Did you know that you can be in two places at the same time in Los Angeles? Come to Olvera Street in your Los Angeles rental and it'll be just like going to a historic town in Mexico! From the beautifully conserved murals to traditional Mexican food, to historical monuments, you and your family will love this truly historical experience!
Located in the oldest part of Downtown Los Angeles, Olvera Street is also known as the birthplace of the City of Angels. Named after Augustine Olvera, a prominent local judge in 1877, the street is also great setting for Mexican style, music, dancing and holiday celebrations. Designated as a California State Historic Landmark in 1953, there are 27 historic buildings that line its street. This living museum pays homage to a romantic version of old Mexico with its brick buildings, colorful piñatas and oversized sombreros. Today, Olvera Street attracts over 2 million visitors per year!
Before taking your Los Angeles car rental to Olvera Street read up on its history! It all started when King Carlos III of Spain ordered the settlement of the territory by Felipe de Neve. He sent 44 families on a long journey from Mexico to Alta California to start the Pueblo de La Reinade Los Angeles in 1791. The community was originally called Vine Street but was renamed after Augustin Olvera in 1877. In 1920, the community became dangerous and was abandoned by its founders. Later on, Christine Sterling, a wealthy young matron ho loved history took notice of the street and fell in love with its unique historic décor. She then began a crusade to preserve its heritage in Los Angeles. In doing that, she founded the "Plaza de Los Angeles Corporation" and was its lifelong manager. She opened Olvera Street to the public in April 1930 and even with its many developments over the past 70 years, Sterling's idea of a Mexican Market place still exists today.
There are a 27 historic building that line Olvera Street! Take your Los Angeles car rental to Avila Adobe and learn about the oldest existing residence in LA! Tours run Monday through Saturday. Art lovers should visit the beautiful Sigueiros Mural! Painted by David Alfaro Sigueiros (one of Mexico's three greatest muralists) in 1932, you will find this famous mural on the exterior wall of Italian Hall. This mural is also known at the "America Tropical" mural. Other places you should visit in your Los Angeles car rental include the Chinese American Museum, the Italian American Museum, and Italian Hall.
While you are on Olvera Street, park your Los Angeles car rental and take a walk around and visit the many different shops and restaurants! A must-see is Vega's Leather Shop. Here, the internationally renowned leather artisan Mr. Adalberto Vega displays his works! Vega started hand tooling leather in Mexico in 1950 and was invited by Christie Sterling to move this shop to Olvera Street in 1956! For a really unique treat, come to Cielito Lindo and try their world famous taquitos! Taquitos are made from warm tortillas and dipped in an avocado sauce before it is cooked and served hot in front of the customer! The store even offers uncooked Taquitos to go, so you can enjoy them at home! Another place to check out is Bazaar De Mexico. In this store, you will find a large variety of traditional clothing from Mexico. Accessories, silver jewelry and Mexican Curios can also be found! Other stores to check out before heading off in your Los Angeles car rental include: Lupe's Candy shop for a variety of Mexican candy, Lisa's Casa de Crystal where you can watch artisans handcraft sculptured glass collectables and many more!