Things to do in Baldwin Hills and Crenshaw

I can’t believe it has taken me 28 years to explore all the things to do in Baldwin Hills and Crenshaw! Conveniently located near areas you probably frequent regularly (like West Hollywood or Culver City) these two adjacent neighborhoods have a ton of flavor, fauna, and folklore, just to mention a few!

Baldwin Hills CA is an affluent hillside community with spectacular views of central LA in one direction and the ocean in the other.

FUN FACT: Baldwin Hills hosted the athletes during the 1932 Los Angeles Olympic Games!

Many of its residents have been living there for several decades, but like most areas of Los Angeles, gentrification is playing its part. Home prices continue to rise and apartments that were once affordable on a middle class salary, are now catering to the influx of Silicon Beach renters.

Use this guide to find the best grubs and things to do in Baldwin Hills Crenshaw for a unique weekend experience.

Things to Do in Baldwin Hills and Crenshaw

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

If this sector of LA is known for anything, it’s the Baldwin Stairs and Scenic Overlook. Many locals will get their morning workout in by running up and down the stairs. A fair warning though, this is NOT for the faint of heart. The picture below does not do justice to how steep and long these stairs are!

You can also drive up to the top and thank your lucky stars that you don’t look as miserable climbing up the mountain as your counterparts. There’s a nature center at the top of the lookout describing the history of the surrounding areas.

Leimert Park

Leimert Park is known for being the center of historical and contemporary African-American art, music, and culture. The gorgeous tree-lined streets feature Spanish Colonial style homes, some of which date back to the 1930’s.

The neighborhood’s developer Walter Leimert, actually commissioned Frederick Olmstead (the man who designed Central Park in New York City) to design the layout for Leimert Park. It was considered a model of urban planning in the early 1930’s, as it served the community of upper and middle-class income families

While exploring the neighborhood, make sure to stop by the Vision Theater. What was once one of Los Angeles’ premiere music theaters, it suffered through some hard times in the early 1990’s recession and was foreclosed. Now, after a couple decades, the theater is finally undergoing some renovations and will reopen in 2020.

Museum of African American Art

After wandering around Leimert Park, pay a visit to the Museum of African American Art on the 3rd floor of the Macy’s department store in the Crenshaw Shopping Center. The museum’s unique art space showcases exhibits with the workings of emerging and world-renowned artists. The museum is open from 12-5pm Thursday through Sunday.

STAR Eco Station

On the border of Culver City and Baldwin Hills, right at the base of the Baldwin Stairs is the STAR Eco Station. The environmental museum/exotic wildlife rescue center offers tours and exhibits of 200+ birds, reptiles and other endangered animals. You’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with Lulu the Bobcat (pictured below) and even hold some slithery reptiles.

Tours are only offered on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm, on the hour. Adult tickets are $8 and children are $6. Call ahead to book a spot as space is limited.

Kenneth Hahn State Park

End your day in Baldwin Hills and Crenshaw by exploring Kenneth Hahn State Park. Grab some food for a picnic or put on your sneakers for a sunset hike. The recreation area, tucked into the hills off of La Cienaga Blvd, has barbecues, lake fishing, athletic fields, and miles of hiking trails.

Where to Eat in Baldwin Hills and Crenshaw

Brooklyn Deli

5 Stars on YELP isn’t something you gain lightly. Any business owner or foodie alike knows that a restaurant must continue to deliver a delicious product and impeccable service to hold a 5-star review.

Brooklyn Deli has indeed achieved this and I can honestly say that Remmi’s Favorite is one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever tasted. Its flavorful mixture of maple turkey, honey mustard, sweet wheat bread, and all the staple condiments might sound a bit crazy at first, but I assure you every bite will stimulate all 5 sensory tastes. Other great choices include Hakeem’s Favorite, Jamaica Bay, and Sunny’s Favorite.

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Brooklyn Deli is currently is the process of opening a new location, so they are available for catering and delivery in the meantime.

Dulan’s On Crenshaw

Dulan’s On Crenshaw specializes in Southern home cooking. For over 25 years, they have been serving the best soul food in Los Angeles with recipes passed down through the generations. ​​

Southern Girl Desserts

Catarah and Shoneji noticed a need for some Southern flavors in Los Angeles, so they brought their love of baking and family recipes straight from Florida. They even won Food Network’s ‘Cupcake Challenge’ and received a $10,000 grant! Visit Southern Girl Desserts on the 1st floor of the Crenshaw Shopping Center.

Washington West Culver City is conveniently located just West of Baldwin Hills. This is another unique and upcoming neighborhood of Los Angeles that you should definitely take a day to explore.

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