Things To Do
in Culver City

Culver City, located on the Westside of Los Angeles, is a compact hub of media, dining, and culture. Once home to film studios and the heart of mid-century television production, today it blends studios with a pedestrian-friendly downtown. Known for the Sony Pictures Studios nearby, the Platform food hall, and a thriving arts district, it's easy to explore on foot.

With mild year-round weather and convenient access to beaches and LA attractions, Culver City makes a practical base for a LA visit.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Culver City Historical Society, where you can delve into the rich history of the area. Stroll through the charming downtown streets, taking in the unique architecture and vibrant murals that tell the story of Culver City. Don’t forget to stop by the Culver City Farmers Market for some fresh produce and local treats.

afternoon
:

After lunch at one of the local cafes, head over to the Culver City Arts District to explore its eclectic galleries and studios. Spend time at the renowned Sony Pictures Studios, where you can take a guided tour and get an insider's look at film production. Wrap up your afternoon by visiting the Culver City Park for a leisurely walk among the trees.

evening
:

As the sun begins to set, enjoy dinner at one of Culver City's trendy eateries, known for their delicious farm-to-table offerings. Afterward, catch a live show at the historic Culver Hotel, where you can enjoy local talent in a stunning setting. End your evening with a stroll around the beautifully lit downtown, soaking in the vibrant nightlife.

day 2
Art and Culture Immersion
morning
:

Begin your day with a visit to the Culver City Museum, where you can immerse yourself in exhibits showcasing local art and culture. Afterward, take a leisurely walk around the nearby public art installations, which add a creative flair to the urban landscape. Enjoy a coffee at a local café while you admire the unique sculptures and murals.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, visit the Kirk Douglas Theatre to catch a rehearsal or a matinee performance, delving into the local theater scene. Enjoy lunch at a nearby eatery, sampling dishes inspired by global flavors. Afterward, take a guided tour of the local galleries that feature works by both established and emerging artists.

evening
:

As night falls, savor dinner at a cozy restaurant that offers a fusion of international cuisines. Following your meal, attend a special event at the Culver City Public Library, where you can participate in community discussions or book readings. Conclude your evening with a stroll through the Arts District, enjoying the creative energy that fills the air.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
🥗Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-70
🏨Hotel (mid-range) per night$150-250
🛍️Clothing item (mid-range)$30-60
🚇Public transit ride$1.75-3.50

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact, walkable downtown with varied dining and culture
  • Close to beaches and other LA attractions
  • Traffic during peak hours on freeways
  • Limited nightlife compared to central LA

Places to Visit in Culver City

Visit one of these nice places.

Platform (Platform Food Hall)

Architectural lines, outdoor plaza, and sunset views from the elevated dining hall.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Towering vantage point with sweeping views of the LA basin and Catalina sunsets.

Culver City Arts District murals

Colorful street art and murals along Washington Blvd and surrounding streets.

Culver City Hall and public spaces

Shiny modernist courtyards and fountains ideal for architectural photography.

Culinary Guide

Food in Culver City

Culver City’s dining scene blends farm-to-table Californian cooking with casual ethnic eateries, craft beverages, and welcoming cafés in a compact, walkable area.

Culver City Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Korean BBQ bowls

Marinated beef with rice, kimchi, and crisp vegetables—popular in many LA–area spots.

Must-Try!

Fish tacos

Coastal-inspired tacos featuring fresh fish, slaw, and salsa.

Artisan burgers

Gourmet burgers and house-made sauces at casual bistros.

Plant-based bowls

Vibrant vegan and vegetarian bowls with seasonal toppings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Culver City Farmers Market

Weekly market offering fresh produce, prepared foods, and artisanal snacks (check schedule).

Climate Guide

Weather

Culver City experiences a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters; ocean breezes soften temperatures and reduce humidity most of the year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Etiquette Rule

Be friendly but respectful; queuing and line etiquette is important; keep noise moderate in residential areas; signal when crossing streets.

Safety Guide

Safety

Common-sense safety applies: stay aware in crowded areas, lock vehicles, and use reputable transportation; well-lit streets and active areas are safest at night, and emergency services are readily accessible in West LA.

Tipping in Culver City

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In the US, tip 15-20% at restaurants and bars; for delivery or takeout, 10-15% is common; tip bellhops and valet accordingly.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; mobile wallets (Apple Pay, Google Pay) are common; cash is accepted at most places.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days are common with dry heat; bring water, apply sunscreen, and enjoy outdoor dining and sunset walks; light evening sea breezes help cool evenings.

Autumn

Mild temperatures with comfortable days and cooler evenings; great for street photography and al fresco meals.

Winter

Typically mild with occasional rain; pack a light jacket and umbrella for showers, especially in late winter.

Spring

Pleasant weather with blooming flora; ideal for outdoor markets and parks.

Nightlife Guide

Culver City at Night

Culver City's nightlife centers on the Downtown area with casual bars, craft beer spots, and intimate venues; expect relaxed scenes rather than large night clubs, with live music at some venues and seasonal outdoor events.

Hiking in Culver City

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Baldwin Hills Trail System

Accessible routes with city views and natural scenery.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

Steep trails and scenic overlooks close to West LA.

Airports

How to reach Culver City by plane.

LAX — Los Angeles International Airport

Approximately 5-15 miles from Culver City; major gateway with shuttle, ride-share, and car rental access.

BUR — Hollywood Burbank Airport

North of the city; smaller travel hub with shorter security lines and domestic flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Downtown Culver City is highly walkable with dense dining, arts, and shopping within a few blocks; car or rideshare is useful for reaching neighborhoods or beaches beyond the core.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many single- and multi- family households; highly diverse community with a mix of long-time residents and newcomers.

Young professionals

Tech, media, and creative workers attracted to the Culver City vibe.

Students and artists

Active arts scene with galleries and community spaces.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

Popular local pickup games and access to gyms for community leagues.

Soccer

Weekend leagues and casual play in parks around Culver City.

Transportation

Traffic

LA traffic can be heavy on I-10, I-405, and surrounding corridors; public transit like the Expo Line helps bypass some road congestion; plan for peak-hour travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Culver City.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most venues in Culver City offer vegetarian options, including plant-based bowls, veggie burgers, and salads; ask about cheese and egg-free choices.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

There are multiple urgent care centers and clinics in West LA, with larger hospitals in nearby areas (e.g., UCLA Health network and orthopedic clinics). For emergencies, be aware of the West LA and Santa Monica hospital options within a short drive.

Discover United States

Read more in our United States 2025 Travel Guide.

United States Travel Guide