The picturesque city of Los Angeles, known for its iconic landmarks and vibrant cultural scene, has found itself at the mercy of wildfires raging across parts of Los Angeles County. As the Palisades Fire scorches more than 17,000 acres and other fires emerge in the region, California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency. The fires have disrupted lives, shuttered tourism attractions, and forced residents to seek refuge in hotels.
Among the casualties of these devastating wildfires are several beloved tourist destinations. Structures in Will Rogers State Historic Park and Topanga State Park were engulfed in flames, including the historic Topanga Ranch Motel. While some landmarks like the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades narrowly escaped severe damage, others, such as the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and the Griffith Observatory, were forced to close temporarily.
The Hollywood Sign, a symbol of the city, also announced its closure, with no immediate timeline for reopening. Meanwhile, Universal Studios Hollywood and CityWalk reopened cautiously after a two-day closure, offering limited operations to guests.
Despite these disruptions, the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board remains focused on ensuring the safety of residents, visitors, and first responders. “We urge everyone to stay informed through the Los Angeles Fire Department and follow all evacuation orders,” the board emphasized.
As residents flee the encroaching flames, hotels across Southern California have opened their doors, providing much-needed shelter. From discounted rates to waiving resort fees, many properties are stepping up to support evacuees. The Hotel Association of Los Angeles highlighted that several hotels are accommodating “thousands” of displaced Angelenos.
Hotels like the Sandbourne Santa Monica and Shutters on the Beach have been offering special rates or free stays to those impacted by the fires. In Malibu, the Malibu Beach Inn and Surfrider Malibu were forced to suspend operations due to mandatory evacuations. However, hotels further south in Santa Monica have remained operational, welcoming evacuees while closely monitoring the situation.
Some properties, such as the Fairmont Miramar, remain under evacuation advisories but continue to house displaced residents. Others, like the Regent Santa Monica Beach, have not only stayed open but also extended additional support by providing essentials such as toiletries and accepting pets.
The travel sector has also mobilized to provide aid. Airbnb, Signature Travel Network, and Internova are among the organizations launching assistance programs to support those affected. Additionally, Princess Cruises has offered flexibility to its passengers, allowing cancellations for cruises departing between January 11 and 30 with a full refund and future cruise credits.
Good Times Travel, a local tour operator, is adjusting its offerings in light of the fires. While their Los Angeles tours remain unaffected for now, the company is prepared to pivot to alternative destinations like San Diego or Palm Springs if conditions worsen.
As wildfires continue to wreak havoc, the resilience and generosity of the Los Angeles community shine through. Hotels, businesses, and organizations have united to support those in need. While the road to recovery will be long, these efforts underscore the city’s enduring spirit and commitment to helping its residents and visitors during challenging times.
For now, the priority remains ensuring safety, following evacuation orders, and providing resources to those affected. The ongoing wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the need for preparedness and the importance of community solidarity in times of crisis.
