Culver City Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, hikes, hotels, food scenes, transport, and more with this comprehensive tour guide for Culver City.


Introduction to Culver City

Culver City is a vibrant and culturally-rich neighborhood in Westside Los Angeles. It’s known for being home to film studios and TV production companies, as well as numerous art galleries, museums, and theaters.

This guide will take you on a journey through the top attractions, outdoor activities, hikes, accommodation options, and local cuisine in Culver City. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s something for everyone in this exciting LA neighborhood.

List of Places to Visit in Culver City

Here are some of the top places to visit in Culver City:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Wende Museum

Located in a former National Guard Armory building, The Wende Museum is dedicated to preserving the art and artifacts of Cold War-era Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union. The museum’s collection includes over 100,000 items, from propaganda posters to pieces of the Berlin Wall.

Museum of Jurassic Technology

The Museum of Jurassic Technology is a non-traditional museum that blends science, art, and wonder together in an eccentric way. The exhibits range from dioramas of the life cycle of bees to the history of failed experiments.

Sony Pictures Studios

Visitors can take a guided tour of the famous Sony Pictures Studios and see where classic movies and TV shows like The Wizard of Oz and Seinfeld were filmed.

Natural Attractions of Culver City: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Located in scenic Culver City, Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is a 500-foot hill that provides sweeping views of the city. It’s an excellent spot for hiking, jogging, or just taking a relaxing stroll.

Ballona Creek Bike Path

The Ballona Creek Bike Path is a 7-mile paved bike path that runs from Culver City to Marina del Rey. It’s a great place to bike, jog, or take a leisurely walk with stunning views of the Ballona Wetlands.

Culver City stairs

This urban hiking trail is made up of over 500 stairs that lead up from Culver City to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. The trail provides a challenging uphill workout as well as panoramic views of the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Culver City

Culver City is known for its outdoor activities, including hiking and biking. Here are some of the top routes:

Scenic Overlook Trail

The Scenic Overlook Trail runs through the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook and provides magnificent vistas of Los Angeles. It’s a moderate 1.5-mile trail popular with hikers and joggers.

Ballona Creek Bike Path

This 7-mile path stretches from Culver City to Marina del Rey. The path provides a scenic route for cyclists as it wets around Ballona Creek and through wetlands and parks.

Culver City Stairs

These steps are a favorite of many in the city as they give an uphill workout. The more than 500 steps lead to scenic views of surrounding neighborhoods and the empyrean Baldwin hills.

Best Things to Do in Culver City: Activities and Tours

Take a Culver City Guided Tour

Experience the heart of Culver City neighborhood with a knowledgeable local guide who will lead you on a guided tour of the city’s top attractions and neighborhoods. This is the perfect way to get a comprehensive overview of Culver City.

Explore Helms Bakery District

Helms Bakery District is an innovative retail complex with an open atmosphere because the and food outlets. The district is home to some of L.A.’s most prominent design stores, art galleries, bakeries, and cafes.

Visit The Actor’s Gang Theater

The Actor’s Gang theater is an exciting destination that draws many visitors to Culver City because they can treat themselves to an entertaining and thought-provoking theater experience.

Week-Long Itinerary for Culver City

Here is a week-long itinerary to experience the best of Culver City:

Day 1: Museum Day- Visit the Museum of Jurassic Technology, The Wende Museum, and the MOCA Pacific Design Center.

Day 2: Park Day - Spend the day at the Culver City Park enjoying a picnic, sporting activities, and community events.

Day 3: Foodie Tour - Savor the diverse and delicious cuisines in downtown Culver City. Enjoy a variety of foods like pasta, pizza, sushi, burgers, vegan cuisine and indulge in coffee and craft cocktails.

Day 4: Venice Beach Day - Head to Venice Beach to soak up some sun and explore the eclectic and artsy beach town.

Day 5: Outdoor Adventure Day - Enjoy biking the Ballona Creek Bike Path, hiking up the Scenic Overlook, and walking the Culver City Stairs.

Day 6: Shopping Day - Browse the fashion boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops around town.

Day 7: Sony Pictures Studio Tour - Learn about the history of Hollywood and its movie-making industry with guided tours of Sony Pictures Studio.

Food and Drink Scene of Culver City

Culver City’s food and drink scene is incredibly diverse, offering tantalizing cuisines that cater to everyone’s taste buds.

Must-Try Dishes

Sandwiches at Jackson Market

This neighborhood favorite offers an impressive range of sandwich options, from roasted turkey and cheese to tuna salad, and is highly recommended for a quick lunch.

Tandoori Leg of Lamb at Akasha

The made-to-order tandoori leg of lamb at Akasha is tender, juicy, and full of flavor, with a blend of spices that are just perfect. This is the perfect dish for meat lovers.

The Fried Chicken Sandwich at Honey’s Kettle

This may be the best fried chicken sandwich you’ll ever order. The chicken is juicy from brining, double breaded, and fried to perfection, served with honey, pickles, and mayo.

Local Beverages

Craft Beer at The Culver Hotel

The Culver Hotel has a welcoming ambiance coupled with delicious craft beer. This is a perfect place to unwind and enjoy conversation while sipping a cold brew.

Coffee at Bar Nine

Bar Nine offers some of the most incredible coffee, from espresso to drip brew coffee, highlighting each roast’s unique flavor profile.

Where to Stay in Culver City: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Visitors to Culver City have many options when it comes to accommodation.

The Culver Hotel

This historic hotel sits in the heart of Downtown Culver City, and it’s the perfect place to stay if you want to experience the area’s rich history. The hotel has a classic look that is reminiscent of old Hollywood glamour.

The Best Western Plus

The Best Western Plus is situated near the city’s popular restaurants, galleries, and shopping spots. Rooms are spacious with modern amenities, fitness facilities, and luxury spa services available.

What to Buy in Culver City: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Culver City will find plenty of unique souvenirs and local products to bring home. Some of the top items to consider buying include:

Artwork and Prints

Culver City is home to many excellent art galleries, so visitors should plan on picking up some unique prints and artwork varieties to remind them of their trip.

Craft Beers

Culver City has a robust craft beer scene, and visitors can explore the local beer establishments to try some of the local brews and bring home their favorite.

Local Culture and Customs of Culver City

Culver City is diverse in terms of culture and history. The area’s deep-rooted history in the entertainment industry has made the town somewhat of a historic landmark. The residents are open and welcoming, and visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and outcomes when exploring the neighborhood.

Best Time to Visit Culver City

The best time to visit Culver City is from March to May or September to November. Temperatures are moderate during these times, which is perfect for long hikes and outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Culver City

Do:

  • Take a tour of Sony Pictures Studios.
  • Soak in the views from Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook.
  • Visit the Wende Museum.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter parks and natural areas.
  • Don’t drink and drive.
  • Don’t disturb neighbors with loud noise.

Safety and Health

Safety in Culver City

Culver City is relatively safe, with low crime rates compared to other Los Angeles neighborhoods. As with any big city, however, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Health in Culver City

Culver City boasts top-rated medical facilities, including Kaiser Permanente, the UCLA Medical Center, and the Marina Del Rey Hospital. Visitors can rest assured that healthcare will be accessible at all times.

Getting to Culver City: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Culver City

The nearest airport is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), approximately ten minutes from Culver City. From there, visitors can take public transportation or catch a cab or rideshare service to get to Culver City.

Bus Stations Near Culver City

The Culver City Bus operates eleven local and two express bus lines in Culver City and nearby neighborhoods, connecting several Los Angeles Metro and city bus routes.

Other Options

Culver City is also accessible by train. The Culver City station is served by the Metro E Line at Exposition Blvd and National Blvd.

How to Get Around in Culver City

Culver City is accessible by a classic Culver City trolley, which serves both tourists and locals. Visitors can also take advantage of bike-sharing programs or ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft.

Where to Go Next from Culver City: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Venice Beach

Venice Beach is just a short drive from Culver City and features a vibrant boardwalk filled with performers, shops, and food vendors.

Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is known for its luxurious shops, celebrity sightings, and iconic landmarks like Rodeo Drive and the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Conclusion

Culver City is an elegant and culturally rich neighborhood in Los Angeles that offers plenty of activities and sights for visitors. From museums and art galleries to outdoor adventures and local cuisine, Culver City’s vibrant mix of attractions provides an excellent opportunity to explore a part of the city’s charm.

Culver City has a history in the film industry that goes back to the 1920s. Culver City has a history in the film industry that goes back to the 1920s. "The Mansion" at Culver Studios. The view from the Baldwin Hills overlook. The view from the Baldwin Hills overlook. The historic Culver Hotel in downtown Culver City The historic Culver Hotel in downtown Culver City