Mission San Fernando Rey de España
Mission San Fernando
Located in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Mission Hills of the San Fernando Valley is Mission San Fernando Rey de España (1). Here, between the hustle and bustle of two major Los Angeles freeways, is a sanctuary of historical significance.
Founded in 1797, the Mission is part of the 21-mission El Camino Real, or Royal Road, built during the Spanish occupation of Mexico (as much of California was part of Mexico during that time). An hour-long, self-guided tour of the grounds allows you to walk the various gardens, the museum, the church and other buildings.
The famous Madonna Room holds one of the world’s largest collections of statues and images of Mary, “the blessed mother.” This small room that was probably once a prison cell, holds a myriad of Madonna statuettes and other small dedications. On the other side of the property, inside the church, you will find the magnificent gold-leafed reredos, decorative screens behind the altar, which contrast the rest of the modest architecture of the Mission.
Museum of the American West
Twenty-five minutes southeast of the Mission is LA’s largest public park, Griffith Park (2). Within this grandiose public space of hiking trails, golf courses and the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens (3) is the Museum of the American West, one arm of the Autry National Center (4) (as in Gene Autry, the singing cowboy). History buffs beware; you might want to stay here all day.
The family-friendly museum is split into two general categories: how the West was interpreted (fictional) and how the West really was (historical). Make sure you get a taste of both, including the plethora of beautiful paintings in the Romance Gallery on the main level and the Colt Firearms Collection on the lower level.
Definitely poke around the museum store, which offers an excellent array of artwork, posters, music, books and authentic Western wear. Head to the Golden Spur Cafe for lunch where you will find a wide array of menu options fit for child and adult, carnivore and vegetarian. Meals are cooked fresh to order, but made expeditiously in case you are running short on time.
El Pueblo Historic Monument
Finish your day in the oldest section of Los Angeles. Among the skyscrapers and tucked between Union Station (5) and Chinatown (6) are 27 historic buildings surrounding the pedestrian-only Olvera Street (7) and known collectively as El Pueblo. As you take in the exciting atmosphere of vendors, shops and food, don’t forget about the historic elements: the Avila Adobe (8) (the oldest building in LA), the oldest fire station, the Siqueiros Mural (9) and many more sites that make this landmark rich in life, past and present.
Check out Olverita's Village (10) collection of unique items and Chicano and Angelino graphic T-shirts. A few shops over, find some of the best chocolate in Los Angeles at Casa de Sousa (11), a vegetarian Mexican café.
Dinner choices are abundant with casual and full-service restaurants serving savory carnitas and fresh salsa. Full-service restaurants range from traditional (El Paseo Inn (12)) to contemporary (La Golondrina Cafe (13)).
El Pueblo is also no stranger to special events and festivals that are open to the public — check the El Pueblo Web site calendar. Additionally, and marked on no calendar, Hollywood often uses El Pueblo’s various buildings for filming, giving you a chance to be on set, or near a set at least.
