Arguably not as famous as Rodeo Drive or Hollywood Boulevard, Olvera Street is a historical area that features a rich history and thriving cultural scene. Also known as Los Angeles’ “first street,” you’ll find the visitor center open seven days per week with shops and restaurants offering unique experiences all over the neighborhood.
Dubbed “the birthplace of Los Angeles,” Olvera Street centers around a Mexican marketplace that captures the romanticism of “Old L.A.” complete with a block-long shaded and brick-laden market featuring painted stalls, a variety of street vendors and vintage structures. Olvera Street was “born” in 1930 and designed to “preserve and present the customs and trades of early California.” Many of today’s Olvera Street vendors are descendants of the original vendors!
Is This Really California?
Visitors to Olvera Street feel whisked away to Mexico with the outdoor cafes dishing up authentic flavors. Mariachi bands stroll the streets, and on weekends, Mexican and Aztec folk dancers put on live shows. Visit the puestos for handmade items and gifts. In May, there’s nowhere else to be but Olvera Street for Cinco de Mayo.
Enjoy a 50-minute free tour every Tuesday – Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Docents will take you on an incredible journey to see the El Pueblo de Las Angeles Historical Monument and other treasures of this colorful district.
