Culver City Is Calling

Explore one of L.A.’s thriving neighborhoods brimming with history

by LEILA NAJAFI

CULVER CITY’S RICH history dates back to 1913 when real-estate conceptualist Harry Culver declared his plans to develop a city within Los Angeles. As his new city took hold, major film studios flocked to the area followed by the family-owned Helms Bakery company and the Hayden Industrial Tract, an area now overflowing with tech offices and contemporary structures. Look closely around town and you may spot any of 14 bronze plaques mounted on buildings that mark historic sites.

Today, a handful of new residential and commercial developments have transformed the neighborhood into a go-to destination attracting foodies, hipsters, and even tech giants, many of whom are moving in. There is plenty to do in the historic neighborhood whether you are a movie buff or obsessed foodie. Explore Culver City with this perfect

EAT > Culver City wasn’t always a destination known for its culinary landscape. But in recent years, the dining scene has transformed and restaurant newcomers are bringing a slew of emerging chefs to the area who are raising the heat. At Lodge Bread, a small bakery that turns out some of the finest loaves in town, start your morning with a freshly baked pastry, a Jerusalem bagel, or sweet or savory toasts (think: avocado or ricotta and jam). Don’t leave without picking up a seeded loaf or baguette for that afternoon picnic in the park. Breakfast Republic just opened its 15th location in Culver City. The San Diego eatery is best known for an extensive breakfast menu that caters to most diets (gluten-free, keto, and vegan included) with dishes that are worthy of an Instagram post. Can’t decide what to order? Try the pancake flight, banana split French toast, or the breakfast bacon mac ’n’ cheese. For lunch, try Citizen Public Market, a popular food court amongst the techie crowd working in the surrounding offices. Travel the world via your taste buds and try Nigerian cuisine from Ilé Bistro or sushi from Uoichiba, which specializes in handrolls. For something heartier, the Weho Sausage Co. can satisfy your cravings for custom burgers, which you can wash down with a local or craft beer. Savor Italian wood-fired pizzas and housemade pastas at Etta, which proudly sources local ingredients. The oversize indoor and outdoor venue can accommodate 240 diners, which means walks-ins are welcome.

DRINK > It’s hard to miss the flatiron style Culver Hotel, a National Historic Landmark in downtown Culver City. The European-inspired building first opened in 1924 and has gone through several iterations but maintained its vintage charm. Grab a seat at Lillie’s Bistro & Garden (outdoors, if the weather permits) and enjoy classic cocktails and an ongoing lineup of live music. For rooftop cocktails, head to Canopy Club at the Shay, a boutique hotel on the corner of Washington and National boulevards. The all-day poolside restaurant and bar is embellished with pretty pink hues and leafy green wallpaper reminiscent of the Colony Hotel in Palm Beach and the chic vibe of Palm Springs. Sip on sparkly libations, a trendy canned wine, or opt for kombucha, a healthier alternative (because it’s L.A.). Wine enthusiasts will appreciate Stanley’s, a 36-seat indoor and outdoor bar adjacent to Stanley’s Wet Goods—a sleek wine shop stocked with an impressive collection of wine, spirits, and beer. Pull up a seat and choose from a selection of local or hard-to-find wines or leave it to the bartender and try a flight of three for $21. A light menu accompanies the wine list and includes dishes such as citrus salads, cheese and charcuterie, toast with elevated toppings, and the beloved bar snacks: Castelvetrano olives and potato chips.

PLAY > Indoors and out, Culver City offers up plenty of sights to see and things to do. At the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook you will have to earn your way to the top. Climb up approximately 200 moderately steep stairs, also known as the Culver City Stairs, and enjoy a panoramic perspective of L.A. After working up a sweat, Platform is a swoonworthy outdoor food and shopping destination chock-full of trendy retailers. Don’t miss ultra-chic hat brand Janessa Leoné, the sustainable clothing line Reformation, and Broome General Store for all your home and gift needs. For casual but oh-so-good sushi check out Fiish, also at the Platform. Arts and theater devotees should check out the Kirk Douglas Theatre, which is debuting Will Power’s play Fetch Clay, Make Man, about the unexpected bond between two cultural icons: heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali and Hollywood actor Stepin’ Fetchit. This is the first theatrical endeavor for the Emmy Award-winning creative studio the SpringHill Company, backed by NBA star Lebron James and business executive Maverick Carter. Continue the cultural kick and visit the Wende Museum dedicated to sharing a collection of artifacts and archives from the Cold War.