Olvera Street - El Pueblo de Los Angeles

El Pueblo de Los Angeles is where the city began in 1781, founded by King Carlos III of Spain to grow food for the soldiers. A surprising 27 buildings survive here, including the Avila Adobe, the city's oldest structure built in 1818 and the city's oldest brick house.

The El Pueblo website says you can pick up a self-guided tour brochure and see a film about Los Angeles' early history at their visitor center in Sepulveda House, approximately half way down Olvera Street on the west side. Hopefully when you visit, the person on hand will be more interested in helping you than in reading a magazine.

Olvera Street

The most popular activity in this historic district is shopping, and it's a wonder this area isn't named Mexicotown for the Mexican market along Olvera Street (which is really more of an alley than a street), originally named for a local judge and converted into a market in the 1930s. You'll find a nice selection of leather goods, sandals and decorative items in the Olvera Street market, and several popular Mexican restaurants to provide sustenance should all the shopping wear you out.

Take Spring Street south, crossing over the freeway to one of the most recognizable buildings in the city.

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument
Bounded by Hill Street, Alameda Street, Ord Street and the Hollywood Freeway (101)
Olvera Street is parallel to Alameda Street south of Cesar Chavez Avenue
El Pueblo Website
Olvera Street Website

Parking can be difficult, but you'll find several public lots by circling the area on Cesar Chavez Avenue, North Spring, Arcadia and Alameda Streets.