Culver City, A Perfect Central Stay in LA

Hike the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. These famous outdoor steps are not for the faint of heart. You'll see flocks of people here daily getting in their workout up the nature-made stairs, as well as hitting the trails around for an easier route up and down for a fabulous view of LA at the top.

Kenneth Hahn State Park is another great spot for nature lovers. This state park has miles of trails to explore, a waterfall, Japanese gardens to relax in, ponds to enjoys some casual fishing (don't eat them though!) and a playground for children to run around.

Stoneview Nature Center is an extension of the Scenic Overlook, and you can hike over to the adjacent Nature Center to enjoy weekly programming (yoga, kids crafts), take in the views or just extend your hike with some pretty scenery.

The Platform - This new eating and shopping destination houses some of the city's best restaurants as well as small boutiques reminding you of Soho and Nolita.

Sony Pictures Studio Tour - No visit would be complete to Screenland City without a studio tour and Sony Pictures offers them daily. Just make sure guests are 12 years old and up.

Ivy Station - Across the street from the Platform, you'll find the Ivy Station. It's the name of the train stop there, but also a retail, dining and entertainment complex that houses loads of weekly programming from makers markets to free outdoor workout classes to live entertainment.

Kirk Douglas Theatre - Looking to catch a looking performance without breaking the bank? Then this local theatre is for you, with regular performances for theatre goers to enjoy.

Hit up an outdoor park - Culver City's community was built around parks and if you've got kids, there's nothing like a good green space to get out some energy. Favorites include Lindberg Park, Vet's Park, Carlson Park and Culver City Park, all of which are easy walks to one another.

Culver Steps - Not to be confused with the outdoor climbing steps, these steps are in the heart of downtown, where you'll find a majority of the city's restaurants, as well as some more small shops, Amazon's movie theatre and weekly outdoor entertainment.

Path to Playa - Culver City completed a bike path around many of the nature hot spots which will take you all the way to the beach and Marina del Rey! Rent a bike and hit the beach, just 3+ miles away, depending where you catch the path.

Day Trips

Venice Beach - One of the neighboring sisters to Culver City, bike or drive to the beach and don't forget to hit up Abbott Kinney for some amazing shopping and likely celeb sightings!

Beverly Hills - Another neighbor, head about 20 minutes northeast to walk the street of Rodeo Drive and experience some fancier dining.

West Hollywood - Here's another great eating, shopping and nightlife area if your belly has room after eating your way through Culver City!

Santa Monica - The beaches here are vast and no visit to West LA is complete without a stroll down Ocean Drive and a ride of the famous coaster at Santa Monica Pier. Nearby Will Rogers serves up great hiking trails with ocean views.

Manhattan and Hermosa Beach - My favorite westside beach towns, these two communities offer gorgeous views and fun towns with ... you guessed it ... more great eating, drinking and shopping!

Burbank - Hit up famous Universal Studios or get in the studio audience for one of the daytime talk shows!

Millcross Coffee Bar and Kitchen - This is a favorite breakfast and lunch spot among locals and if you see a line, you'll know why. Their food and drinks are something to write home about!

Cafe Vida - Here's another popular brunch spot using fresh farm-to-table ingredients. Lines are long on weekends, but use this pro tip and put your name on the waitlist through Yelp.

Bianca - This cute family-owned restaurant is open all day and although their brunch and dinner is great, you'll be remiss not to just pop in to their storefront window or bar to pick up breads and pastries.

Citizen Public Market - Food halls are becoming more popular and this one will not disappoint! Favorites include WeHo Sausage Company, Jolly Oyster and GoGo Bird but there's something for everyone so everyone will leave happy.

Etta - Housed in the Shay Hotel, this Chicago restaurant has some of the best food in the city. Whether you go for brunch or dinner and cocktails, you'll leave with a happy, full belly.

Canopy Club - Another favorite in the Shay Hotel but up on their rooftop surrounding the pool, you'll find a fun all-day restaurant and lounge. If you're staying at the hotel, enjoy the pool while you're up there or buy a pool pass if you're just there for the day if they're available!

Margot - Serving up some of the best views in the city in a stunning setting both inside and out on their patios, you'll enjoy Mediterranean cuisine here in style.

Roberta's - California may not be known for its pizza, but this Brooklyn native has helped change that with their fun outpost in the Platform complex. Don't miss their burrata and pastas too!

Pasta Sisters - Located in the Helms Bakery district of Culver City, this family-owned restaurant serves up freshly made pastas, antipasti and desserts in a casual but pretty atmosphere inside and out.

Simonette - Housed in the Palihotel, this cute restaurant in an interior garden serves up French cuisine all day as well as fab cocktails and wine at the bar.

Lillie's - Another hotel gem located inside the Culver Hotel, this recently reopened bar and restaurant has live music daily as well as a chic interior and beautiful, large patio serving up food and cocktails all day long. Don't miss their afternoon tea service too!

Destroyer - Off-the-beaten-path in the Hayden Tract district, breakfast and lunch here is a work of art and taste equally as amazing as they look.