Chinatown... (Orange: safe area, purchase, living in)

[Podo944]

I haven't been to Chinatown in LA for years. I've been living in Orange County for a few decades now, and hubby and I are thinking of taking the train to Union Station. It looks like Chinatown is walkable from Union Station? I do know Olvera Street is near there too. Is the area safe enough to walk during the day? I know time can change a place so I'd appreciate any info.
Thanks in advance!

[PDF]

There's also a light rail stop from Union Station, so you don't have to walk exactly.

[ccm123]

It's a safe area to walk during the day and likely during the early evening hours. There is a usually a lot of vehicle and pedestrian traffic around that area.

[munchitup]

Absolutely safe during the day and night. One of my favorite trips in LA is taking the train to Union Station and walking around the area north of DTLA. Check out the State Historic Park while you are there too, it's a very nice park adjacent to Chinatown.

My wife and I missed the last Red Line train one Saturday night at 2 AM and walked around the Union Station / Chinatown area while waiting for the 4 bus to come take us back to Hollywood. Much quieter and a little eerie, but no problems. So if you are there at a more reasonable evening hour, (8PM-12AM) I would say you are perfectly safe.

[Podo944]

Awesome! Thanks for the replies!

[nickdahammer]

The wife and I were in a similar situation as munchitup. No issues waiting for a late Hill Street bus back to Mt Washington. We love taking the train to Olvera Street, grabbing a bite and drink at La Golondrina, people watching. Kinda fun. And never an issue in Chinatown, especially now with some galleries and the Gold Line keeping people around later.

[HarryKerryJr]

Chinatown isn't what it used to be. It's kind of dead these days, and quite a few Vietnamese have moved in. However, Ocean Seafood still the best Dim Sum IMHO with Plum Tree Inn having a loyal following I can't figure out. Also, Phillipe's is still there as yummy as ever.

The Gold Line has a station at Chinatown with service every 6 minutes weekend mid-days and Mon-Fri rush. Also, DASH buses serve Union Station and Chinatown. It is only a two minute ride.
Your Metrolink ticket is also good for all service on MTA buses including local, limited, Metro Rapid (excluding Silver line and Express lines) and rail lines and DASH buses ALL DAY in ALL directions. It works as an EZPass. Simply board any Metro rail line and if asked for proof of fare, present your Metrolink ticket. To board a bus, just show your Metrolnk ticket to the bus driver. This is only if you have a valid Metrolink ticket. If you take Amtrak, you will need to purchase a TAP card (if you don't have one already) at one of the vending machines where you pay fare. You will be charged $1 extra for the cost of the card itself ONE-TIME when it dispenses the card with your selected fare. KEEP THE TAP CARD for FUTURE USE. You can add fare to it for any trips should you want to come back some day. I would suggest purchasing the ONE-DAY pass for $5. This is good all day on any Metro bus or rail line you are likely to take on your visit. I think you can use TAP for DASH, as well. Be sure to TAP at the TAP readers as you ENTER the rail platforms or you may be cited. The display will flash GO meaning your TAP was good. Remember, this is only if you don't have a Metrolink ticket and use Amtrak, instead.

[ccm123]

Loved Phillipe's for breakfast and Plum Tree Inn is great for dinner!

Originally Posted by HarryKerryJr

Chinatown isn't what it used to be. It's kind of dead these days, and quite a few Vietnamese have moved in. However, Ocean Seafood still the best Dim Sum IMHO with Plum Tree Inn having a loyal following I can't figure out. Also, Phillipe's is still there as yummy as ever.

The Gold Line has a station at Chinatown with service every 6 minutes weekend mid-days and Mon-Fri rush. Also, DASH buses serve Union Station and Chinatown. It is only a two minute ride.
Your Metrolink ticket is also good for all service on MTA buses including local, limited, Metro Rapid (excluding Silver line and Express lines) and rail lines and DASH buses ALL DAY in ALL directions. It works as an EZPass. Simply board any Metro rail line and if asked for proof of fare, present your Metrolink ticket. To board a bus, just show your Metrolnk ticket to the bus driver. This is only if you have a valid Metrolink ticket. If you take Amtrak, you will need to purchase a TAP card (if you don't have one already) at one of the vending machines where you pay fare. You will be charged $1 extra for the cost of the card itself ONE-TIME when it dispenses the card with your selected fare. KEEP THE TAP CARD for FUTURE USE. You can add fare to it for any trips should you want to come back some day. I would suggest purchasing the ONE-DAY pass for $5. This is good all day on any Metro bus or rail line you are likely to take on your visit. I think you can use TAP for DASH, as well. Be sure to TAP at the TAP readers as you ENTER the rail platforms or you may be cited. The display will flash GO meaning your TAP was good. Remember, this is only if you don't have a Metrolink ticket and use Amtrak, instead.