Los Angeles Travel Forum

Can you tell



We are coming to Los Angeles from Scotland in September and want to do all the tourist spots. Public transport is our aim. We are staying in Marriott Hotel Downtown. Can we go to 3rd St.Promenade from here and also Disneyland. I am a senior-travelling with my adult son. I would also like to go to the Fashion District. We will be able to find our way to Hollywood/Universal Studios.
Also is there anything to do in the evenings around Figuera St or locally?

The 3rd street promenade I know is in Santa Monica - should be able to take the bus there. The Fashion district (that I knew when I lived in LA) is around Los Angeles Street and 9th.

Have you tried using Google Maps or www.mapquest.com to find your destination? (I've been finding Google maps better).

Do you mean Figueroa St? Los Angeles (LA) is not the best place to wonder around at night.

You may want to search for Grey Line tours (I know I hate tour buses) - but I do commend you on not trying to drive in LA - it would be difficult even if you did not have to get used to driving on the "other side" -and in LA making a mistake driving could be very dangerous.

Not sure if I've answered thoroughly - need to get to work, but perhaps this link will help:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_of_Los_Angeles

Be careful where you go - LA has some wonderful areas, and some that could be dangerous at night.

Are you going to Venice?

From downtown to 3rd street Promenadem, there is a bus that goes straight down Wilshire Blvd. To Disneyland, you can take the Blue metro line to the Anaheim metro stop, and then the Orange county bus. Takes probably an hour. There is also a bus from downtown to Disneyland, but that takes 90 minutes up to two hours. There is also a metro line that takes you right to Universal City. For evening entertainment, some of the hotels have great lounges on top of the buildings. Let me know if you want specific recommendations. There is usually opera or ballet at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Orchestral and chamber music at the Disney Hall. The Mark Taper forum usually has excellent plays. Museum of Contemporary Art is across the street from the Disney Hall. Get a copy of LA Weekly for things going on. You may consider taking the metro to the Kodak theatre. Karl

Getting to Disneyland via public transit, it's faster (but not cheaper) to take the Metrolink Gold line to the Fullerton Station, then transfer to an OCTA bus. It'll still take about an hour, depending on the bus wait time.
http://www.metro.net/ (use the trip planner)

Hollywood/Universal Studios is really easy by subway, as it seems you're aware of already.

Downtown LA is unfortunately pretty dead at night. It's gotten better in the past few years, but you're on the west edge of the neighborhood on Figueroa, and there's not much around there. Walking west over the 110 freeway into Westlake at night would be ill-advised. And definitely stay out of the Fashion District at night because it's just too close to Skid Row to be in without a car. Also keep in mind that Hollywood also gets pretty sketchy, and you should stick to the major streets where there are lots of people.

Being Downtown puts you at a prime location for getting to other areas of the city by public transit though. Santa Monica's been explained, and that's an easy trip. For the MTA buses (Santa Monica has its own system called the "Big Blue Bus"), try to get on an express or commuter bus if possible, because you'll save lots of time, although they usually only run during rush hour.

hth

You can get around LA on public transportation, but it will be slow and inefficient compared to most major cities. It is vastly inferior compared to London or Paris or Chicago or NYC.
I recommend hiring ( aka renting ) a car.

All great advice, here.

Downtown options: The rooftop bar on the Westin Bonaventure rotates and provides amazing views...kid friendly...Likewise, Takami Sushi is in the penthouse at 811 Wilshire with stunning views and legitimately excellent food. Good for lunch or dinner.

24 hr. diner at the Standard on Flower. Funky and trendy anytime of day.

More local is the corner of 4th and Main, with Pete's Cafe(tavern) and some other restaurants/bars. Just east on Main is Critics' fave "Nickel Diner". Yes, it can seem rough. You gotta like the "developing hoods", you know..? Never phased me.

And, the heart of the Fashion District is Santee Alley(see tips). Crazy and amazing shopping district.

All in downtown.

Bienvenidos!

Last year, I brought my senior-citizen parents in LA and we stayed in Westin Bonaventure, close to Marriott and we took the bus and the metro (subway) everyday for our 4 day trip.

There's also a tourism office nearby so you can ask the concierge.

In this article LA for free, I've mapped out the way to get to the Walk of Fame and Universal Studios using the Red Line subway and then bus 720 to get to Rodeo Drive and Sta. Monica Beach.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4907060_act-visit-its-top-sights.html

Please note though that the bus may encounter traffic so best to start your day early.

For a summary, you can view http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/7f095/b80ac/9/

Check out L.A. Conservancy for amazing walking tours of downtown L.A. They are usually on Saturday mornings, around 2 hours, $10, and there are at least a dozen different walks. They focus on the architecture and history of the particular area you are in. Quite a good way to learn about L.A. The Pershing Square tour is the basic one though there are many (Art Deco, The Old Banking District on Spring Street, Broadway Theaters (AMAZING TOUR!).
Also, Olvera Street offers walking tours, as does City Hall.
Enjoy!

As nice as the Westin Bonaventure is, the area is not too safe to stroll in the evening. I've had to attend many conferences and be involved with some presentations and meetings and we never walked alone.

There is a very old diner between the hotel and the conference center, but I can't remember its name. Could look dumpy, but it is awesome. They make the best cole slaw, and everything else. Portions are huge.

I am very picky eating and would not hesitate to eat there - it is quite historic and is lined with old photos of LA as it used to be. Even if you just come in for a soda or a coffee, it's work coming in.

Ahh - it's called the Pantry, or the Original Pantry.
www.pantrycafe.com

877 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90017-2507
(213) 972-9279

Actually, you can see the Pantry's menu on line. Going there for a meal is a true LA experience.

Pantry is owned by former Mayor Riordan and attracts some power players, believe it or not.

Really? Interesting!