Visit the Birthplace of Los Angeles Olvera Street

Olvera Street
Olvera Street is part of a historic area in Downtown Los Angeles known as El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument.
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles, this colorful market place with several historical buildings along its brick lined block is filled with gift shops, restaurants, art studios, and street vendors
Known as the place where Los Angeles was born, Olvera Street is a recreation of a Mexican Marketplace as it might have been two hundred years ago. Many of the merchants along the street are descended from the original vendors.
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is where 44 settlers from Mexico established a farming community in 1781. By the 20th century, Los Angeles had become an American Metropolis. Today, El Pueblo is a living museum that attracts more than 2 million visitors each year to sample the city’s cultural history.
In the nineteen twenties, socialite Christine Sterling led a preservation campaign to restore the old historic area. The city was rapidly changing and Olvera Street which included the oldest standing residence in El Pueblo de Los Angeles was among the buildings and residents slated to be removed.
Sterling worked as a preservationist who helped save the Avila Adobe the oldest structures and historical building built in 1818. Christine Sterling helped restore Avila Adobe and create Olvera Street.
Originally known as Vine Street, or Wine street because it was the site of the first vineyard outside of the missions. It was renamed Olvera Street in 1877 in honor of Augustin Olvera who headed the federal courts and lived on the street.
Olvera Street, was adapted in 1930 by local merchants into a colorful Mexican market place that operates today. Walk around and you’ll find colorful hand crafted Mexican folk art, the smell of taquitos and tacos, the sound of Mariachi music and strolling families.
The Avila Adobe is the oldest house in Los Angeles still standing in it’s original location. Built by by Francisco Avila who served as mayor of Los Angeles in 1810 . It was the home of the Avila family and descendants for decades.
Today the Avila Adobe provides a look at what life was like in the 1840s. Period furniture, beds, and personal items help create a 19th century atmosphere in exhibits of work rooms, bedrooms and kitchen areas of the old Adobe.
Cielito Lindo first opened in 1934 and is famous for its rolled taquitos is a classic legendary restaurant. The specialty: beef taquitos, pan-fried to a warm crispness. Splashed with a mild tomatillo-avocado sauce, the goal is to enjoy the crunch before the salsa softens them.
The La Golondrina Mexican Cafe was the location of the oldest restaurant on Olvera Street. It was located in the landmark Pelanconi House. Built in 1850s it is the oldest house made of bricks in Los Angeles.
At the heart of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is Los Angeles Plaza Park. Here you’ll find the site of a number of celebrations and festivals.
The pueblo and the plaza is the core from which the city of Los Angeles radiated. Built in the 1820s, the plaza was once the city’s commercial and social center. This was the main square of the city since the early 1820s, when California was still part of Mexico.
The geographical center of the city, the old plaza is surrounded by historical buildings and structures. Including Nuestra Señora Reina de Los Angeles Church built in 1822, the Pico House 1870, the Old Plaza Fire Station 1884 and the Sepulveda House built in 1887.
The area around the plaza which includes parts of the old pueblo has been preserved as a Historic park. The area was designated a state monument in 1953.
The plaza remains the site of many festivals, performances, celebrations and cultural events. El Pueblo stages a number of major events, including Las Posadas, Blessing go the Animals, and Die de los Muertos.
Dia de los Muertos at Olvera Street is a celebration with family alters, face painting, displays, performances and family fun. Over the decades the celebration has evolved incorporating Aztec, Mayan and Catholic rituals involving the dead.
Celebrated in Mexico over several days with dancing, parades, music and food. It is a celebration of life, of loved ones and the many things they enjoyed during their lives. Death is a part of life, the celebration is to remember loved one who came before.
You can soak up the history and ambiance of old California while enjoying a stroll down this colorful and lively brick street. Take in the smell of fresh tacos and churros as mariachi music fills the air. Enjoy Mexican culture on this wonderful day trip destination.