Less than a day in LA - any suggestions?

[miry]

We will be vacationing in December 2011 with a few days in Disneyland followed by a Disney Cruise. We will be back on land December 18 debarking by 9:30 AM. The thing is, our train doesn't leave Union Station (LAX) heading back to New Mexico until 6:30 PM. Does anyone have suggestions on activities that would be close by and fun for myself and 13 year old son? We're thinking Universal, but any suggestions would be great. Thanks so much in advance.

 

[StageTek]

The Red Line (subway) will take you from Union Station to Hollywood
Blvd. and to Universal. Both would be fun in different ways. If you
have a few hours at Universal (and want to pay for just a few hours)
you can ride the Tram Tour and maybe catch a ride or two before you
have to head back.

What time will you be arriving at Union Station?

 

[miry]

What time will you be arriving at Union Station?

I'm thinking 10:30ish AM and want to be back by 5:45 PM since we've never traveled by train and definitely don't want to miss it.

 

[ludari]

Across the street from the Union Station you can visit Olvera Street for shopping and some of the best Mexican food in Los Angeles. Also very close to Union Station is Chinatown with food and shops as well. You should also check out the California Science Center which is also near downtown. My nephew and nieces love that place so I would suggest you check out CSC calendar of events for a detailed list of activities during your visit.

 

[StageTek]

I'm thinking 10:30ish AM and want to be back by 5:45 PM since we've never traveled by train and definitely don't want to miss it.

In that case you would have about 5 hours at Universal. Not bad if you want to spend the money. You could see the famous tour and catch a couple of rides. I tend to think it's worth it.

The California Science Center is an excellent suggestion. Close geographically to Union Station but not easy to get to - a taxi would be better than the bus.

You could also take the subway to Hollywood Blvd. Some find it interesting, some are surprised that "Hollywood" is just a city like any other with no stars wandering around and streets paved in gold. But some enjoy seeing the Chinese theater and the stars names on the Walk of Fame.

 

[cyclenut]

Across the street from the Union Station you can visit Olvera Street for shopping and some of the best Mexican food in Los Angeles. Also very close to Union Station is Chinatown with food and shops as well. You should also check out the California Science Center which is also near downtown. My nephew and nieces love that place so I would suggest you check out CSC calendar of events for a detailed list of activities during your visit.

I've you've already done DL and a Disney cruise then you may want to step out from the theme park thing and enjoy with this poster above has suggested. You can take the subway to Hollywood, spend an hour or so there walking around and taking in the sights and then head back to Union Station and Olvera street and Chinatown. You'll get a flavor of three different cultures all in one day and you'll spend a lot less money in the process. Plus, you won't be far away from Union Station once you return from your trip down Hollywood Blvd. That could help you relax and enjoy a little more.

I like the Science Center idea too, but you may not have time to do all four, unless you want to rush your visits.