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Culver City was founded in 1913 by Harry Culver, a brilliant real estate developer from Nebraska who sold tract homes to "immigrants" from the Midwest. For a monthly mortgage payment, the homes included furniture, dishes, a record player, and sometimes even a Model T. In the 1920s, silent film comedy producer Hal Roach and Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) built studios. By the 1930s, Culver City boasted three major film studios, including MGM, and was publicized as the "Heart of Screenland." During the 1930s through the 1940s Culver City was home to half of America's motion picture production.
Hundreds of movies have been produced on the lots of Culver City's studios, including the Tarzan series and the original King Kong. The yellow brick road from The Wizard of Oz is still inside the lot on Stage 27 of Sony Studios. More recent films include Grease, Raging Bull, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, City Slickers, Wag the Dog and Contact. Television shows made on Culver City sets include Lassie, I Love Lucy, Batman, The Andy Griffith Show and Jeopardy!.
Outside of the studios, Culver City is mostly comprised of middle class homes that were originally built to house studio workers, with street names reflecting this heritage, such as (Mary) Pickford and (Douglas) Fairbanks. The downtown area has been undergoing a rejuvenation since the late 1990s with new restaurants, art galleries, theaters and shops that attract a large number of visitors from the local area.
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CityBus Line 6 connects directly to the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) Transit Center. There are services every 15 minutes peak, 30-60 min off-peak.
The Expo Line located between National and Washington travels to and from Union Station.
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Culver CityBus [http://www.culvercity.org/bus] operates buses in and around Culver City.
Rideshare apps such as Uber and Lyft are common modes of transportation.
Be aware that Culver City has placed red-light cameras throughout the city, and at $446 the fine for running a red light is one of the highest in the country. Be very aware at intersections, and when the light turns yellow, STOP!
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Attractions
Founded in 1919, fans of classic motion pictures will immediately recognize the studio's colonial mansion from the opening credits of the David O. Selznick International productions such as Gone With the Wind and Duel in the Sun. Unfortunately public tours are not available.
* This museum is an artistic mixture of fact and fiction, featuring weird and wonderful displays of things that never happened, next to strange but true practices of bygone years. It can be hard to distinguish between the two, and it's best not to try. An enjoyable afternoon's visit and a tribute to the weirdness of the world. An upstairs tea room serves complimentary tea and cookies. Free movie screenings hourly. This attraction is actually in the [wiki=0d8a412f8a0973639f4056151c648c8f]Palms district[/wiki] of Los Angeles, although it has a Culver City address.
* An exotic environmental science & wildlife rescue center that is in a nondescript building, the Eco Station is a hidden attraction offering hands-on experiences with rescued tropical birds, mammals, reptiles and other critters. Most of the facility's animals are illegal shipments seized by US customs that needed a home. Hands-on tours lasting from forty-five minutes to one and a half hours (depending on crowd size and the enthusiasm of the group) leave every half hour from 10AM-3PM on weekends and seven days a week in the summer. Hands-on opportunities as part of the tour. Special community events throughout the year. Appropriate for all age learners. Infants IN strollers - FREE.
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Public artwork
For the Child Care Center (in Palms) artist John Okulick created sculptural gates and fencing using the colors of "My First Sony" (red, yellow, blue). Margaret Nielsen designed a mural maquette for the Child Care Center (in Palms).
* Terry Allen's sculpture "Golden Time" is a humorous comment on work after overtime. Michael Hayden's sculpture uses cutting edge materials (holographs) producing a rainbow spectrum on the sidewalk and surrounding areas of the Game Show Building. Hayden collaborated with Game Show Building architect, Steven Ehrlich, AIA, who won a National AIA Design Award for the project. (All in Culver City.)
* Jim Heimann's sculptures celebrate the history of Culver Studios and Sony Pictures ("Studio Pass I & II," "King Kong Gone," and "Plato's Cup"). Jud Fine's courtyard installation traces the history of television. R. M. Fisher designed the plaza fountain, which celebrates Sony's history of filmmaking and references the set of "Lost Horizon." Albert Paley's entrance gates provide a monumental entry to architect Jaquelin T. Robertson's Media Building. (All in Culver City.)
* A giant art installation, Syncopation, by Los Angeles artist Ed Massey, was wrapped around a building on the northwest corner of Hughes Ave. and Washington Blvd. (in Palms) opposite the new Kirk Douglas Theater (in Culver City). (Massey was the artist who oversaw the wrapping of the oil well at Beverly Hills High School with panels of fabric.)
* Duck back into Dunn Drive to visit Los Angeles city historic-cultural landmark No. 624, the Lawrence and Martha Joseph Residence and Apartments at 3819-3827 Dunn Drive (in Palms). It's been aptly called the "Hobbit House," and people actually live in these unusual apartments.
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Over three hundred feet above the surrounding neighborhoods, this overlook provides tremendous views of the LA basin, as well as some short nature trails for those interested in native plants and animals. A self-pay parking lot is available at the top of the hill, but hearty souls can park for free along Jefferson and then walk up 315 vertical feet of switchbacks and steps. The visitor's center is open Th-Su 10AM-5PM (subject to the latest budget crisis), and special events including twilight walks and bird-watching are scheduled regularly.
* The market offers fresh foods, flowers, crafts, and other fare. Two hours of free parking are available in downtown garages. When you walk across the alley, you are actually moving from Los Angeles to Culver City (or vice versa).
* Formerly the MGM studios, the tour leads through stages that have seen the filming of such productions as the Wizard of Oz, Men in Black, and Spider-Man. Tours are offered M-F at 9:30AM, 10:30AM, 1:30PM and 2:30PM. Reservations are recommended.
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Culver City offers a bit of everything when it comes to shopping. The Westfield Malls, located just off of I-405 at Sepulveda, is a 200 store mega-mall. The district near the intersection of Washington Blvd and La Cienaga Blvd is a major art destination, featuring dozens of galleries. The downtown area is home to several smaller and more upscale shops, as well as the old Helms Bakery complex, now home to a variety of upscale furniture stores. And for those looking for familiar shopping establishments, major chain stores such as Target, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy and Toys 'R Us are also represented within the city limits.
* With nearly 200 stores, The Fox Hills Mall is a major shopping center located close to the 405 and 90 freeways. The complex underwent a major expansion in 2010 and now features a Target, Best Buy, Gold's Gym and BJ's Restaurant in addition to the many smaller stores.
* Owned by the former mayor (and current councilman) of Culver City, this market has a reputation as the place to go for authentic Italian grocery items on the West Side. The deli offers amazing sandwiches and the friendly family owners are more than willing to help with everything from selecting a wine to choosing a dessert.
* Owned by the 'godfather of design' Joel Chen, C Vault is a new loft store carrying a significant and extensive collection of design, art and collectables from every era and by every designer imagineable from early 20th century via the Bauhaus to new emerging design talent. The loft has a strong spatial narrative with a series of vintage and modern room sets in which different pieces are juxtaposed so that they work and interact together. C Vault is a design lover's dream resource.
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During the past several years Culver City has been gaining a reputation for excellent restaurants, with the downtown area in particular becoming home to around twenty non-chain restaurants that offer everything from sushi to barbecue to Korean to organic fare. Other restaurants are spread throughout the city in areas such as Helm's Bakery or along Washington Boulevard. For those who just need a quick bite, the standard chains are well-represented including Denny's, Coco's, Jack in the Box, Taco Bell, Chipotle, and others.
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Budget
This Indian vegetarian restaurant serves up tasty South Indian dishes including a large selection of masala dosas. It's usually full of Indian families.
* This is a simple, quaint little Argentine bakery. The Empanadas are delicious, and you can always find the big screen in the dining area tuned to a soccer match.
* Affordable, home-cooked style breakfast and lunch in a cozy, neighborhood diner. Food is good and portions are reasonably large, but be prepared for long lines in the mornings, especially on weekends. Cash only.
* Cheap (a full meal for under $5) and authentic Mexican food, individually prepared while you watch. You stand in line to order, then move aside to wait. Delicious and unusual. Noisy; you hear Spanish and English spoken here in equal amounts. Family-friendly. Park in the lot or under the freeway (feed the meters with dimes or quarters), not in the red cul-de-sac.
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Mid-range
Has closed.
* Located within Surfas Restaurant Supply, the cafe offers absolutely amazing (although small) Italian sandwiches for $6-8. In addition, Italian drinks, pastries, cheeses, and salads are available for those looking for top-quality food to go.
* Reasonably priced and very tasty Lebanese restaurant. Seating is in an outdoor patio complete with hookahs, heat lamps, candles, and a bustling crowd that mixes young hipsters with Lebanese locals. Service is friendly and the place stays busy until closing.
* Neighborhood Italian restaurant.
* The unusual vegetarian restaurant operated as part of the hospitable and charitable tradition of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. A buffet luncheon or sandwiches will cost you less than ten bucks. Above the restaurant you will find a boutique filled with fine garments and unusual handicrafts and art objects from India, the spiritual home of the Krishna devotees.
* The industrial location is appropriate for a barbeque place that's "Tender as Mother's Love." Real pit barbecue beef ribs, pork ribs, "rib tips", great sides, and if you have room left, peach cobbler or 7-up cake! Three choices of sauce - they're serious when they say it's hot. The proprietor, "Robert Johnson", may or may not be the famous bluesman.
* Tasty fresh Mex food made without lard or trans fats. The vibe is easy-going with plenty of outdoor seating (including a firepit) and a friendly, slightly quirky staff. Happy hour specials include 2-for-one margaritas and appetizer specials.
* Another restaurant born of Culver City's downtown renaissance, K-Zo is a sushi bar and "Japanese tapas" restaurant, offering various hot and cold bites in addition to the more standard Japanese fare. Prices are a bit higher than some other restaurants, but the food is generally excellent, service is friendly, and the atmosphere is great. For those seeking to maximize their eating dollar, the popcorn shrimp nuggets ($8.50) and eel avocado roll ($6) are particularly tasty and filling.
* Worth a visit if only to be served by waiters with authentic French accents, the cafe also offers excellent French cafe fare at reasonable prices. A few blocks from downtown on a corner of the old Helms Bakery complex; expect large crowds, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
* Authentic cuisine from Veracruz, Mexico.
* Northern Italian cuisine on Main St. Try the homemade gnocchi.
* As you might guess, the emphasis here is on the fresh salads of all types, but you can get them small, meal-sized or pair them with steak, chicken or fish. This popular eatery uses local, organic produce to assemble fresh and healthy salads and soups, as well as delectable hot dishes from the grill, such as free-range chicken, Angus flatiron steak, and line-caught tuna. This eco-conscious restaurant also uses biodegradable to-go containers, reclaimed timber, and non-toxic cleaners. The atmosphere is relaxed and beautiful, with a spacious patio for outdoor dining. Portions are large, and a wide array of boutique wines and microbrews will please any palate. Friendly service.
* A cozy Italian cafe with extensive outdoor seating and a reasonably-authentic Italian menu. This establishment specializes in Italian cafe food, so expect sandwiches, carpacchio, insalata, pasta, and gelato rather than the standard "spaghetti and steaks" fare common at most Italian restaurants.
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Splurge
Easily the best New American food in West Los Angeles. Everything is delicious, organic, and local. You'll never feel trendier but welcomed. If you're looking for a place to take a date, or business meeting, go here. Check out out in awesome bar, too.
*The Detour Bistro Bar combines farm-to-table produce with California seasonal and European-inspired dishes to create a unique dining destination in Culver City. The Detour Bistro Bar provides a laid back and casual environment while guests enjoy tasty food and wine from around the world without being far from home. The chef-owners search for fresh seasonal ingredients to create each weekly menu that keeps customers wanting more and coming back. The Detour is open daily for happy hour, dinner and weekend brunch service with plans to open for lunch starting April 6, 2015..
* Run by the son of actor Harrison Ford, this relatively new (February 2006) and somewhat trendy restaurant strives for a pub atmosphere while still keeping the quality of a high-end restaurant. The drinks are good if slightly pricey ($6 for a beer) and the food is excellent. Half of the menu consists of excellent home-cured deli meats for about $10 a tray, while the flatbreads and other dishes are slightly more expensive ($15 - $30) but very tasty.
* Like most Brazilian steakhouses, Libra features chefs going from table to table with skewers of meat and satisfied-yet-overstuffed patrons. However, this restaurant distinguishes itself with a high-quality "salad" bar featuring beef stew, chicken dishes, artichoke hearts, fried plantains, and other fare. The grilled meats (beef, lamb, pork and chicken) are very good although they don't rise to the level of "outstanding", but the service is excellent and the grilled cinnamon pineapple provides an offering not found at similar restaurants. At $35 per person for dinner the price may seem a bit steep, but there are early bird specials and numerous online coupons that can help to reduce costs, and lunch prices are much lower albeit with a reduced selection.
* This upscale pub combines French/British fusion cuisine with an impressive wine and beer list - beer connoisseurs will love the selection while those who prefer Buddweiser might prefer going elsewhere. It is named for the London underground railway line where the co-owner/chef began his youthful world adventures. Staff is attentive, intelligent and friendly, and while portions aren't huge the food is extremely well prepared. Favorites include the sticky toffee pudding. Daily happy hour from 5-7PM.
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Bars
Most of the downtown restaurants also have a lively bar scene. Other bars located throughout the city include:
* Proudly advertising itself as "the best dive bar in the world" Backstage offers a high-energy atmosphere with a really fun crowd. Expect a packed house on weekends and call ahead to reserve a table if you don't want to be standing. Drinks are reasonably priced ($4 for a draft beer), the staff is extraordinarily friendly, and there is karaoke (Thursday - Saturday), pool, darts, and decent bar food to help keep the evening entertaining.
* Located downtown, this unique establishment is a combination wine bar, wine retailer, and cafe. Over 800 wines are sold, with prices ranging from $5 to over $600 per bottle, but most people come either for wine tasting or simply to enjoy a glass of wine with an appetizer. Happy hour is Monday - Thursday from 4PM to 6PM.
* Named after John Wayne (the hotel's former owner and resident), Duke's Hideaway attracts mainly local residents and employees from the nearby Sony and Culver Studios looking for a laid-back spot to enjoy a few drinks. Chairs are comfortable and plentiful, prices are reasonable, the bartenders tend to be chatty, it's usually not overly crowded, and the close proximity to the rest of downtown makes it a good spot to begin or end an evening. Happy hour 5 to 7:00PM M-Th.
* This upscale pub is famous for its burger, just don't try to make any substitutions. There are also over 70 beers on tap.
* The crowd at this bar combines students from Loyola Marymount with middle-aged regulars. Karaoke every night but Thursday, pool tables, and an atmosphere that borders on dive-bar without actually crossing the line.
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Coffee & Teas
Family-run coffee shop that roasts their own beans daily and makes one of the best macchiato's this side of the Big Pond. They are known for their "latte art" - you have to order one in a china cup to appreciate it. A local favorite, they also have a huge variety of teas from around the world and make a wonderful Mexican hot chocolate.
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Culver City has only a handful of hotels, but neighboring cities such as [wiki=b8ed1ef341171d89a884ad87d2ca885f]Santa Monica[/wiki], [wiki=9e1752c1834a760f8d5699cb94f94e9f]Venice[/wiki], [wiki=1a8e12e918299570217fb01c1f89a04b]Marina del Rey[/wiki] and [wiki=864e7017eac81151b04a76fde031b6a1]El Segundo[/wiki] have numerous options within a 10-15 minute drive of Culver City.
* Opened April 2008, this hotel features 260 spacious rooms and suites in addition to 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space and a full catering department.
* Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located in the heart of downtown Culver City, this hotel opened in 1924 and offers a unique lodging option with rooms featuring antique furniture. The hotel was once owned by John Wayne and served as accommodation for most of the cast of the Wizard of Oz during its filming.
* This chain hotel is located close to the 405 freeway and is a ten-minute drive from the LAX airport. Amenities include free high-speed internet access, pool, fitness center, free airport shuttle, meeting spaces and dining. Those expecting a five-star experience will be disappointed by the relatively basic rooms and somewhat dated elevators and floorplans, but despite a bit of age this hotel offers an upgrade over many of the area's other motels.
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Culver City offers free internet access in several areas.
* Free wireless internet access is provided in downtown Culver City, but connectivity varies greatly depending on your location. Login is required using any web browser to activate access.
* The Culver City library offers free internet connections (no wireless) as well as an extensive book collection.
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[wiki=9e1752c1834a760f8d5699cb94f94e9f]Venice[/wiki]. The neighboring beach town offers miles of sand, an eclectic nightlife, and the infamous Muscle Beach.
* [wiki=b8ed1ef341171d89a884ad87d2ca885f]Santa Monica[/wiki]. Best known for its famous pier, Santa Monica is a must-see destination for most tourists, and home to many restaurants and bars frequented by locals.
*[wiki=1a8e12e918299570217fb01c1f89a04b]Marina del Rey[/wiki]. The "marina of the king" is home to a vast number of restaurants and hotels, and while not as touristy as some of the neighboring beach cities is nonetheless a fun spot to spend an evening.
* [wiki=9a302453d2f75a8032f71b734691e192]West LA[/wiki]. The west side of the sprawling city of LA surrounds Culver City to the north and east.
[[WikiPedia:Culver City, California]]
[wiki=9ed175286f635698f957fcdbaabd684c]Dmoz:/North America/United States/California/Localities/C/Culver_City[/wiki]
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