Travel Guide

LAX Parking and Olvera Street

No other city in the world is as vibrant or as diverse as Los Angeles. From its famous residents to its gritty urban exterior, the city of LA proudly provides visitors with an extensive array of activities, traditions and opportunities. But how did it all begin? What makes LA "the City of Angels"? To find the answer to theses questions, LAX parking customers are encouraged to the city's birthplace - Olvera Street. Otherwise known as the El Pueblo Historic Monument, Olvera Street is where Los Angeles began its major metropolitan metamorphosis. Home to 27 colorful buildings and a traditional Mexican plaza, the El Pueblo Historic Monument is designed exclusively to remind travelers of the city's rich Mexican roots. Today, Olvera Street is one of Los Angeles' most famous tourist attractions, attracting millions of inquisitive guests. Whether you're interested in learning more about the city or simply searching for unique shops, there's something worth seeing on Olvera Street.

The Birthplace of the City of Angeles

When Los Angeles was originally founded in 1781 it was located on a site southeast of Olvera Street, close to the Los Angeles River. Unpredictable floods would soon destroy this settlement, forcing the townspeople to relocate to higher ground. By the early 1800s, a new town had been built complete with a church and rectangular plaza. Spanish colonial rule lasted in Los Angeles until 1821, prompting great growth throughout the area. Mexican rule lasted from 1821 to 1848 as local ranchers bolstered the economy through agriculture. The central street of the plaza, which was original known as Vine or Wine Street, was renamed in 1877 to honor Augustin Olvera, the first Supreme Court Justice of Los Angeles County. Over the years the plaza has served as a gateway for many newly landed immigrants as well as a place for public celebration.

Take a Tour through Time

Las Angelitas, the docent organization of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic National Monument, is proud to offer LAX parking customers free tours of the Olvera Street complex. These tours, which are held Wednesday through Saturday from 10am until 12pm, provide travelers with an informed look at Olvera Street's past. A self-guided tour brochure is also available for independent LAX parking customers at the Information Desk in the Plaza. More brochures can also be found at the El Pueblo Visitors Center, as well as a free 18 minute film entitled "Pueblo of Promise". LAX parking customers are encouraged to participate in both the tour and film portion of the El Pueblo as both showcase a wealth of information on the early days of Los Angeles.

An Adventure for Every Age Group

Aside from being an educational haven of history and tradition, Olvera Street is also an exciting retail and dining destination. Dozens of shops - selling everything from souvenirs to Mexican leather and crafts - line the street, not to mention some of LA's most authentic Mexican eateries. Watch as glass blowers demonstrate their skills at West 16 Olvera. Or why not snack on something sweet at the Mr. Churro Bakery? LAX parking customers can also find a great selection of unique Christmas decorations, religious articles and Mexican curios inside the Casa California and the Olvera Candle Shop. There are even a few museums in the area, providing travelers with even more exciting information.

If this is your first time visiting Los Angeles, Johnny Parks LAX Parking highly recommends visiting Olvera Street and the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument. Every city has to start somewhere, and Los Angeles is proud to have started here. To learn more about Olvera Street please feel free to log onto the official community website at www.olvera-street.com. Olvera Street is open to the public daily from 8am to 10pm. Store hours may vary. Olvera Street is located in downtown Los Angeles.