Join us for the third CicLAvia Sunday of the 2025 season—and our 60th event since 2010! CicLAmini—Pico Union is on Sunday, May 18th, from 10am - 3pm. Expect a compact route and a more pedestrian-oriented experience at CicLAmini—Pico Union, featuring activities, street games, local business engagements, and art and cultural activities for all ages. We encourage you to jog, walk, ride, skate, and bike along the open space. Be sure to use the CicLAmini Interactive Digital Map to plan out your day!
The Pico Union neighborhood, named after the intersection of Pico Blvd and Union Ave, is a diverse neighborhood rich in history, food, culture, and architecture. Enjoy this edition of our Local Gems blog featuring a few of the MANY things to see and do along the route and in the neighborhood. Thanks to everybody who contributed their local gems.
Byzantine-Latino Quarter (BLQ)
2800 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Perched high above the intersection of Pico and Normandie is the Byzantine-Latino Quarter sign. Underneath, a quote on the building states, “We are each of us angels with one wing. We can only fly embracing each other,” along with a mural of two angels flying in tandem. This installation indicates that you have now entered an area of LA that was once a hot destination for European and Mexican immigrants.
Normandie Recreation Center
1550 Normandie Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Normandie Recreation Center is one of the two recreational centers in the Pico Union neighborhood. This center contains a softball field, playground, basketball courts, and hosts an assortment of community events.
Angelus Rosedale Cemetery
1831 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
Adjacent to the route, you’ll notice Angelus Rosedale Cemetery. Established in 1884, it is considered one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles. The iconic palm trees throughout the cemetery showcase the lawn-style format —it is one of the first cemeteries in the country to adopt this style. Beyond the aesthetics, the Rosedale Cemetery was also the first integrated cemetery in Los Angeles, which allowed people of all races and creeds to be laid to rest there.
St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church
2727 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Pico Union boasts unique architectural designs, especially in the nearby churches. Here at St. Thomas the Apostle Roman Catholic Church, you’ll see a Mission Revival or Spanish Renaissance style church that has been standing tall since its opening in 1904.
St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral
1324 Normandie Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90006
The St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral was established in 1952 in an area that then contained a large Greek population. So much so that the nickname was called “Greek Town.” Remnants of Greek eateries and architecture can be seen in the area, such as the longtime staple Papa Cristo’s Greek restaurant. To celebrate and honor its roots, the church hosts its yearly LA Greek Fest filled with music, food, wine, and plenty of dancing!
El Salvador Community Corridor
Surrounding the intersection of Pico Blvd and Vermont Ave
In the surrounding area of Pico Blvd and Vermont Ave is the first designated Salvadoran neighborhood in Los Angeles. It’s estimated that over 1,000,000 Salvadorans live in LA, and this designated community corridor reflects their cultural and economic impact. You’ll see this influence in its many murals, eateries, and community.
Óscar Romero Mural - Artist Unknown
2500 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
At the intersection of Pico Blvd and Vermont Ave, you will see a mural of the late Archbishop Óscar Romero. Romero was a proud Salvadoreño who spoke up against injustice and violence in his home country of El Salvador. His mural was placed in the heart of the El Salvador Community Corridor for many to see and remember him by.
Central and South American Country Murals - Artist Unknown
1309 Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90006
A large mural located at the corner of Pico Blvd and Hoover St displays iconic landmarks of numerous Central and South American nations, representing the diverse communities in that area. Is your country featured on this prominent artwork?
Skate Massimo
2552 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Swing by Pico Union’s one and only skate shop, Skate Massimo! Be sure to check out their public piano they’ll have on display out front. In addition, CicLAvia created a limited edition button for purchase at the Normandie Hub inspired by the Skate Massimo’s outdoor piano.
Alvarado Terrace Historic District
1333 Alvarado Terrace, Los Angeles, CA 90006
The Alvarado Terrace Historic District is a stretch of housing that has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1984. Here you will see architectural styles such as Craftsman, Victorian, and Mission. CicLAvia created a limited edition button of this gem available for purchase at the Union Hub!
Engraved Victorian Houses
Along the sidewalk on W Pico Blvd.
Along the sidewalks of Pico Blvd around Bonnie Brae St, you will see engravings of old Victorian-style houses. These images are a depiction of the actual houses in the Alvarado Terrace Historic District.
Shortest Street in Los Angeles - Powers Pl.
1321 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90006
While Los Angeles may be known for its long, expansive, and even windy roads, Powers Place holds a unique title for being the shortest street in all of LA! Its length comes in at a whopping ~35ft long and is also one of the last remaining brick-paved streets in LA.
Alvarado Terrace Park
1342 S Alvarado St, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Near the shortest street and the Alvarado Terrace Historic District is the Alvarado Terrace Park. Here children can enjoy a pocket-sized park while parents take in the views of the historic buildings surrounded by nature in a bustling city.
The Pico Union Project
1153 Valencia St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Pico Union Project is a non-profit cultural center that aims to build community health, resilience, and neighborhood revitalization in Pico Union. Housed in one of the oldest synagogues in Los Angeles, you’ll now be able to find farmer’s markets, music classes, and many art/cultural activities.
The Graff Lab
1038 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Graff Lab is a designated place for artists to collaborate and safely develop their love for urban art, dance, and music.
Toberman Recreation Center
1702 S Union Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90015
The Toberman Recreation Center is another one of Pico Union’s greenspaces which offers summer day camps, sport leagues for kids, and much more!
There's so much history in this area, so as you go about your day, be sure to take in all the beauty and unique sights each neighborhood has to offer. Post your favorite gem moments along the route and tag @ciclavia on socials!
We can't wait to see you all at CicLAmini—Pico Union on May 18! Don’t forget to sign up for our mailing list so you don’t miss out on updates and information, future programs, and to be the first to hear about future events!
These events are made possible by contributions from people like you. To support more open streets, consider making a tax-deductible donation here today!
Photo Credits: Josué L. Hervey, @8o911, @greattian, Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, @emilypertzborn, The Pico Union Project, @thegrafflab, Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks, and @skate_massimo.
