Union Station Los Angeles & Olvera Street with Kids
Step Back in Time in the Heart of Downtown Los Angeles
Some family adventures don’t require a theme park ticket or a long road trip. Sometimes, all you need is a day exploring the history, architecture, and culture of one of Southern California’s most iconic destinations.
A visit to Union Station Los Angeles paired with a stroll across the street to Olvera Street makes for a simple yet memorable family day trip. Kids will love watching trains come and go, while adults can admire the station’s beautiful architecture before wandering into the colorful marketplace known as the birthplace of Los Angeles. Together, these two historic landmarks offer a fun mix of sightseeing, culture, shopping, and delicious Mexican food.
Explore Union Station
The Last of America’s Great Train Stations
Union Station opened in 1939 and remains one of the most beautiful train stations in the United States. Even if you’re not catching a train, it’s worth stopping in to admire the grand waiting room, soaring ceilings, colorful tile work, and beautiful Spanish Colonial and Art Deco architecture. It continues to serve travelers from across Southern California and beyond while remaining a popular filming location for movies and television shows.
Why Families Love It
- Beautiful historic architecture
- Watch Amtrak, Metrolink, and Metro trains arrive and depart
- Plenty of space to walk around
- Great photo opportunities
- Fun introduction to train travel for young kids
For little train lovers, simply watching the trains arrive can be an adventure all on its own.
Walk Across to Olvera Street
The Birthplace of Los Angeles
Just steps from Union Station is Olvera Street, a colorful pedestrian marketplace celebrating Mexican culture and the rich history of Los Angeles. Lined with brick pathways, local vendors, restaurants, and handcrafted goods, it feels like stepping into another era.
Image by: https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/
Things to Do on Olvera Street
Browse Local Shops
Spend some time exploring the small family-owned shops selling:
- Handmade souvenirs
- Mexican folk art
- Pottery
- Jewelry
- Colorful clothing
- Toys and gifts
It’s a fun place to pick up a keepsake while supporting local vendors.
Enjoy Authentic Mexican Food
One of the highlights of any visit is stopping for lunch.
Olvera Street is filled with traditional Mexican restaurants and casual cafés serving favorites like:
- Street tacos
- Tamales
- Enchiladas
- Burritos
- Fresh churros
- Horchata
- Homemade tortillas
Whether you grab a quick snack or sit down for a family meal, the atmosphere makes dining part of the adventure.
Experience the Culture
Depending on when you visit, you may see:
- Mariachi musicians
- Traditional dancers
- Seasonal celebrations
- Holiday decorations
- Local artists
There’s always something interesting happening, making every visit a little different.
Why This Makes a Great Family Day Trip
One of the things we love most about this outing is how easy it is.
You don’t need an entire day or a big budget. Families can spend a few hours exploring Union Station, browsing the shops on Olvera Street, enjoying lunch, and taking plenty of photos before heading home.
If you’re introducing your children to the history of Los Angeles, this is one of the best places to start.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
Let the Trains Be Part of the Adventure
Even if you’re driving, take a few minutes to watch the trains arrive and depart. It’s surprisingly entertaining for little ones.
Bring Your Camera
The station’s architecture and colorful marketplace make fantastic photo backdrops.
Plan Around Lunch
Olvera Street is one of the best places to enjoy authentic Mexican food while exploring Downtown Los Angeles.
Bring a Little Spending Money
Kids often enjoy picking out a small souvenir from one of the local vendors.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Most of the adventure is spent walking between the station and marketplace, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Why We Recommend It
Not every family adventure has to be packed with rides or attractions. Sometimes the best memories come from wandering somewhere new, sharing a great meal, and discovering a little history together.
Union Station and Olvera Street offer a slower-paced adventure that’s rich in culture, architecture, and local flavor. It’s an easy trip to add to any Los Angeles itinerary and a wonderful way to spend a few hours exploring one of the city’s most historic neighborhoods.
If you’re looking for an affordable family outing that combines history, food, and a bit of adventure, this is one Southern California day trip worth adding to your list.