Olvera Street

Named for LA County's first judge (Augustin Olvera, whose house once stood near the plaza), LA's birthplace was renovated into a picturesque streetscape in the early 30s due to the combined efforts of a wealthy socialite, influential businessmen, city engineers and prison labor.

Now containing city's oldest brick home (Pelanconi House) inside of which sits the city's first Mexican Restaurant (the still exceptionally tasty La Golondrina), Olvera also boasts the city's oldest adobe structure (Avila House), traditonal wares (such as Olvera Candle Shop and Bazaar de Mexico), souvenirs stands galore, and the city's El Pueblo art gallery. Olvera Street is also home to myriad multi-cultural shenanigans. Chinese New Year parades through here late January/early February, Cardinal Mahoney blesses the animals every Easter, autumn brings Dia de Los Muertos and Christmas brigs candle lit posadas. Many afternoons find bespangled and be-feathered Aztec dancers giving informal shows on the plaza.

Should you choose to drive down here, expect to pay around $8 for parking in the nearby lots (good luck finding something on the street). Olvera is an easy walk from Union Station, though, making both the red and gold lines good alternatives.

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