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.”
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.
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.
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.
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
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It’s been nearly a month since the wildfires that swept across Los Angeles county changed thousands of lives forever. Though the fires are now 100% contained, the aftermath of the tragedy is still evident around the city, making it even more critical to support residents as they rebuild. As a Los Angeles native, I saw firsthand the resilience of communities determined to help each other in the face of the unimaginable. Fortunately, a number of brands have stepped up to the plate too, providing essentials like clothing, reusable water bottles, hygiene products, and prescription eyeglasses to those affected by the fires. Below, we’ve listed 11 brands that have committed to supporting wildfire victims.
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