Solo Travel in Los Angeles

Types of Girl about the Globe (GatG) – Beach GatG, Sightseeing GatG, Movie GatG, Shopping GatG, Theme Park GatG

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, and a must for movie lovers. A destination where you can shop, hike and sightsee in one day. But if you're travelling to LA alone, where do you start in this famous American city? With the help of other solo female travellers from our community, I’ve put together a quick guide for a solo trip to Los Angeles to help you plan a trip to LA and experience the best of this iconic destination.

Discover things to do alone in Los Angeles, tours and recommended places to stay in LA for solos. Either click on the relevant link in Contents or read the whole article for your solo female travel Los Angeles. 

N.b. By booking through this page for your solo trip to LA you are helping to improve the lives of vulnerable girls about the globe. Thanks for helping.

Contents

• Safety in Los Angeles
• Must-Sees in Los Angeles
• Solo Things To Do in Los Angeles
• Activities in Los Angeles For All Solos
• At Night in Los Angeles
• Los Angeles Tours
• Best Area To Stay in Los Angeles
• Places To Stay in Los Angeles
• Plan a Trip To Los Angeles

Safety in Los Angeles

As with any city, you do need to be careful with your belongings, especially in the touristy areas which can be an attraction for pickpockets. There is crime in the South Central region so you may want to avoid areas such as Compton or Crenshaw. There are plenty of other travellers here to meet especially at the well-known tourist sites (listed below). The DCBID’s Safety Teams help to keep the streets both safe and clean. 

Must-Sees in Los Angeles

1. Hollywood Walk of Fame

This has to be one of the top things to do solo in Los Angeles! Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and spot your favourite celebrity from more than 2,600 stars that line the path. Each star is dedicated to a famous person with an emblem of what they are famous for. If you see a film camera, it symbolises being in movies or a theatre mask for theatre performances.

See the star for Marilyn Monroe, Neil Armstrong (the astronaut from Apollo), Johnny Depp and so many more. The Walk of Fame is over a mile long from La Brea Avenue avenue with the most well-known star near the Chinese Theatre. And it’s free too!

2. See the Hollywood Sign

You can’t come to Los Angeles and not see the Hollywood sign! But did you know that the original sign used to say ‘Hollywoodland” and is nearly 100 years old? Today this sign is a world-famous landmark that can be seen from various points in the city such as Sunset Boulevard. Or if you want to get active and see it closer up, take a stroll to Griffith Park. You can even take a helicopter flight to see this iconic sign from above. * Check rates and availability: Hollywood Helicopter Tour

3. Warner Bros Studio Tour

Warner Bros Studio is the location of some of the well-loved series films and TV shows and a must for any movie lover. This is where you can visit Central Perk from Friends or have your photo taken with a Batmobile.

Take a three-hour tour of this real-life working Hollywood studio for an intimate behind the scenes to peek at costumes and props used in some of your favourite movies. At the end, you can immerse yourself within an interactive experience in the world of filmmaking. If you love Harry Potter you can see the original props used in this iconic fantasy world. * Check ticket prices, dates and availability: Warner Bros Studios

Things To Do Alone in Los Angeles

Escape the crowds

At Huntington Library. But more specifically, the gardens within the grounds of the library. Lose yourself in the Chinese garden or just admire the manicured layout as you sit and relax, away from the city.

Get a great view at

The OUE Skyspace in Downtown LA. Get great views of the city from 69 floors above it at any time of the day. You can even do yoga at sunset here too!

Places to enjoy the sun

At Venice Beach! Watch others working out at Venice Muscle Beach as you lay on the sand and enjoy the sun. Then take a stroll on Venice Beach Boardwalk and watch the street performers along the 2.5-mile walk.

Go to El Matador to watch the sunset. It’s one of the best coastlines to see the sunset at the end of the day but be prepared to walk down a steep path to get there.

Markets

If you love your food, Grand Central Market is the place to be. This food hall has been open for over a century and is a meeting place for people all over the city. Pick up a taco or two at a cheap price.

Discover arts and goods from independent merchants at the Grand Central Market Bazaar.  It is open 7 days a week at 317 S Broadway. 

Activities in Los Angeles For All Solos

Active GatG

Stroll around Echo Park Lake admiring the flowers and the skyline of Downtown LA as you pedal yourself around. You can even hire a pedal boat if you prefer your view from the water instead of land.

Another of the outdoor activities Los Angeles is to cycle the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. This bike path starts from Will Rogers State Beach and stretches along the west coast, finishing 22 miles later at Torrance County Beach.

Arty & Museum GatG

If you love Monet, you’ll love the Monet Immersive Experience. This 360-degree digital art exhibition and one of a kind VR experience give you the chance to see the world of the French artistic genius, Claude Monet. You’ll learn about his life and career as you step into his artwork and his creative world. 

Shopping GatG

You have to go to Rodeo Drive! Especially if you’ve seen the movie Pretty Woman, which featured the Beverly Wilshire Hotel here. You don’t need to spend hours though as most people visit the area near Santa Monica Boulevard and Wilshire Boulevard. Just take your credit card with you if you’re planning to actually shop in Versace instead of just looking through the window.

Have a tourist moment

At Hollywood Boulevard. Or at Six Flags Mountains, a theme park with more than 200 acres of roller coasters, and comic characters. Look out for Wonder Woman or Bugs Bunny when you’re there.

At Night in Los Angeles

If you have access to a car, why not do the American thing and drive to a drive-in to watch a movie. There are several movie theatres that you can drive in to choose from. Head to SoCal with your bag of popcorn and wile away a few hours watching one of your favourite films.

See the stars (literally!) Stare at the evening sky through one of the telescopes at Griffith Observatory. It's one of the places to go at night in Los Angeles and if you’re here at the right time, you may be lucky enough to have a talk with one of the astronomers who can show you exactly what you’re looking at.

Dance GatG

If you love dancing, and you’re in LA on a Saturday night, spend your evening learning salsa in Los Angeles. Not only do you get a chance to mingle with others but you also get to learn the basic moves of salsa and bachata. It’s sociable, fun and you get to exercise too! 

Party GatG

If it’s LAX nightlife that you’re after, you can’t go wrong at the legendary Sunset Strip. This famous area is home to The Viper Room, and the Roxy Theatre and has music, comedy and plenty of partying to keep you going for hours into the night. You may want to team up with others to experience the nightlife.

To make the most of your trip, be sure to book a LAX car service in advance so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. Using a local car service with a professional driver at the wheel allows you to take in the sights without having to worry about traffic or navigating your way around. 

Los Angeles Tours

Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide helps you to find top-rated day tours and activities in Los Angeles. Choose from Hollywood tours seeing celebrity homes, a semi-submarine cruise on Santa Catalina Island, or a Newport Beach 2 hour whale watching tour. Some of the tours require a minimum of 2 people but there are plenty to book as a solo such as a Beverly Hills and Hollywood helicopter tour and it’s really simple to use. Just check the reviews, price and availability then book online. Read my Get Your Guide review or click the link below for all their tours. * Check rates and availability for all GYG tours

Viator – Viator are similar to Get Your Guide. They are an American company and a tour platform with more than 345,000 tours and worldwide activities. They also offer Los Angeles day trips such as a Catalina Island day trip with Discover Avalon scenic tour. Although some of their tours in Los Angeles have a minimum of 2 people, there are several tours to join as a solo. Read my Viator review or click the link for all their tours. * Check rates and availability for all Viator tours

Intrepid Los Angeles – If you’re searching for some company to explore the USA with, Intrepid Travel is a responsible travel company that offers active tours within Los Angeles and its surrounding area. Choose from a 5 day LA to Vegas adventure, a 10 day trip from Vegas to LA exploring the Grand National Parks, 11 days from LA to San Francisco or explore Wild Western USA over 11 days.

There are several to choose from. On each tour, you share a room with someone of the same gender or you can pay extra for your own room. Intrepid operate a flexible booking policy so you can change your travel plans up to 21 days before departure. Read the Intrepid Review here or click on the link below for their tours. * Click rates and availability for Intrepid tours

Best Area To Stay in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a large and diverse city, and there are many neighbourhoods that can be great for solo female travellers. I stayed near the Walk of Fame which was within walking distance of the main attractions (I could see the Hollywood sign from my hotel!) As with any city, it's a good idea to take basic safety precautions and avoid walking anywhere at night. Here are my recommendations. 

West Hollywood: This area is known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining, as well as its LGBTQ+ friendly community. It's generally safe and easy to navigate, with plenty of hotels and Airbnb options.

Santa Monica: Located on the coast, Santa Monica is a popular beach town with a laid-back vibe. It's also home to the famous Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade, which offer plenty of entertainment options.

Beverly Hills: This upscale neighbourhood is known for its luxury shopping and celebrity sightings. While it may be more expensive than other areas, it's generally safe and has plenty of high-end hotels and rental properties.

Places To Stay in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has all types of accommodation no matter what your budget. From hostels to motels and international hotels with a view of the Hollywood Sign. 

Plus there’s Airbnb which offers rental accommodation in Los Angeles on a short-term basis and rooms in LA with a local. You can stay in a private room in a local's house or rent their whole apartment. 

For those who prefer the freedom of the open road consider hiring an RV and driving yourself around the USA stopping in Los Angeles on the way. As a solo traveller, you’ll have plenty of space for your accommodation, your own transport and possibly a kitchenette too.

RVshare allows you to compare RV rates from different brands and find local owners near you. In most cases, they deliver to a specific location or park, so the home-away-from-home will be ready and waiting for you on arrival. Plus, you can bring your pet! Prices start from $75 a night. * Book a campervan with RVshare

All of the accommodations below have been recommended by solo female travellers from our Girls about the Globe community and come with our Solo Female Friendly endorsement. * Check rates and availability for all accommodation in Los Angeles

The Steady – $

For the budget GatG, The Steady is a stylish hostel located in the Hollywood district. Some of the beds are more like a pod and have their own privacy with a private curtain. There is a common room to meet others with a clean and natural atmosphere and design. You can find a hairdryer in the bathroom and lots of natural light. Stay as a solo and leave with new friends. Choose from a single bed in a mixed or female-only dormitory room. * Check rates and availability for The Steady

Hotel Indigo – $$

Hotel Indigo is a chic 4 star hotel in LA. Nothing is too much to ask here. The rooms are clean and spacious with a gorgeous design and some with a city view. There’s a sun terrace, an outdoor pool, restaurant and bar, and even a nightclub. All rooms have soundproofing so you can enjoy a quiet night’s sleep and come with a coffee machine. Breakfast is option but they do cater for vegans. Choose from a superior double, an executive twin or king, or a king studio suite. * Check rates and availability for Hotel Indigo

Loews Hollywood Hotel – $$$

This 4 star hotel has everything that you need for your Los Angeles stay. Close to Hollywood Boulevard and the TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre, the Loews Hollywood Hotel is in the perfect location for exploring. You don’t even need to leave the hotel for dinner as there are several restaurants onsite and you can indulge in California cuisine or even a cocktail.

There’s a sun terrace and rooftop pool for relaxing in after a day of sightseeing. The rooms come complete with a coffee maker, a minibar and an iPod dock. Choose from a city view king or double, a capitol king or a king room with a view of the Hollywood sign. You’re in Hollywood baby! * Check prices and availability for Loews Hollywood Hotel