Five places to stop on LA's Expo line

As well as sporting greats, the Staples Center has hosted many of the world's greatest musical acts. Photo / 123RF

Los Angeles' long-awaited Metro Expo line extension now connects Downtown to Santa Monica, meaning you no longer need a car to get around and see the sights.

1. Staples Center

Home to the Lakers, Clippers and the Kings, the Staples Center is a great place to catch a game while you're in LA. It's located in Downtown LA, next to the Los Angeles Convention Center. As well as sporting greats, the Staples Center has hosted many of the world's greatest musical acts.

2. Exposition Park

The Expo Line is named after Exposition Park, just south of Downtown LA. But it's not just a park, there's a vast array of museums, sports facilities and recreational areas within its 65ha. Be sure to check out the California African American Museum, the Exposition Park Rose Garden and the California Science Center.

3. Bergamot Station

Jump off at 26th St/Bergamot. This Santa Monica train station houses many art galleries and is a popular arts tourist destination. Once a sprawling industrial complex, it is surrounded by clumps of wild bergamot and attracts more than 600,000 visitors each year.

4. Boardwalk 11

If you're keen to check out an authentic American dive bar and belt out some tunes at the same time, take the Expo line to the Palms spot. Located between an Asian takeaways and a drycleaners, TimeOut describes it as the "mecca of karaoke bars". Open until 2am, they've got thousands of tunes and update their song lists daily.

5. Santa Monica Pier

Right at the end of the Expo extension, Santa Monica is packed with great food, attractions and shopping districts. The 100-year-old pier is a must-see landmark that hosts Pacific Park — a family theme park with a solar-panelled Ferris wheel. During the summer, the pier hosts weekly outdoor concerts, movies and other events. Route 66 officially ends its nearly 4000km journey in Santa Monica and you'll find a sign commemorating it-and a photo opportunity — at the end of the pier.

Further information: See discoverla.com.
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