Union Station is an architectural gem that opened in 1939 and features art deco and mission revival design. Find verdant courtyards, period detailing, and great dining options in retro surrounds. If you're catching an Amtrak train, you are likely heading to Union Station—the transit hub serves the West Coast, and is a stop on Amtrak's long-distance coach trains.
The conveniently-situated Union Station is a great starting point for exploring. Stretch your legs before or after a train ride at the walkable stretch of Olvera Street, located across North Alameda Street. History fans can visit the nearby Los Angeles Central Library, while arts enthusiasts should stop by the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA.
Since Union Station is a transit hub, you have several options for visiting. You can hop on the LA Metro subway (purple or red lines), the light rail (gold line), or take the Flyaway bus from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). If you prefer to drive, you can even rent a car (or drop one off) at Union Station.
If you have a train to catch, leave enough time to get to Union Station and pick up a snack before boarding. Otherwise, stop by for one of the station's cultural events, which feature prominently on the Union Station calendar. Many events are free of charge, and open to the public.
Since Union Station is conveniently-located in Downtown Los Angeles, try a guided area walking tour—some even start right at the station. You can explore nearby sights like Olvera Street, Grand Park, and Little Tokyo. To see more of the city, opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Most include dozens of stops across LA, so you can cover more ground in less time.
