Olvera Street is the birthplace of Los Angeles, and the perfect place to explore. Have lunch along the way and duck into several small museums that chronicle the area’s rich history.
At the very heart of this historic area is the El Pueblo Los Angeles Plaza Historic Park. Use this popular meeting spot as your starting point.
Surrounding you will be museums and cultural points of interest. On the east side of the historic plaza is the entrance to colorful Mexican marketplace of Olvera Street. This brick-lined, tree-shaded block is host to many shops, restaurants and other businesses.
Getting here from the station
Cross Alameda Boulevard after leaving LA Union Station and you’ve arrived.
El Pueblo Los Angeles Historical Monument can give you a taste of the early history of Los Angeles. Think of the area as a living museum that is the oldest district in LA. Within a quarter-mile walk are some outstanding museums and cultural attractions.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
America Tropical Interpretive Center
Avila Adobe
Italian American Museum of Los Angeles
Sepulveda House
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
Pico House
Old Plaza Firehouse
Chinese American Museum
Olvera Street is filled with a wide range of restaurants from fine dining to quaint courtyards. Philippe the Original just north of Olvera Street on N. Broadway offers a discount to Metrolink customers.
Dining Options
Chiguacle Sabor Ancestal de Mex
Cielito Lindo
El Rancho Grande
La Luz Del Dia
Las Anitas
Philippe the Original
Prepare to be amazed when you arrive at LA Union Station. Built in 1939, it is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States and is widely regarded as “the last of the great train stations.” The station’s signature Mission Moderne style makes it one of L.A.’s architectural gems. LA Union Station has been the location of movies, television dramas and most recently the 2021 Oscars. Before you head off on your adventure be sure to take a stroll. You might just wander into an impromptu concert!
Station history
Station details
Train schedules
We always suggest when planning your adventure to check the Metrolink train schedule to LA Union Station. While this station is the Metrolink hub, only the Orange Line serves this station from Orange County.