Culver City may be small in size, but it’s packed with history, culture, and some of the most walkable, enjoyable neighborhoods on the Westside. Once best known as a movie studio town, you can still visit Culver Studios, where the classic film “Gone With the Wind” was filmed, and Sony Studios, which used to be MGM.
Culver City has evolved into a lively destination for dining, arts, design, and relaxed strolling—without the frenzy of Santa Monica or Downtown LA.
Whether you’re visiting for the day or rediscovering it as a local, here are some of the best things to do in Culver City, plus a little history that makes this city special.
A brief history of Culver City
Culver City was founded in 1913 by Harry Culver, who famously claimed it was “The Heart of Screenland.” Major studios like MGM and Hal Roach Studios once dominated the area, and that deep connection to film still shapes the city’s identity today. Over the years, Culver City has blended its Hollywood roots with modern architecture, creative offices, and a thriving arts scene—all while staying surprisingly approachable.
Bread factory to design hub
A landmark with industrial roots
The Helms Design Center is one of Culver City’s most iconic historic sites. Built in 1931 as the W.A. Helms Bakery delivery center, its 1000 yellow “coach” trucks delivered bread to homes across Los Angeles and the southland. You can still see the large “Helms” lettering on the building today.
I am old enough to remember Helms Bakery trucks in my neighborhood with their distinct whistle, delivering bread and pastries.
Helms was the official bread of the 1932 Olympics. Paul Helms used this status to brand his products as “the home of Olympic bread.”
After the bakery closed in 1969 due to the influx of retail stores, the complex was eventually transformed into a design-focused destination featuring high-end furniture showrooms, home décor stores, and creative offices.
Visitors to the design center can enjoy a delicious burger at Father’s Office or a sizzling plate of pasta at Pasta Sisters.
The complex is planning to open an IKEA and two new restaurants in spring 2026. They are Costa Mesa’s Folks Pizzeria and a new restaurant from the team behind Bar Hayama that will serve izakaya and sushi.
What to do at Helms Design Center
Even if you’re not shopping for furniture, Helms is worth visiting for its architecture and events. The center regularly hosts art exhibits, design talks, and seasonal pop-ups. It’s also a pleasant place for a casual walk and a coffee break.
Ivy Station: Modern Culver City meets transit history
Ivy Station is a newer mixed-use development located right next to the Culver City Expo Line stop. It was designed as a transit oriented hub. While the buildings are sleek and modern, the location connects directly to Culver City’s transportation history.
The complex features offices, restaurants, and open spaces, but its walkability and transit access are what truly make it special.
Places to eat and drink at Ivy Station
- Roberta’s – A well-known Brooklyn import serving excellent pizza and Italian dishes.
- Health Nut – Casual, fresh meals and salads, famously loved by locals and celebrities alike.
The original Ivy Substation
The nearby Ivy Substation, built in 1905, traces its roots back to the Pacific Electric Railway, which once connected Los Angeles neighborhoods via the famous Red Cars. Today, the Expo Line follows parts of those historic routes, making it easy to reach Culver City without a car.
The Ivy Substation Media Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (1981) and is designated as Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument 182.
The building is now home to The Actor’s Gang, a small but award-winning theater founded by actor Tim Robbins.
The Culver City Arts District
Culver City has quietly become one of LA’s most interesting arts destinations. The Culver City Arts District stretches along Washington Boulevard and is home to contemporary art galleries, creative studios, and cultural spaces.
What you’ll find
- Rotating gallery exhibitions featuring local and international artists
- Art walks and open gallery nights
- Public art and murals throughout the area
The district feels accessible and unintimidating, making it a great place for art lovers who enjoy browsing without pressure.
Explore downtown Culver City and the Culver Steps
The Culver Steps
The Culver Steps have quickly become the social center of Downtown Culver City. This modern, terraced outdoor space opened in 2019 and was designed to bring people together with open seating, greenery, and room to linger.
Today, the Culver Steps are surrounded by popular restaurants and shops, making it a great place to relax with a coffee or enjoy an outdoor meal. It’s especially lively in the evenings and on weekends, but still feels comfortable during quieter weekday afternoons.
Pali Hotel in Culver City, next to the Culver Steps, is a 49-room boutique hotel originally built in 1927 as a boarding house for film industry workers. It has undergone massive restoration and features Art Deco influences, a distinct blue facade, and the French-inspired restaurant Simonette.
Nearby restaurants
- Margot – Mediterranean-inspired food with beautiful views overlooking The Culver Steps.
- Akasha – A long-time local favorite offering Rustic Californian, organic, and globally inspired comfort food.
The historic Culver Hotel
Old Hollywood glamour
The Culver Hotel, a true Culver City Beaux-Arts landmark, was built in 1924 by city founder Harry Culver to house his offices and visiting Hollywood luminaries. All 124 munchkins from The Wizard of Oz stayed at the hotel while filming at nearby MGM Studios. It was said they got drunk and rowdy and caused some property damage, although that was proven to be a rumor.
Other guests included Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, and Ronald Reagan.
After extensive restoration, the hotel now blends its vintage charm with modern elegance.
Why visit even if you’re not staying
- Enjoy a drink in the elegant lobby or lounge
- Attend live music or special events
- Admire the architecture and history
It’s one of the best places in Culver City to soak in classic Hollywood atmosphere without feeling stuffy or exclusive.
Great coffee stops in Culver City
No day out is complete without good coffee. Culver City has no shortage of excellent cafés.
Local favorites
- Blue Bottle Coffee – Reliable, beautifully crafted coffee near Downtown Culver City.
- Cognoscenti Coffee – Known for high-quality beans and a calm, neighborhood feel.
- Philz Coffee – Custom blends and a relaxed vibe, perfect for lingering.
The Kirk Douglas Theater
The Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City is a beautifully restored live performance venue with deep roots in the city’s entertainment history. Originally opened in 1947 as the Culver Theatre, this Streamline Moderne movie palace seated over 1,100 patrons and stood near the mighty MGM studio lot, serving classic Hollywood audiences for decades.
After years of decline and closure following the rise of multiplex cinemas and damage from the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the building sat dormant until an ambitious renovation transformed it into a modern performing arts house while preserving much of its historic exterior.
Reborn and renamed in 2004 in honor of Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas—thanks to support from Douglas and his wife Anne and a partnership with Center Theatre Group—the theatre now hosts intimate stage productions, world premieres, and adventurous new works in its 317-seat auditorium.
As the smallest and most experimental of Center Theatre Group’s venues, alongside the Ahmanson and Mark Taper Forum, the Kirk Douglas Theatre continues Culver City’s longstanding legacy as a hub for creativity and performance.
Why Culver City is worth a visit
Culver City strikes a rare balance in Los Angeles. It’s walkable, rich in history, full of culture, and not overwhelming. You can explore design, art, food, and film history all in one afternoon—and still feel like you’ve had time to breathe.
Whether you’re visiting from out of town or looking for a fresh local adventure, Culver City is one of those places that quietly wins people over and keeps them coming back.
Where to stay
Click on the map below.
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