Must dos are something you decide. The top questions on the forum deal with that topic. I, for one, would not consider LA Chinatown a must do, given huge concentrations of ethnic Chinese away from LA itself.

You are on the right track by learning to use the metro.

Chinatown is ok. If you are in Downtown you can easily see Chinatown and try out the foods. There are some temples, cool architecture with neon lights at night near where many of the popular restaurants are located. Cool Bruce Lee statue in the main courtyard. Around the Chinatown area in the Far East Plaza is Howlin Rays http://www.howlinrays.com/ which serves Nashville style hot chicken. Super popular with long lines even after a year of opening. plenty of youtube videos about it. Also not far is Phillippes The Original. Has been around for decades and local favorite diner serving The French Dip sandwich. Try that. Nearby is Union Station which is true architectural gem in LA. Main train /public transit hub in LA. Across the street is El Pueblo/Olvera Street which is where the City of LA was founded over 200 years ago. SOme old buildings and deep roots in Mexican culture/food when LA /CA was part of Mexico. So see that.

You can easily take Metro to Exposition Park and the museums there. California Science Center is free but IMAX and space shuttle costs extra. Definitely see the space shuttle. Only 3 in the USA on display I think and LA has one of them. Also the Natural History museum is cool. Across they are building the new Lucas (star wars) Museum but that is still under construction.

The same Metro route takes you all the way to Santa Monica Downtown and the Pier. You can rent bicycles or walk to Venice Beach Venice Canals if you wanted.

The Metro goes to the City of Pasadena known for JPL, CalTech University but the city is beautiful and old and has the annual Rose Parade and Rose Bowl college football game on Jan 1st. Memorial Park Metro station is where the Old Pasadena shopping/restaurant district is located and short walk to City Hall which served as Pawnee City Hall in the TV show Parks and Recreation. Norton Simon Museum is cool to see and some other cool landmarks like the Gamble House which was Doc's house from Back to the Future but also an important historic architectural building.

If going to greater Hollywood area, you can go to Hollyhock House which was recently named a UNESCO heritage building near the Vermont/Sunset Metro Station. This is where you can catch the shuttle DASH bus to the Griffith Observatory way up the hills as it goes through the Los Feliz neighborhood. The Los Feliz area is really nice small neighborhood with a small town feel on Vermont Ave shops/small theater, etc.

Other areas you can explore is Koreatown like near the Wilshire Western Metro station with lots of Korean restaurants and shops to eat along Western Ave.

Nearby Downtown is Echo Park. The Echo Park lake is a nicely renovated and has swan foot paddle boats to hire for the hour as you go around the lake with views of the Downtown skyline. Also nearby is Carroll Ave in nearby Angelino Heights which has a collection of nice Victorian era homes. One was use as the home in the Michael Jackson THriller video. Also some others used in other TV/movies.

Hollywood won’t take you a full day. 20 minutes is plenty for most visitors. Get off at Hollywood & Highland when you are returning from Universal Studios. All to Vine and get back on the Red Line there.

Chinatown is not that compelling. It isn’t as dynamic as many other Chinatowns. I’d skip it. There are more worthwhile places to spend your time.

In downtown LA, you might want to check out the Grammy Museum at LA Live. There is a nice ice rink set-up for Christmas. SkySpace has panoramic views from its observation deck.

Disney Concert Hall is definitely worth a look. If there is any concerts of remote interest, go. The Cathedral is a block away and the public plaza is appealing. The Broad Museum is always a hot ticket. MICA is across the street. All these places are on Bunker Hill. You can use Angels Flight to get up and down to Grand Central Market. Great place to eat in a historic setting.

The Central Library is a fascinating building and fun to explore. The Getty has a gallery there. The Last Bookstore is unique and very good.

HTH

As Hitch mentions, Chinatown is not very compelling. I have to agree but would like to know the main reason or reasons that you wish to see Chinatown. Are there some sort of expectations or something specific you would like to see/experience?

If so, there may be some other and better spots to send you off to.

Universal takes less than a day, I highly doubt you'll be there a second day.

Take the Metro to Santa Monica and wander around, walk to Venice or rent a bike for the bike path. Shop, eat, etc. This is a full day.

We are huge Harry Potter fans, going to Universal with 2 different sets of people. Know it's not great but it was a must-do for different groups on different days. 😏

Ooooohh. Hadn't thought of Union Station. Yes! We try to visit in every city. I also used to work at a science Center so that's worth considering as well. Been to Griffith Observatory but will likely go again.

You are all such great help! I'm working to balance the time and interests of very different people and keep everyone happy. Harder than I thought! 🙅

Do hop on hop off

They will take you to the best locations

They are cheap ones on airbnb experience

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