Join us for the fourth CicLAvia Sunday of the 2025 season—and our 61st event since 2010! CicLAvia—Culver City meets Venice on Sunday, August 17th, from 9am - 4pm.
We’ll celebrate over 6.75 miles of open streets connecting Culver City, Mar Vista, and Venice, including the neighborhoods connected by Washington Blvd, Culver Blvd, Washington Pl, Centinela Ave, Venice Blvd, Grand Blvd, and Windward Ave.
Each neighborhood hosts an array of art, culture, and history waiting for you to learn more about. With murals that evoke a calming golden hour and popular film and music video shooting locations, and even history that you may not have heard of, this route is bound to grab your attention and make you dive deeper for more.
Enjoy this edition of our Local Gems blog featuring a few of the MANY things to see and do along the route. Remember, you can plan your day with the CicLAvia Interactive Digital Map!
Keep in mind that CicLAvia is not a race! Take it slow, snap some photos, and learn some history with us at CicLAvia—Culver City meets Venice.
Culver City “Walk of Fame”
Along Washington Blvd between National Blvd and La Cienega Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Along the easternmost part of the route, on the sidewalks of Washington Blvd, you will see palm trees lined with structures labeled with information about iconic films that were shot in the Culver City area at the former MGM Studio (now Sony Pictures Studios). These wrap-arounds were installed in 1998 and include films like Gone With the Wind (1939), The Wizard of Oz (1939), Citizen Kane (1939), and Singing in the Rain (1952).
Going Nowhere Fast mural by @dface_official
3311 McManus Ave, Culver City, CA 90232
@dface_official is a British artist whose bold, satirical characters can be found throughout Los Angeles and around the world, including on our CicLAvia—Koreatown meets Hollywood route! His murals often explore themes of pop culture and connection, linking communities through a shared visual language. This Culver City-based mural shows two people atop a motorcycle looking downwards.
All Roads Lead to Culver City mural by @brooklyndwildflowers
8533 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
All Roads Lead to Culver City is a vibrant mural by @brooklyndwildflowers, a Los Angeles-based artist known for bold and joyful public art. This piece features a jackrabbit surrounded by native California plants, a nod to the region’s natural beauty. The mural’s title echoes Culver City’s original slogan, coined by founder Harry Culver, highlighting the city’s central location and easy access by road and rail. A key factor that helped shape the city’s early growth and identity.
Parks Project Discovery Center
8540 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
The Parks Project Discovery Center in Culver City is a vibrant hub for park enthusiasts and environmental advocates to gather. It hosts community events, educational talks, and volunteer opportunities for all. Check out their Instagram page for the next event!
Mural by @brushettasigns, @mwlvla, @dionlettering, @brooklyndwildflowers, and @severuska
8534 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Across from the Discovery Center is a series of murals by a large team of artists. This tribute mural was done in remembrance of the late @elenaxausa, an artist who created work for the NY Times, New Yorker Magazine, and Nike. This talented team got together and honored her style to create a series of murals in dedication to their friend.
Helms Bakery District
8758 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90034
The Helms Bakery District was established in the early 1930s and was crowned as the official bread of the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. During its height of operation, Helms Bakery operated 1,000+ delivery trucks all the way from Fresno to San Diego. Although the enormous bakery no longer operates, there is plenty of history and art to admire in the Helms District. CicLAvia created a limited edition button for purchase at the Downtown Culver City Hub inspired by the Helms Bakery logo.
Helms Coach Gone A Rye by Andrea Cohen Gehring, Art Mortimer, and Global Entertainment Industry
8685 W. Washington Blvd, Culver City 90232
Tucked away in the Helms District is the public art piece titled Helms Coach Gone A Rye. Get it? A Rye (Awry)? This piece showcases a Helms Bakery delivery truck crashing into a wall with the Olympic rings below it.
Ivy Station
8840 National Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Ivy Station is a vibrant, transit-friendly destination at the Culver City Metro station. There are plenty of options to eat, drink, dance, and shop here. Check out their Instagram for the next night market and other community events.
Technicolor Drip mural by Jen Stark
8850 W. Washington Blvd, Culver City 90232
While traveling on Washington Blvd, you’ll spot a large parking structure bursting with bright, rainbow colors. This is Technicolor Drip by artist Jen Stark. The mural’s title nods to the vibrant color process used in early film history, most famously in The Wizard of Oz.
Mural by Adrian Kay Wong
8970 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Last year, Los Angeles-based artist Adrian Kay Wong painted a large, colorful mural inspired by the golden hour, the warm glowing light just before sunset. His goal was to encourage folks to slow down and take a moment of pause as they move through their day. Check out this short video for more insight.
Downtown Culver City
The Culver Steps
9300 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
The Culver Steps area is a mixed-use development that includes retail, food, office space, entertainment, and public space. Check out their website for the next movie night, live music, yoga session, and more!
The Culver Hotel
9400 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
The Culver Hotel is a historic landmark that has stood in the heart of Culver City for over a century. Originally built in 1924 as Hotel Hunt, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During the golden age of MGM Studios, the hotel hosted countless Hollywood stars. All 124 of the munchkins from The Wizard of Oz stayed here during filming. Over the years, the guest list has included icons like Francis Ford Coppola, Reese Witherspoon, and John Legend.
The Culver Studios
9336 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Just a short walk from the hotel are the Culver Studios, a cornerstone of Culver City’s film history. Built in 1918, the studio has been home to the production of iconic films and television shows, including Citizen Kane and The Andy Griffith Show (1960).
Arth Peacock mural by @paintingsbyflyingbeard
9531 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
A mural, located on the side of Arth Bar Indian Restaurant, depicts a peacock perched on a branch. The artist, @paintingsbyflyingbeard, created this mural, drawing inspiration from desi art.
Washington Building
9720 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
As you veer off of Culver Blvd onto Washington Blvd, you’ll come across a unique diagonal intersection anchored by the Washington Building. Constructed between 1926 and 1928, this striking corner is often described as one of the most New York-esque spots in Los Angeles, drawing comparisons to Manhattan’s iconic Flatiron Building.
Kirk Douglas Theatre
9820 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
The Kirk Douglas Theatre was built in 1946 and operates today as a live theatre venue. This venue holds 1,000+ guests and holds multiple live performances throughout the year. Check out their website for the next showing! CicLAvia created a limited edition button for purchase at the Downtown Culver City Hub inspired by the Kirk Douglas Theatre.
Sony Pictures Studios Lot (formerly Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Lot)
10202 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
On Washington Blvd, between Madison Ave and Overland Ave, is the former site of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) lot, now Sony Pictures Studios. MGM produced multiple classic and influential films here, and their legacy can be seen and felt all throughout Culver City.
La Ballona Elementary School
10915 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
Classes at La Ballona Elementary School began in 1865 with only 17 boys and 11 girls. La Ballona is the oldest school in the Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD) and is now an operating historical site in Culver City.
King Fahad Mosque
10980 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
On Washington Blvd and Huron Ave you will see a large white and blue mosque. This is the King Fahad Mosque in Culver City that was constructed in 1996. This is 1 of 16 mosques constructed worldwide by King Fahad and is the largest of them all. The mosque serves as an educational center for all, regardless of religion.
Mural/Mosaic by @kckrantz, @brooklyndwildflowers, and @brushettasigns
11029 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232
After 60 years of business, a former gun shop in Culver City closed, and the building was purchased by the city. Rather than letting the space sit empty, local artists transformed it with vibrant murals and mosaics that encourage kindness to others and to ourselves. Now the city is reaching out to the community for ideas on how to give this unique space a new purpose. For a deeper look, check out this LA Magazine article.
Tellefson Park, former place of the Culver City Rollerdrome
11057 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90232
Tellefson Park is a 1.5-acre park named after former Culver City Mayor Michael Tellefson. This piece of land was originally the former place of the Culver City Rollerdrome, a popular roller skating rink in the early 1920s.
Love the City Center
3979 Tilden Ave, Culver City, CA 90232
Adjacent to Tellefson Park is the Love the City Center, a local nonprofit that focuses on providing free food, addressing homelessness, promoting education, and helping people access community resources.
The Oval District
Between Venice Blvd to the north, Inglewood Blvd to the west, Washington Blvd to the south, and McLaughlin Ave to the east
The Oval District, also called Palm Place, is a residential area in Mar Vista designated as a Historic Overlay Preservation Zone (HPOZ). This means its unique architecture is protected and preserved due to its historical significance. The area gets its name from the distinctive oval or hourglass-shaped layout, which is lined with palm trees.
Mar Vista Tract
Near 3533 Moore St. Los Angeles, CA 90066
The Mar Vista Tract is the first designated historic district of modern-style, post-WWII homes by architect Gregory Ain. His philosophy was built on that: “Modern architecture makes for better living and should be available to everyone.” CicLAvia created a limited edition button for purchase at the Mar Vista Hub inspired by the Mar Vista Tract houses. Here is an exact map of the houses mentioned above.
Disability Community Resource Center (DCRC)
12901 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066
The Disability Community Resource Center’s rich history spans back to the late 1970s. DCRC is a place for those with disabilities to receive assistance, both in person and online, with programs and services designed specifically to meet the evolving needs of the community. While they are closed on Sundays, you can check their website to learn more.
Venice High School
13000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066
Venice High School first opened its doors in 1911 with only 52 students. Today, it serves more than 2,000 students in grades 9 through 12 each year. Beyond its role as a key part of the local education, Venice High is also known for its appearance as the exterior filming location in Grease (1978) and for notable alumni like Harry Snyder, founder of In-N-Out Burger, who graduated in 1932. CicLAvia created a limited edition button for purchase at the Venice Beach Hub inspired by Venice High School.
Learning Garden
13000 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90066
Open from 12pm - 3pm on CicLAvia Sunday is The Learning Garden. The Learning Garden is a community hub that teaches gardening and sustainable living in West LA. For over 23 years, they have served horticulture enthusiasts in Venice. In addition, The Learning Garden will be offering tours during event day from 12pm - 3pm!
Venice Japanese American Memorial Monument
Corner of Lincoln Blvd and Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
After the Pearl Harbor attacks in 1941, intense prejudice against Japanese-Americans spread quickly across the United States. Because of the intense fear from Americans, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9006, which authorized the deportation and incarceration of more than 120,000 Japanese-Americans, many of whom were from the Malibu, Venice, and Santa Monica areas. Today, this monument pays tribute to the many lives that were uprooted during that time.
Pacific Resident Theatre
703 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
Since 1985, the Pacific Resident Theatre has been an actor-run theater that showcases unexplored plays and dramas. Today, they continue with a company of 125 artists, who typically create 12 to 17 theatrical productions across the calendar year.
Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC)
685 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
The Social and Public Art Resource Center (SPARC) is a nonprofit community arts center based in Venice. SPARC campaigns to preserve LA murals and public art. Visit their website and learn how to get involved and partake in their workshops and exhibitions! Although they are closed on Sundays, you can check their website to learn more.
Beyond Baroque
681 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291
Founded in 1968, Beyond Baroque is a unique place dedicated to investing in the community’s understanding of poetry, literature, and art through interactive events and workshops. With a busy calendar of events and workshops, there is always an opportunity to participate in their programming. Although closed on Sundays, be sure to check their website for the next gathering!
Venice of America Centennial Park
501 S Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
The Venice of American Centennial Park was opened in 2005 to celebrate the 100th birthday of Venice, CA. The park was originally the location of a former streetcar train station and was the main entry point for folks visiting Venice from DTLA.
Windward Avenue/Plaza/Circle
Around 213 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
At the very westernmost part of the route, you will end up on Windward Ave, where the Windward Circle and Plaza also can be found. Back in the early 1900s, Windward Ave and the circle were once a lagoon with water canals, similar to those of Venice, Italy. It wasn’t until the late 1920s when those canals were filled with concrete to accommodate the automobile. A layout of the Venice canals in Italy can be seen on the ground, painted in blue on the intersection of Windward Ave and Ocean Front Walk.
Venice Sign
Pacific Ave & Windward Ave, 1501 Main St, Venice, CA 90291
What’s a trip to Venice Beach without a photo under the iconic “Venice” sign? Draped across Windward Ave since 1905, this sign serves as an entryway to Venice Beach and was originally constructed to attract people looking for a new place to live.
Venice Skatepark
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Venice Beach is considered to be the birthplace of modern-day skateboarding. Famous skaters such as Tony Alva, Jay Adams, Stacy Peralta, and other Z-Boys pioneered this new way of “surfing” the urban landscape. To pay homage to past skate legends and to inspire a new wave of skaters, Venice Beach created a unique, 16,000-square-foot skatepark right on the beach for all to enjoy.
Muscle Beach Venice Outdoor Gym
1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Since 1963, Muscle Beach has been known as the “Home of Bodybuilding.” Many films have shot scenes here, such as The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006), The Hangover Part II (2011), and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). When it comes to celebrities, the most famous one many think of is former politician and bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger (second from the left), who considers Muscle Beach his home.
Touch of Venice mural by @never1959
21 Windward Ave, Venice, CA 90291
Jonas Never (@never1959) is a well-known Los Angeles-based artist with many works of art throughout the city. His Touch of Venice piece on Windward Ave draws inspiration from Orson Welles’ film Touch of Evil (1958).
Declaration by Mark di Suvero
Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291
Declaration by Mark di Suvero is a public art piece constructed in 2001. This 60-foot-tall steel structure welcomes all to Venice Beach with the beautiful ocean view directly behind.
Venice Beach Drum Circle
End of Venice Beach Boardwalk and Brooks Ave., Venice, CA
Every Saturday and Sunday around noon, like clockwork, people gather in large groups on Venice Beach to dance to the rhythmic beats created by drummers from all around the area.
There's so much history in this area, so as you go about your day, be sure to take in all the beauty and unique sights this route has to offer. Want to learn even more about Venice Beach? Although the Venice Heritage Museum is located off the route, they will be having a booth at the Venice Beach Hub. Swing by to learn more about the history and culture of Venice Beach! In addition, check out this neat list of spots to eat at from our friends over at LAist!
We can't wait to see you all at CicLAvia—Culver City meets Venice on Sunday, August 17th!
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Photo Credits: Josué L. Hervey-Yoo, @martinfeinberg / @culvercityschools, Wikipedia, @madigan_damian, @goldenerathletics, and @connorbodell
