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A Quick Los Angeles Visit

© Lynne A. Williams

We came into Los Angeles' Union Station on the Sunset Limited, following a four day train trip from Boston, and had less than twenty-four hours in that city until catching a train for San Francisco. So, we planned to just enjoy our time at a few attractions which were either near Union Station or reachable by public transportation.

For so many years, the once grand and beautiful train stations in this country languished. They had fallen into disuse, followed by disrepair. Fewer travelers were taking trains and people were abandoning downtown, the site of most train stations. However, communities began to realize what they would be losing if these grand structures were destroyed. In Washington, D.C., New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Halifax, Montreal and many other cities, once vibrant train stations were restored to their past glory, often turned into destinations themselves.

Los Angeles' Union Station was one of the grandest train stations in the nation, embodying a style very different than the eastern stations. Built in a mission style, with carved wood ceilings, tiled roof and beautiful murals, Union Station is right at the heart of downtown Los Angeles. A movie star in its own right, Union Station has appeared in many films. You may remember it as the site where Barbra Streisand embarked from the train following her trip to Washington D.C. in "The Way We Were."

Luckily for all who are interested in trains, historic sites, and architecture, Union Station is now being restored to what it once was. The carved ceilings look as beautiful as ever, most of the wooden booths and seats have been redone, the art deco lighting is back and the station looks wonderful. It is the terminus for Amtrak trains coming in from north, south and east, as well as numerous commuter trains.

For the first time in many years, Union Station hosts a restaurant, Traxx. The menu is continental, and moderately priced. There is also a Traxx bar, in the former Union Station "telephone room," complete with beautiful tile floors and murals.

A block and a half from Union Station is Philippe's, a long-time downtown restaurant. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, this deli is home to a famous, and very delicious, French-dip sandwich.

Tour the Backlot

If you have a full day to spend in Los Angeles, head up to Universal City. Believe me, the Universal Studios Tour is not just for kids! Buy your Universal Studios Tour tickets online and save money. Also, if the idea of waiting in those lines is particularly unappealing, try the VIP tour. My son and I splurged and took this incredible tour. There were ten of us with one guide and, in addition to the usual tour sites, our tour in a small motorized cable car included an exceptional narrative and video, visits to many studios, soundstages and locations not on the regular tour and, best of all, no waiting in lines. Even the two gentlemen on our tour who initially had cell phones attached to their ears soon put those phones away. The tour is pricey, but a splurge that is fully worth the money.