Olvera Street is the oldest street in Los Angeles and a great place to spend the afternoon with the family, if you want my opinion. We took the Metro Link into Union Station and walked across the street to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of Olvera Street. Olvera Street has a bunch a little kiosks with Mexican hand-crafts and knick-nacks, and it’s a great place for authentic Mexican food. Plus, it’s one of those Los Angeles landmarks that you have to visit if you are here.
I always love walking through the Avila Adobe, too. Tours are free and the adobe has the distinction of being the oldest standing residence in Los Angeles. Built by Francisco Avila in 1818, it is brimming with charm and functionality. My kids loved that the adobe walls are 2 1/2-3 feet thick. I’m pretty sure that if I were alive in 1818 in Los Angeles, this is the house I’d want to live in.
No trip to Olvera Street would be complete without a meal of fresh Mexican fare. There’s just something about homemade salsa and tortilla chips…..
The nice thing about Olvera Street is that it’s small, it’s outdoors for the most part, and it can be experienced in a few hours. I’m pretty sure that’s why my kids liked it. It didn’t seem heavy on the history, or time.
What are some of the places that everyone should visit when they are in your area?
Wordful Wednesday is like Wordless Wednesday, only WITH words. It’s for those of us that can’t contain the chatter, but in a good way. More info. in my tabber box titled WW on the right. Thank you for playing along!
Don’t forget to hop on over to my co-host Amanda’s place (Parenting By Dummies) to see what she has to be Wordful about today!
I honestly am ashamed to admit that I lived in LA for 16 years and I never went to any of these places. It’s sad how much us LA-ians don’t get out!
I love that you were my first commenter! Next time you are in LA, we should do the sights together!
I agree, things that do not take all day are much better received by the kids!
Thanks for the linky!
Jody
It only took me like 10 years to figure this out….:)
Definitely looks like a fun day. I hope you had fun in SF too!
Thank you for your suggestions. We did Fisherman’s Wharf, drove my the Painted Ladies, went to Chinatown, and did a lot of driving around just “looking”.
I’d like to lock my children in the Avila Adobe whenever they’re arguing. The walls would be thick enough to drown out the sound and save my sanity! Great pics, Angie. 🙂
Now THIS is a great suggestion. I wonder if they’d notice if I just left mine there……I mean, they wouldn’t “hear” them right? 🙂
I love the authenticity of the area! I’d love to go there!
It’s really a fun place……next time you are in LA…..:)
How fun!! What a neat place – if I’m ever in LA I’m definitely going there.
You’d love it, and the nice thing is that it doesn’t take all day!
Go guys go on such cool adventures!! What a cool looking market. Your pics really do it justice. I’ll add this place to my list of things to do in Cali!
It really is a great place to visit……:)
This looks like such a fun adventure. I love it : ) The kids are cute, cute, CUTE! Those smiles are the best : )
Thanks, Becky. Thursday or Friday is your big day, right?
That adobe residence looks beautiful. I’ve never been to LA. Looks like you had a lovely time.
When you make it here, definitely add in an hour at least to visit!
Everyone should visit NAPA when they are visiting my hood….hands down.
I’ve NEVER been to NAPA. NEver. I’ve driving down the 5 through the state though more times than I want to count.
driven down.
WOW I haven’t been there since spanish class in High school! I really do need to take the kids!
Yes! We should meet there sometime!
Looks like a VERY cool place to visit! I so want to visit CA. One of these days!
Put it on your bucket list. 🙂 The good thing is that the weather is good year round so you won’t be limited by the weather…:)
What a great looking tour, no wonder the kids had a blast :).
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THE best part? You can explore yourself!
It sounds like a great trip! I wish I weren’t on the other coast. Is it stroller friendly?
I single stroller works, but a double would be REALLY tight. 🙂
What an amazing place! Next time we’re in LA we’ll definitely have to check it out. 🙂 As for the best place for someone to visit while in our area is a smorgasbord – it’s so rife with history and historical places to visit…the top one being the Battlefields in Gettysburg. 🙂
I’ve been to Gettysburg but never did a smorgosboard (sp?) while there. Now I’m really bummed! 🙂
What a neat place!!
It really is……although they don’t have cupcakes like yours…..
What a lovely trip and day out. Here it is simple- it’s big 5 country – go on safari.
You know how many people would kill (no pun intended) to go on safari? So exotic and rare. My kids would DIE to do this. Lucky you. 🙂
I like your photos, what did you use to make your collages? Thanks for the opportunity to link up and meet new friends!
Picnik. Both for effect and collages! 🙂 I have the paid version. Don’t know if you can make the collages for free, but I know the effects are free.
http://www.picnik.com
I enjoyed your pictures! As far as what people should visit in my area, it’s tough to say. For adults (and some kids) there’s a museum about 1.5 hours from here of Camp Gordon Johnston, where the beach was turned into a training area for WWII amphibious landings in the 40’s. There is an amazing amount of memorabilia AND great explanations of the history there. I love it and I love the veterans.
What a wonderful day with the family. The pictures turned out great too! 🙂
How are you after last week?
Looks like a beautiful place to visit!
It’s really fun!
I haven’t been there in years! Makes me want to take the kids!
Yes. Take the kids one morning or afternoon. I like to visit in the morning, eat lunch there and then leave. 🙂
Sigh…when people come to our town? The coolest thing to seeis…DC. Sad but true, nothing incredibly cool like that here. Well, at least IMO
Lots to do in DC though….:)
That is a side of LA you never see advertised. I love cool family outings like this one.
It’s really cool to, to go into LA and then be completely submerged in the culture in that little area!
Looks like the perfect outing for the day!
Thanks, once again, for hosting~
I always appreciate you playing along….and stopping by to see what you are being wordful about!
Thanks for such a fun meme! I much prefer my Wednesdays with words.
I never could be wordless. Ever.
That does look like fun! Amazing that that adobe has survived so many earthquakes. Maybe we should all live in houses with 2 1/2 foot walls.
Really, right? It would have to be cool at least…:)
I love the purse shots, so colorful and pretty!
Did you get to see my wordful wednesday with pictures of us from Blogher?
No, I’m still trudging through my reader catching up on post. I just looked for them really quick. So cute!
We live 20 minutes of the Tabasco plant/factory. The one that makes ALL the Tabasco in the entire world. It’s actually pretty cool to see. Plus the gift shop has some “hot” ice cream! 😉
That looks like so much fun! Lately I’ve been trying to get out and explore my own area more often. 🙂
Such a cool family outing! There’s so many great places to visit in our city – but I’m brain fried and can’t recall a single name!:)
Hugs and Mocha,
Stesha
We wouldn’t get out of that place w/o at least 3 new handbags…
Cool house.
That house is gorgeous! I would LOVE to live there!
Have a wonderful week!
I love Plaza Olvera. I haven’t been in decades, but I have very fond memories.