Downtown Culver City Day Guide

Downtown Culver City has come a long way from when I was growing up. It’s now a trendy neighborhood filled with so many unique up and coming restaurants, shops, a theater (Amazon’s very first!) and a night scene mostly visited by locals. With so much to do, I decided to create a Downtown Culver City day guide to help you.

Located on the westside of Los Angeles, Downtown Culver City is home to Sony Studios (I had my prom there!) where shows like Euphoria are still being filmed and classics like Wizard of Oz were once filmed. You can even tour the studio lots and get BTS of everything. Also home to the almost decade old European inspired Culver Hotel! I will go over all there is to do, where to eat and where to shop!

What To Do in Downtown Culver City

Tour Sony Studios

Sony Studios is a great way to spend time in Downtown Culver, shows like the classic, Wizard of Oz, Shark Tank, and even Euphoria have been filmed there. If you like production or would like to get a behind the scenes look at all the studios within Sony then I suggest starting your day here! 

They have a few options for tours, you can have a regular two hour guided tour or a three hour VIP lunch tour, which includes a 3 course meal by Wolfgang Puck in the studio’s commissary room. There’s a big price difference from the two hour regular tour vs the VIP lunch tour, the regular ticket is $50 vs the VIP ticket is $200, there is another option which is a VIP coffee tour for $150. Overall I think touring Sony is a good experience because if it’s your first time in LA then what better than checking out a historic production studio!

Address: 
3990 Overland Ave
Culver City, CA 90232

Watch a Movie at The Culver Theater

I used to go to this theater in high school, which was then known as Pacific Theater, ahh so many core memories here as a teenager! Anyway, you can watch a movie at the newly bought theater that Amazon quietly opened in December of 2022, The Culver Theater. It’s one of the nicest theaters in LA with a full bar, snacks and comfy plush seating. A modern twist to the basic movie theater design. You can view showtimes and buy your tickets here. A must for any Downtown Culver City Guide, visit before word gets out!

Address:
9500 Culver Blvd 
Culver City, CA 90232

People Watch At The Culver Steps

Stroll the modern and newly developed Culver Steps in the heart of Culver City, you can have great coffee from Philz (the mint mojito coffee is a must), grab some ice cream at Salt & Straw or just meet up with friends and hang on the steps while you catch up and people watch. It’s a great place for kids too, they can run around the grassy area or attend one of the many events Culver Steps hosts. It’s a community space with shopping, dining and entertainment options. 

Address: 
9300 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

Shop At The Platform LA 

Step into The Platform, an outdoor shopping space lined with lush green plants and modern design. A hidden gem that not many know of, offering high end retailers like Aesop, Reformation and other small boutiques. Along with some really great restaurants and coffee shops, like the beautiful Bianca and my personal favorite, Loqui! It’s a small and unique space, you can stop by and browse the stores and/or dine.

Address:  
8850 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

Visit The Culver City Arts District

If you love art and enjoy viewing it then The Culver City Arts District is my recommendation. Everyone seems to know about the Downtown Arts District, but Culver City is making an entrance in the scene with USA Today naming it one of the best ‘10 arts districts’. View exhibitions of fine and contemporary art, sculptures and streets filled with art on the buildings. You can view all the galleries here!

Where To Eat in Downtown Culver City: 

Citizen Public Market 

If you’re with a group of friends and need options because everyone wants something different then Citizen Public Market is a good place to compromise and had to make it onto the downtown culver city day guide! I would describe it as an upscale food court with two levels of vendors that includes both indoor and outdoor seating. 

Address: 
9355 Culver Blvd Suite J
Culver City, CA 90232

Grand Casino Bakery & Cafe

A hidden gem that serves Argentinian food called, Grand Casino Bakery & Cafe. A nice place with outdoor seating on a quiet Downtown Culver City street. My friends and I like coming here for authentic dishes and delicious food that’s homemade. I ordered garlic fries, a spring salad and empanadas filled with pork and chicken!

Address: 
3826 Main Street
Culver City, CA 90232

Jackson Market 

Giving my secrets away with this one, but it’s too good to not share. The Jackson Market is a beloved neighborhood deli and mini mart that blends into the houses that surround it. Pick up one of their made to order sandwiches and chips or view their small wine selection and take a bottle home to enjoy that night. Enjoy your lunch on one of the tables outside with a view of the koi fish pond! This mini mart is a hidden gem in culver city and a must visit! Make sure you include it in your custom created Downtown Culver City Day Guide!

Address:
4065 Jackson Ave
Culver City, CA 90232

Grocery Stores in Downtown Culver City 

Erewhon 

Who knew a posh market would exist, but it does. Erewhon Culver City just opened and it is perfect. The aesthetic, clean, and one of kind products are what makes this place what it is, oh and the prices! It’s costly, but well worth it if you want to experience luxury grocery shopping. 

Picking up a meal and drink or one of their many celebrity smoothies can be a great alternative to eating out at one of the many restaurants available in Downtown Culver. Just enjoy it on the Culver Steps which shares its location with Erewhon!

Address: 
9300 Culver Blvd Suite 101
Culver City, CA 90232

Trader Joes 

If you’re on a budget, and don’t really care for Erewhon then head to the beloved Trader Joes in Downtown Culver. You can pick up a salad or one of their many ready to eat meals available and walk over to the Culver Steps to enjoy it. Whether on one the tables, the grassy are or the steps. An easy and budget friendly way to eat while enjoying the neighborhood. 

Address: 
9290 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

Where To Stay in Downtown Culver City: 

The Culver Hotel 

Standing tall amidst palm trees is the beautiful Culver Hotel. The flatiron building has history and character, it’s elegant with a touch of Californian influence, which makes it feel more casual. It once accommodated former president Ronald Reagan and the cast of The Wizard of Oz when they filmed at Sony Studios. 

The hotel also has a restaurant (Lillie’s) and Bar that’s open to the public if you decide not to stay but would like to visit. Accommodation starts at $350 per night, a bit of a splurge but worth it for its history and convenience to everything you need. To book click here! 

Address: 
9400 Culver Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

The Shay Culver City

Introducing The Shay Culver City  as a second option, this hotel is great if you want to stay out of the heart of Downtown Culver City, but still close enough to where you can walk. A modern boutique hotel that’s perfect if you’re traveling with pets, would like the option of a pool and a gym. Accommodation starts at $325 per night. To book click here! 

Address:
8801 Washington Blvd
Culver City, CA 90232

That concludes our Downtown Culver City Day Guide! If you’re looking for a hidden gem neighborhood in LA then this is it. A great way to spend time with friends, family and even alone. All of the places mentioned above are on the same block and make it convenient to explore. Enjoy one of my favorite walkable places in SoCal!