Visiting Union Station Los Angeles: Nearby Things To Do and See

Union Station in downtown Los Angeles is more than just a transit hub; it is a living piece of history and is considered one of the country’s last great railway stations. If you find yourself in LA, it’s worth visiting, even if you are not riding a train. Opened in 1939, Union Station was built in an ornate style that uniquely blends Mission Revival and Streamlined Modern styles, a sight to behold. Union Station is a hub of activity, with Metro and Amtrak trains arriving hourly. Passenger trains head south to San Diego, north to Santa Barbara, and beyond.

Visiting Union Station Los Angeles

Opened in May 1939, Union Station was constructed to combine the city’s rail traffic from the Santa Fe, Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific Railroads into a major hub. The station features a distinctive clock tower, large archways, and a patio with lush gardens on the exterior. High, beamed ceilings, marble floors, and original light fixtures are inside. The waiting area boasts large, comfortable leather seats, and the ticket concourse retains an old-world charm with modern functionality.

Things to do Near Union Station, Los Angeles

After exploring the beautifully restored station, it’s a short stroll to various popular downtown Los Angeles attractions:

Historic Olvera Street: Just a short walk from the station, located within El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park. Despite the busy buses dropping off hundreds of cell phone-toting tourists, it is still worth a visit due to its profound historical significance to Los Angeles.  Olvera Street offers more than just shopping. It boasts 27 historic buildings surrounding a traditional Mexican-style plaza. Plenty of restaurants and casual cafes are available if you’re feeling hungry. The best time to visit is early morning when you can appreciate this historic area of Los Angeles. https://www.olvera-street.com/

Chinatown Los Angeles is less than a mile away and can be reached by a quick trip on the Metro Gold Line, or if you feel energetic, the walk is less than a mile. There are dozens of restaurants, herbal shops, and temples with pagoda rooftops that make up a tiny Asian world with its residents zigzagging their way through the ocean of sightseers and regulars. The centerpiece of Los Angeles Chinatown is Central Plaza, located on N. Broadway near Bernard. This area has become an icon with its neon sign, featured in many Hollywood movies. If you only have time to visit one place in Chinatown, Central Plaza should be at the top of your list. https://chinatownla.com/

Angels Flight Railway is a great detour from Union Station. It’s just a few stops away on the underground metro line. You can hop on the metro inside Union Station and get there in under fifteen minutes. Angles Flight railway connects 351 South Hill Street, near the Metro Red Line Pershing Square subway station at Fourth and Hill Streets. Grand Central Market is right across the street from Angels Flight and is a must-visit while in the area. We suggest taking this trip during daylight hours for safety reasons. https://www.angelsflight.org/

Union Station Location and Parking

Union Station is strategically located as a major transportation hub in Los Angeles and Southern California. It is a major center for Amtrak’s long-distance and regional trains and Metrolink, Metro Rail, and regional bus services. There are plans to expand Union Station with high-speed rail projects and other public transit networks. Union Station has two parking lots, one east and one west, ensuring convenient access for visitors. Parking rates are $2 every 15 minutes with a $16 maximum. Parking lots are open daily from 4:00 am to 2:00 am; no overnight parking is allowed. Union Station Los Angeles is at 800 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA. https://www.unionstationla.com/

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