Read Ranch & Coast Virtually Anywhere
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ere were only about a dozen passengers onboard when we departed, but our numbers grew at stops in Old Town, Solana Beach, Oceanside, and points north. I'd planned to read during the trip, but I couldn't take my eyes off the beautiful ocean views all the way up the coast. e conductor collected my ticket and an attendant offered tasty snacks. Both gentlemen were so kind that they reminded me of Mister Rogers. When the train stopped at Anaheim, the conductor shared some good news for families: ere's a free shuttle from the station to Disneyland and passengers qualify for a park discount. I made note of that because we'll soon be traveling this way with young visitors. We arrived on time at Union Station, an iconic landmark and the gateway to DTLA, the vibrant multicultural heart of downtown Los Angeles. Some folks board the bus to Dodger Stadium here, but most visitors fan out to world-class museums, galleries, performing arts venues, and a wide variety of ethnic restaurants spread across the area. I Ubered to the Conrad Los Angeles, which I'd chosen because it has a large, beautiful rooftop pool, it's very near e Broad contemporary art museum, and it's right across the street from the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Famously designed by architect Frank Gehry, this building's stainless steel curves have made it recognizable around the world. In the past, I've taken advantage of the free self-guided tours here, but this time I was content to stand and stare in awe from across the street. e concert hall is one of four side-by-side theaters that constitute the Music Center. e others are the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Mark Taper Forum, and the Ahmanson eatre. It was at the Ahmanson that I noticed Clue will open on July 30 and run to August 25. is comedy, based on the 1985 Paramount movie and the classic Hasbro board game, is recommended for children ages 12 and up. My next stop was the Grammy Museum, a four-story venue that's popular with music fans. is is the place for reliving Grammy acceptance speeches from Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, and other winners, and if you're lucky, one of your favorite artists might drop in while you're there and stay for Q&A in the museum's theater. e On the Red Carpet exhibit takes visitors into the world of red carpet glitz. A display of 11 costumes worn by Taylor Swift was a big hit earlier this year, and the current exhibit features multi Grammy Award-winner Shakira. During the summer, Grand Hope Park near the Grammy Museum hosts movies under the stars. e Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA is another popular option. detour destinations << ranchandcoast.com 92 JULY 2024 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE CLUE: PHOTO COURTESY OF EVAN ZIMMERMAN FOR MURPHYMADE