Olvera St

Bovada Los Angeles in 1993 but always used to come down to this place for some great street tacos got here too late to hit the classic place so we decided to hit one of the other restaurants food was great as always

A great fun piece of History. Love to go to the different shops. Great food, and people.

cute market with plenty of little toy, souvenir, and candy shops as well as a few restaurants, lively atmosphere with a few landmarks as well, def worth checking out

Great place to walk around, shop for trinkets, and grab a bite to eat during your Union Station layover!

Luckily, we decided to go there!! It was a sunny Sunday and there was open dance event with Latin music. We really felt like being in Mexico.

A fantastic place to spend an afternoon with great atmosphere and good food. This place closes quite early on Sunday’s and that was a bit of a let down. Otherwise it has the charm of authentic Mexican lifestyle with some great memorabilia shops and simple but great restaurants

Always a great place to pick up small hand made items. Food is great too. A little pricey but the atmosphere makes up for it

Historical place to go visit and the place to eat here is El Rancho Grande

I was baptized at Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church in La Placita Olvera, many moons ago. Being here a few weeks ago, filled my heart with pure joy. I've now come full circle by bringing my daughters to a place my parents brought me as a child. I would run around the Avila Adobe, puestos, and Kiosco. It was nostalgic to take pictures of my Little Ones, in the same places I once did. I can appreciate the land more, now that I know what took place here. Take the opportunity to visit La Plaza de Cultura y Artes to learn more about the rich history of how Olvera Street came to be. As well as, any other place that attracts your interest. Lastly, pay respect to the Gabrielino/Tongva people by acknowledging who they are and learning about the hardships they endured, so we could have our culture and catholic faith celebrated here. Here's a few links to learn more. Enjoy! https://laist.com/news/la-history/a-brief-history-of-the-tongva-people https://www.latimes.com/projects/la-me-tongva-map/

Good times... tons of history... food and trinket vendors. Fun for a weekend outing and right in the middle of many other things to do right in that area. Enjoy! #jsho

Olvera Street is life, culture, cuisine, creativity, kindness, care and LA! A beautiful blend of Spanish, Mexican, Indigenous and American culture w/ touches of this beautiful extension of our city's community. Often referred to as a slice of Mexico, esto unica blend of street vendors, shops y tiendas siempre esta abierta Es muy authentica en todos los sentidos. It's gratis (that's free in espanol)! Es divertido! And it's very much for everyone! Disfruta de la musica, mariachi, luchador, el museo, comidas, bebidas, ropas, art and history. I believe this is the oldest street in the city with the Avila Adobe in the paseo, being the oldest residence (circa 1818) La Luz del Dia is the main restaurante, but not the only spot to enjoy some delicious eats. La Noche Buena Restaurant is by far the most popular w/ a more sit down meets street vendor style but the El Paseo Inn not only has amazing nom (with many veggie friendly options), but also drinks! Salud!! Mr Churro is a must (though it's been so long since I've had them or been able to - true real buttery deal). ATMs and restrooms available and updated in the last year or two! Though stopping off before making your way over at Union Station isn't a bad idea. If driving parking en la calle is available... Though limited and often full... Lots nearby, though not the best price due to the high traffic area. Located at the start of Cesar Chavez/Alameda, about a three to ocho minuto a pie desde Union Station (depending on which side you're coming from). Open everyday of the year, including holidays typically 10am to 5pm with some exceptions and/or extensions. Monday and Tuesdays are a little slower here so some shops or spots may not be open, but that just means another trip to come :) Be back soon, Calle Olvera!

Need a summer trip for the kids? Bring them here! Park across the street and walk to the free museums and enjoy some yummy food and walk the little stores. Truly a beautiful place to spend the afternoon in downtown LA!

The Mexican gift shop and Food stalls/restaurants gathered in the historic street. It's located across the street of Union station. It's fun place to browsing but I recommend to go at least early afternoon. When I went there around 3pm, half of business were closed already. Walk ahead to the Los Angels Plaza Park. You will find funky music and dancing people. Free to join.

This is a great respite from LA Union Station. On the Plaza side and as you exit some of the most Iconic railroad architecture in the world is a part of LA that can entertain you for a bit. Just about a 5-minute walk towards what looks like a park and bandstand is Olivera st. The plaza is nice with plenty of public space to catch some California sunshine, some great Mexican music, and perhaps a contact high. It's worth the stop unless you are uptight. Olivera Street itself is 2 blocks long and reminds me of TJ or Ensenada. all the usual goods for sale on an abbreviated list. The 2 Mexican restaurants I visited were tourist traps with $10 12 oz Modelos and $15 well margaritas. Americanized Mexican food and with so so service turned me off BIG TIME. It's there and if you are to take the stroll down the lane.

Outdoor market in the birthplace of the City of Angels. Plenty to see from trinkets, to snacks, world famous taquitos. Culture and art is all over thisbsmall strip connected to Plaza de Los Angeles. It was a beautiful day to just window shop and people watch. Rapas makers were there from their little carts, music was on to set color the environment. People were dancing. There was a baptism at a nearby church. You can stop by to visit the remnants of Siquieros' America Tropical in a small hidden off the strip museum. Also home to the popular Cielito Lindo restaurant. Other historic sites and neighborhoods are well within throwing distance of Olvera. Because it's so popular, close parking is at a premium, even up to a couple blocks away. TIP: parking in Chinatown is only $5. It's worth a visit to Olvera street for the culture and history - hey, it's the 'birthplace of LA.'

Fun and culturally appropriate. Souvenirs and crafts are reasonably priced. Food is very good. I felt safe there and in the paid parking despite being close to skid row. Don't go at night

I hadn't been to Olvera street in over 10. I forgot how fun it was. I ate potato tacos at the end of Olivera street. They were delicious. After spending a day at olvera street. I thought to myself why haven't I come back. Parking was easy the vendors were all nice. I bought some authentic items from Mexico. I had a great time. I plan on going back in 2 or 3 weeks.

This place is nostalgic for me. Many decades ago, my family and I often came here. Cielito Lindo (question on spelling) was where I was introduced to taquitos and "green sauce". Music, shops and good food. When we were there this past weekend, my sister remembered the Mexican Jumping Beans...My, mom loved the downstairs candle shop, which she tripped on the stairs (it's still one of my vivid memories)...And i just wanted the green sauce and taquitos. We did shop for authentic, quality purses. Although the original candle shop is gone, there is another one upstairs. You can get ceramic ware for the kitchen, specialty Mexican candy for the belly or gifts for a friend. The street isn't that long, so you can probably get in and out within two hours. That's if you stand in line for food and peruse a few of the shops. Otherwise you can be out within the hour. There are a few street parking spaces. It was packed when we arrived so we opted to pay $15 (all day price) in Lot 1. We were lucky to find a stall, but several people who had already paid weren't so lucky. Here's What I Think.... If you want to enjoy a day that's a little different than shopping at the mall, take a gander. You'll enjoy the experience.

Olvera Street is fun! As soonest you walk onto Olvera street you are transported into Mexico. Vendors offer authentic and colorful merchandise. Restaurant invite to take a break, and get a bite to eat. Make sure to visit the Avila Adobe when strolling down the street. It is a beautiful oasis in the the middle of the hustle and bustle of Olvera Street. The Avila Adobe home holds the record for being the oldest house in Los Angeles. It was built in 1818 and is open and free for the public to visit every day. It is absolutely beautiful and gives you an inside of how people lived in the 1800.

Back to my roots, I visit this plaza again, and lots of hecho en mexico souvenirs Few restaurants, not 100 % Mexican, more chicano and tex mex food Also, I saw people dancing

My mother would take my brother and me here when we were young. We'd eat great Mexican food and take photos on the donkey painted as zebra. I recently visited here and it was like stepping back in time. Tons of history here...I'm glad to see it being preserved.

Olvera Street is a must for locals and for tourists. It's very reminiscent of walking down the streets of Mexico. Now Olvera Street is just one street but it packs so much culture, color and shopping that you feel like you're walking around a small downtown area. The street boasts both outdoor vendors and indoor shops as well as several restaurants. I head here a few times a year with out of town guests as well as around the holidays to do some gift shopping. It really makes for a fun afternoon. Little Tokyo and Chinatown are very close as well so you can make an entire day of it. Street parking can be difficult but there's a pay lot right across the street.

Olvera Street is a historic monument in the oldest part of Los Angeles. It is a place where visitors can get a taste of Mexican culture and a sense of the history that still stands preserved in the buildings and plazas that surround the street. This Mexican Marketplace still has its charm and captures the essence of what LA used to look like years ago with its block-long narrow, tree-shaded, brick-lined market with old structures, painted stalls, street vendors, cafes, restaurants, and gift shops. You can buy handcrafted items such as pottery, belts, wallets, purses, leather, Mexican folk art, and souvenirs.   Cielito Lindo - known for their Taquitos and avocado sauce El Paseo Inn - Chile Verde; the braised pork was a little dry. The spicy verde sauce was okay and not very spicy. The corn tortillas are made in house. - Camacho's Tacos; Carne Asada was flavorful. Liked the red sauce! - Small guacamole; very good - Chips and salsa; crunchy and tasty Olvera Street is known for its atmosphere. The food was okay.

A must visit in LA. Lots of great Mexican food options, tons of beautiful items to buy and shop. I would recommend going early though, as all of the shops and restaurants were starting to close around 6:30p PT when we visited on a Friday.

G My dog gizmo and I were waiting for the metro link I met 2 new friends and we went off on an adventure to Olvera St. It was such a blast we bar hoped ate chips and salsa and enjoyed ourselves. We even danced at the park where the dj had some great tunes playing. Really wish I would of got their number before going our separate ways Ray if your reading this maybe one day we'll see each other again and go visit this place again. Hes going to be " the one that got away" and i can't stop thinking about him.

How can anyone give less than 5 stars? Olvera Street is historical, whimsical and beautiful! So many great shops and restaurants, something for everyone for sure. Prior to yesterdays visit, I was here maybe 15 years ago and Olvera Street is more beautiful than ever, I can't even begin to describe for wonderful it is being here. I'll start off with the bad and that is of course the parking! I had a hard time finding a space even in the paid lots. I wound up driving across the street to Chevron, wasn't so bad. The Good! The leather goods, the delicious Mexican food, the delicious Mexican horchata, the amazing Mexican ice creams and treats! The numerous vendors selling pretty much anything you need, the Mexican puppets and toys, the music and of course the tacos! I can't stop, just so many great things about Olvera Street! I didn't wanna leave, I had a great time and I highly recommend!

The Los Angeles Plaza Historic District encompasses approximately 9.5 acres in downtown Los Angeles. The district includes 22 contributing and 8 non-contributing resources, which date from the early 19th century through the early 20th century. Centered on an open plaza, it is roughly bounded by Cesar Chavez Avenue (north), North Los Angeles Street and North Alameda Streets (east), Arcadia Street (south), and North Spring Street (west). The district represents a rare, intact, and diverse group of historic/cultural resources that exemplify the founding and early growth of the city. The resources include buildings and sites from the city's Spanish, Mexican, and early American periods - from adobe buildings and large Victorian commercial blocks, to Spanish Revival buildings of the early 20th century. There are just so many things to see here, an afternoon out, many places to choose from whatever your taste buds can indulge. Parking is available I was there for 3 hours and paid $12.00 I believe full day is $15.00 must use a debit card no cash. Dogs are allowed here on leash I didn't see many however those I did view were leashed. As a part of a movement to preserve what was viewed as California's "authentic" heritage, Christine Sterling began a public campaign to renovate the Francisco Avila Adobe, which evolved into a campaign to remake Olvera street as a modern Mexican-style market place To take pictures with or on Donkey runs 2 photos for $15.00.

Beautiful and authentic place. I love everything from their taquitos to authentic Mexican goods they sell. Also, they usually have something going on every weekend. Super family friendly.

Well worth a visit on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. Olvera Street has it all with shopping, entertainment, food options and an electric atmosphere for the whole family.

Ever wondered who carved the cross at the entrance of Olvera St? His name is Jackie Hadnot, a true treasure in the wood carving art world. The hubs and I stumbled into Jackie's studio while looking for the wash rooms. We walked into a room full of beautiful wood carved signs and Jackie carving a huge LAFD badge. He was so excited to share his story and show us his work. These pieces take months to make. Each very special and loved that it's hard for him to part with once completed. Highly recommend if walking through Olvera Street.

If you haven't had a chance to come and check this area out, it's a must. Just right outside chinatown and down the street from union station. An alleyway full of Hispanic history. Plenty of stalls full of gifts, trinket and souvenirs. As well as some eating spots. Tucked along are a couple restaurants, i believe there's one main room which is pretty big. Also a couple of the smaller mom and pops places as well. It does get pretty busy so be prepared for that during the weekend. Also, along the street there's live music depending on day and time. As well as a museum tucked inside. Nice fun afternoon strolling and checking out the vendors.

Always a treat to come here and stuff " my belly " with taquitos then take a walk through Olvera street and check out all the knic knacks, but back to the most important thing here " taquitos " nice and crunchy, plenty of meat and that guac sauce, oh my god give a cup full as my drink. I highly recommend this little spot.

There are plenty of resources online, on Yelp, and even on tourist cards near hotel concierge desks explaining what Olvera St. is, and why you should go there. Certainly, this small corner of town where Los Angeles began has more history under your feet than you can probably fathom. The folks peddling inexpensive wares, the Adobe museum, the restaurants-- all are worth visiting. For this review, proffered in March 2022, I want to share that it gave me a great sense of satisfaction to note that the considerable homeless encampment that had grown around Olvera St. during the pandemic is now gone. Previous reports (2020-2021) of impassable sidewalks, trash, vermin, and homeless folks harassing visitors no longer seem to apply. We saw a few folks carrying large bags of belongings, but no tents, tarps, stolen shopping carts piled high with personal effects, or (as reported by the LA Times) naked individuals assaulting families and children. With COVID-related closures hopefully in the rear view, it was great to see those tourists and families returning to support the shops and restaurants here. One note: no masks were required on the Gold Line getting here, in any of the open air restaurants, or in any of the shops. But there was a fellow asking us for vax cards and requiring masks to walk into the Adobe museum rooms. Yeah, I didn't get it, either. As we headed back to the San Gabriel Valley on the Gold Line, we saw the area where housing was created for homeless; ostensibly, many of those folks previously staying around Olvera St. are there? Life in the big city is life in the big city... but the win-win of providing needy folks with a relatively secure place to sleep--while improving outcomes for small local businesses who rely on tourist and visitor dollars to feed their families-- is another chapter in Olvera Street's 240+ year history. Here's to more centuries of success and growth for this vital part of our human story.

Started as an idealized, romanticized version of Latino culture and heritage, by now has earned it's place as piece of LA history worth preserving. A lot of stalls operated by 2nd and 3rd gen descendants of the original owners and some noteworthy fooderies like Cielito Lindo and La Noche Buena. This street has not done well during Covid and needs a lot of support now. Olvera Street was also built on the founding site of LA in the 1930s, the original intent was to save the Avila Adobe from demolition. It was partially funded by the owner of the LA Times and even built in part by convicts! We came for Loteria (mexican bingo) and a bootleg spiderman Lucha mask for my son. Have not been here since I was a child and surprised to see so much was the same. Also a great place to get mexican candies, tortilla presses, volcanic rock mortar and pestle, and kitschy stuff like Paper Mache figures and fruits and wood working. There are paid parking lots for $10 nearby.

It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in DTLA, and the Mexican marketplace has several of LA's most historic buildings and dozens of street shops, restaurants and other businesses. The venue hosts numerous traditional events throughout the year. The parking in downtown won't be too easy, and it could get crowded over weekend though it's closed early at night.

This is an historical area and street, dating back to the early 1800s. Originally an area near La Plaza, which used to be the main square (and center) of Los Angeles, it's now a mostly Mexican-centric area visited mostly by tourists and locals who shop at small marketplace shops in the center of the pedestrian street, eat at various restaurants on both sides of the streets, shop at bigger family-owned stores on one side of the street and visit museums, art, and cultural displays on the other side of the street. When I was growing up in Orange County, CA, our family would always take visiting relatives and guests to Olvera Street as one of their tourist stops. It looks like many Southern California families still do the same thing. Visitors to Olvera Street can browse through the many wares that vendors in their colorful marketplace stalls sell, like clothes ranging from very plain to intricate and ornate, leather shoes, hand made wooden marionette puppets, colorful ponchos, original jewelry, hats, and so many more varied items. Parking can be found in various paid parking lots and metered parking on the streets. Available parking may be hard to find on holidays and when there are special events being held in the area. Coming here brought back so many fun memories!

Wow so much history here! But sadly it's a dump just outside of it. There are so many vendors and shops but they all sell the same stuff.... For the most part they all have the same prices but a few have it like a buck or two cheaper so shop around. I haven't been here in years and I remember this place being much bigger but it's really not. Like I said the surrounding area is littered with homeless people and bike riding squads who take over parking areas and parts of the plaza and the security. Notice I said security and not cops because I didn't see one cop here, well they don't do anything. I literally saw two people fighting with one baking almost jumped by a group of bicycle kids. They security just stood there from a Safe distance and watched like a spectator or like we all were.... The homeless situation is crazy here. Yeah they stay away from the vendor/ship area but it's downtown LA so they're just around. Don't really know how much history this place actually holds, from what I can tell there are about 4-5 original building but the rest are all make shift booths with a little Olympic history to them. If you do decide to come here park by Union Station and walk over and be sure to lock your stuff up bring cash and take them out of your wallet. The people who ron the shops are all pretty nice people my biggest concern is the surrounding area folks. It's LA so just be alert at all times.

Olvera Street is located across from Los Angeles Union Station and was opened on Easter Sunday (April 20th), 1930. This one-block street is a part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument and there's no entry fee to visit this small District. [Parking]: I had some luck finding free street parking spots on N Main St (just two blocks away from Olvera Street). There are metered parking on N Spring St or you can just pay to park in parking lots in Chinatown. [Free walking tour]: Thursday to Saturday starting at 10 AM, 11 AM, and 12 PM (http://lasangelitas.org/take-a-tour/). I unintentionally saw a "free walking tour" sign and happened to catch the 12 PM tour at the very last minute. The tour lasted about 1-hour and you are able to leave early if needed. Our guide took our group and visited historical sites, museums, monuments, buildings, and public artwork. Honestly if I didn't do the tour then I wouldn't know about Avila Adobe (the oldest standing residence in the city of Los Angeles), so I highly recommend doing the tour for anyone who has a hour to spare. [What to see]: The street is very lively with various Mexican restaurants and vendors. I was surprised to discovered a craft shop selling genuine leather goods. There's a giant cross at the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument plaza entrance to Olvera Street with an inscription that reads, "El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles. Felipe de Neve. September Fourth 1781". Ávila Adobe is hidden within Olvera Street and the house reminded me of houses I saw at Old Town San Diego. It's always cool to hear live music and see people dancing at the plaza on weekend early afternoon. The plaza has a Los Pobladores plaque remembering the 11 families who founded Los Angeles on Sept. 4, 1781 and the statue of Governor Felipe de Neve (the first governor of Alta California at the time of the founding of Los Angeles in 1781). Lastly you can walk around the plaza and check out the following buildings - Our Lady Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Pico House, Chinese American Museum, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, etc. [What to eat]: Cielito Lindo (since 1934) is the most popular food stands on Olvera Street and is known for their taquitos with avocado sauce. Mr. Churro is another popular stand with their cream filled churros. La Luz del Dia (since 1959) is a cafeteria-style restaurant serving authentic Michoacan Mexican food. [Events]: The Blessing of the Animals is an annual event (Saturday before Easter Sunday) which participants can bring their animals to be blessed. There's a Blessing of the Animals Mural (1974-1978. Leo Politi) located in the same building as Museum of Social Justice. In addition there's a Los Pobladores Historic Walk (The Great Los Angeles Walk) from San Gabriel Mission to Grand Central Market (14 miles) that occurs each year over the Labor Day Weekend. I spent 90 minutes (30 minutes visiting merchants and 60 minutes doing the free tour) and overall it is a great historical district with plenty of activities to do.

I visited during for the first time during the pandemic on Presidents Day and probably wouldn't return until life is more returned to normal. About half of the stalls and maybe a third of the physical stores were open, selling miscellaneous souvenirs. I only saw 2 eateries open, and it's pretty small so other than a quick stop for the ambience and history there's not really much to see or do.

I truly enjoyed myself! The first thing I noticed was the smell of delicious food cooking! I mean if you aren't hungry you will after smelling the aroma from the restaurant vendors! It felt like I was back in Mexico again!! All the vendors that were there sold basically the same things. Beautiful Mexican souvenirs, everything from gorgeously decorated vases, figurines, one of kind t-shirts with funny sayings, doggy mariachi costumes! Leather purses and hats! All with a Latin vibe. Across from all vendors was this plaza where they were playing music and quite a few people were dancing! So fun!! If your done dancing there are people selling agua Fresca! I also appreciated the designated paid parking close by! Definitely recommend

Olvera Street is an incredible piece of Los Angeles history. On top of that it has some of the best Mexican food you'll ever taste.

Never knew about this beautiful street filled with cultural!! Great for cute souvenirs and more Over all 5 stars glad I finally came

For tourists ir locals, always it is a good idea to spend time there. After Covid19, it is nice tourist back in DTLA. Good restaurants, we were lucky to see all museums around opened. The hours are until 3 pm, and they are free! My husband and I love to go DTLA, always something is happening. Enjoy our city guys!

Can't go wrong g here..been coming here for the last 50 years since I was a kid taquitos taquito y Mas taquitos with their Infamous avocado sauce..mmm

Lovers Street it's in Los Angles withe several Mexican shops and restaurants. I visited in the morning so it was very packet and it happens that a peaceful protest was happening on the same day. Hard to find street parking. Many homeless walking in the area

Little slice of Mexico in LA. A variety of souvenirs, clothes, jewelry, etc. as well as a couple food vendors. Both brick and mortar shops and street stalls. It's a small street but made for a really pleasant stroll (if you like local markets, that is). Check out the area: El Pueblo (https://elpueblo.lacity.org) is the oldest area in Los Angeles. There are a few monuments here as well as museums. LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is a fairly large museum that's completely free. A few parking options in the area: -LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes' parking lot, 171 Arcadia Street (Thursdays through Sunday, 7am - 3pm. Lot closed at 6pm) -El Pueblo Parking Lot 2, 615 N. Main Street -LA Plaza Village Parking Lot, 555 North Broadway -Metro Plaza Parking, 711 N. Main Street -El Pueblo Parking Lot 4, 426 Los Angeles Street

How can you go wrong on Olvera street. I been making this a must go to place, when I visit downtown. The streets are full of venders art and happy people. Oh have I mentioned the food. Anywhere you stop is a great place for a beer and a burrito . I also just like to sit in the circle and enjoy some music and free shows. This is a relaxing environment. Aldo I run a 5K here every year called Dia de La Muertos ( The day of the Dead) there are alters everywhere paying respects to those lost. If you ever down here around Halloween this is a must go to place.

One of (if not THE) oldest still-existing streets of Los Angeles. It's a great place to spend a nice SoCal day if only to walk around and look at some souvenirs, have a taco or two and wash it down with Horchata, or just simply people watch. Walking through the stores is very reminiscent of being AT Mexico. There's great authenticity to it that I had almost forgot I was in the middle of DTLA. Most of the stores sell similar items at similar prices. I left empty handed except for a nice delicious glass of horchata. No dining experience due to COVID19 restrictions, but a great stop, nonetheless. NOTE: There is parking next to La Placita Church. $10 for the day - worth it if you plan on staying around the area for a bit. I hope to return and try some of their eats!

I haven't been to Olvera Street in a long time, and on this day my Girlfriend and I decided to get out and go check it out. We were so glad that we did! It's definitely touristy and I miss some of the ways it was back years ago, but it is still a "Must Visit". The shops and kiosks were great to browse and check out. The place was filled with may yummy scents of good food to be eaten! We checked out the Museum of Social Injustice and they had a wonderful photo gallery on display. We really enjoyed the emotional images portrayed.

The food was delicious and the little shops were cool and the atmosphere was really nice

Nothing beats a trip to Olvera Street! Get some authentic Mexican wares and those famous taquitos. I go monthly for fun.

Love the vibe!! Friendly merchants, grabbed some fun souvenirs and had street tacos that were authentic.

Olvera Street is vibrant and bustling. Little stalls with their colorful goods. Great food. Atmosphere is electric. According to some of my research, Olvera Street is the oldest Street in Los Angeles and some consider it to be LA's birthplace. Walkaround Olvera Street with me by checking out my YT video https://youtu.be/GS3IHmvoV2k Or type SoCal Weekend Walkarounds on the YT search bar.

Finishing up here on our way to quick day trip on Saturday. I'm giving this area five stars as it has been forgotten as a historical area. Founded in and ordered the city that he found it in 1780 by King Charles 111 of Spain. Olvera Street it's a historical Street in downtown Los Angeles and part of El Pueblo De Los Angeles historic monument around 19th century Los Angeles Plaza. Did not begin with spinners 1781 according to other historians. 1820s served as the Hub of the city's social and economic life. Today it contains three very important statues dedicated to prominent figures. 1877 it was called Wine/Vine St. An honor of the County's first judge Augustus Olvera. There was a large Zocalo area a plaza as the Americans call it with karaoke entertainment and people dancing and having a great time. There are quite a few vendors of Mexican garments, toys, candy and wonderful leather shop full of sandals and all sorts of bags. I loved it when we first walked in the smell of leather smells so good. The owner was busy working on new bags. Originally, I was very excited about going there as I was searching for the chile relleno I cannot find in San Diego. Can you believe that? So true, so true. Anyway after doing some research and having my dear Yelp friend Rob A. help with locating a restaurant in the area and speaking to a few of the locals there came across a couple that looked intriguing and yes smelled good. LOL well to make a long story even shorter my grandson wanted Chinese and so to my son they're sick of Mexican food. OMG! My son to do a little shopping there for his family then we took our walk over to D Italian American Museum, on the way to Chinese. It was a very quick trip considering the train ride was a 6 hours. If you get a chance to go into that area it is worth it as there are museums not only in this area but throughout Los Angeles.

Super cute shopping center. It's a small swap meet but very picturesque. The only parking close by are the paid parking lots which range from 12-15 bucks. If you want free parking your going to be walking a little. There are a few restaurants here so come hungry.

Great place to teach others about Mexican history and culture in LA. The first time I was introduced to Olvera Street, I was on a second grade field trip. Since then, I've been coming back here time and time again to experience my cultures great food, art, traditions, shops, and history. This place has some really great places to eat alongside providing good music/performances. The vendors always have new and very unique Mexican items. I highly encourage visiting the museums here because they are not only free, they have a lot to offer. It really helps you better understand the hardships Mexicans faced during racist America and it teaches you to appreciate Mexican culture. Even though the city of Los Angeles has evolved all around Olvera street, this place has remained true to its roots. If you ever find yourself at Union Station, please visit this place and support this community. You will learn something new and enjoy a delicious authentic Mexican meal in the process.

I have such fond memories of coming here when I was just a tiny little lady bug lol. I remember my dad bring me here every time we came to LA to visit my aunts cousins. We would always take picture on the burro (donkey) in front of the plaza, get a churro then go to the church light a candle and pray I made it a tradition to come here with my kids as well. There is so much history here and so many authentic Mexican Knick knacks. It's like literally being in mexico This is absolutely a must see spot when in LA. I love that this street hasn't change much at all. Its kept true to its roots.

Olvera Street is the most famous Hispanic street in DTLA. Smaller scale then their next door neighbor, Chinatown. They have shops, food, and other vendors. Parking in the area is terrible. Meter parking is difficult to find. Lots are pretty pricey. Been coming here since elementary school. Still the same look and vibe as I remember.