I'd never been to Olvera Street until recently. How is that possible?! I was expecting more authentic stalls - but so many of them were selling mass-produced items. Maybe that's just to keep up with changing times? In addition to the carts and stores, you'll find a collection of eateries - ranging from sit-down to places you can order and enjoy whilst on the go. Mid-week is definitely quieter; I'd say for a more active vibe, definitely pop by on the weekend. One of the things I enjoy the most is probably the architecture. Well preserved! 2026: 29/100 read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Easy walk to Olvera Street Plaza from the Union Station. There's so much history here. We took a free tour and our tour guide was going thru all the parts of this area! In the gazebo area there were so many alters for Day of the Dead, so cool! There's also so many small shops along the street of Olvera and free museums. Such a great experience coming here! I would recommend taking the train here instead of driving since parking can be a hassle! read more

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I went last weekend to watch my nieces' folklorico performance at the Plaza. I hadn't been here in years. It looks pretty much the same as I remember it. The " Placita Olvera," as it's more commonly known, has a little Mexico feel to it. There are many small stands that sell artisan items, clothing, and other Mexican items. There are also fruit vendors that sell Mexican snacks and treats. They have a large stage or "kiosco" where the different performers danced folklorico. This last weekend, they also were blessing animals; there were a lot of people waiting in line to have their pets blessed. I even saw a cow! It was a very fun time, and hopefully, not so many years go by before I go back again. read more

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It's so random how we ended up on a work day and decided to take a break and enjoy the rest of the day at LA Plaza at Olvera Street and its surrounding businesses. From a block away, I could hear Mexican music. Many were there,in a small area they gathered, enjoying the music and the entire atmosphere. We quickly joined in the fun of dancing with everyone enjoying the moment for what it is in the open in an old historical area. It was a lovely experience to have been able to enjoy dancing in La Plaza Olvera. Apparently, it is an old tradition in Mexico to gather in the central plaza of the town or city to talk to friends and do some people watching. This is where all the action takes place. I was so fortunate to see several performances and even join in the with all the tourists and locals having fun together. Paid parking is near many restaurants, museums to see nearby, or just sit with and enjoy the music. I'll be coming here to explore Sumner events. read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - Performance - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Un lugar muy familiar donde hay musica hispana y mucho baile y viene gente de muchas ciudades cercas de los angeles ya es una tradición pues es de mucho pero muchos años read more

Good food and many merchandise from Mexico to buy. The plaza had day of the dead displays and awesome music! read more

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It was a very nice experience. It brought me back memories from South Mexico.! First time there. Went with friends. We were all very pleased.. read more

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Great memories during the 90's , when I use to come with my family to visit and try a little of everything. So many great things to do and food to eat. read more

La Plaza Olvera was established in 1930. It is known as Olvera Street and is one of the first established Mexican Mercados (marketplace) in the City of the Ángels, Los Ángeles. To date Olvera Street evokes fond, romantic, festive memories for me. As a child I visited at least once a week. Eat the famous Taquitos at Cielito Lindo, drink atole or champúrado, and buy delicious Mexican candies. My favorite was and is the calabaza, colaciones, coco y jamoncillo. At one time I worked at City Hall and my hubby and I would visit quite often. Have lunch dates. Take romantic strolls. Eat delicious food. Go light a candle at the church ... and still buy the candies :D I am 3rd generation to enjoy such a beautiful gem in the City. My children are 4th generation to enjoy as well. La Plaza Olvera is an iconic, historical, festive, colorful and beautiful gem in the City of the Angels, Los Ángeles. A place one must visit and enjoy. read more

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A MUST DO! A FREE EVENT! 4 & 1/2 STARS! It's Time to jump into The TimeMobile & scour the Earth & take you to places from a different time that you won't believe still exist! We have set the dial to 1930 in downtown Los Angeles. We've landed at LA Plaza @ Olvera St. This is a DTLA destination spot that let's you experience what early LA was really like. The official opening of Paseo de Los Angeles happened on Easter Sunday in 1930. It was a hit for bringing an authentic slice of Mexico to LA. However the main square dates back even earlier to the 1820's when California was still a part of Mexico. The area has retained its strong Mexican heritage & roots with its vendors, merchandise, restaurants & celebrations. Even though there are skyscrapers all around this place; it is a step back in time. Olivera St. is enjoyable anytime of year to visit for both locals & tourists with an authentic Taste of Mexico but Dias de Los Muertos takes it up a notch. I am going to talk about one of the highlights here which happens every year at the end of October through the beginning of November. It's called Dias de Los Muertos. The Event is Free & so is the Entertainment. There is street parking at the meters & there's parking lots in the area with prices that range from moderate to high. So check around. Lots of people get dressed up to honor the lives of their deceased family & friends. It's a Happy Time with celebration rather than a sad time. There was a huge line at Cielito Linda a Classic & traditional favorite here on Olvera St.. For generations they have been dishing out authentic Mexican food. All the shops were open with lots of places to buy souvenirs & Merch. & places to eat & drink, Some of these businesses are multi generational & go back decades. The show lasted about an hour or so & is all in Spanish. Even if you don't speak the language you can kind of follow along as they played out the scenes. It's a very enjoyable show with music singing & dancing. If you missed this Event, mark it on your calendar for next year for this free fun annual event in Downtown LA. It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really Rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget! read more

This place is so beautiful! Right off the bat I felt immersed in the Mexican culture. We visited on a Sunday in October. There were community altars for "Día de Los Muertos" (day of the dead) festival remembering loved ones. A grand celebration with dances and singing. As you walk down the road there are small pop up shops in a very narrow walkway. Selling food, candy, and merchandise. We went into Avila Adobe a historic landmark and learned what homes looked like in the 1800's. Very informational. Admission is free. We walked further down and there was lively celebrations all over the area. Street vendors as far as the eye can see. I bought some mango with chamoy, a hot dog with all the fixings, and tacos by the church close by. We had so much fun visiting this historical landmark and learning a piece of history of the Los Angeles area. I will definitely be back! read more

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It's wonderful that this area survived intact, among the sky scrapers and inevitable progress of any area. It's a place you must experience if you want to feel old LA's past. While full of kiosk markets it still seems to maintain a not-so-touristy feel to it. The giant tree grounds you to nature's majesty which mirrors the history which once was there. You will want to arrive early enough in the day to walk through the old home museum, which is FREE. I only went for the churros, and realize I missed some taquitos I should have had. Also, would like to have gone into the old church there, but it was closed when visiting. I loved how local Mexican and central American people gathered to dance to live music. Pretty sure I didn't stumble upon a wedding, but a regular place to gather for this purpose. A MUST VISIT while in downtown LA. read more

Let's rewind to 1978 because that is as far as I can remember. My parents and in particular my father was always, so enthusiastic about taking us to "La Plazita Olvera" mom had no choice but join the fun. This a must on your bucket list especially if you just showed up from Arkansas or Kentucky. It doesn't matter just bring walking shoes and change for tacos. The best churros and of course tequila! Oh yeah us Mexican's now our spirits far to well. Well in, those years it was not unusual that my parents would roll us in with dads 1964 impala boy that ride was a beauty. In those years Dad used to take to us to church. Yup grew up Catholic! After mass it was a tradition to see the Azteca dancers. That gigantic magnolia tree the biggest one that you only find one. Is by far one of my favorite trees that reside in that vicinity. It does not pass me it may have been around since the era when LA was still Mexico. I really dunno and maybe one day someone will tell me. This is probably one of the fondest memories I have of my parents and my sister Anabel. Oh dear, I think in those years Anabel was faintly two yrs. So much wonder to explore and not much is needed after that except a good appetite. Great, now I am craving a churro. Basically the plaza gives you a small illusion of what Mexico can be, again, it is just a sound bite. Enjoy and remember this is something to do on your bucket list after C19 read more

I have gone to this side of Los Angeles before but never for Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) it was quite interesting to see how the celebration is with the different colorful dresses and Rose head bands assimilating the burial wreaths. There was several face painting stands, painting the skull art on the face. The traditional Hispanic heritage dances were breathtaking. The Hispanic Culture of Dia de Los muertos(November 2nd)is so fascinating. Celebrating life, celebration of our loved ones that passed away, as legend says, that is the day their spirits come back to visit the loved they left behind. There were several altars and apparently the spaces to set up an altar fill up pretty quickly. As far as how busy it was, I have never seen it so busy before. For parking it's a good idea to park at the train station(Union Station) $8.00 all day. Highly recommend to attend and get a taste of the Latin Culture. read more

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Three stars because when I was arriving there was a really bad stench. I wanted to gag, but I didn't want the vendors to feel bad. There was a lot of homeless people sleeping and hanging out by the entrance. There was no where to sit because they were all there doing something. I heard so many good comments about this place and I had never been here. I had the opportunity to come because I was nearby and I had payed for an all day parking already. I finally found a spot to sit on a bench, but once I got up a homeless man pushed the bench and laid on it. Once I went in the part where there was restaurants and little stores it wasn't too bad. Everything was very pricey and my mom was like don't by anything just look. I'm going to Tijuana in a few days and I'll bring you whatever you like 3x cheaper. Oh Lord, I thought that was funny. They have to make there profit right? She just didn't want me spending too much. They have cute Mexican stuff for the whole family. My mom is from El Salvador, but we do enjoy the Mexican culture. It was nice to see everything they were selling and it did remind me of Tijuana when I use to visit a lot. I thought it was going to be a lot bigger, but it was pretty small. We walked through really fast and a lot of people sold the same merchandise. It was okay I guess I was just expecting too much because of all my friend's comments. read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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The Angelenos historic landmark.The street of brick and cobblestones are still here,waiting as always for us to return. The colorful visual sights and the smell of food that lingers in the air,ahh. This opens up the back of my hypothalamus,a place where one of my primitive childhood memory is kept.It's still here,just like I remember it. The aroma of a grandmother in a kitchen fixing something delicious. The fragrance of leather and wood of a grandfather fixing or making something.Yeah,it's still here after decades,enjoyed by millions each year. Visit the museum that holds a story of the Sepulveda block and Señoras kitchen. Enter the Avila Adobe,the oldest house in our great Los Angeles area. See the murals created by artist Mr.Siqueiros and the story behind it. And of course shop for gifts and trinkets around and even under the plaza. Listen to the trio of guitar players singing along the oval rectangle. The festivities haven't and will not stop as long as we keep revisiting them. So come relive or make new memories in our historic piece of Los Angeles.And that's my take,Peace out read more

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Local people do use this plaza, just chilling. There are also homeless people taking naps there as well. Sometimes, you will see school buses or tourist buses stop by because Olvera Street is one of the tourist attraction spots. There is a Tour Office right near the plaza, right next to the Fire House. They give FREE tour about the historic sites in this neighborhood. It is very informative. Besides shopping and dinning at Olvera Street, there are a few museums near by as well. The Tour Office has all the information. read more

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Such a nice area to explore & immerse yourself in the Mexican culture. The times I've been here it's pretty clean. read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

we have family in the LA area. The last time we visited was 20 years ago and it was nice to see the same booths, and restaurants near. everything was cheap but also not great quality. you get what you get for the price. they have street venders around plaza selling food/ knickknacks. We saw native american performers and it was beautiful. read more

Beautiful plaza. We enjoy coming here to take in the beautiful architecture and people watch for a bit. On some weekends you can come here to relax and listen to some mariachi bands. Siempre estás con buena energía aquí. read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - Definitely my next drawing project. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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I love coming here for Mexico's Independence celebration. I will say there's gonna be a lot of people so beware of the traffic, but then again it's always packed. Some of the vendors are real rude, just a heads up but not all, you'll always find more shops to get the same thing, so just keep searching. It's a nice place to have a good time. I love it! Food is real good, but a little expensive. The one thing is the parking. I usually park across the street but during holidays like this one they charge $15 and above. read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - Independence Day - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

There was a guy playing a flute and had a pan flute hanging from his neck in La Plaza. He was playing a solo to pre-recorded music. We watched for a few minutes. There were a couple of vending carts there, too. There wasn't a whole lot going on here, other than people just hanging out, so went to the nearby museums. read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - A large gazebo - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Saturday 02/24 It's always a great time at Plaza Olvera! So much culture, music, entertainment , and colors! Local vendors selling traditional Mexican crafts. Food is delicious as well. We had the opportunity to see the Matachines in all their beautiful regalia. See photos. This is a family friendly atmosphere. I've been here several times and I've always had a pleasant experience. A definite must if you're in downtown LA. read more

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This place is iconic. It's a must visit if you never been to LA and if you live in LA, it's always a good visit.

This is the plaza that is just south of Olvera Street. Sometimes when you come here that are big festivals and fairs and I'll kinds of vendors. There's a lot of history in this area for Los Angeles. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area such as that union station, or visiting the shopping areas. read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - Naked tyme - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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A lot of the stores are very similar to each other so there's no need to go into all of them. It is cool to walk around because it's like a mini mexico read more

First timer. Went on a tuesday. No crowds. Clean, quiet. Alot of vendors selling Dia de los muertos things such as papel picado, sugar skulls, table covers, skeletons, shirts and dresses. Also, mexican toys, bags, mandiles, quilts...etc. Someone told us on the weekends they have live music. We ate at a restaurant entering the plaza and honestly WAIT till you go further down the plaza. There are more food places to choose from and more authentic. read more

Brought my family here to enjoy some shopping and walking around after breakfast. Parking was $15 in the lot nearby (but it was worth it to avoid searching for parking). The shops were nice and friendly. This is the normal stuff from Mexico, nic naks and clothing and toys and hats etc. some very nice items too! Beautiful art. We spent almost 3 hours of just entertainment, I would recommend it to anyone! Best time is probably at 10am when they open to avoid crowds. read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Me being from Mexico and living in the Bay Area I was always curious about this place , as I understand it used to be bigger but it's been getting smaller with time , even though it is small I loved it , everyone was nice and we had a great time read more

I'm not from LA do not sure how parking is. We parked half a block down it was about $8 cash only. This place is pretty neat and has everything you may need from Mexico. The oldest house is super eat and all the small restaurants. My favorite part was a wishing well. There is a Church across the street vendors very nice. I really liked this place must check out if you're in LA. read more

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This was our first trip to Olvera St., so I didn't really know what to expect. A quick stop at the aguas frescas stand gave us a enough refreshment to get through the tightly packed stands full of luchador masks and leather goods. There's a small museum toward the middle of the street as well as the Sepulveda House, which I believe was a boarding house at the turn of the century. The whole street is a short stroll, but it's worth a trip if you're hitting a few stops in the area. read more

Olvera Street is the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles, otherwise known as El Pueblo Historic Monument. The colorful village features 27 historic buildings with a traditional Mexican style plaza area. Wander around the marketplace and shop for souvenirs including handcrafted Mexican wares typical of old Mexico. There are also free docent tours by Las Angelitas. Stroll through this beautiful street and stop for the popular taquitos or tacos at the outdoor cafes. Olvera Street also offers a variety of traditional authentic Mexican cuisine, with delicious enchiladas, mole and other native dishes. On weekends you can enjoy outdoor entertainment by strolling bollero musicians, Mariachis music and performances by Aztec Indians and folkloric dancing. The original pueblo was built by the 44 settlers of Los Angeles in 1781. Today Olvera Street is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the City of Angels, located right across the street from Union Station, La Placita Church and one block from Chinatown. read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - Placita Olvera Street - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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When one thinks about Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Los Angeles, inevitably Olvera Street crosses one's mind. It's the oldest part of L.A., rooted deeply in a California that was still a part of Mexico. Dia de los Muertos at Olvera Street, which is primarily held in the plaza, is minimalistic and traditional. The altars are small and simple, lots of marigold and pan de muerto. Each year someone leaves a Philippe's sandwich for the spirits to enjoy. Along with many of the little shops and vendors remaining open into the night, which they often don't any other night of the year, the event itself promises pre-Columbian blessing (someone with a pot of burning herbs waves the smoke over and around your body). It's a sort of cleansing ceremony with sage. When the people are performing the blessings, which they do without asking for anything, it's asked that you not take pictures. It's out of respect, but you'll still hear the ignorant whispers of people offended they can't pull out their camera, going, "It's because they're afraid I'm going to steal their souls." The people carrying the smoking urns, along with Aztec and folklorico dancers and others dressed in skeleton costumes fashioned after Catrina and other themes, all take part in the procession leading from Olvera Street and into the plaza. Throughout the evening different dance groups take turns performing around the stage, whilst a woman dressed as La Llorona runs about screaming about her children. read more

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Came upon this area by accident during free museum Saturday as we were at the Japanese American National Museum. We heard music wafting thru the air and saw a crowd of people so we stopped by to take a rest and enjoy the music/dancing. I'm not sure what the ocassion or celebration was, unless there is always something in the plaza on weekends, but it was nice to watch and listen. Girls and women in traditional Mexican festive/costume attire were twirling and dancing! I had never seen anything like it, and it was free, which was great! I think parking is more nearby paid lots or may be street parking if you can find it. We had parked a mile away for lunch and walked to the museum and this was the half way point. read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great historic spot. Full of California history and Mexican traditions. I like going for dinner and a walk around the shops. The small shops sell traditional Mexican clothing and other stuff. If your visiting/tourist in LA County it's definitely a place to visit. read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - Kona loves to visit Olvera Street. - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Sigh.... Came on a beautiful, warm, Friday evening and there was a singer with a dj smack in the middle of the plaza. She sang really good and the beat was awesome...there were people dancing and enjoying themselves. It was a very chill vibe and it reminded me of the plazas in Mexico...love it. read more

Mexican fiesta flares in the middle of down town LA! As I walked out of Union Station, I danced across the street to the sound of guitars and drums playing joyfully. I had to find where and why these amigos were playing to the small crowd gathered around in this small gazebo courtyard surrounded by both wooden and concrete made benches. After reading a worn and torn historic sign wrapped around a lamp post, I learned that this Mexican park is part of the historic district in LA and is one of the sights this city of angels was founded on back in the late 1800s by the Spanish. The sign quickly told how the city was established by immigrants and how it continued to attract different people from several ethnic backgrounds even to this day. As I waited for my friend to pick me up, I sat under the trees and listened to the Mexican classic guitars strummed to the flapping of the colorful fiesta flags strung through the trees. So instead of waiting at the Station, join the party in this little courtyard park and appreciate the cultural mix. read more

La Plaza At Olvera Street - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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One of the best spots to visit in LA if you're into Mexican culture. There are so many shops and artesanías to explore (being it's a long street), you'll be entertained for hours. Shop tenants are the friendliest and prices are convenient. There's popular restaurants along the street as well that are crowded with tourists but that only means they're serving delicious food and it's worth the wait. There's a museum as well (free admission). Often there are performances done nearby. Oh and there's restrooms!! Inside the museum by the patio and underneath the kiosk. You won't regret your visit here. read more

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Love coming here with my family. Sundays is super crowded as you can expect, but you will most likel have more performers to entertain you at the plazita. If you never visited, try some mexican candies from the street venders or eat at one of the many restaurants. There's nice sit down places or you can try one of the awesome taquito joints where you can score some horchata (cool rice drink). Viva! read more

The Plaza is an amazing place to come alone or with family. The street vendors give you a small taste of what being in Mexico feels like. Their artesanía (artisan) is colorful, beautiful and full of history. The food here is great to! My go to spot is Cielito Lindo, you can't go wrong with flautas (taquitos). read more