The plaza is the historic gateway to the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles.Until 1963, the Los Angeles Railway's P Line yellow streetcars operated on the surface of 1st Street, including a stop near this station.[4] There are two levels underground: a mezzanine with ticket machines and gates, and below that, an island platform with two tracks.There is one entrance to the station at the intersection of 1st Street and Boyle Avenue, at the namesake Mariachi Plaza.[5] As of December 15, 2024[update], the following connections are available:[6] The station is within walking distance of the following notable places: