Sunny Burbank, California, has come a long way since its early days as a small ranching community. Today, this vibrant city in LA's San Fernando Valley boasts beautiful parks, diverse shopping opportunities, and vibrant nightlife.
However, Burbank is best known for being the world's film and TV capital, with many entertainment companies headquartered in the area, including Warner Bros., The Walt Disney Company, and NBC Universal.
If you're planning a visit to Burbank, here are some things you don't want to miss.
Key Takeaways
- Go on a Warner Bros. studio tour
- Ride a horse near Griffith Park
- Explore Downtown Burbank
- Hike in the Verdugo Mountains
- Catch a show at the Colony Theatre
- Go thrifting on Magnolia Boulevard
- Stop at Porto’s Bakery for cheese rolls
- Do some retro dining at Bob’s Big Boy
Burbank Arts & Culture
Burbank is a TV and film enthusiast’s mecca, boasting museums, art galleries, and more. Here’s what you can take advantage of:
Studio Tours
Visit Universal Studios to explore famous film sets like "Jaws" and "ET." The studio is accessible via the LA Metro and features exciting rides based on movies like "Jurassic Park," "The Fast & The Furious," and the Harry Potter series.
Another option is the Warner Bros. lot, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at moviemaking. You can take a studio tram ride past lifelike sets where iconic TV shows like "Friends" and "The Big Bang Theory" were filmed.
On the other side of the Hollywood Hills, check out Paramount Pictures and the Sony lot. Here, you can tour the soundstages of large-scale film productions, including "Transformers," "Mission Impossible," and "Spider-Man.”
Most studio tours in Burbank run continuously from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Admission prices are on an average of $50–$100.
Museums
The Burbank Aviation Museum, located near Hollywood Burbank Airport, features a collection of vintage aircraft and aviation memorabilia. Visitors can see an original Lockheed Vega 5B airplane and a replica of the Wright Brothers' 1909 flyer.
In nearby Glendale, the Martial Arts History Museum showcases a collection of artifacts, scrolls, training manuals, and other memorabilia related to kung fu, taekwondo, and other Eastern martial arts.
Minutes away from the martial arts museum, the Burbank Historical Society and Gordon R. Howard Museum is busy restoring and preserving historic homes in the city, including the Victorian-style Mentzer House, constructed in 1887.
Additional Museums In or Near Burbank
The following are some additional museums to visit in or near Burbank:
- Autry Museum of the American West
- Hollywood Heritage Museum
- Museum of Neon Art
- Astronomy exhibits and the planetarium at Griffith Observatory
Each of the attractions above offers unique and fascinating exhibits worth exploring.
Photo by Cory Doctorow via Flickr
Art Galleries
Burbank has a rich history as an entertainment hub, and this is evident in the city's collection of vibrant murals. Visitors can follow a downloadable map to explore these outdoor artworks. Some murals feature characters from famous films, like Darth Vader from "Star Wars" and Marty McFly from "Back to the Future."
The Artplex Gallery, located south of Burbank, sells original paintings, sculptures, and limited-edition prints. It also showcases works by established and emerging artists from around the world. The gallery's clientele includes major film and TV studios such as Disney, Dreamworks, and CBS.
Live Performing Arts
The Colony Theatre Company in Downtown Burbank is a popular venue for plays, musicals, and cabaret shows. It offers stadium-style seating with unobstructed views of the stage from all 268 seats. "Footloose" and "Driving Miss Daisy" were some of the shows produced here over the years.
For additional entertainment in Burbank, consider a visit to the Victory Theatre Center. This venue offers award-winning dramas, comedies, musicals, and children's theater year-round.
Another option is the Garry Marshall Theatre, a 130-seat venue named after the visionary director of box office rom-com hits like "Overboard," "Pretty Woman," and "Runaway Bride."
Where to Catch a Movie in Burbank
Downtown Burbank is home to an AMC complex featuring 16 screens, with additional screens in nearby locations. The complex offers a range of new-release movies and showtimes, making it a great place to catch the latest blockbusters or independent films.
Burbank Outdoor Activities
Burbank’s pleasant year-round weather is a big draw for outdoor enthusiasts. The city offers many scenic trails for hiking or horseback riding and a shaded bikeway lined with beautiful flora and colorful public art. Dog parks, gardens, and recreation centers are also plentiful, providing residents and visitors with a variety of options for outdoor activities.
Burbank Parks
Brace Canyon Park, nestled in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains, offers picturesque walkways through forested areas and well-maintained biking trails. The park is open daily from 5 AM to 10 PM, and you can obtain parking permits online.
Wildwood Canyon Park, also situated in the Verdugo Hills, provides numerous outdoor activities, such as hiking to the top of Mount Verdugo and biking along its trails. On a clear day, the hike to the radio tower at the park's summit offers breathtaking cityscapes of Burbank and Downtown LA.
Verdugo Park in Central Burbank, located on the other side of the I-5 freeway, features an outdoor swimming pool and a jungle gym. It also hosts a summer concert series.
Hiking, Biking, and Horse Trails
Visitors to LA Horse Rentals near Griffith Park can enjoy a 30-minute horseback ride for about 30 bucks. Over 50 miles of trails are available to explore, some offering stunning views of the San Gabriel Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.
Stough Canyon Park in the Verdugo Hills features picnic areas, bouncy castles, and a nature center. Various educational activities, including astronomy and wildlife workshops, are also available. The center is free to access daily, with limited hours on weekends.
For more things to do in Burbank, explore the Chandler Bikeway. This 5.6-mile bike path stretches from the NoHo Arts District to Downtown Burbank. It provides bikers with scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife in the nearby hills and canyons.
Shopping in Burbank
Burbank provides a variety of shopping opportunities. One notable store is the most giant IKEA in North America. This enormous building, painted in blue and yellow, covers 456,000 square feet and is situated on 22 acres near Downtown Burbank. IKEA shoppers can find a wide range of household goods at affordable prices and can enjoy Swedish meatballs at the store's restaurant.
Another must-visit attraction is the Magnolia Park shopping district in central Burbank. The district has a curated collection of boutiques, with vintage shops dominating the Magnolia strip between Hollywood Way and Buena Vista Street.
Yes Baby! Vintage, Playclothes, and The Holding Company are some shops that exude old-school nostalgia on Magnolia Boulevard in Burbank. Other stores that transport shoppers back in time include Bearded Lady Vintage & Oddities, Classic Hardware, and Atomic Records, where VHS tapes, cassettes, and vinyl records are sold at bargain prices.
Burbank Restaurants
Burbank has many outstanding restaurants, but the classics like Bob's Big Boy usually top the list. This retro establishment is a local favorite known for its double-deck burgers and decadent handmade milkshakes.
Another long-standing haunt is Smoke House, located at 4420 Lakeside Drive. Established in 1946, this cozy restaurant features dim lighting, red leather booths, and live music on weekends. Its succulent steak cuts paired with buttered baked potatoes are a delight for the palate.
For a more casual Italian meal, head to Pinocchio Restaurant on the Magnolia strip. Also known as Monte Carlo Deli, you can enjoy delicious pasta dishes, many of which are priced under $12.
If you're in the mood for breakfast, Bea Bea's at the Lakeside Shopping Center offers a creative menu with pancakes in innovative flavors like green tea, Thai tea, and S'mores.
Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, make sure to catch Porto's on West Magnolia Boulevard. This Cuban bakery, serving the community since 1959, is renowned for its cream pies, flan, and guava cheese pastries. Heads up: Porto’s can get super busy sometimes, so don’t be surprised if there’s a line out the door. But trust us, the delicious pastries are worth the wait!
Burbank Nightlife
Whether you want to enjoy a wide selection of beers, catch a comedy show, or attend an outdoor performance, Burbank has plenty of options for a fun night out.
In the lively downtown area of Burbank, you can visit Story Tavern, Barney's Beanery, and Yard House for a great selection of beers, pub food, and chili specialties.
Comedy fans can head to Flappers Comedy Club in Downtown Burbank. This popular venue offers shows seven days a week, ensuring a night full of laughter. Some world-class celebrity headliners have included Kevin Hart, Whitney Cummings, Tom Segura, Taylor Tomlinson, and more.
If you're looking for live outdoor performances, check out the Starlight Bowl in the Verdugo Hills. This 5,000-seat amphitheater puts on Broadway musicals, comedy shows, symphonies, and more.
Right next to the Starlight Bowl, perched on the Verdugo Mountains, you'll find Castaway Restaurant. This fine-dining steakhouse is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a singular Burbank experience. The dining terrace features spectacular views of the Burbank skyline and the San Gabriel Mountains.
For live music, head to The Blue Room, Inkwell Tavern, and Over Under Public House, all within walking distance from each other in Downtown Burbank. Heading west, additional dives like Risky Business, The Bullet Bar, and The Good Nite on Burbank Boulevard offer pool tables and karaoke machines for a fun night out.
Making the Most of Your Burbank Experience
Of LA’s diverse neighborhoods and cities, Burbank stands out for its old-school nostalgia, TV and film spirit, and close-up views of the Verdugo Mountains. The ranch vibe, featuring horse trails and equestrian centers, adds to the city’s charm, making it a unique blend of entertainment industry flair and rustic appeal.
To make the most of your experience in Burbank, be sure to check out the local studios, visit the unique shops and restaurants, and explore the city's scenic trails and bikeways.
If you're in need of travel products, visit the Gravel store to discover top-rated toiletry bags, travel blankets, and more. Also, explore the rest of our blog for additional travel tips and tricks.
See you in Burbank! ☀️📽️🎭🚵🏇✨
