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Avila Adobe: Los Angeles' Oldest Residence

Explore Avila Adobe, the oldest house in Los Angeles, on historic Olvera Street, and step back into California's Spanish and Mexican past.

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Step back in time at Avila Adobe, the oldest standing residence in Los Angeles, constructed in 1818 by Francisco Ávila. Located on Olvera Street, this historic house offers a glimpse into California's Spanish and Mexican past with its preserved architecture and period furnishings.

A brief summary to Avila Adobe

  • Tuesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday morning for a less crowded experience.
  • Combine your visit with a walk along Olvera Street to experience the Mexican marketplace.
  • Don't miss the chance to try the famous taquitos at Cielito Lindo on Olvera Street.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Avila Adobe is located on Olvera Street, a pedestrian-only historic Mexican Marketplace in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles. From Union Station, walk west towards Alameda Street, located at the main entrance of the station. Olvera Street is directly across from Union Station. The Avila Adobe is located on the southeast side of Olvera Street.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines stop near Olvera Street, including lines 4, 33, 40, and 45. Take any bus that stops at the Plaza on Main Street, Los Angeles Street, Arcadia Street, Alameda Street, or Cesar Chavez Boulevard. A single fare on the Metro is $1.75, which includes two hours of transfers. The DASH bus also connects downtown Los Angeles to El Pueblo, stopping every 10 minutes for $0.50.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Los Angeles. A short taxi ride from nearby downtown locations to Olvera Street will likely cost between $15 and $20, depending on traffic. Keep in mind that taxi fares include a flag drop fee of $2.85, plus $3 per mile and $0.30 per 37 seconds of waiting.

  • Driving

    If driving, take the 101 Freeway to the Broadway Street exit. There are several parking lots near Olvera Street. Lots 1, 2, and 3 are recommended. Lots 1 and 2 are on Main Street, and Lot 3 is on Alameda Street. Parking rates range from $5.75 to $21.15. Some parking garages, such as the one at 649 N Spring St, charge $20 for 2 hours. The parking facility at El Pueblo de Los Angeles La Plaza At Olvera Street costs $10 for 2 hours.

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Discover more about Avila Adobe

The Avila Adobe, built in 1818 by Francisco Ávila, stands as the oldest house in Los Angeles, offering a unique window into the city's early history. Ávila, a wealthy cattle rancher and mayor of Los Angeles in 1810, constructed the adobe as a family home and a center for social gatherings. The adobe's architecture reflects the Spanish colonial influence, featuring thick adobe walls, cottonwood beams, and a central courtyard. These thick walls, nearly three feet in width, were effective in regulating temperature, keeping the house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The original roof was sealed with tar from the La Brea Tar Pits. Throughout its history, the Avila Adobe has served various purposes. It was briefly used as a military headquarters by the North American army in 1847. Later, it functioned as a restaurant and boarding house before falling into disrepair. In the 1920s, the City of Los Angeles condemned the building, but a public campaign led by Christine Sterling saved it from demolition. Sterling transformed the area into a Mexican marketplace, which opened on Easter Sunday, 1930. Today, the Avila Adobe is a museum furnished to depict California lifestyle in the 1840s. Visitors can explore the rooms, courtyard, and exhibits, stepping back into a bygone era. The Avila Adobe is located on Olvera Street, a vibrant historic district with many small museums.

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