Skip to Content
L.A. TACO home
L.A. TACO logo
Log In
We need your help to keep L.A. TACO going
Featured

L.A. Is a Ghost Town: Photos From Desolate Streets and Abandoned Landmarks

3:49 PM PDT on April 7, 2020

    110 Freeway & Wilshire Boulevard. 03/29 12:30PM

    Union Station is only allowing travelers into the station. Here is a look into the only window a non-traveler can get close to due to the added security measures and guards. 03/29. 2:37 PM
    Union Station is only allowing travelers into the station. Here is a look into the only window a non-traveler can get close to due to the added security measures and guards. 03/29 2:37 PM
    On Broadway in Chinatown, small businesses are closed indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak. 03/29. 2:54 PM
    On Braodway in Chinatowm, small businesses are closed indefinitely due to the coronavirus outbreak. 03/29 2:54PM
    Placita Olvera, the birthplace of Los Angeles, empty during the pandemic. On a Sunday afternoon, people from all over the world can usually be seen enjoying their time here. 03/29. 2:44 PM
    Placita Olvera, empty during the pandemic. On a Sunday afternoon, people from all over the world, as well as from LA, can be seen enjoying their time here. 03/29 2:44PM
    Vendor booths, Olvera Street. 03/29. 2:23 PM
    Vendor booths, Olvera Street. 03/29 2:23PM
    Historic Olvera Street has shut down for the most part amidst the outbreak. On any Sunday afternoon, the popular space would be packed with people. Now, only a security guard and a few homeless Angelinos stay in the area. 03/29. 2:22 PM
    Historic Olvera Street has shut down for the most part amidst the outbreak. On any Sunday afternoon, the popular space would be packed with people. Now, only a security guard and a few homeless angelinos stay in the area. 03/29 2:22PM
    Olvera Street vendor booth closed until further notice. 03/29. 2:19 PM
    Olvera Street vendor booth, closed until further notice. 03/29 2:19PM
    Espacio 1839, a community shop and creative space, let people know they would be closed until further notice. Las Palomas, a business serving food and drinks for the community, has also closed its security gates due to the coronavirus outbreak.
    Espacio 1839, a community shop and space for a radio show, let people know they would be closing until further notice. Las Palomas, a business serving food and drinks for the community, has closed their security gates due to the coronavirus outbreak.
    Mariachi Plaza, Boyle Heights. 03/29. 1:49 PM
    Mariachi Plaza, Boyle Heights. 03/29 1:49PM
    Storefronts in Boyle Heights sit closed due to the city order to close non-essential businesses. 03/29. 1:48 PM
    Storefronts in Boyle Heights sit closed due to the city order to close non-essential businesses. 03/29 1:48PM
    Mariachi Plaza on a Sunday afternoon would normally be busy with community members, from musicians, visitors, families, and city workers. This plaza is famous for the community coming together. It is barren on this afternoon. 03/29. 1:47 PM
    Mariachi Plaza on a Sunday afternoon would normally be busy with community members doing various things. From musicians, visitors, families, and city workers, this plaza is famous for the community coming together. It is barren on this afternoon. 03/29 1:47PM
    A retail store, like those found in 'Los Callejones,' closed down due to the pandemic. Only the food workers can be heard talking as few people come and go from the Alameda swap meet.
    A retail store, like those found in Los Callejones, closed down due to the pandemic. Only the food workers can be heard talking as few people come and go from the Alameda swapmeet.
    A popular shop in the Alameda swap meet for the Catholic community in Vernon and surrounding areas, closed down. 03/29. 1:19 PM
    A popular shop in the Alameda swap meet for the Catholic community in Vernon and surrounding areas, closed down. 03/29 1:19PM
    The entrance to the interior of the Alameda Swap Meet closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Only the restaurants can serve take-out food at the swap meet. 03/29. 1:13 PM
    The entrance to the interior of the Alameda Swap Meet, closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Only the restaurants can serve take out food at the swap meet. 03/29 1:13PM
    110 Freeway & Wilshire Boulevard. 03/29. 12:30 PM
    110 Freeway & Wilshire Boulevard. 03/29 12:30PM
    The popular swap mall at MacArthur Park closed down due to the coronavirus outbreak. 03/29. 12:05 PM
    The popular swap mall at MacArthur Park closed down due to the coronavirus outbreak. 03/29 12:05PM
    Another portion of The Santee Alley, completely empty of people. 03/29. 11:21 AM
    Another portion of The Santee Alley, completely empty of people. 03/29 11:21AM
    A closed shop in the Santee Alley. A small wind through the alley is the only sound that can be heard. 03/29. 11:16 AM
    A closed shop in the Santee Alley. A small wind through the alley is the only sound that can be heard. 03/29 11:16AM
    The iconic Santee Alley, known for being open 365 days a year, is closed and empty except for two security guards. Thousands would normally walk through here on any given weekend looking for clothes at a bargain. 03/29. 11:12 AM
    The iconic Santee Alley, known for being open 365 days a year, is closed and empty except for 2 security guards. Thousands would normally walk through here on any given weekend. 03/29 11:12AM
    Santee Street during would-have-been peak hour. 03/29. 11:08 AM
    Santee Street during would-have-been peak hour. 03/29 11:08AM
    Colorful awnings hang above the closed stores in 'Los Callejones' during what would have been a peak time for business owners and shoppers. 03/29. 10:56 AM
    Colorful awnings hang above the closed stores in Los Callejones during what would have been a peak time for business owners and shoppers. 03/29 10:56AM
    Security gates signaling closure, an open parking meter. Sunday morning, March 29th. 10:52 AM
    Security gates signaling closure, an open parking meter. Sunday morning, March 29th. 10:52AM
    A portion of 'Los Callejones,' completely devoid of humans on a Sunday morning. 03/29. 10:47 AM
    A portion of Los Callejones, completely void of humans on a Sunday morning. 03/29 10:47AM
    Wall Street and 4th Street, extremely quiet except for the convenience store clerk's movement as he restocks his shelves. Sunday, March 29. 10:37 AM
    Wall Street and 4th, extremely quiet except for the convenience store clerk's movement as he restocks his shelves. Sunday, March 29. 10:37AM
    Storefronts in 'Los Callejones' with their messages regarding closure due to the coronavirus outbreak. Only cars driving on the main street blocks away can be heard here. 03/29. 10:23 AM
    Storefronts in Los Callejones of LA with their messages regarding closure due to the coronavirus outbreak. Only cars driving on the main street blocks away can be heard here. 03/29 10:23AM
    On Winston Street and Los Angeles Street, The T-Shirt Guys and Salud y Belleza are closed down with their COVID-19 notices taped up. Normally an extremely popular retail shopping area, the blocks of stores are completely shut down. 03/29. 10:22 AM.
    On Winston Street and Los Angeles Street, The T-Shirt Guys and Salud y Belleza are closed down with their COVID-19 notices taped up. Normally an extremely popular retail shopping area, the blocks of stores are completely shut down. 03/29 10:22AM
    One of Hollywood's most iconic landmarks, TCL Chinese Theater, is closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Onlookers are few and far between as Hollywood's most famous area lays barren of visitors. Only police and homeless people can be seen on the normally-bustling boulevard. 03/28. 2:58 PM
    One of Hollywood's most iconic landmarks, TCL Chinese Theater, is closed due to the coronavirus outbreak. Onlookers are few and far between as Hollywood's most famous area lays barren of visitors. Only police and homeless people can be seen on the normally-bustling boulevard. 03/28 2:58PM
    Hollywood and Highland, a destination known around the world for its view of the Hollywood sign, empty. 03/28. 2:51 PM
    Hollywood and Highland, a destination known around the world for its view of the Hollywood sign, empty. 03/28 2:51PM
    Looking down Wilshire Boulevard on a Saturday afternoon, no cars or people can be seen out. 03/28. 2:20 PM
    Looking down Wilshire Boulevard on a Saturday afternoon, no cars or people can be seen out. 03/28 2:20PM
    The famed "Urban Lights" public art piece, more commonly known as the LACMA Lights, sits without any kind of visitor. 03/28. 2:20 PM
    The famed "Urban Lights" public art piece, more commonly known as the LACMA Lights, sits without any kind of visitor. 03/28 2:20PM
    Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade, a go-to location for locals and tourists every day of the week, lays empty with only a few small business restaurants accepting take out orders. 03/28. 1:37 PM
    Santa Monica's 3rd Street Promenade, a go-to location for locals and tourists every day of the week, lays empty with only a few small business restaurants accepting take out orders. 03/28 1:37PM
    The ultra-popular Venice Beach Skatepark is taped off, closed due to the Safer at Home city order. Saturday, March 28. 12:33 PM
    The ultra-popular Venice Beach Skatepark is taped off, closed due to the Safer at Home city order. Saturday, March 28. 12:33PM
    Looking north on Venice Beach, the popular hangout spot is barren due to the coronavirus outbreak. Saturday, March 28. 12:31 PM
    Looking north on Venice Beach, the popular hangout spot is barren due to the coronavirus outbreak. Saturday, March 28. 12:31PM
    An iconic section of the Venice Beach boardwalk, empty. Above, a police helicopter threatens to arrest those who are on the beach. Homeless Angelenos are told by Venice Beach Police to leave the beach.
    An iconic section of the Venice Beach boardwalk, empty and on orders to close. Above, a police helicopter threatens to arrest those are on the beach. Homeless angelinos are told by Venice Beach Police to leave the beach.
    Santa Monica pier empty, aside from police officers, closed down due to the coronavirus outbreak. 03/28 11:47AM
    Santa Monica pier empty aside from police officers, closed down due to the coronavirus outbreak. 03/28 11:47AM
    The farthest point on the pier would normally have musicians, fishermen, restaurant-goers, and tourists taking selfies on a Saturday morning. Only two city vehicles are there now. 03/28. 11:32 AM
    The farthest point on the pier would normally have musicians, people fishing, restaurant-goers and tourists on a Saturday morning. Only two city vehicles are there now. 03/28 11:32AM
    Santa Monica pier looking towards the city. This stretch is where the majority of people would have been in pre-pandemic times. 03/28 11:29 AM
    Santa Monica pier looking towards the city. This stretch is where the majority of people would have been in pre-pandemic times. 03/28 11:29AM
    The rear area of the closed Santa Monica pier. Only four police officers, a small security team, and the Pacific Park manager are on the pier now. 03/28 11:19 AM
    The rear area of the closed Santa Monica pier. Only 4 police officers, a small security team, and the Pacific Park manager are on the pier now. 03/28 11:19AM
    Santa Monica Beach city workers enforce the beach closure, only a tiny fraction of the number of people that are usually here on a Saturday morning can be seen in the far distance. Saturday, March 28. 11:14 AM
    Santa Monica Beach city workers enforce the beach closure, only a tiny fraction of the amount of people that are usually here on a Saturday morning can be seen in the far distance. Saturday, March 28. 11:14AM
    The Santa Monica Pier and the beach were ordered to close by the City of Los Angeles. Pacific Park, the amusement park on the pier, normally holds 2,500 people on busy days such as Saturday and Sunday. Saturday, March 28. 11:13 AM.
    Saturday, March 28 at 11:13AM. The Santa Monica Pier and beach was ordered to close by the City of Los Angeles. Pacific Park, the amusement park on the pier, normally holds 2,500 people on busy days such as Saturday and Sunday.
    Hill Street as seen from the 110 south. On any given morning, this street is bustling with traffic, both car and pedestrian. The Safer at Home order by the city keeps most people from leaving their homes. Saturday, March 28. 10:25 AM
    Hill Street as seen from the 110 south. On any given morning, this street is bustling with traffic, both car and pedestrian. The Safer at Home order by the city keeps most people from leaving their homes. Saturday, March 28. 10:25AM
    A stretch of Saigon Plaza, Chinatown. Tuesday, March 17. 10:52 AM
    A stretch of Saigon Plaza, Chinatown. Tuesday, March 17 10:52AM
    Lisa's Fashion & Gift closed down due to the coronavirus outbreak. Businesses in Chinatown have found it extremely difficult to stay open since they have experienced a drastic drop in foot traffic since word of the virus originating in China hit the US. Tuesday, March 17th. 10:51 AM
    Lisa's Fashion & Gift closed down due to the coronavirus outbreak. Businesses in Chinatown have found it extremely difficult to stay open, since they have experienced a drastic drop in foot traffic since word of the virus originating in China hit the US. Tuesday, March 17th 10:51AM
    Ben Camacho
    Ben Camacho is a photojournalist, visual storyteller and community organizer from Santa Ana, California. When not telling stories, he enjoys film photography, exploring new places, ideas, and perspectives.

    Read More:

    Stay in touch

    Sign up for our free newsletter

    More from L.A. TACO

    Food

    Ten Palestinian-Owned Restaurants to Support in L.A. and O.C.

    Supporting our local Palestinian restaurants not only allows you to experience excellent cooking and recipes from a culture and people who have been making these dishes for generations, but it also helps to broaden our worldviews on a culture some forces seek to bury and erase. 

    May 2, 2024
    Sponsored

    Where To Find Don Perico, The Mexican-Owned Brand Bringing Tropical Flavors To Dispensaries

    The products, with their festive packaging, tropical flavors, and colorful parrot mascot, are relatable and better yet, they taste great, are fast-acting, and strong.

    April 30, 2024
    We need your help to keep L.A. TACO going

    Save L.A. TACO

    We've spent years building L.A.'s truly independent newsroom and guide, but we need your help to keep it going. We need to get to 5,000 paying members to keep our staff in place and continue to provide the great articles, videos, and events you love. Sign up now and keep us going! →
    Events

    New Date for TACO MADNESS 2024 Event Confirmed: June 15th at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes

    After getting rained out, our new date promises to be our biggest and most fun festival to date. Come out and eat all the tacos, drink all the micheladas, dance to the best DJs in L.A., and support our independent journalism! Of course, L.A. TACO members get in for free. Tickets on sale now.

    April 29, 2024
    Site News

    An Update On Our Membership Drive: Some Bad News, and Good News

    Some bad news, and some good news on our pledge to survive and stay sustainable.

    April 26, 2024
    Taco Members Only

    Where To Eat This Weekend: Bulgogi Pupusas, Hemp Seed Guacamole, ‘Sticky Rice Sticks,’ and Korean Street Food In Venice

    Plus an Roman chef veteran in a Hollywood apartment, chocolate Cuba Libres, Uzbeki plov with lazer rice, and cochinita melts in a Silver Lake yard. Here are the best things to eat around Los Angeles (and San Juan Capistrano!) this weekend.

    April 26, 2024
    See all posts