Best Things to See, Do, & Eat in Culver City

Cool Historic Buildings

• The Culver Hotel
  Known as "The Jewel of Culver City", this striking six-story flatiron-shaped building was designed by architectural firm Curlett & Beelman and opened in 1924. It exudes Renaissance Revival style with intricate stone and brickwork, arched windows, and elegant overhanging eaves. Over the years, the hotel has been tied to Hollywood history, hosting stars from nearby movie studios like MGM and serving as a home to cast members of The Wizard of Oz. Today, it thrives as a boutique hotel with 46 stylish guest rooms, live jazz performances, and a popular restaurant and lounge. Stop by for a drink or a bite to eat.

• The Beacon Laundry
  Constructed in 1931, this Art Deco masterpiece is a now a registered historic landmark building. Characteristic deco elements on the facade include geometric patterns and a gorgeous, tall neon sign that originally had a projection on top.

• Hobbit Homes
  Also known as the Lawrence and Martha Joseph Residence and Apartments, Culver City's "Hobbit Houses" are are quirky, fairytale-style homes built between 1946 and 1970 by Disney artist and carpenter Lawrence Joseph. Featuring shingled roofs, diamond-paned windows, clinker-brick chimneys, and an absence of right angles, these storybook homes are now a designated historic landmark. Note: these private residences are not open to the public, and should only be viewed from the street.

Museums

• Wende Museum
  Culver City's Wende Museum is all about sharing the history and culture of the Cold War, with over 100,000 artifacts from the Soviet Union and Eastern Bloc. It’s housed in a cool renovated 1949 National Guard Armory and hosts exhibits, talks, and programs that dive into this fascinating (and fearmongering) era. Open Friday through Sunday with free admission.

• The Museum of Jurassic Technology
  An eccentric mix of art, science, and imagination, this highly unique museum is inspired by 16th-century cabinets of curiosities. Founded in 1988, it showcases quirky exhibits that blur the lines between fact and fiction, along with the cozy Tula Tea Room offering Georgian tea and cookies. Located on Venice Boulevard. Advance tickets are recommended.

• Bhagavad-gita Diorama-Museum
  A creative and engaging opportunity to delve into ancient Indian philosophy, this one-of-a-kind museum bring the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita, an ancient Indian spiritual text, to life. Opened in 1977 by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), it combines traditional artistry with modern tech to deliver a deeply immersive experience. While you're there, also check out Govinda's Natural Foods Cafe, offering delicious plant-based meals.

Art & Design

• Cad Fab Creative
  This art gallery and creative space showcases a diverse range of Los Angeles-based artists and mediums, highlighting both emerging and established talents.

• BLUM
  Formerly known as Blum & Poe, this contemporary art gallery located at 2727 S La Cienega Blvd has played a significant role in the development of the Culver City Arts District. It showcases cutting-edge contemporary art from renowned and emerging artists worldwide.

• Helms Design Center
  Located within the Helms Bakery District, the Helms Design Center is a vibrant hub for design-focused events, exhibitions, and collaborations, offering creative spaces and resources for the design community, as well a collection of architectural and interior design-focused stores geared towards design professionals.

• Honor Fraser
  Showcasing innovative and boundary-pushing works by emerging and established artists across diverse mediums, this well-known LA gallery also overlaps with the Culver City Arts District.

• Phillip Martin Gallery
  Also part of the vibrant arts scene near Culver City, this modern gallery represents a diverse roster of artists and regularly exhibits innovative artworks across various media.

• Taylor Fine Art
  A woman-owned experiential fine art gallery and cultural center that showcases both international and American master-level artists.

Shopping & Dining Destinations

• Helms Bakery District
  Originally opened in 1931 as the Helms Bakery, renowned for delivering fresh baked goods across Southern California, the site has been transformed into a creative hub while preserving its iconic Art Deco architecture. It features high-end furniture and design showrooms like H.D. Buttercup and Room & Board, alongside popular dining spots such as Father's Office, known for craft beer and burgers, and Pasta Sisters for Italian comfort food. The Helms Design Center also hosts architecture and design-focused events, workshops, and exhibitions.

• Platform
  Opened in 2016, this new mixed-use development is a local hub and modern, open-air complex that's packed with cool local shops, tasty restaurants, and creative businesses. Popular spots include Reformation for sustainable fashion, Loqui for Mexican cuisine, and Blue Bottle for specialty coffee.

• Citizen Public Market
  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this market occupies the historic 1929 Beaux Arts and Art Deco building that once housed The Citizen, a local newspaper. Diverse culinary options include Bar Bohemien and WEHO Sausage Co., among others, all set within a beautiful 7,500-square-foot space and rooftop deck.

More Must-Eats

• Destroyer: A sleek, minimalist cafe serving creative and seasonal breakfast and lunch options.
  
• Jackson Market and Deli: A hidden gem offering custom sandwiches, fresh salads, and a charming patio.
  
• Hatchet Hall: Rustic spot known for its Southern-inspired menu cooked over a wood-fired grill.
  
• Sobar: Traditional buckwheat noodle dishes served with an authentic, refined touch.
  
• Mayura: Vibrant and authentic South Indian dishes bursting with flavor.
  
• Arth Bar & Kitchen: A chic destination for elevated, modern Indian cuisine.
• Honey Kettle's: A favorite for its golden, crispy fried chicken served with classic sides.
  
• Afuri Ramen & Dumpling: Known for its signature citrusy Yuzu Shio ramen and expertly crafted dumplings.
  
• Father's Office: Famous gastropub offering an iconic burger and a wide selection of craft beers.
  
• Lustig: Austrian-inspired dishes like schnitzel and spaetzle presented with a contemporary twist.
  
• Yunomi: Sleek bar serving standout handrolls made with fresh, premium ingredients.
  
• Shojin: A plant-based Japanese restaurant offering refined, organic dishes in an elegant setting.
  
• Esme: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine served in a stylish atmosphere.
  
• Ceviche Stop: A go-to spot for bold, flavorful Peruvian dishes at an affordable price.
  
• Piccalilli: A creative mix of Southeast Asian and Californian flavors in a beautifully designed space.
  
• Juliet: Ideal for date nights, this cozy eatery offers an intimate ambiance with refined cuisine.
  
• Dear John's: Classic steakhouse fare paired with vintage, Rat Pack-era vibes.

More Shopping Stand-Outs

• Midland: Beautifully curated, sustainably focused handmade goods, clothing, and gifts.
• The Optimist: Men's lifestyle store with a global inventory and "eye for fit, quality and detail."
• Atrio: Design-forward, curated showroom of furniture and home accessories from Jeremiah Brent.
• Arcana: Books on the Art: A treasure trove of books dedicated to art, photography, design, and visual culture.
  
• Hi Lo Liquor: A boutique liquor store specializing in craft spirits, unique wines, and small-batch beers.
  
• Allendale's: A classic menswear store offering tailored clothing and timeless wardrobe staples.
  
• Stanley's Wet Goods: Laid-back shop known for its superb selection of wines, craft beers, and small-batch spirits.
  
• Catbird: LA outpost of the famed NYC jewelry store specializing in delicate, handcrafted pieces and modern designs.
  
• Janessa Leone: Gorgeous luxury hats and accessories made with premium materials.
  

Performing Arts

• Culver City Chamber Orchestra: A local group bringing classical music to life with concerts and community programs.
  
• Culver City Symphony Orchestra: A long-standing orchestra offering an awesome mix of classical hits and modern tunes.
  
• Kirk Douglas Theatre: A cozy theatre showcasing bold plays and cutting-edge performances.
  
• Center Theatre Group: One of LA’s top theatre groups, producing incredible shows at venues like the Kirk Douglas Theatre.
  
• New American Theatre: A creative theatre company known for fresh takes on classics and original new plays.
  
• Heidi Duckler Dance: A dance company creating cool, site-specific performances in unexpected places around LA.
  
• Symphonic Jazz Orchestra: A unique group blending jazz and classical vibes in one-of-a-kind concerts and community programs.
  
• Vox Femina: Innovative women’s choir focused on creating a space for diverse voices and social advocacy through music.

Come Home to VOX

Located in Baldwin Hills where Culver City meets West Adams, new luxury apartments at VOX blend innovative design with modern comfort and considered amenities that make every more enjoyable. From luxe modern kitchens and oversized windows that embrace natural light, to outdoor green spaces, pool terraces, and state-of-the art fitness center, explore what makes living here special.