many are free and cheap things to do in Los Angeles. As a traveller, the issue is reaching them. From Los Angeles International Airport, rental cars have recently cost around $75 per day before taxes and gas. Taxis and app-based rides between the airport and downtown cost from $40 to $70 depending on the time of day. Then there’s overnight parking – $50 to $60 is not uncommon.
But there’s also a cheaper option: Metro, $1.75 for a single ride, $5 for a day pass or $18 for a week.
In Los Angeles, the land of traffic jams, the preferred vehicle is the car. But for decades, the public transit authority of Los Angeles County, Metro, has been trying to wean Angelenos off their autos since 1990 by building more than 100 train stops on seven lines, including the new K Line, which passes through South Los Angeles in October. In June, the Regional Connector transit project consolidated the downtown connection, making it possible to ride east–west between East Los Angeles and Santa Monica and north–south between Azusa and Long Beach without transfers. Another extension, due in 2024, will be linked to Los Angeles International AirportOne of nine future stations to open ahead of the city hosting the 2028 Summer Olympics.
The usefulness of the system to residents depends on where they live in the sprawling city. But, said Michael Juliano, Los Angeles editor of Time Out Media written About the system, “As a tourist, the places you want to visit are on the subway route.”
Nothing makes me feel more familiar with a destination than successfully navigating it. In my view, going places is not knowing those places unless I find my way using local means of transportation. When I told friends I was going to Los Angeles to see the city by subway, one joked that it would be “a very short story.” One Angeleno, who admitted she’s never taken a train, advised me to pack pepper spray.
But three days of rail riding proved them mostly wrong. Metro is not only well connected to popular destinations – from Santa Monica beaches to the city’s museums – its trains run frequently. Although my experience was not dangerous, the system is at risk struggled With an apparent influx of homeless people traveling on trains. On several occasions, I traveled with Metro ambassadors, employees who travel the system to help educate the public and ensure safety.
In a county covering more than 4,000 square miles and 88 cities, there were places I couldn’t reach by subway. A tour company offering guided walking tours to the iconic Hollywood sign I was told that their starting point was not even in the vicinity of public transportation. Bus lines and ridesharing services could fill the gap, but with one notable exception — that flyaway buswhich runs approximately every half hour between the airport and union station Downtown ($9.75) – I joined the trains to test their usefulness. This is what I got
all lines go to the city
The FlyAway bus dropped me off at Union Station, a 1939 Mission Moderne gem that not only serves as a hub for Amtrak trains and regional trains, but also serves as a hub for Amtrak trains. Metro Serving Los Angeles County and five surrounding counties, but also as the nexus of three subway lines, A, B and D.
These subway lines stop at many locations throughout the city, an area packed with cultural attractions – including an original Mexican settlement Olvera Street in front of Union Station – and several hotels, such as freehand los angeles,
About four blocks from the closest subway stop downtown, the Retro Hotel is located in the 1924 Commercial Exchange Building, which offers hostel-style rooms with multiple beds popular among students, as well as private rooms like mine, with macrame wall hangings and eclectic art reminiscent of thrift shops (I paid $150 per night).
The next morning, I recognized fellow budget guests—a French family in town to watch a Lakers game, a pair of Danish backpackers, and an Irish student group at a nearby subway stop.
“Guests will ask about schedules and the closest stops and it’s a little awkward because we drive everywhere,” said Rich Oken, the hotel’s general manager, referring to the staff.
Between the subway and walking, I felt from the beginning that the city is easy to move around and rich in walking Comprehensive Museum (free), an impressive home to the contemporary art collection of collectors Eli and Edith Broad, filled with works by Basquiat, Lichtenstein and Warhol. On the next block, I rested in the cool back gardens Walt Disney Concert HallAn imposing steel landmark created by architect Frank Gehry.
Nearby, I took the shortest train ride to Los Angeles, angels flightA funicular from 1901 that climbs the one-block hill for 50 cents if you have a Metro card ($1 if you don’t).
with a subway stop literally across the street, Grand Central MarketA food hall from 1917, lured me time and time again for creamy fried egg sandwiches Eggslut ($9.75) and Salvadoran pupusas, or stuffed corn cakes, from Sarita’s Pupuseria ($5.50).
Next Stop: Hollywood
From Downtown, the B Line runs northwest to the heart of Hollywood. The surface of the Hollywood/Highland station was similar to that of a low-rise, sunlit Times Square. Actors dressed as Spider-Man and Michael Jackson posed with tourists for tips. The brokers were touting the TMZ bus trip to the celebrity hangout. I immediately got struck by the star of Groucho Marx Hollywood Walk of Famewhere Tom Cruise shared the sidewalk with Weird Al Yankovic and fans took selfies at Snoop Dogg’s plaque.
The Star Trek passed through the 1927 Grauman’s Chinese Theater (now known as TCL Chinese Theater) where I sized up my footprint among the many celebrity salutes lined up on the sidewalk before Robert De Niro’s entrance.
The B Line also provides access to less frenetic neighborhoods, including Koreatown, where I retreated from a conveyor belt sushi spot to enjoy salmon cooked in umami oil. kura ($3.65 per plate).
It also provides a ready solution for accessing the route griffith park, the lush Santa Monica Mountains Preserve, with panoramic views of the city and several walking trails. From the B Line stop at Vermont/Sunset, I caught a free Ladot Dash for just Griffith Park ObservatoryPopular for its rooftop views, and watch a stimulating star show at the Planetarium ($10).
train to the beach
First-time visitors are often surprised by the size of Metro Los Angeles, which includes Long Beach to the south, Malibu to the west, and the San Gabriel Mountains to the east.
“People come to California and want to go to the beach, but they don’t realize that Santa Monica is about 12 miles from downtown LA, and that’s 12 miles long, whether you’re driving or taking public transportation,” Freehand manager Mr. O’Kane said.
Google Maps shows train ride information at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday e line Similar to the drive, except looking for parking, just over an hour from downtown.
Running mostly above ground, the E Line provided a rideshare trip through the University of Southern California campus to Culver City and finally Santa Monica. Recorded announcements identify attractions near each stop, such as Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County And exhibition park at the Expo Park/USC stop.
The E Line ends a few blocks away from Popular Santa Monica PierFilled with amusement park rides and restaurants that were closed most mornings when a guitarist played a lone Latino standard “Quizzes, Quizzes, Quizzes” For pedestrians enjoying the serene views.
Rent a Beach Cruiser Bike from blazing Saddles At the pier ($13 for an hour), I headed south about three miles to Venice Beach, where quad roller skaters performing pirate stunts attracted gawkers.
With its well-maintained boutique hotels and trendy restaurants, Santa Monica has an exclusive feel, with colorful Jamaican shacks correcting that impression Cha Cha ChickenServing plates of spicy jerk chicken (from $11.95) on a shady patio amid paintings of Bob Marley, just a block from the beach.
“Connect with Creativity”
metro does new marketing K line Riders are encouraged to “connect with creativity” with posters throughout the system, a reference to South Los Angeles communities that have nurtured artists such as artist Kehinde Wiley and actress Issa Rae, and public art in each station.
“Art is a component of the system’s introduction,” said Maya Amsden, who oversees Metro’s public art programs, including the introduction of art for each of the seven existing K Line stations. “It’s an eye-opener.”
On my last afternoon, I rode the K, departing at its northernmost stop, Expo/Crenshaw, where it meets the E Line through the communities of Crenshaw and Inglewood, home to Sophie StadiumWhere the Rams and Chargers of the NFL play.
In Crenshaw, some of the most interesting art on the route has yet to be unveiled. economic development organization destination crenshaw Commissioning works by more than 100 black artists to be installed in a centerpiece park and along a 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard next to at-grade-level train tracks. The project will represent “the talent, creativity and passion we have for the community,” Jason Foster, the organization’s president and chief operating officer, said over coffee. Hot and Cool Cafe Near Leimert Park stop.
From the cafe, we walked a few blocks to the site of the future Sankofa Park, a wedge-shaped block with gardens and a pedestrian ramp up to the second floor. The park, which is part of a $100 million project to open next February, will feature Mr Wiley’s “sculpture”.rumors of war“series and”car culture,” a work by artist Charles Dixon based in Compton, California, consists of African figures crowned by cars.
“When the airport connection is completed, it will be the first thing people will see in LA,” said Mr. Foster, who expressed his hope that the park will become a neighborhood attraction. little tokyo Or Mariachi PlazaBoth can be reached by train.
In three days, I’ve never been able to reach the Hollywood Sign. But wherever I went, I saved money, emissions and countless, gridlock-induced stress.
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