parked cars — smash-and-grab theft is extremely common in San Francisco, Oakland, and Los Angeles
Monitor Cal Fire alerts before and during your visit, especially June through November wildfire season
Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and respect rip current warnings — California's Pacific surf is powerful and cold
Know earthquake safety: Drop, Cover, and Hold On under sturdy furniture; do not run outside during shaking
Carry at least 1 gallon of water per person per day in desert areas like Death Valley and Joshua Tree — temperatures exceed 110°F in summer
Tell someone your hiking plans and carry the Ten Essentials (water, navigation, first aid, shelter, food, fire starter, sun protection, knife, headlamp, emergency whistle) before any backcountry trip
Keep safe distances from wildlife — never approach, feed, or run from black bears; store all food in bear boxes in national parks
Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors, especially at elevation in the Sierra Nevada and on desert hikes
Avoid LA and Bay Area highways during peak commute hours (7–10am and 4–7pm weekdays) — traffic congestion is extreme
Use hotel safes and keep wallets in front pockets — pickpockets operate in tourist areas including Fisherman's Wharf, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and Gaslamp Quarter
Never surf beyond your ability level — California's cold Pacific waters range from 52–68°F and many famous surf spots are expert-only
California tap water meets federal safety standards in all cities, but carry bottled water in remote rural areas
Be aware of large unhoused populations in San Francisco Tenderloin, downtown Los Angeles, and parts of San Diego — avoid these areas alone after dark
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed taxis at airports and tourist areas charge inflated flat rates
How to avoid: Use Uber, Lyft, or official metered cabs; agree on price before entering any non-app cab
Fake parking meters
Fraudulent parking enforcement personnel issue fake tickets in some LA neighborhoods
How to avoid: Only pay official ParkMobile or city meters; real parking officers wear uniforms
CD/bracelet scammers
Street performers on Hollywood Walk of Fame aggressively give away CDs or bracelets then demand payment
How to avoid: Do not accept any free items from strangers in tourist areas; wave off firmly
Timeshare pitches
Offers of free attraction tickets in exchange for attending a 'brief' resort presentation
How to avoid: Decline all unsolicited ticket offers; purchase from official venue websites only
Overpriced airport transportation
Unofficial van services at LAX and SFO quote high flat rates
How to avoid: Pre-book with official rideshare apps or use BART/FlyAway bus for airport transfers
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations required for California — routine US vaccinations are sufficient
- Water
- Tap water is safe to drink throughout California cities and towns
- Food
- Food safety standards are strictly enforced; restaurant sanitation grades are posted by law
- Facilities
- Excellent hospitals and trauma centers in all major cities; urgent care clinics widely available; US healthcare is expensive without travel insurance
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
California is generally safe for solo travelers. Tips: Stick to well-lit areas at night in major cities; use ride-share apps rather than walking alone late; inform someone of your itinerary for national park trips; hostel common areas are great for meeting fellow travelers.
Female travellers
California is safe for solo female travelers with normal precautions. Tips: Trust your instincts in unfamiliar neighborhoods; use official rideshare apps for late-night transport; LGBTQ+-friendly communities in SF and LA are particularly welcoming; beach parking lots can be isolated at night.
Families
California is an excellent family destination. Tips: Apply sunscreen liberally on children — the sun is intense year-round; carry extra water in national parks; teach children earthquake Drop-Cover-Hold On drill before arrival; check theme park height requirements in advance.
LGBTQ+ travellers
California is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly destinations in the world. Same-sex marriage is fully legal. San Francisco's Castro district and West Hollywood in LA are globally renowned LGBTQ+ communities. Pride festivals occur in most cities. Public displays of affection are widely accepted in urban areas.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 911
- Medical
- 911
- Embassy
- Foreign embassies are located in Washington D.C.; consulates in San Francisco and Los Angeles for major countries
- Tourist Police
- N/A — use 911 for all emergencies