Often called the Media Capital of the World and only a few miles northeast of Hollywood, numerous media and entertainment companies are headquartered and have significant production facilities in Burbank, including Warner Brothers Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, Nickelodeon Animation Studio, The Burbank Studios, and Cartoon Network Studios. But Burbank is more than a media capital, the best things to do in Burbank include outdoor activities, shopping, trendy neighborhoods and studio tours.
One of the main attractions in Burbank is the Warner Brothers Studio Tour. You should set aside about three hours for the tour which starts in the studio’s 110-acre backlot. In the backlot you’ll see sets used in hundreds of films and TV shows, including classics such as Casablanca and Rebel Without a Cause and TV series ranging from The Dukes of Hazzard and ER to The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The second part of the tour features the Prop Department and the Archive, a two-floor collection of memorabilia and antiques from Hollywood’s golden era. The tour ends with the self-guided section called Stage 48: Script to Screen, which features a look at the complete production process. The interactive soundstage offers guests the chance to try their hand at acting and to re-enact a scene from the legendary sitcom Friends.”
The Griffith Observatory is located right next to Burbank in the Griffith Park. At the Observatory visitors can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. The Griffith Observatory is situated on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood. It commands a view of the Los Angeles Basin including Downtown Los Angeles to the southeast, Hollywood to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the southwest. The observatory is a popular tourist attraction with a close view of the Hollywood Sign and an extensive array of space and science-related displays.
Magnolia Park is a trendy neighborhood located in Burbank, known for its vintage shops, eclectic boutiques, and local restaurants. It’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon shopping, dining, and exploring. Some popular shops in the area include The Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum, which features an assortment of oddities and curiosities, and It’s a Wrap, which sells clothing worn by actors on TV shows and movies.
When it comes to dining, Magnolia Park has a variety of options to choose from. Porto’s Bakery & Cafe is a local favorite, serving up delicious pastries, sandwiches, and Cuban-inspired cuisine. If you like Thai Food, check out My Little Home Thai Kitchen, which is a local favorite. And if you’re in the mood for something sweet, head over for some doughnuts at The Donut Hut, for a treat.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, head over to Wildwood Canyon Park for a peaceful hike. This beautiful park offers several trails of varying difficulty levels, making it a great destination for both beginner and experienced hikers. The trails are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and canyons.
One of the most popular trails in the park is the Wildwood Canyon Trail, which is a 2.5-mile loop with a moderate difficulty level. Along the way, you’ll pass by a waterfall, several streams, and even a cave. Keep an eye out for the local wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and various bird species.
Rounding out the list of the Best Things to do in Burbank, is the Hollywood Sign! A short drive from Burbank, the Hollywood Sign is a LA cultural icon. The sign can be reached via a trail and offers a great view of Los Angeles. Visitors can hike to the sign via the Brush Canyon Trail. This is a 6.4-mile hike through Griffith Park that summits Mount Lee. As you arrive at the top you’ll be just above the sign. This route gains 1,050 feet of elevation over fire roads, and the last mile is actually paved.
To find out more about Pasadena, San Marino and other areas close to Burbank see Best Things to do in Pasadena.