Inland Empirical: The Empirical Red Line Tour.

I love public transit systems even in L.A. which has the weakest lines of all the major cities I've been to. In and around Los Angeles/San Bernardino/Orange Counties, everyone drives a car. Most people don't consider taking a bus or train unless they are so fed up with the hassle of traffic, finding/paying for parking AND their destination is within easy distance of a transit line. Not many places are convenient to get to without a car. I know, because I use public transit every day of my life--mostly out of necessity--and I'll be the first to admit, it isn't convenient at all. It's really a pain in the ass most of the time. I'm often either chasing buses or waiting long long stretches for a bus to show up. Once in awhile, you might see me calling out curses to a driver who's left me behind for no good reason or explaining via phone to some poorly paid systems engineer on how to improve service.

I'm not trying to discourage you from taking the train or bus! I know it sounds like I am. If you're unfamiliar with the territory and uncomfortable with sitting next to a pants-less man (true story) or the mental patient yelling at invisible people(demons) taunting her, then I don't think it's something you should jump into willy-nilly. I am posting here today an easy way to get started it is also how I spent my Sunday prior to getting this cold I'm still currently fighting off.

The Inland Empirical Red Line Tour

Starting in Downtown Los Angeles, Union Station, buy a METRO day pass. A single ride is something like $1.25, but a day pass is only $5. You decide which works better for you. [Don't try to skip out on your fare because the fine of $250+community service isn't worth it; there's a good chance a bored security guy will ask to see proof that you paid.] If you have the new Tap Card, use that. Pay using the ticketing machine and load the value onto the TapCard otherwise, just get a paper ticket. Use it to ride all the Metro Rail lines and most local buses. Today, we'll just be riding the rails.
Board the Red Line train bound for North Hollywood. Careful here not to board the wrong line or you'll end up in the Wilshire area.
If you like shopping you can go to Hollywood/Highland--lot of stores here. The Kodak Theater is at this stop as well as the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre and you can check out the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There are always some people in costume. Freddy Krueger took a swipe at my neck and I got hassled a little by Charlie Chaplin. Bring a camera.
If you hop back on the Red back toward Union Station, your next stop is Hollywood/Vine. If you go on Sunday like I did, you can catch the Farmer's Market which is a couple blocks down. It's pretty big! Don't miss Amoeba Music on Sunset. Enormous selection of music and dvds. Get just about anything here. Be sure to bring a copy of your wishlist though; it's overwhelming. There are some vintage stores around but I've only found them to be helpful around Halloween. More Walk of Fame. Good place to explore. I made a few discoveries on my own here.
Back on the Red, Hollywood/Western is Thai Town. There's an Out of the Closet (thrift store) near the station that might be worth the effort. I went directly to Thai Patio, a couple blocks to the right, and had noodles and the best panang curry ever. Most restaurants in the area are highly recommended.
Other stops that I didn't make this time...Universal City-cross the street and take the shuttle up the road to Universal Studios, City Walk, Gibson Amphitheater. Vermont/Sunset-in the past, I've had some nice shopping excursions and terrific meals in this cute little area of Los Feliz. Also nice if you just want an afternoon stroll. Pershing Square is not very interesting unless there is some event planned there. Did you see my St. Pat's Parade photoset? The parade ended in Pershing Square where there were musical acts and other things planned. It's a bit hilly in the area so not great for casual strolling, but if you're up for it, there are some nice old hotels in the area with classic art deco designs.
If you head all the way back to Union Station. Transfer to the Gold Line and get off at the first stop which is the Chinatown Station. If you like grease, pick up some butterflies at Phoenix Bakery. I prefer the cakes, if anything. Nose around for trinkets and whatnots. Bamboo? Karate shoes? Housewares? A street urchin might offer you a juicy deal if you look shady enough.
If you walk the correct direction down Broadway, you can hang a left after you exit the Chinatown dragon entrance and head toward Olvera Street. Total tourist trap, but also a slice of real Los Angeles history. There is almost always live mariachi music and indigenous dances. Good for Mexican trinkets and other goods. Explore thoroughly and you'll find some interesting things hidden in alleys. Pick up a taco or 2 at El Noche Buena or taquitos at Cielito Lindo. Save some room and walk a block away from Cielito Lindo down Alameda and pick up dinner at Philippes. Your car or your bus ride home awaits across the street at Union Station.