Olvera Street is a Mexican Marketplace and a historic district in Downtown Los Angeles. Known as “the birthplace of Los Angeles,” Olvera Street was officially founded in 1781 and is, today, made up of a variety of Mexican restaurants and vendors along with several of LA’s oldest historic buildings. In 2015 it was named one of the top five “Great Streets” in the United States by the American Planning Association.

Los Angeles was founded in 1781 by Spanish Pobladores (settlers) who had come to the Los Angeles River area to establish a secular pueblo. The Plaza has remained the center of town throughout Spanish colonial rule and the Mexican- American War. The street was officially named “Olvera Street” in 1877 after Agustin Olvera, the first Superior Court Judge of Los Angeles County. As Los Angeles expanded, people moved away from the original settlement, leaving room for the influx of immigrants in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. The movement to officially preserve the area began in the 1920’s and the Olvera Street we know and love today officially opened on Easter Sunday of 1930.

Located right across from Union Station, Olvera Street is very easy to get to by train or subway. There is a myriad of fun shops selling anything from cheesy souvenirs to handcrafted Mexican goods to delicious treats. You can also check out the oldest house in Los Angeles, Avila Adobe, built by Francisco Jose Avila in 1818. While you’re there, you definitely have to get some famous LA Mexican food from one of the many authentic restaurants.

Walking through Olvera Street, you are transported back to time before LA was the metropolitan giant that it is today. It’s a fun way to enjoy a few relaxed hours in such a vibrant, hectic city.

125 Paseo De La Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012