Pershing Square

Los Angeles, California Travel Guide

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Pershing Square

Overview: Pershing Square is one of those places in Los Angeles that locals have probably been to or have seen it on television but do not know what it is. Pershing Square is located on Olive St in Downtown Los Angeles. It takes up an entire block between 5th and 6th St in the Historic District and is adjacent to the Jewelry District, Financial District and near Bunker Hill.

Pershing Square rich and fascinating history and is the host of many famous events. The mid 1800’s saw the founding of the area of Pershing Square. Originally named La Plaza Abaja in 1866 and later named Los Angeles Park, Pershing Square was used by the militia in the 1900’s as a meeting and reception place. In 1911, the park was redesigned by 1911 by John Parkinson and in 1918, the park was officially named after General John Joseph Pershing.

Pershing Square’s attributes are many. What stands out most about Pershing Square is the gorgeous 360 degree panoramic view of Downtown Los Angeles’ metropolis skyline. The incredible view of downtown’s skyscrapers and the effect are reminiscent of the People’s Square in Shanghai. In the south end of the park square is a 120 foot high, purple tower and a red ball near the top of it. Extending from the purple tower is a water fall onto a large, shallow pool. The square has a circular sitting area and various spots to relax at, a lush lawn with symmetrical walkways and a statue of Beethoven.

Pershing Square is home to many large events in Los Angeles. The main one is Downtown On Ice, where Pershing Square gets converted into an outdoor ice rink during the winter season. St. Patrick’s Day Parade in March ends at Pershing Square. The Summer time sees a full schedule of outdoor concerts at Pershing Square as well. Pershing Square is so popular that even Oscar de la Hoya had a press conference for this boxing bout with Steve Forbes held at Pershing Square.

Free Summer Concerts
During the summer, Pershing Square also hosts a FREE Summer Concert series between July and September during lunch time from 12pm to 2pm.

Location: 532 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA 90013
Site: www.laparks.org/pershingsquare/index.html
Ph: (213) 847-4970

Hours: Mon – Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm, Sat – Sun 10:00am – 4:00pm

Cost: Free

Parking: Free in the Pershing Square Mall. Local metered parking spots around the neighborhood.

Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible with ramps

Getting There: www.metro.net, www.ladottransit.com