TrainDay2LA: 8-10 mile Urban Walk Santee Alley meets Little Tokyo!

We’re taking Metrolink into LA Union Station for an urban exploration journey through the multicultural energy of Santee Alley, DTLA, and Little Tokyo.

Fair Warning: This is an active, long-distance walking event! The goal is to hit 20,000+ steps (8 to 10 miles total) at a steady pace of 2.5 to 3.0 mph (20–25 min/mile). This is an urban exploration walk, not a shopping crawl, though there are easily 100 points of interest to spot along the way. Feel free to bail out early if needed, but come prepared to keep up with the group, especially through DTLA traffic lights. We will head for lunch at !Dame Mas! in Santee Alley as our first stop.

### 🚆 Specific Train Details

🕒 9:21 AM Outbound Train: Metrolink OC Line Train #661 (Departs Irvine at 9:21 AM, arrives LA Union Station at 10:35 AM).
🕒 4:27 PM Return Train: Metrolink OC Line Train #668 (Departs LA Union Station at 4:27 PM, arrives Irvine at 5:36 PM).
🕒 Ticket Info: Buy a Metrolink $10.00 Weekend/SoCal Day Pass at the station kiosk ($5.00 for seniors/students). Kiosk Note: Do not use bills larger than $20 or you may not receive change!

### 🌮 Lunch Plan

We’ll head to Santee Alley first to beat the heat and the heaviest crowds. Our main lunch goal is !Dame Mas! in Santee Alley. It a burger and taco place. If seating is available we’ll sit, but be prepared to eat standing up or grab food from one of the neighboring burger stands. Afterward, we’ll route through the fashion district, past Crypto.com Arena and Oceanwide Plaza (Graffiti Towers), back through Little Tokyo for a slice of Japan, and then over to Chinatown if we have time before heading to Union Station.

### Schedule & Meeting Spot

🕒 9:00 AM: Meet on Platform 1 (far side—use the bridge to cross the tracks). Look for Chris near the north end of the platform. We will board the 2nd car from the front.
🕒 9:21 AM: Board Metrolink OC Line #661 to LA Union Station.
🕒 10:35 AM: Arrive at LA Union Station and begin our 8–10 mile urban walk.
🕒 11:30 AM: Lunch at !Dame Mas! / Santee Alley.
🕒 12:30 PM – 3:45 PM: Explore DTLA highlights & Little Tokyo.
🕒 4:27 PM: Board Metrolink OC Line #668 at Union Station back to Irvine.
🕒 5:36 PM: Arrive back in Irvine.

### 🎒 What to Bring & Wear

• Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes built for 8–10 miles on hard surfaces.
• Sun Protection: Pre-apply sunscreen and wear a hat/sunglasses.
• Hydration & Snacks: Bring a 1-liter refillable water bottle and a snack.
• Money: Cash/card for lunch and snacks.
• Logistics Note: Bathrooms can be a challenge on this route, so please plan accordingly!

### ⚠️ DISCLAIMER

Group organizer, assistant organizers, and event hosts assume no liability; hike at your own risk. By being a member of this group, you hereby agree to assume all risks and liability related to or resulting from any group functions. You agree that neither you nor any third party will hold any of the group's leaders, officers, or representatives liable for any injury, loss, or damage to your own person or any members of your family, friends, acquaintances, children, pets, or property, arising directly or as a consequence of a group activity. You also agree that your membership in this group is on an "at will" basis.