9 Cool Shopping and Dining Adventures

Just a five-minute walk from LA Union Station and you'll be in the heart of Olvera Street. The birthplace of Los Angeles features 27 historic buildings and a traditional Mexican-style plaza with excellent food and shopping. Walk one block further and you’ll find Philippe The Original, home of the French Dip sandwich.

There’s always something exotic around every corner in Chinatown. Search for some great Instagrammable sites such as the Dragon gate. Or stroll through souvenir shops looking for a paper lanterns. Don’t forget to leave time for some delicious dim sum. From the Metrolink station, it’s a 10-minute walk or take the Metro Gold Line one stop.

Downtown Orange is known for great antique shops but the dining scene is just as amazing. From the Jalapeno Grill to the Pie Hole, you’ll find excellent local hot spots for lunch while on your antique shopping adventure. Just a five-minute walk from the station along Chapman Avenue.

There’s always something new to do at Irvine Spectrum Center, one of Southern California’s most popular shopping, dining and entertainment lifestyle destinations. Recently renovated, the center features a giant Ferris wheel, 21-screen theater and distinctive eateries and stores.

Find something for everyone at this family-friendly mall indoor mall. One of OC’s premier shopping spots, The Shops at Mission Viejo are close to the Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo Station. Use OCTA’s OC Flex microtransit service for free with your Metrolink ticket to be picked up and dropped off from the train to the mall in no time!

Experience Kaleidoscope, a lifestyle center featuring entertainment, shops, restaurants and arts and culture. The innovative venue offers activities for all ages and stages.

San Juan Capistrano is filled with cool places to dine, shop and enjoy the city’s laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy lunch at Trevor’s at the Tracks, a latte at Hidden Coffee House and stroll the shops in the historic Los Rios District and The Old Barn Antique Mall on Camino Capistrano. All are located within a few steps of the Metrolink station.

Shop 60+ big brands at deep discounts in a Spanish-style village overlooking the Pacific Ocean. At the Outlets at San Clemente, you can combine shopping and saving with a trip to the beach.

The craft beer craze is alive and well in Oceanside with an amazing array of taprooms within an easy walk from the station. They include: Mission Ave. Bar and Grill, Stone Company Store, Kilowatt Brewing, Breakwater Brewing Co. and Barrel Republic Oceanside. Besides brews, numerous boutiques and thrift stores line Coast Highway.