Railroad sights in LA to see in a short visit

[RailEagle]

Around Carson, Ca. there’s Union Pacific Dolores Locomotive Maintenance there are a lot of locomotives there from older MP15s to Gensets and road power, give or take about 50 that i could see from the road. There are also some old SW-series switchers at some of the chemical plants that you can drive past. In Long Beach the Pacific Harbour Line has some interesting locomotives including two EMD Eco Demonstrator Units. Finally also in Long Beach there may or may not be a SF30C at Metro Ports.  

[MATTHEW BUCHANAN]

Thanks for the suggestions everyone. I made a reservation at the Miyako. Fullerton looks like a good spot, but I want to see Union Station. I only have time for one. Will check out the restaurant in the station too. 

[Deggesty]

I have enjoyed two stays at the Miyako--and I enjoyed eating dinner in the TRAX restasurant in the station.

[runnerdude48]

MATTHEW BUCHANAN

Are there decent places to stay near LAUS?

I don't know if it is still there but the last time I was in LA I stayed at the Miyako Hotel in Japantown.  It was a short (15 minute) walk from Union Station and the location seemed safe.  There were alot of resturants in the area but if you want Union Station flavor from days gone by eat at Traks in the station itself.  Easy to walk to and from this hotel.  As for sights I just like to get on Metro Link and ride a line that doesn't duplicate Amtrak.  I might also suggest taking the Blue Line to Long Beach for an outing and explore the waterfront area and/or the Queen Mary but maybe you don't have time for all that.

[MATTHEW BUCHANAN]

Thanks NorthWest. I had not thought of Fullerton. It looks like a busy spot for train watching and a museum. I'll do some research on staying around there for the night.

[NorthWest]

If possible, I recommend the Fullerton Amtrak/Metrolink station. Safe, busy, and with two surviving depots.

[MATTHEW BUCHANAN]

I’m visiting SAN Diego next month. I plan to take Amtrak from San Diego to LA in the evening but I have to be back in SD the next day by early afternoon. 

I want to try the Surfliner train, find a place to stay close to a train station, see some sights the next morning before heading back. 

Thought LA Union Station might be worth seein, perhaps take the Expo line to Santa Monica 

Are there any railway or related sights to see in LA? I realize that this side trip is quite short.  Are there decent places to stay near LAUS? Am I better off staying somewhere closer like Anaheim instead?

Matthew