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Traveling to Los Angeles Right Now: Frequently Asked Questions

Traveling to Los Angeles Right Now: Frequently Asked Questions

Here’s what you need to know about traveling to California and Los Angeles

Updated: February 13, 2025

If you have an upcoming trip, are considering a future vacation, or are currently in the Los Angeles County area, you may have questions. From understanding current air quality conditions and road closures to knowing which attractions are open and why to plan a trip right now, we've compiled essential information to help you navigate your visit to L.A. responsibly and safely. For even more resources, visit our Travel Alerts page

Where are the California fires right now?

As of today, 98 percent of Los Angeles remains unaffected by wildfires. The Eaton, Hughes, and Palisades fires were 100 percent contained as of Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, according to the CA Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). You can see active and recent wildfires on the Watch Duty app, which also lists any evacuation zones and orders.

 

Ed. note: All fires shown on the map have been 100 percent contained since Jan. 31, 2025.

Is it safe to travel to California right now?

Yes. The Golden State is vast—ranking as the third-largest state in the U.S. The majority of the state was untouched by the fires and remains safe for travel. To get the latest air quality and weather information on any California destinations, check AirNow.gov and the National Weather Service. 

Should I change my plans to travel to Los Angeles?

No, the majority of the main attractions in Los Angeles are open. Below are updates on a few attractions in the Los Angeles area, but it’s best to contact each local business directly for current information.

Is it safe to travel in Los Angeles right now?

Fortunately, more than 98 percent of Los Angeles County is not in an affected area. The city’s iconic sites and experiences—the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios Hollywood, the Santa Monica Pier, Griffith Observatory, and many more—remain intact and are accessible to visitors from around the world. For up-to-date information on impacted areas, refer to local emergency updates from the County of Los Angeles, City of Santa Monica, and City of Malibu. Additionally, you can access wildfire status reports on CAL FIRE

Is it safe to visit L.A.’s neighboring cities?

Yes, visiting Pasadena, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Clarita, and Marina del Rey is safe and highly recommended. These cities are welcoming visitors, with major attractions, hotels, restaurants, and businesses fully operational. These destinations are prepared to offer a safe and enjoyable experience, ensuring travelers can enjoy their visits with peace of mind.

What are some immediate ways I can help support L.A.’s recovery?

The success of local businesses is reliant on visitor patronage. Supporting small, locally-owned businesses directly benefits the community by sustaining the livelihoods of many residents. Los Angeles’ hotels, restaurants, museums, amusement parks, and shops now face the daunting task of healing, and your patronage makes a huge difference.

Is it safe to travel to Disneyland right now?

Yes. Disneyland Resort is located about 45 miles from the most wildfire-affected areas of Los Angeles and the two parks have not closed during the wildfires. As of today, air quality in Anaheim is considered “good” according to AirNow.gov.

Is it appropriate for me to travel to Los Angeles right now?

Yes, L.A. is ready to welcome visitors. The key to traveling responsibly and respectfully is being mindful of the current wildfire situation, avoiding areas in distress, and showing kindness. The majority of travel attractions remain open and are not impacted by the fires. L.A. local businesses will be grateful for your patronage during this time as they work to support their employees and the greater community.

Can I fly into LAX, Burbank, or other nearby airports?

Yes, you can fly into both the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and the Hollywood Burbank Airport. Both airports remain open and operational as of today. It's always recommended to check your flight status directly with your airline for the most current information.

Road closures in the Los Angeles area due to the January 2025 wildfires

What roads are closed as a result of the wildfires?

Sections of Highway 1 near Malibu and CA-27 (aka Topanga Canyon Boulevard) are closed due to wildfire-related reasons. The I-10 West Freeway has reopened at the 4th Street and 5th Street exits into Downtown Santa Monica, making it fully accessible. To date, Sunset Boulevard has been unaffected by the fires and remains open. Travelers can still road trip up the coast after a short detour around an 8-mile closure in the Malibu area. For the most updated information on road impacts, check the Caltrans QuickMap, where you can see closures and alerts on a map, or enter a highway number to see if that road is affected.

Is public transportation running in Los Angeles?

The LA Metro continues to be in service and all rail lines are running their regular service. You can find service-alert posts on Metro's social media channels (@metrolosangeles), and on the Metro’s Alerts and Advisories and Service Impacts pages.

Is it safe to swim in the ocean at L.A.’s beaches right now?

For information on the status of ocean water in Los Angeles, check the L.A. County Beach Water Quality Advisories page.

How can I best help wildfire victims?

Explore this list of reputable organizations to find meaningful ways to lend your support.

Are Orange County and San Diego affected by the wildfires?

Orange County and San Diego County are unaffected by the wildfires in Los Angeles County. To get the latest weather information for your destination, check the National Weather Service site.

Official Resources

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