How safe is Venice Beach California for two younger women?

Follow an itinerary, research where you’re going and learn the safest areas. South LA isn’t always the safest spot, so don’t travel off the beaten path. Have regular check ins with your parents or a friend so that if you don’t check in they know somethings wrong. It’s best to drive yourselves, cabs are readily available but can be dangerous (my wife had a sketchy interaction with an Uber driver in LA who didn’t realize I was traveling with her). If you can carry pepper spray I would recommend it. Don’t separate from each other, don’t accept drinks from strangers, don’t accept rides from strangers, don’t go to parties with strangers. You’re vulnerable as it’s just the two of you, so people may take advantage of that if you let them. I hate to sound like this, but a basically solo vacation is not a place for young women to be making friends. Make sure that you and your sister are on the same page. If one of you feels unsafe, the other one NEEDS to respect that, even if you think the other is wrong.

Also, while I’m sure your heart is set on Venice Beach, I REALLY recommend going a few hours north to Big Sur and some of the surrounding towns like Carmel-By-The-Sea. Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful country up there.

/r/travel Thread