Shown: Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
Itineraries
A Film Buff’s Walking Tour of Downtown LA: Iconic Movie Locations You Can Visit Car-Free
From film noir classics to modern blockbusters, Downtown Los Angeles has long been one of Hollywood’s favorite backlots. With its dramatic architecture, atmospheric alleys, and cinematic history, DTLA has stood in for cities around the world—often playing itself. This self-guided walking itinerary begins at Los Angeles Union Station, where you’ll arrive conveniently via Metrolink or LA Metro, and unfolds a day filled with film magic, all within walking distance or a short Metro hop.
START: Los Angeles Union Station (1939)
800 N Alameda St | Metro B/D Lines – Union Station
Begin where countless stars and scenes have landed—Union Station, one of LA’s most filmed landmarks. You’ve seen its grand art deco-meets-mission revival interiors in Blade Runner (1982), Catch Me If You Can (2002), and The Dark Knight Rises (2012). Walk through the waiting room and marvel at the preserved architecture that has doubled as everything from airports to government buildings.
🕰 Time: 20–30 minutes
📸 Photo Tip: Stand at the foot of the grand hallway for a dramatic shot framed by chandeliers.
📸 Photo Tip: Stand at the foot of the grand hallway for a dramatic shot framed by chandeliers.
Millennium Biltmore Hotel
📍 506 S Grand Ave
🚇 Nearest Metro Stop: Pershing Square Station (B/D Line) — 5-minute walk
🚇 Nearest Metro Stop: Pershing Square Station (B/D Line) — 5-minute walk
Seen in:
- Ghostbusters (1984) — Sedgewick Hotel interior
- Chinatown (1974)
- Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
- Independence Day (1996)
📹 Interior Tour with Scenes from Ghostbusters:
🕰 Visit Tips:
- Step into the grand lobby to see where Ghostbusters chased Slimer.
- The Rendezvous Court and Crystal Ballroom are visual highlights.
- Allow 30 minutes.
Westin Bonaventure Hotel
📍 404 S Figueroa St
🚇 Nearest Metro Stop: 7th Street/Metro Center (A/B/D/E Lines) — 5-minute walk
🚇 Nearest Metro Stop: 7th Street/Metro Center (A/B/D/E Lines) — 5-minute walk
Seen in:
- True Lies (1994) — the horseback vs. motorcycle elevator chase
- Heat (1995)
- In the Line of Fire (1993)
- Mission: Impossible III (2006)
📹 Movie Scene:
True Lies chase on the elevators with a horse
True Lies chase on the elevators with a horse
🕰 Visit Tips:
- Ride the glass elevators—featured in multiple films.
- Explore lobby walkways and water installations.
- Allow 20–25 minutes.
Santee Alley (Fashion District)
📍 210 E Olympic Blvd (Alley spans between Santee St & Maple Ave)
🚇 Nearest Metro Stop: Pico Station (A/E Line) — 10-minute walk
🚌 Or take Metro Bus 30 or 66 to Maple/Olympic
🚇 Nearest Metro Stop: Pico Station (A/E Line) — 10-minute walk
🚌 Or take Metro Bus 30 or 66 to Maple/Olympic
Seen in:
- Bridesmaids (2011) — chaotic dress shopping scene
- Training Day (2001) — urban backdrop in car patrol sequences
- “Wicked” (1993) — music video from Ice Cube
🕰 Visit Tips:
- Explore lively vendor stalls, knockoff fashion, and bargain finds.
- Great stop for photos, snacks, or budget shopping.
- Allow 30–40 minutes.
🚶 Suggested Itinerary Route (from Union Station):
- Start at Union Station (Metrolink arrival hub)
- Take Metro B or D Line to Pershing Square Station
- Walk to Millennium Biltmore Hotel
- From Biltmore, walk (~10 min) or take Metro B/D Line one stop to 7th Street/Metro Center, walk to Westin Bonaventure Hotel
- From Bonaventure, walk (~15–20 min) or take Metro A or E Line to Pico Station. Walk to Santee Alley
- For return: Take Metro A Line back to Union Station
🗺 Total Time: 2.5–3 hours at a relaxed pace
🚶 Distance Covered: ~1.7 miles walking + optional Metro transfers
🚶 Distance Covered: ~1.7 miles walking + optional Metro transfers
More to Explore!
8 Low-Cost Cultural Gems in Downtown LA You Can Reach by Metrolink
A self-guided itinerary for locals and visitors to explore LA’s museums, history, and street art—all walkable or just one train transfer from Union Station.
Explore Downtown LA's Architectural Icons, Car-Free with Metrolink
Downtown Los Angeles is a living museum of architectural styles—from Beaux-Arts elegance to Art Deco grandeur to modern marvels like Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall.
How to Take a Car-Free Weekend Day Trip from Los Angeles to Salt Creek Beach
You can reach one of Orange County’s most beautiful beaches, Salt Creek Beach in Dana Point, entirely car-free using the Metrolink train and the Laguna Niguel Summer Trolley.
