Exploring Olvera Street: The Hidden Gem Of Downtown Los Angeles

A unique community in LA’s most crowded region

Known as “the birthplace of Los Angeles”, Olvera Street was created in 1930 as a way to preserve the traditions and customs of early California natives. What began as a traditional Mexican market, Olvera Street has recreated an era of Los Angeles history that would otherwise have been lost in the hustle and bustle of the city. Many of the block’s current vendors and shop owners are descended from the original creators of this now iconic street. The block is recognized as a part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monuments, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Eat, drink, and be merry

When headed toward Olvera Street, you are greeted with the delightful smells of meats and tortillas coming from the dozens of taqueria’s and cafes in the area. Whether you are the adventurous eater of the bunch or prefer a more traditional cuisine, you will find a smorgasbord of tempting options to choose from.

Cielito Lindo, one of Olvera Street’s oldest establishments, has been serving fresh homemade taquitos and avocado sauce to hungry ongoers since 1934. While all of their cuisine is exquisite, their beef taquito’s are the star of the show and many have to wait in line to get them fresh during meal times. If you’re in a hurry, Cielito Lindo also offers frozen favorites, prepared in-house, and frozen for visitors to take home and make on their own.

The festive decorations and music set a romantic, yet friendly ambiance for anyone to enjoy. If you are lucky, you may be there on a day when the Mexican folkloric dancers make an appearance and show off their incredible rhythm and dance skills.

Shop until your heart’s content

The shops on the block offer a wide range of authentic, homemade items such as clothing, pottery, and leather goods. The entire street is for pedestrians only, allowing visitors to peacefully stroll down the shady, tree-lined road. The exposed brick from the surrounding buildings give a nice sense of seclusion from the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles, which is just on the other side of the block.

The majority of the current vendors are descendants from original vendors who opened their doors back in 1930 when Olvera Street was first created. You will also find vendors displaying Mexican folk art, or Mexican inspired crafts such as colorful pinatas, handmade sombrero’s, hanging puppets and even the occasional mounted bull horn.