Click through our photos for a brief historical look at El Pueblo de Los Angeles.
Ask someone to sum up Los Angeles at its worst and you'll hear something along the lines of a history-bulldozing, pedestrian-unfriendly, car-consumed city. But it wasn't always that way. El Pueblo de Los Angeles, the city's original Spanish-turned-Mexican-turned-American settlement, serves as an example of all Los Angeles can aspire to: a flowery pedestrian plaza filled with beautiful buildings that span over a century of history. Take a seat next to the central gazebo, walk among the bougainvillea and brush up on LA's Spanish and Mexican history with a walk through El Pueblo de Los Angeles and Olvera Street.
Good for: Exploring LA's Hispanic history while munching on a churro.
For that moment when: You realize you've lived here for a decade but know nothing about the city's pre-Hollywood history.
In case you're hungry: Philippe the Original; Chego; the many restaurants, food trucks and vendors at Olvera Street
Getting there: Look for metered spots northeast of Cesar Chavez Avenue or park in the lot on Main Street. Alternatively, take Metrolink or the Red, Purple or Gold Lines to Union Station and walk across the street.
RECOMMENDED: See more in our guide to Downtown Los Angeles
