One Sunday in LA

Question

Hello,

I have been to LA many times, always with a car but I am just passing through on a Sunday in early August. I arrive LAX at 9am and my flight to Maui is Monday at 8:00am. I am staying at an airport hotel with a shuttle. I am looking for some suggestions on what to do with my day using public transport.

Thanks in advance

Answer

Spending a Sunday in Los Angeles without a car is definitely doable using public transport, especially if you focus on a few key areas rather than trying to cover the whole city. Since you’re based near LAX, you’ll have easy access to the Metro system and several bus lines.

Morning:

Venice Beach and Santa Monica: Take the LAX FlyAway bus to Santa Monica or Metro Line 3/733 to Venice. Enjoy a stroll along the Venice Boardwalk, see the street performers, Muscle Beach, and the quirky shops. Continue to the Santa Monica Pier for classic pier attractions and ocean views.
Breakfast or brunch: Grab a casual bite near the boardwalk; places like The Butcher, The Baker, The Cappuccino Maker or Urth Caffé in Santa Monica are popular for coffee and breakfast.

Afternoon:

Getty Center: Take the Metro Expo Line to Culver City and then a short bus or rideshare up to the Getty Center. Enjoy the impressive art collection, architecture, and gardens. Note that the Getty has free admission but parking is paid, so using public transport plus the Getty tram is convenient.
Lunch options: Consider dining at the Getty’s café or in Culver City before heading back to central LA.

Late Afternoon/Evening:

Downtown LA highlights: Take the Metro to Union Station area. You can explore Olvera Street for a historic Mexican marketplace experience, grab a snack or coffee, and walk around the nearby historic district.
Walt Disney Concert Hall & The Broad: Both are accessible from the Civic Center/Grand Park area. Even if you don’t go inside The Broad museum, the exterior and nearby architecture are striking. Grand Park is a nice spot to relax and enjoy the city atmosphere.
Dinner: Consider Grand Central Market downtown for casual and varied options, or Little Tokyo if you prefer Japanese cuisine. Both are accessible via Metro or short rideshare from Union Station.

Night:

Return to your LAX hotel using the FlyAway bus or Metro connections. Make sure to allow enough time if your flight is early the next morning.

Additional tips:

Download the Metro app or Google Maps with transit directions to make transfers easier.
Check Sunday schedules for buses and Metro; some lines run less frequently.
Bring comfortable walking shoes and sun protection, as LA can be hot in August.

This itinerary allows you to see beaches, art, and downtown LA highlights using public transport without needing a car, keeping your day relaxed and manageable.