Frugal Sightseeing on L.A.'s Red Line Transit

As the Red Line is one of Los Angeles' first mass transit systems to travel mostly underground, it is also the most economical choice for sightseeing. The seats are wider than most of all the Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA) trains but if you are afraid of the dark or claustrophobic, you may want to consider driving or taking the bus part of the way to L.A.'s most famous landmarks.

Before making your way underground, make sure you have proof of payment on hand at all times. Ticket machines are located on the street level (sometimes even midway before walking down the final set of steps). As of this writing, Day Passes are $5 and in the midst of gas pump hikes; this is one of the best deals in town. Passes can be purchased on any MTA bus or ticket machine and are good until 11:59p.m.

If you or someone you know rode a MTA train without paying, you should feel lucky as verification by the L.A. County Sheriff or fare attendant is at random. It is illegal to re-sell your ticket and if proof of payment is not visible (you can't just open your wallet to show you have the money to pay, trust me), citations are issued. These are around $250, may be combined with community service hours. Interest accrues if continuously ignored and if you happen to get caught by the Sheriffs while riding with at least two warrants, you will be arrested on the spot.

Enough with the depressing and on to the excitement!

Going from the East to the Northwest

The Red Line originates from Union Station which is near the L.A. County Jail, both the Amtrak and Metrolink train stations and if you want to visit Old Town Pasadena, the Gold Line is the way to go.

The next stop is the Civic Center where you are in walking distance of the Jewelry, Fashion and Textile Districts.

At the Pershing Square stop, you are near the famous Biltmore Hotel (several movies have been filmed here), the nine-story Central Library, Grand Central Market and can walk to many courts, City Hall and other government agencies.

Westlake/MacArthur Park is not as scenic as it once was but is adjacent to Echo Park and Alvarado Street. This stop is worth checking out just for the various styles of tamales available from street vendors.

The Wilshire/Vermont stop is in the heart of Koreatown, many independent shopping spots and puts you just a few blocks away from the Wiltern Theater.

L.A. City College has been heralded for its many curriculum programs as well as the wide variety of Continuing Education classes that are just a few steps away from the Vermont/Santa Monica stop.

As you begin to head north to the Vermont/Sunset stop, you are once again near the Echo Park/Silverlake area. This is a very homey hangout for the young (and young at heart).

Hollywood/Vine puts you in the center of sites once famous such as Mann's Chinese Theater, the Capitol Records building and of course, the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Don't forget to visit the best record store in the universe, Amoeba.

The Hollywood/Highland stop is nearby some of the novelty shops from the old day as well the new shopping center and the Kodak Theater.

The Universal City stop is something for everyone to enjoy with the shops and restaurants of CityWalk and the Universal Studios theme park.

The final stop is North Hollywood where you can visit the NoHo Arts District or go further north into the Valley with the Orange Line (bring plenty of water as it's sure to get hot!).