Dodgers game from Hyatt Huntington Beach

Question

We are doing a family baseball trip with family of 5 July/Aug. Staying 4 nights in San Diego (Cardinals at Padres) and then driving up to Huntington Beach Hyatt for 2 nights. Angels game on Sunday afternoon (driving) then the Cardinals v. Dodgers on Monday August 4th - we will have a rental car but also read we could take a train to Union Station for the Dodgers shuttle? Any preference (me, wife and 9/5/3 year old) or suggestions?

Answer

For your family baseball trip, attending the Dodgers game from Huntington Beach requires balancing convenience, traffic, and the needs of your kids (ages 9, 5, and 3). Driving is possible, but traffic in LA can be unpredictable, especially heading into downtown or Dodger Stadium on a weekday.

Here are your main options:

Drive directly: From Huntington Beach to Dodger Stadium, expect roughly 45–60 minutes without traffic, but weekday afternoon/evening traffic can easily double that. Parking is available at the stadium, but rates are typically $30–$50 per car. The advantage is flexibility with your young kids and the ability to leave early if needed.
Train + Dodgers shuttle: You can drive to Anaheim or Irvine to catch the Metrolink train to Union Station. From Union Station, the official Dodgers Express Shuttle runs directly to the stadium. This can reduce stress from traffic, and kids may enjoy the train ride. The shuttle requires buying tickets in advance, and you’ll need to factor in train and shuttle schedules to avoid long waits.
Combination: Some families choose to drive partway and park near a Metrolink station along the route, then take train + shuttle, which can avoid the heaviest traffic closer to downtown.

For a family with young children, the train + shuttle option can be less stressful than driving all the way through LA traffic. However, if you are comfortable with LA traffic and want maximum flexibility (especially for bathroom breaks, snacks, or leaving early if the kids get tired), driving may be more convenient.

If you drive, leave at least 90–120 minutes before game time to account for traffic and parking lines.
Bring snacks, water, and entertainment for the younger kids if using the train/shuttle.
Check both Dodgers Express Shuttle and Metrolink schedules ahead of time, as weekday trains can have limited departures and the shuttle may fill up for big games.
Consider pre-purchasing Dodgers parking or shuttle tickets to avoid lines.

In summary, for your 9/5/3 year olds, the train + Dodgers shuttle can be a fun and less stressful alternative to navigating LA traffic, but driving gives you more flexibility. Since you will already have a rental car, it really depends on how much you want to manage traffic stress versus sticking to a fixed schedule.

Dodgers game from Hyatt Huntington Beach

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