Car rental ok?

Question

All,

DH and I will be in Culver City for 4 days in May and we would like to know if it's safe to rent a car? I've only been to outskirt of LA a few years ago (went to Little Tokyo for lunch on the way to San Diego) and it was kinda sketchy there, although thankfully our car was not broken into. Or should we just uber it everywhere?

We will only be out and about in the late afternoon / early evening as we need to work in the morning through mid afternoon. So I'm weighing the freedom of having a car vs the hassle of finding parking, worrying about whether I park at a safe location, cost of parking, traffic, etc.

Thank you!

Answer

Renting a car in Culver City is generally safe and can offer you a lot of flexibility, especially if you plan to explore areas outside the immediate downtown or want to visit nearby attractions like Santa Monica, Venice Beach, or even Hollywood in the evenings. Culver City itself is a fairly safe and walkable neighborhood, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment within a short drive or ride.

Here are some considerations for renting a car versus relying on rideshare:

Safety: Culver City is safer than some areas of downtown LA, but like any city, certain streets can be less secure at night. Parking in well-lit, secure lots or garages is recommended. Avoid leaving valuables visible in the car.
Parking: Parking in Culver City is generally manageable. Many restaurants and attractions have their own lots or validated parking. Street parking exists but can be limited in busier areas, especially in the evening.
Traffic: Evening traffic is typically lighter than rush hour, but LA traffic can still be unpredictable. Apps like Google Maps or Waze help navigate and estimate travel times.
Cost: Rental fees, insurance, and parking costs can add up. Weigh this against the convenience and potential multiple Uber/Lyft rides each evening.
Flexibility: With a car, you can explore areas beyond walking distance, like the beach, Griffith Park, or other LA neighborhoods, without relying on rideshare availability or waiting times.

Rideshare is an alternative if you prefer to avoid parking hassles and don’t plan on venturing far. It’s convenient for evening outings and ensures you won’t have to worry about traffic navigation or safety while driving at night.

Uber/Lyft are widely available in Culver City and surrounding neighborhoods, usually with short wait times in the evening.
Costs for multiple trips can add up, especially if you plan to visit several areas each night, so budgeting ahead is helpful.
You’ll avoid the stress of finding parking and navigating unfamiliar streets after work.

Recommendation: If your evenings will mostly involve a few nearby outings, rideshare may be the easiest and most relaxed option. If you want to explore more widely or have flexibility to change plans spontaneously, renting a car is perfectly fine as long as you park in secure, well-lit areas and keep valuables out of sight. Many visitors successfully rent cars in Culver City without incident and enjoy the freedom it provides.