Over the last few decades, Culver City has transformed from a quiet film industry hub to a vibrant destination offering a range of fun experiences. Whether you’re looking for new restaurants or a unique staycation, this 24-hour itinerary will guide you through the best of Culver City. Bookmark this curation for a fun-filled day of art, culture, and culinary delights in West Los Angeles!

Sunrise and Hike at Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

Begin your Culver City adventure with a heart-pumping hike through restored native habitat on a 500-foot peak offering panoramic vistas of the Los Angeles basin, the Pacific Ocean, and the encompassing mountains. Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook is ​​a 58-acre urban park just southwest of downtown, featuring two hiking trails. One trail is an easy loop, and the other is for advanced hikers as it is steep and winding. 

Grab Breakfast at Destroyer 

Then, refuel at Destroyer. Helmed by Chef Jordan Kahn, Destroyer is an unconventional eatery. It features minimalist interiors and an al fresco dining section. The restaurant’s seasonally changing menu is crafted using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu comprises beautifully plated dishes that showcase unexpected flavors and textures. Signature breakfast dishes include Momotaro Tomato Tartine, Forbidden Orchard Blueberries, Strawberry French Toast, Sweet Potato Waffle, and Strawberry and Sweet Corn Tart. Check out Destroyer for a one-of-a-kind Scandinavian-inspired breakfast experience. 

Tour the Lot at Sony Pictures

Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of Hollywood at the iconic Sony Pictures lot. This two-hour walking tour takes guests through legendary sound stages and back lots where classic movies such as The Wizard of Oz, Men in Black, and Spider-Man were filmed. Sound stages are large windowless buildings with only one gigantic door known as the Elephant Door. On this tour, visitors walk through a working studio and explore active productions such as the Jeopardy or ​​Wheel of Fortune sets. The tour at Sony Pictures is the ideal setting to immerse yourself in the history and magic of filmmaking. During the tour, you will realize how much work and effort goes into making each feature film and TV show.

Lunch at Roberta’s and Shopping at Platform

Thereafter, indulge in a delectable lunch at Roberta’s, well-known for its authentic Neoplitian-style wood-fired pizzas and elegant Italian dishes. I ordered one of its signature pizzas—the Queen Of Crime ($25), a Neapolitan pizza topped with spinach, ricotta, Parmigiano, beef pepperoni, olives, and chili. The pizza instantly transported me to Italy. It was perfectly balanced and hit the spot. After a greatly satisfying lunch, embark on a shopping spree at the chic outdoor mall—Platform. Behnaia, Atrio, Broome Street General, Janessa Leoné, Res Ipsa, Sundays, and The Optimist are some of my favorite stores at Platform. 

See a Show at the Kirk Douglas Theatre

After the retail therapy, enjoy a theatrical experience at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, a star of Culver City’s arts scene. Since 2004, it has been operated by the Center Theatre Group. This 317-seat theater hosts diverse productions, from intriguing dramas to captivating musicals. With its awe-inspiring architecture and state-of-the-art acoustics, the Kirk Douglas Theatre offers a truly memorable evening of live performance.

Dinner at Citizen Public Market 

Then, make your way to Citizen Public Market, a lively food hall located in a historic Culver City building. This food hall offers a diverse culinary experience. You can choose from a range of cuisines, including Asian comfort food, American classics, and international tapas. Soak in the buzzing ambiance while indulging in mouthwatering dishes from different vendors, making it an ideal destination for a laidback and enjoyable dinner. Citizen Public Market’s most popular vendors include Bang Bang Noodles, Sustainabowl, Uoichiba, Go Go Bird, and The WEHO Sausage Co.

Nightcap at the Velvet Lounge, the Culver City Hotel 

Decompress after a day of exploring with a nightcap at the Culver City Hotel. Their mezzanine level bar boasts stylish interiors featuring a majestic bar, a dance area, and even a disco ball, perfect for sipping handcrafted cocktails or dancing the night away. Unwind in the cozy lounge seating or let your hair down on the dance floor at this speakeasy-esque bar at the charming Culver City Hotel.

Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Studio Tours.