LAUS...What can you do in 8 hours?

[KC ghost rider]

Hi Everyone,

I am planning a trip from Kansas City to Los Angeles and return. Yes, four days of train travel. However, I am wondering about the 8 hours or so layover and what should I do during it. My first question is there any luggage stowage available? I don't quite see myself dragging it around the streets. Next question is about what is there to do, are there any must see sights within walking distance and is it safe? Also, any other type of information and suggestions are welcome. The dates of the trip are in the air due to pricing, but the first week in December looks promising. I would leave KC on Wednesday night, arriving in LA on Friday morning, and the return trip would commence that Friday night.

 

[Bob Dylan]

Hi Everyone,

I am planning a trip from Kansas City to Los Angeles and return. Yes, four days of train travel. However, I am wondering about the 8 hours or so layover and what should I do during it. My first question is there any luggage stowage available? I don't quite see myself dragging it around the streets. Next question is about what is there to do, are there any must see sights within walking distance and is it safe? Also, any other type of information and suggestions are welcome. The dates of the trip are in the air due to pricing, but the first week in December looks promising. I would leave KC on Wednesday night, arriving in LA on Friday morning, and the return trip would commence that Friday night.

Welcome to AU, you came to the right place for help/suggestions and advice! You can check your luggage @ the baggage room in LAUS for like $3 a bag or even recheck any luggage you dont need for the return on #4 back to Kansas City right there @ the same place, this is free long as it doesnt exceed 50 lbs.

Theres plenty to do just in downtown LA, you can catch the subway for Hollywood right at the station, across the street from the station is Chinatown and the First Site of LA. a semi-mexican village with a market.resturants etc. Two blocks away is the famous Phillipes resturant,cash only, where you can get a great breakfast and/or one of their famous dip sandwiches! Later on for lunch they serve a full deli menu! great place to meet train buffs and to eat!

Downtown across the freeway (towards the tall buildings) there is the Angel Flight incline railway which is a great ride (get off the subway @ Pershing Square IIRC also all kinds of old art deco buildings and fantastic movie theaters from back in the day!Youll see lots of street characters also, downtown is in transition from dead/slumy to alive and genterfication! We have lots of members that live in the metro area and travel there often; also please read the old trip reports and posts here, tons of info that will come in handy for your trip! Please do not hesitate to ask any questions and to contribute to our forum, the Chief is a great route!

 

[BigRedEO]

Hi Everyone,

I am planning a trip from Kansas City to Los Angeles and return. Yes, four days of train travel. However, I am wondering about the 8 hours or so layover and what should I do during it. My first question is there any luggage stowage available? I don't quite see myself dragging it around the streets. Next question is about what is there to do, are there any must see sights within walking distance and is it safe? Also, any other type of information and suggestions are welcome. The dates of the trip are in the air due to pricing, but the first week in December looks promising. I would leave KC on Wednesday night, arriving in LA on Friday morning, and the return trip would commence that Friday night.

LA is my hometown. Practically across the street from Union Station is Olvera Street - the first street ever built in the city. Great for walking, shopping, & Mexican food. http://www.olvera-street.com/ Also practically across the street is Our Lady Queen Of Angels Plaza.

Great reference for walking tours - http://college.usc.edu/geography/la_walking_tour/

Also you can take the Red Line Subway out of Union Station up to Hollywood, if you're so inclined. If you take it to Hollywood Blvd and Highland, that will put you in the heart of the revival area where the Chinese Theatre, the main part of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the new Kodak Theatre are located. There are also Starline Tours which leave from the Chinese Theatre, depending on how much time you decide you have. http://www.metro.net/riding_metro/bus_overview/images/802.pdf (map of the Red Line route on page 5 of the pdf)

And although L.A. is my hometown, I only make it back once a year, so as to safety downtown, I haven't been downtown in quite some time. Perhaps someone else can tell you about safety around Union Station. The Hollywood and Highland area is MUCH safer now that they've revitalized it, but still use caution as you would in any city.

 

[TVRM610]

First of all... I love the Los Angeles Union Station. I think it's my favorite in the Amtrak system, close tie to 30th Street. The station is kept in excellent shape with comfortable seating, beautiful design, historic charm and lovely gardens just outside (am I sounding like a brochure? guess so. ) I haven't ventured very far away from the station, but walking around the station seemed quite safe in the mornings when I've been there. I've changed trains late at night before too (Amtrak to Subway) and never felt uneasy in the station itself.

The subway to Hollywood is an excellent choice in my book. I loved seeing the Chinese Theatre, and the walk of fame and all. This area to me has a "times square" feel to it, very touristy, but historical and charming in its own right.

If you've travelled through major cities like New York and Chicago, Los Angeles felt about the same to me safety wise.. sometimes better. I've never felt uncomfortable walking around. I also like how the subway stations are "themed" in many areas for instance one of the Hollywood Station has hundreds of movie reels on the ceiling. Have fun!

 

[City of Miami]

The new cathedral is walking distance, though uphill. Little Tokyo is a 15 minute walk away. A fantastic noodle shop is Daikokuya (213) 626-1680 Little Tokyo 327 E 1st St. Highly recommended but don't wait too late or you'll be in a long line out the door on the sidewalk! Last month I also highly enjoyed riding the Gold Line in both directions - it is such a pleasure to see something done right!!

 

[leemell]

The new cathedral is walking distance, though uphill. Little Tokyo is a 15 minute walk away. A fantastic noodle shop is Daikokuya (213) 626-1680 Little Tokyo 327 E 1st St. Highly recommended but don't wait too late or you'll be in a long line out the door on the sidewalk! Last month I also highly enjoyed riding the Gold Line in both directions - it is such a pleasure to see something done right!!

The Gold line runs from the east end of Pasadena through Union Station and east again to East LA/Monterey Park. A lot of historic parts of old LA.

 

[sportbiker]

Someone else mentioned Angels Flight, and I'll second that. Exit the 4th St. portal from the Pershing Square Red/Purple Line station.

If you'll be here (there for you, here for me) on a Saturday, take a look at the Downtown walking tours put on by the L.A. Conservancy. There're inexpensive and a great way to become acclimated to what you're seeing. laconservancy.org

In addition to the other destinations mentioned, there's Old Town Pasadena (Gold Line, Memorial Park station) and Chinatown (Gold Line, Chinatown station, or walk from Union Station).

 

[Lake_Mouse]

The LA Central Library is really wonderful, a Great place to visit (It is Huge). That area has lots of places to eat too. You can get their on the C route mini bus outside the commuter side of US. Also Little Tokyo is near by and there are lots of good japanese restraunts and shops.

 

[KC ghost rider]

Thank you to everyone for replying. That is great news they have a way to store your bags while you walk about seeing the sights. You all gave me quite a list of activities! I am torn between noodles or a french dipped sandwich...choices. If I am reading this advice correctly, everything is quite convenient and no conflict with catching the eastbound SWC later that day. Again, thank you all.

 

[KC ghost rider]

Well, I made my reservations for roomettes (low bucket all around, plus discounts). I will depart KC aboard SWC #3 on December 1 going to Los Angeles. I hope it isn't raining on December 3, maybe I should have asked about the weather during this time of year. I will return about the SWC #4 on December 3. I will be traveling with my spouse and it is part of our anniversary, so I wonder how can I make it more special? Any ideas out there?

 

[BigRedEO]

Well, I made my reservations for roomettes (low bucket all around, plus discounts). I will depart KC aboard SWC #3 on December 1 going to Los Angeles. I hope it isn't raining on December 3, maybe I should have asked about the weather during this time of year. I will return about the SWC #4 on December 3. I will be traveling with my spouse and it is part of our anniversary, so I wonder how can I make it more special? Any ideas out there?

The weather is never predictable in December (I go back home every December - this year I'll be taking the Southwest Chief myself later in December). It can be cold - by L.A. Standards - 50s and 60s - or it can be overly warm, really nice weather. If you're only going to be there for 8 hours, you won't have time to get out to what is easily my favorite restaurant in L.A. - Nanbankan - http://www.nanbankan.com/ - but there is the Bonaventure Hotel, which has a revolving cocktail lounge - http://www.thebonaventure.com/dining/bona_vista_lounge.cfm - and on the floor above it is the L.A. Prime Steakhouse (don't know if the restaurant is revolving). Can't recommend the restaurant, because I haven't eaten there, but I've been to the cocktail lounge many times. Some fantastic views up there!

 

[Dan O]

Well, I made my reservations for roomettes (low bucket all around, plus discounts). I will depart KC aboard SWC #3 on December 1 going to Los Angeles. I hope it isn't raining on December 3, maybe I should have asked about the weather during this time of year. I will return about the SWC #4 on December 3. I will be traveling with my spouse and it is part of our anniversary, so I wonder how can I make it more special? Any ideas out there?

It never rains in California...or was that just a song. December could be wet but I think that December has dryer weather than Jan through March. It was in the 90s today in LA. Supposed to be over 100 on the weekend downtown (zip code 90017 anyway). I have lived in southern California for over 45 years and have only occasionally had something ruined by rain. It happens sometimes but it's not that often. Odds are it won't be bad weather.

 

[GG-1]

Well, I made my reservations for roomettes (low bucket all around, plus discounts). I will depart KC aboard SWC #3 on December 1 going to Los Angeles. I hope it isn't raining on December 3, maybe I should have asked about the weather during this time of year. I will return about the SWC #4 on December 3. I will be traveling with my spouse and it is part of our anniversary, so I wonder how can I make it more special? Any ideas out there?

It never rains in California...or was that just a song. December could be wet but I think that December has dryer weather than Jan through March. It was in the 90s today in LA. Supposed to be over 100 on the weekend downtown (zip code 90017 anyway). I have lived in southern California for over 45 years and have only occasionally had something ruined by rain. It happens sometimes but it's not that often. Odds are it won't be bad weather.

Aloha

While it never rains in California the moisture is a blessing. But there are times when the cup runth over and the LA river runs full. :lol: :lol:

 

[lthanlon]

A few weeks back, I took the SWC from Chicago to L.A. and rode the SWC back to the Windy City that evening. I checked my bags and then took the Metro Red Line to Hollywood for lunch with a friend. The area seems pretty safe; just exercise the care you would in any large city where crowds attract pickpockets and hustlers. By the way, if you get off at the Hollywood-Highland station, take a moment to remember what the street-level entrance looks like. It took me 10 minutes of trying to find my way back in before I realized it looks pretty much just like a storefront.

The Chinese Theater is a great place to people watch. Hollywood is all touristy and tacky, but that's what it's all about.

We had lunch at venerable eatery Musso & Frank. Try the spaghetti with meat sauce. It's seriously great.

 

[Dan O]

By the way, if you get off at the Hollywood-Highland station, take a moment to remember what the street-level entrance looks like. It took me 10 minutes of trying to find my way back in before I realized it looks pretty much just like a storefront.

Right. I wish they made the entrances a bit easier to find. Someplace downtown I gave up and just walked to the next stop that I knew I could find.

Dan

 

[sportbiker]

Tourists. Harumph! :angry:

Best thing to do anytime you're in a strange environment (even a large parking lot that you've never used before) is whip out your smartphone and program your location. My iPhone has an app called "backtrack." I can set up to three "remember this location" buttons; later, no matter where I am, I can get the direction to get be back to any of the remembered points.

 

[Ana]

As to safety, well I'm on holiday in LA at the moment and my friend and I have felt totally fine wandering around - we're females, in our late 20s / early 30s. Today we went to Hollywood (briefly, it was very hot), Santa Monica and the Griffith Observatory, all by public transport, all clean, prompt and very safe-feeling. That's further afield than you'll want to go though. I also felt fine downtown alone on another trip, though I stayed to the busy with workers areas since it was my first visit and I was unsure. The LA union station is absolutely lovely, I would say the nicest big station I've seen. It has lovely outdoor courtyards you can sit in. Last year when I was killing time between arriving by train and my flight in addition to checking out the area around the station as described above, I rode the metro gold line to pasadena and wandered around there to. It was a nice ride, unlike the red line the gold line is above ground and quite high up in places so you get a nice view. Have a great trip! I take the SWC to Chicago on Tuesday, I can't wait.

 

[KC ghost rider]

Thank you for all the great replies.