A day in LA

The honest version of an LA day isn't fighting into downtown — it's a coastal-museum morning and a good lunch, home by dinner. Better yet, do it car-free: the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner leaves from the foot of State Street and drops you at Union Station with no parking, no traffic. Nine daily round trips north of LA as of 2026; budget 3 hours and book Business Class for a guaranteed seat.

When it shines: Any time — the Surfliner makes rainy or traffic-heavy days painless

1. 1

   Getty Villa

   See

   Free (timed entry required), Getty's Greek-and-Roman collection in a recreated Roman villa right on PCH near Malibu — far easier and more atmospheric than the city center, and genuinely engaging for a teenager. Driving down via PCH turns the trip into a scenic coastal run.

2. 2

   Erewhon + Rodeo Drive

   Shop

   The real answer to what draws people down: Erewhon's absurd, excellent hot bar blocks from Rodeo's European flagships. Beverly Hills runs a free weekend trolley — use it and skip the parking.

3. 3

   Pacific Surfliner (the car-free way)

   Do

   The SB Amtrak station sits two blocks from the beach. Walk on, step off at Union Station — many LA transit connections offer free transfers to Surfliner passengers. The relaxed way to do LA when you don't want to drive.