Things To Do In Culver City

Hidden Gems In Culver City

Things to Know About Living in Culver City

Learn about destinations worth seeking out in The Heart of Screenland

From its inception and then incorporation by Harry Culver in the early 1900s to the renovation and revitalization of its downtown that began in the 90s, Culver City is a city rich with motion picture, television and aviation history. Metro Goldwyn Mayer built their studios there in the 1920s the facility later became Sony Pictures Studios. Howard Hughes opened his Hughes Aircraft plant in 1941 – at one time it was the largest employer in Los Angeles. Sony Pictures Entertainment is Culver Citys largest employer to date.

Iconic films such as “The Wizard of Oz,” “Gone with the Wind,” a portion of “Grease” and the Tarzan series were filmed in Culver City. By the early 2000s, parts of the Hughes empire had been purchased by or merged with General Motors, Boeing, NewsCorp and Raytheon, but Culver Citys imprint on aviation is evident throughout Martin Scorseses biopic, “The Aviator.”

Read on to learn about the lesser-known destinations worth seeking out in The Heart of Screenland.

Museum Of Jurassic Technology

Technically located in the Palms area, on the corner of Venice and Bagley Avenue, the Museum of Jurassic Technology was founded by husband and wife David Hildebrand Wilson and Diana Drake Wilson in 1988. Hidden behind a windowless storefront, the museum contains an unusual collection of exhibits and objects with varying, uncertain degrees of authenticity. The museum challenges the very nature of what a museum is, while its Tula Tea Room, a Russian-style tea spot, offers Georgian tea, cookies, and crackers to patrons.

Outside the Museum of Jurassic Technology. Photo by Sascha Pohflepp via flickr cc

Stretch Your Legs At The Culver City Park

Meters away from the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook area, you will find the 41 acre Culver City Park. As a matter of fact, a trail connects the two recreation areas.

This big park has amenities that make it an ideal place for family or friends gatherings. You will find BBQs, picnic tables , parking lots, playgrounds, potable water, and restrooms. Sporting facilities include a basketball court, skate park, and walking path. Dog owners can take their pooches to an off-leash area or walk them in a designated path.

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See Los Angeles County From A Different Point Of View At Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

Located on La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is renowned for its scenic views.

Aside from its scenic views of Culver City and Los Angeles, it has numerous recreational venues to enjoy.

The recreation area has numerous trails, a fishing lake, playgrounds, sports facilities, and a picnic area open for everyone.

For a more tranquil experience, visit its Japanese Garden or get active at its workout station.

With a very affordable entry fee, you can enjoy all of Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area’s amenities while enjoying the scenic view of Los Angeles.

Sony Pictures Studio Tour Culver City California

Sony Pictures Studio Tour lets visitors step back in time to the heyday of Hollywood’s Golden Age, offering a chance to explore the studios and sound stages behind the production company’s famed gates. All tours traverse popular filming locations and sound stages for acclaimed films from The Wizard of Oz to Men in Black and offer a chance to see the sets for hit game shows such as Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Tours last approximately two hours and are offered for visitors ages 12 and older, conducted Mondays through Fridays at four times throughout the morning and afternoon hours. A two-hour Twilight Tour is also offered on Thursday evenings throughout the summer months, offering a chance to see sets and studios at dusk.

10202 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: 310-244-8687

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Best Things To Do In Culver City

As you pass through the studio gates on this leisurely walking tour, youre immediately greeted by Tony Tassets arching Rainbow sculpturea nod to the studios past as the home of The Wizard of Oz. The lots footprint has been significantly downsized since then, when it was known as the iconic MGM Studios, but the magnolia tree-lined sidewalks and clean, white Art Deco facades provide a pleasant backdrop for a trip through Tinseltown’s past and present.

Don’t be fooled by the name, this is not some kind of Spielbergian dinosaurland. It’s far more interesting than that. Hidden behind an unassuming, windowless storefront, David Wilson’s Museum of Jurassic Technology presents itself as a repository of curiosities, scientific wonders and artistic miracles. Which exhibits, if any, are bona fide? Which, if any, are satirical? A subversive, witty and brilliant enterprise, the museum challenges the very nature of what a museum is or should be, while also taking its place as one of the most fascinating attractions in the entire city.

The Westside branch of the Center Theatre Group offers the company’s most adventurous fare, along with intermittent collaborations with some of LA’s smaller troupes. The theater itself was originally built as a cinema and retains its iconic old neon sign out front.

  • Performing arts space
  • Palms

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery Culver City Ca

Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery is a historic 1939 Roman Catholic cemetery that is located within Culver City and overseen by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles. The 200-acre cemetery serves as the final resting place for a number of well-known Hollywood figures of the 20th century, including Bing Crosby, Rita Hayworth, Lawrence Welk, and Bela Lugosi. Most celebrity grave sites are located at The Grotto, which is located in the cemetery’s southwestern corner atop a small hillside sloping lawn. The Grotto features a volcanic stone archway at its entrance, which contains an altar with statues of the Virgin Mary and St. Bernadette.

5835 W. Slauson Ave, Culver City, CA 90230

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Discover The Culver City Arts District

The Culver City Arts District is home to over 20 art galleries, exhibits, retail shops, restaurants, and cafes.

It’s an excellent place for art lovers and average tourists in the city to spend their day exploring and having a good time.

If you’re searching for a relaxing activity, visiting Culver City Art District is an excellent place to have this.

Drop by famous art exhibits such as Edward Cella Art & Architecture, Kopeikin, George Billis, Walter Maciel, Honor Fraser, and Anat Egbi, featuring their signature artworks.

Other excellent places to check out are Klowden Mann and Thinkspace Gallery.

Aside from art gallery hopping, you can also join Culver City locals to celebrate the annual Art Walk & Roll Festival every October and its monthly Art Walk tours.

Of course, don’t forget to turn on your camera since there are dozens of fascinating artworks in the art district, such as murals, installations, and sculptures.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Culver City: Forward Motion

From 8 a.m. to sunset, adventurers are welcome to take on the 282 steep, concrete stairs to the top of Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. Before embarking on the hike up to the peak , check out the exhibits telling the story of this once drilled and exploited land. At the 500-foot peak, sit on a park bench and take in the 360-degree city views of the entire Los Angeles Basin, the Pacific Ocean, and surrounding mountains.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Trail. Photo Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

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View The Los Angeles Skyline At Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Baldwin Hills Overlook is an excellent tourist attraction in Culver City for sightseeing.

It’s one of the best places to visit upon arriving at Culver City because of its fascinating perspective of the Los Angeles Basin’s northern portion.

The entire Baldwin Hills Overlook provides visitors the best view over Los Angeles to Santa Monica from its steep hill on Culver City’s southern portion.

Likewise, you’ll see beautiful views of Downtown Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Mountains to the east.

In addition, visiting this overlook in Culver City is already an adventure.

You need to hike and meander through its dirt trail to reach the top, which has a 315-foot elevation.

You can also take the stairs for an easier route to the overlook’s top.

Nonetheless, both ways to reach the top are equally enjoyable.

Stop By The Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery

In a place so entangled with film and TV, I believe it is not out of the ordinary to suggest a visit to a cemetery. After all other cemeteries like Hollywood Forever and Forest Lawn are popular touristic attractions in Los Angeles.

At the Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery, you will find the grave of stars such as Bing Crosby, Loretta Young, Ray Bolger, Jimmy Durante, Fred MacMurray, Rosalind Russell, Lawrence Welk, and John Candy. For a complete list, take a look at this article.

Please keep in mind this is a place of rest. Follow rules and be respectful if you decide to visit.

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The Actors Gang At The Ivy Substation

Founded in 1981 by a group of young artists and guided by Artistic Director Tim Robbins, the Actors Gang offers vibrantly entertaining plays in a century-old electricity substation. Accomplished actors and guest performers from Jack Black, John Cusack, John C. Reilly to Jackson Browne and Sarah Silverman have been involved in their entertaining productions.

Things To Do In Culver City California: Johnnie’s Pastrami

Johnnie’s Pastrami is a Southern California institution, originally opened to the public in 1952. The retro diner and sandwich joint is operated by fourth-generation family members of its original owners and offers indoor and outdoor seating, including patio seating around a fire pit. It still serves up its classic pastrami sandwiches on rye or rolls, featuring thinly-shaved meat piled on in generous proportions. A wide variety of American diner fare is also served, including the restaurant’s famous French dip sandwiches, charbroiled burgers, golden brown chicken and shrimp, and famous kosher pickles. Individual tabletop jukeboxes are offered at indoor seats, allowing guests to select from a variety of classic midcentury hits.

4017 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230, Phone: 310-397-6654

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Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is one of the largest inner-city parks and regional open spaces in greater Los Angeles. The Culver City-adjacent park is home to a lotus pond, fishing lake, baseball and soccer fields, sand volleyball court, more than seven miles of walking and hiking trails, plus a ten-station workout course. Along the way, enjoy views from the South Bay and the Pacific Ocean to Downtown and the San Gabriel Mountains.

A view of downtown from Kenneth Hahn Recreational Area. Credit: Brian Champlin / We Like L.A.

Things To Do Near Me: Tito’s Tacos Culver City California

Tito’s Tacos is a Los Angeles institution, serving up freshly-prepared Mexican food using top-secret recipes since 1959. The restaurant is acclaimed by those seeking an authentic Baja experience without leaving Southern California, selected as the recipient of the America’s Best Burrito award by the Daily Meal. It has also been acclaimed by Tech Times as one of the United States’ 20 best taquerias. A full menu of Mexican favorites is available throughout the day, including tacos, enchiladas, burritos, and tostadas, with many served in the restaurant’s signature hard-shell tacos, still prepared onsite daily according to traditional recipes.

11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230, Phone: 310-391-5780

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Ride The Ballona Creek Bike Path

As we have seen, Culver City offers many outdoor activities. Well, there is yet another fun undertaking for active types.

The Ballona Creek Path extends for 7 miles from Syd Kronenthal Park to Marina del Rey .

You do not have to bike the entire path. There are 13 entrances along the way. Check this site to check where to join the trail.

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

Hiking the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook AKA the Culver City Stairs

Want to feel like a star for a couple of hours? Sony Pictures in Culver City offers a two-hour guided walking studio tour which gives guests the real experience of a working movie studio. Tours run Mondays through Fridays and tickets, which must be reserved, are $45 per person. Guests can visit the famed sets of game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, along with sound stages where iconic movies like The Wizard of Oz were filmed.

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La Iconic Coast Tour And Beach Day/scenic Hike: Venice Santa Monica Malibu

This private tour for up to 6 guests is a unique blend of sightseeing along the most naturally beautiful parts of Los Angeles and seaside relaxation. There are excellent photo opportunities at every location, gorgeous beaches, plenty of time to enjoy the sea, and a guide to let you know more about the special history of these mythical seaside neighborhoods. You can stay or stop in famous seaside attractions according to your interests while having the guide’s full attention to your needs. Start your tour at the Venice Canals and Boardwalk, take a walk through picturesque Santa Monica Pier, go to Malibu Pier and Surfrider Beach for a taste of the Malibu lifestyle, then have a relaxing afternoon by the sea at Point Dume, which offers beaches, hiking trails and incredible views. This private tour includes free pickup from your hotel or AirBNB, use of a cooler with snacks and drinks, beach chairs and towels to enjoy the sea, and live tour commentary from your personal driver guide.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Light snacks for the road or the beach., Parking Fees, Use of beach towels, Use of phone charging outlet while in transit, Use of beach chairs

Exclusions: Amusement park tickets, Adamson house interior tour tickets, Lunch, Gratuities

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Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook Culver City California

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook offers stunning views of downtown Los Angeles from a height of more than 500 feet, located just southwest of the city’s downtown area. The peak is accessible from either a visitor trail that spans approximately a mile walk uphill or the 282-step Culver City Stairs staircase. Stunning views of the city’s most famous sights are offered from its peak, including the famed Hollywood Hills, the San Gabriel Mountains, and the Pacific Ocean coastline. A state-of-the-art visitor center is offered at the trail’s entrance, showcasing exhibits related to the area’s mining and drilling history and renewed future outlook on conservation. Seasonal displays of wildflowers are also showcased along the trail, which offers opportunities for bird and wildlife watching.

6300 Hetzler Rd, Culver City, CA 90232, Phone: 310-558-5547

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Book A Ticket At The Famous Kirk Douglas Theatre

Down the street from the famous Sony Pictures Studios, a vintage sign emblazoned “Culver” illuminates sequentially every night in the city.

The signage marks the entry to Culver City’s downtown areaâthe Kirk Douglas Theatre, which has entertained everyone since 1947.

Formerly known as the Culver Theater, the Kirk Douglas Theatre remains famous today, featuring its classy way of showcasing vintage Hollywood glamour.

It’s where you can watch Culver City’s top-notch stage plays and musicals amidst its 1,160-seater venue.

However, this theater on Washington Boulevard is more famous than its shows it’s been renowned for its decorative and elegant embellishments, highlighting vintage elegance.

Places To Go In Culver City

Welcome, traveler, to Culver City. Your journey has landed you here, and new adventures are calling your name. Now that youve arrived, you can stay in the safety and comfort of your hotel and watch the world spin pastor you can embrace this new place youve come to. Learn its streets. Meet its people. Learn its history. Your hand is already on the doorknob, isnt it?

Things to Do in Culver City

Youll not be wanting for things to do in Culver City. Explore the downtown area in search of museums and boutiquesor that next delicious meal. What tickles your fancy? A delectable five-course supper at the restaurant youve been hearing about? Or perhaps youd rather read the paper while sipping hot coffee at one of the cafes scattered throughout town. Take in a show at the theatre, or just walk along down the main thoroughfare, watching people wander past.

Why spend hours ruminating over what to do in Culver City? Let the possibilities wash over you as you explore this new region. Move out on foot and get to know the area on a more personal level. Find that perfect souvenir at one of the smaller shops, or reinvent your entire artistic aesthetic at your new favorite gallery.

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