There’s Only One Remaining Train Station Like This In All Of Southern California And It’s Magnificent
By Natasha Kayes|Published November 09, 2022
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
When it comes to historic buildings and destinations, some truly stand out among the rest. The stately Los Angeles Union Station is one such destination. Many who have ridden a California train have passed through, or even stopped at, this historic train station in Southern California. In 1972, Union Station was designated as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, and in 1980, it was put on the National Register of Historic Places. Whether you ride the train or not, this impressive structure is worthy of a visit.
Los Angeles Union Station opened its doors to passengers in 1939. Designed by John and Donald B. Parkinson, this incredible structure shows off both Art Deco and Spanish Colonial Revival styles in its architecture and decorative details.
This station was a joint venture between five major railroad companies and replaced La Grande and Central Stations. It is considered to be "the last of the great train stations."
The vast ticketing hall is outfitted with a 110-foot black walnut ticket counter, 30-foot brass-accented windows, inlaid marble tile floors, hand painted wall tiles, and dramatic open wood-tress ceiling.
Walking through the giant waiting room with its original wood and leather seats, you can easily imagine formally-dressed travelers in the 1930s and 1940s, with cases and trunks in hand, strolling through or lounging in the hall until their trains arrived.
High wooden ceilings with ornate designs, huge art deco chandeliers, and towering windows letting in a flood of natural light give Union Station a stately and dignified ambiance.
Homebound Brew Haus, formerly Harvey House restaurant, is a spacious bar and restaurant where visitors can play games while they dine, or take a seat at the original bar and enjoy a cocktail. Notice the beauty of the original tiled floor.
