Urban Adventure – Olvera St/China Town/Little Tokyo/Angels Flight/Central Market

This is one of our famous Urban Adventures.
It's been a while since we did one of these! Kids OK.

This adventure takes us to downtown Los Angeles via Union Station using the Metro and includes at least 4 miles of walking. The entire adventure is about 7.5 hrs.

Transportation: $5.50 round trip (including $2 TAP card purchase).

Union Station, Olvera St. (Little Mexico), China Town, Angels Flight, Central Market, Little Tokyo.

It will be each person's own responsibility to make sure they arrive early enough to allow time to purchase their transportation, to follow the event host, and make sure they get on and off when the time comes.

The Route
Note that this is the planned route. We may alter it during the event.

We start off at the Chatsworth Metro Station (10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd, Chatsworth, CA 91311). Those that have a TAP card, should bring it. For those that do not, we'll show you how to purchase one ($2).

We'll be using the vending machines located at the station. There are only a couple machines, so allow time, given that there may be a small line.

Each person will purchase a TAP card if needed ($2), and two 1-way passes at $1.75 each, which gets loaded onto the TAP card. This was the published price as of this writing, but actual prices may have gone up slightly.

Segment 1 - Getting there
We take the Orange Line Busway (12:00p) until it ends, which is the North Hollywood station. This is a multi-section bus that has it's own private road. The ride is 51 min.

After exiting the station, we might cross the street south (Chandler Blvd.) and spend up to 60 minutes, depending on what is set up there that day. There is sometimes food and music. Then we'll cross back, cross east (Lankershim Blvd), and enter down into the North Hollywood Metro Station.

We will then take the Metro Red Line until it ends at Union Station, about 35 minutes. We are starting at one end of the red line, so you can't get the direction wrong. It's hard to say which train we'll be on, but they run about every 12 minutes.

Segment 2 – Union Station.
We exit the west end of Union Station (Alameda St.). We'll cross the street and begin our exploration, There will be a festival, Olvera St. (Little Mexico), China Town, and many other highlights of the area. We'll ultimately walk down Angels Flight, stop by Grand Central Market, and then visit Little Tokyo. Finally, we'll head back to Union Station.

The planned route is posted, but there is no guarantee we'll stick to it.

Segment 3 – Return
At this point, we return back the way we came. Some may opt to continue on to other destinations (Thai town for dinner, Universal City Walk, Hollywood Blvd, etc.).

Alternative ($34) Pacific Surfliner.
For those that want less travel time.
Depart
Leaves Simi Valley station 9:43a.
Arrives Union station (across from Olvera St) 11:30a.

Return
Leaves Union Station 3:10p
Arrives Simi Valley 5:10p

If you take the alternative route, it will be up to you to locate and join the group.

What to Bring
Small backpack with a snack and drink.
Sunglasses and hat.
Sunscreen.
Walking Shoes.

Directions
Chatsworth Metro Station
10040 Old Depot Plaza Rd.
Chatsworth, CA 91311

There is no bathroom at this station.

From CA-118
Exit 34, CA-27 Topanga Canyon Blvd. S.
South on Topanga Canyon Blvd. S. for 1.4 miles.
Left (east) on Devonshire St. for 0.4 miles.
Right (south) on Old Depot Plaza Rd. for 1.4 miles.

Park in the large station lot to the right (west).
Walk along the right (west) edge of the station building to the south side.
See the vending machines there. Buy a TAP card if needed, and load it with two 1-way trips.

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