The Point: Fun awaits in southern California, so hop aboard
Longer days and warmer weather are finally here! Metrolink offers a fun way to travel from Riverside County to the beach, Hollywood, and more this spring and summer. Check out these ideas and start planning your next trip.
1. Visit the San Clemente Pier
Pack your sunscreen and head over to the San Clemente Pier this summer. Visit the Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens to explore a small art museum and gardens overlooking the ocean. Hike the San Clemente Beach Trail to enjoy the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. Or pack your snacks, boogie board and beach chair to play in the waves or relax on the sand. From Riverside County, take Metrolink’s Inland Empire/Orange Line to the San Clemente Pier station (weekends only).
2. Stroll the Little Tokyo/Arts District
Downtown Los Angeles is a great place to visit for adventure, fun and memories. While downtown, visit Little Tokyo’s Japanese Village Plaza on 2nd Street. Take a stroll and find many restaurants that serve traditional Japanese food, such as sushi, and shops that sell Japanese products. Then head over to the James Irvine Japanese Garden for a breath of nature amid the buzzing city. Explore the Arts District with a walking tour of murals and the latest street art. Ride Metrolink’s 91/Perris Valley Line or Riverside Line from Riverside County, exit at L.A Union Station and walk to Little Tokyo or jump on the Metro Gold Line to the Arts District/Little Tokyo station.
3. Root for the Halos
Cheering on the Los Angeles Angels has never been easier with the Angels Express! Every Friday home game starting at 7:07 pm, jump aboard the 91/Perris Valley Line Metrolink train to Angel Stadium. Tickets are $7 or less and you don’t need to pay for parking or worry about traffic hassles. Fans can take special 741X train and then make an easy transfer at the Orange Station for the short trip to the Anaheim Station. The train makes it easy to get to and from the game, so you can spend more time rooting for the Angels and less time on the road! Angels baseball tickets are sold separately.
4. Discover – and be Discovered? – in Hollywood
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a must-see destination for anyone living in or visiting Southern California. In addition to taking pictures with your favorite celebrity’s star, there is so much to do in Hollywood. At Madame Tussauds Hollywood, you can take photos with celebrities, although — spoiler alert! — they are made from wax. Then head over to see movie props at the Hollywood Museum. For Disney lovers, check out El Capitan Theatre for Disney movies and exhibits.
To reach Hollywood, ride Metrolink’s 91/Perris Valley Line or Riverside Line to L.A. Union Station, use the same ticket to transfer to the Metro Red Line and exit at the Hollywood/Vine Station. Give yourself plenty of time. The trip from Los Angeles to the Hollywood/Vine Station is approximately 20 minutes.
5. Shop the Santa Monica Pier & Third Street Promenade
Downtown Santa Monica is equal parts shopping haven and street-performer stage. Just east of the Pier, the Third Street Promenade has three open-air, car-free blocks anchored by Santa Monica Place. With everything from fresh farmers-market produce to designer fashions, the area is a shopper’s delight. There are also numerous restaurants featuring locally sourced ingredients and craft cocktails. Ride the Metrolink 91/Perris Valley Line or Riverside Line to L.A. Union Station, take the Metro Red Line and transfer at the 7th Street/Metro Center station. Ride the Metro Expo Line to the Downtown Santa Monica Station. The Los Angeles to Santa Monica trip takes approximately one hour, so please plan ahead.
Have more ideas for spring and summer destinations you can reach by Metrolink? Leave us a comment on social media @theRCTC.