I’ve never thought much of Olvera Street and Griffith Observatory but that’s just me.
You might want to take a look at Chinatown and Little Tokyo for lunch or dinner if you go near Olvera Street. They are all close to each other.
Like all other cities, the downtown areas can be dangerous. But LT and C-Town are generally safer than other parts of LA in the daytime.
Agree about boring Olvera Street. When we lived in Marina del Re¥ decades ago, we enjoyed China Town and Little Tokyo.
Chinatown and Little Tokyo have become hollowed out shells of their former glory. At least during daytime. Many of the once great places didn’t survive the Pandemic. We used to go before dodger games years ago as they are also close by the stadium But alas, our spot is gone. Used to be packed.
I agree Olevrra street is underwhelming.
Korea town is booming, it’s maybe 2 or so miles east and a few blocks north of the Peterson Museum. One place Chosun Galbee on Olympic 1 street west of Western is popular with the local Koreans, but it’s pricy. Delicious though. There are plenty of smaller places and all you can eats in the area. It’s fairly safe there.
Canters deli on Fairfax is a few blocks north and to the west of the museum. Fairfax north of Beverly. Food is very consistent if you like deli food. Big menu anyway if you don’t and they have a full bar. Otherwise people like Langers deli but their poltics are, well it’s LA. They close at night and are just west of downtown so maybe not convenient.
As for attractions, well heck I wish I could remember more than a few. I moved out of that area and live outside the city and rarely return these days. There is the LA Country museum a few blocks east of the Petersen. And the La Brea tar pits are right there too. Worth a pop in since it’s just blocks from the Petersen. Maybe I’ll think of a few more.
went to Olvera Street 50+ years ago, was entranced,
but then again I wouldn’t have recognized simple commercial phonyism