Literally on the road to see, hear, and learn about the history of Los Angeles, to find its heart, spirit, and soul is through walking the inner and outer sanctums of Los Angeles to discover its often forgotten roots.

Starting at Union Station, the hub of Amtrak and Metro in downtown, I followed the faint echoes of sound and music emanating from the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument across the street from Union Station.

Where you can literally touch, see, and experience the heart of Old Los Angeles, lays the site of one of its oldest structures–the Avila Adobe, which was built in 1818.

Letting my feet take the lead from my head; blasting through my own urban journey, I was to make not only a fertile historic visit to Los Angeles’ landmarks–city block, by block—but in doing so I was able to discover the city’s history at every turn.

In the near future, Travelin’ Local will cover and feature many of our cultural and historical locations, many times not in the front and center of our awareness; but nonetheless for today’s story here’s a walking map and some pictures from today’s march.

View Walking Union Station in a larger map

Just as with my previous Walking in LA article, if you click on the various markers, you’ll discover a photo of each location.

Travelin’ Local is just as much as what’s happening new and exciting today as well as knowing and understanding how we’ve come to this place in our history.

By walking when Travelin’ Local you can do both.