News & Advice

Should I Cancel My Trip to Los Angeles?

Locals share how to be a responsible and respectful traveler when visiting Los Angeles in the wake of the devastating fires.
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Jessica Christian/Getty

The January 2025 wildfires that ravaged parts of Los Angeles have been among the most destructive in California’s history. Recovery efforts are underway, but rebuilding may take years. Understandably, travelers are wondering whether visiting LA right now is safe—or even ethical.

The short answer: yes, it’s safe to visit. And in many ways, responsible tourism can help support communities impacted by the fires.

“It's ethical and imperative for travelers to visit Los Angeles now,” says Dominica Deluca, owner of iconic skate shop Brooklyn Projects on Melrose Blvd in Hollywood. “It helps the city. Many businesses shut down for a couple of weeks because of the fires, and mom-and-pop shops became donation centers, giving out all their inventory to victims and helping wherever they could. We need more to get our businesses back on track. We welcome tourists to Melrose Blvd. The air is clean, and the fires didn't affect us.”

Which areas should you avoid visiting?

Most places impacted by the fires were local businesses and homes in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu (to the west of LA, between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Pacific Ocean), and Altadena (east of LA in the San Gabriel Valley).

While the majority of Los Angeles remains unaffected, travelers should avoid non-essential travel to Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Ventura, and Altadena. Sections of Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) are closed—check Caltrans for real-time updates.

Attractions like the Getty Villa, parts of Griffith Park, and Will Rogers State Historic Park remain temporarily closed. Some businesses are operating with reduced hours, so it’s best to check ahead before visiting.

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The Reel Inn, a 36-year-old seafood shack along the PCH, brought out the best of Los Angeles.

Which areas are safe to visit?

Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis, and while fires have left a lasting impact on certain areas, most of LA's iconic attractions remain untouched. “Fortunately, more than 98% of Los Angeles County was not in a burn area,” Visit California President & CEO Caroline Beteta said in a statement. Iconic landmarks, including the Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Sign, and Universal Studios Hollywood, are all welcoming visitors.

Many popular LA destinations remain entirely unaffected by the fires. Neighborhoods that are welcoming visitors while also supporting relief efforts include Beverly Hills, Huntington Beach, Santa Monica, Oxnard, and Ventura.

Should I be worried about air quality?

Be aware that air quality can fluctuate, particularly near burn areas. Travelers can check AirNow.gov for daily air quality updates and pack N95 masks for outdoor activities. On poor air quality days, consider focusing on indoor activities or exploring nearby destinations like Orange County or San Diego.

How can travel support LA's recovery?

For many locals, tourism ensures a livelihood. “With over 540,000 Angelenos working in the tourism sector and more than 1,000 local businesses relying on our industry for their livelihoods, travelers continuing to visit our City of Angels has never been more critical,” Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board President & CEO Adam Burke said. “Tourism does more than drive our economy—it becomes a lifeline in supporting our community’s recovery.”

Even in fire-affected areas, businesses are eager to welcome visitors. “Supporting our local businesses is one of the most effective ways to make a difference in Pasadena right now,” Visit Pasadena Executive Director Kristin McGrath said. “We’d be honored to have travelers become part of our rebuilding story.”

How to visit respectfully

While tourism is encouraged, sensitivity is key. These are the do's and don'ts for your upcoming trip to LA:

  1. Avoid disaster zones. Even if areas appear accessible, don’t attempt to tour fire-ravaged neighborhoods in Malibu, the Pacific Palisades, and Altadena. These areas are secured for the safety of all. Locals are still grieving; please use the utmost tact.
  2. Respect local communities. Avoid taking photos of burned homes or ruins, and don’t ask intrusive questions about lost property. Do not fly drones.
  3. Be patient. Some businesses may operate with limited staff or reduced hours, and service may take longer than usual.
  4. Support the local economy. Dine at locally owned restaurants, tip generously, and stay in hotels that assisted evacuees.
  5. Minimize your environmental impact: As rising global temperatures contribute toward an increase in extreme weather events, including wildfires, it's important to conserve energy and water usage. Visitors can bike when possible, and support sustainable businesses certified through the LA Green Business Program.

What resources can I use to stay informed?

For the latest wildfire updates, check:

How can my spending support recovery efforts?

To start, tip generously, including restaurant staff, tour guides, spa workers, and housekeeping. Many are dependent on tips, and generosity at this time can make a significant impact on individuals.

Where to stay

Several hotels offered emergency accommodations to evacuees and are now welcoming visitors. (You can call the hotel directly to confirm your booking will not interfere with any available rooms that have been set aside for evacuees.)

Where to eat

DineLA Restaurant Week runs through February 7 and features over 420 restaurants. For every qualifying reservation, Los Angeles Tourism and Banc of California will donate $10 to the American Red Cross for wildfire recovery—up to $100,000.

Where to shop

Here is a running list of brands and businesses that are supporting LA fire relief efforts, courtesy of local LA residents Julia Beilman and Lauren Kleinman. A few examples, below:

  • SET Active: Raised $40,000 and donated thousands of clothing items to victims.
  • Cabeau: This Los Angeles travel brand donated a portion of all sales for one week to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
  • Brooklyn Projects: The famed Melrose skate shop donated brand new sneakers and apparel to displaced families.
  • Print Shop LA: Hosted charity workshops benefiting wildfire victims.
  • Yoga Nest Venice: Hosted wildlife donation-based yoga classes.
  • Annie Bing: Launched a limited-edition T-shirt with all profits benefitting the LAFD Foundation.
  • Lisa Says Gah: This ethical women’s clothing boutique contributed 15% of all proceeds for one week to LAFD and gathered donations for victims.
  • Jins: All proceeds made at its four Los Angeles stores between January 17 and 19 benefited Cal Fire Benevolent Foundation.
  • Hertz: The rental car company provided vehicles to the US Forest Service and FEMA, and donated pickup truck rentals to nonprofit partner Team Rubicon to help transport aid to impacted communities. Hertz is also offering discounts to evacuees and residents who lost their vehicles to the fires.
  • Sugared + Bronzed: The Santa-Monica born tanning brand reserved a block of hotel rooms near LAX that they made available to employees and LA residents displaced by the fires.
  • Walt Disney: The company pledged $15 million to support immediate response and rebuilding initiatives. Disneyland Resort in Anaheim remains open to visitors.
  • Paramount Pictures: The entertainment company announced a $1 million donation to several LA relief groups. Paramount Studio Tours remain open to visitors.

Where to volunteer

A morning or afternoon of volunteering can easily fit into a trip—and it might even be your most memorable experience. When smart and informed, and focused on the needs of the recipients more than the needs of volunteers, voluntourism can be an impactful way to give back to the community while alleviating the daily workload of local volunteers. See here for more comprehensive volunteer opportunities. Visitors can also volunteer through:

Other ways to help

First responder support

The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation supports local LAFD firefighters. Donate here to help fund wildfire equipment and supplies including emergency fire shelters, hydration backpacks, and wildland brush tools.

Shelters

Local non-profit 211 LA is working with Airbnb to provide shelter to residents displaced by the fires. You can offer your home or spare room to host free temporary housing through Airbnb by submitting an online form here.

Animal rescues

The Canine Rescue Club is looking for volunteers to temporarily foster dogs displaced by the fires. You can apply by filling out an online form here.

Pasadena Humane animal control is assisting with animal evacuations, and has staff stationed at shelters for displaced families and their pets. You can make a monetary donation here.

Clothing and other critical items

The nonprofit KAUSE has asked for donations of diapers, wipes, blankets, and socks for babies and children who are in shelters.

Non-profit Baby2baby is providing critical items including diapers, food, formula, and hygiene products for children and families affected by the LA fires. You can donate to their Disaster Relief and Emergency Response Program here.

Food

The LA Food Bank is currently working with government agencies and nonprofits to respond to the fires throughout Los Angeles County.

World Central Kitchen’s Southern California relief team is providing food and water to evacuees and first responders in need. Sign up to volunteer or donate to the Pasadena Convention Center hub here.

Other

The California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund supports mid-term to long-term recovery efforts for those affected by California wildfires. You can donate here.