Olvera Street

A walk down Olvera Street gives some idea of what LA looked like once upon a time. Walk inside the Avila Adobe (oldest house in LA) if it is open (I think it closes at 4pm). There are also often performers (Aztec dancers) on weekend mornings. There are also periodic festivals: Blessing of the animals in April, posadas at Christmas time, ... Union Station, LA's railway station is just a block away. The interior is worth a look. Chinatown is a few blocks north of Olvera street and has many lunch options.