Burbank Travel Guide

Plan your next trip to Burbank with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Burbank

Burbank is a city nestled in the foothills of the Verdugo Mountains in San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles. Known as the “Media Capital of the World,” Burbank is home to popular television and film studios such as Warner Bros. Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios, and NBC Universal. The city also offers a wide variety of attractions, including cultural landmarks, natural wonders, and outdoor adventures.

List of Places to Visit in Burbank

Burbank has something for everyone, and there are plenty of places to explore in the city. Here are our top picks:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Autry Museum of the American West: A museum dedicated to the culture, history, and art of the American West.
  • Burbank Aviation Museum: A museum that showcases the rich aviation history of Burbank.
  • Burbank Historical Society Gordon R. Howard Museum: A museum that preserves the history of Burbank and the surrounding areas.
  • Stough Canyon Nature Center: A nature center that provides educational programs on the ecology of the Verdugo Mountains.

Natural Attractions of Burbank: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • DeBell Golf Course: A public golf course that offers stunning views of the San Fernando Valley.
  • Los Angeles Equestrian Center: An equestrian facility that offers horseback riding lessons and trail rides.
  • Wildwood Canyon Park: A park that offers hiking trails and scenic views of Burbank.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Burbank

Burbank is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts who love to hike or bike. Here are some popular trails:

  • Stough Canyon Nature Center: The Stough Canyon Nature Center offers several hiking trails that range in difficulty.
  • Wildwood Canyon Park: The park offers several hiking trails that are suitable for all levels of hikers.
  • Burbank Chandler Bikeway: A 2.2-mile paved bike path that runs from Mariposa Street to North Valley Street.

Best Things to Do in Burbank: Activities and Tours

Burbank offers a variety of activities for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: A tour where visitors can explore behind the scenes of popular TV shows and movies.
  • Walt Disney Studios Tour: A tour that takes visitors through the history and production of Disney movies and television shows.
  • Hollywood Sign Viewing: Visitors can view the iconic Hollywood sign from several locations in Burbank.

Week-Long Itinerary for Burbank

Here’s a suggested week-long itinerary for visitors to Burbank:

Day Activity
Day 1 Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Day 2 Los Angeles Equestrian Center Horseback Riding
Day 3 Burbank Aviation Museum
Day 4 Wildwood Canyon Park Hiking
Day 5 Walt Disney Studios Tour
Day 6 Stough Canyon Nature Center
Day 7 Hollywood Sign Viewing

Food and Drink Scene of Burbank

Burbank has a thriving food and drink scene, with plenty of restaurants and bars to explore. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bob’s Big Boy Burgers: A classic diner that has been serving burgers and milkshakes since 1936.
  • Porto’s Bakery & Café: A Cuban bakery that offers delicious pastries and sandwiches.
  • Smoke House Restaurant: A traditional American restaurant that has been serving steaks and seafood since 1946.

Local Beverages

  • Golden Road Brewing: A local brewery that offers a variety of craft beers.
  • Tony’s Dart’s Away: A bar that specializes in local craft beer.
  • The Woodman: A gastropub with a wide selection of beer and cocktails.

Where to Stay in Burbank: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Burbank offers a range of accommodation options for visitors. Here are some top picks:

  • The Tangerine: A retro-style hotel with a pool and stylish rooms.
  • Hotel Amarano: A luxurious hotel with a pool and spa.
  • Charm Guest House: A charming guest house with a garden and comfortable rooms.

What to Buy in Burbank: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Burbank has a variety of local products and souvenirs that are perfect for taking home. Here are some ideas:

  • Warner Bros. Studio Store: A store that offers merchandise from popular TV shows and movies.
  • The Burbank Farmer’s Market: A market that offers fresh produce and handmade goods from local vendors.
  • Magnolia Park: A shopping district that offers a variety of boutique stores and antique shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Burbank

Burbank is a friendly and welcoming city, with a diverse population. Visitors should be respectful of local customs and traditions, and should take the time to learn about the city’s history and culture.

Best Time to Visit Burbank

Burbank has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The best time to visit is in the spring, when the weather is mild and the flowers are in bloom. Fall is also a great time to visit, as the temperatures are cooler and the foliage is beautiful.

Do’s and Don’ts of Burbank

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Burbank:

Do:

  • Do explore the city’s cultural attractions, such as the Autry Museum and the Burbank Aviation Museum.
  • Do take a studio tour, such as the Warner Bros. Studio Tour or the Walt Disney Studios Tour.
  • Do try the local cuisine, such as Bob’s Big Boy Burgers and Porto’s Bakery & Café.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash in public areas.
  • Don’t ignore local customs and traditions.
  • Don’t trespass on private property.

Safety and Health

Safety in Burbank

Burbank is a safe city, but visitors should take precautions such as locking their car doors and being aware of their surroundings. The city has a low crime rate, but visitors should take usual safety measures as they would in any other city.

Health in Burbank

Burbank has several hospitals and medical facilities, including Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and Motion Picture & Television Fund Hospital. Visitors should have health insurance and be aware of the location of these facilities in case of an emergency.

Getting to Burbank: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Burbank

  • Hollywood Burbank Airport: The closest airport to Burbank, located less than 5 miles from the city center.
  • Los Angeles International Airport: A larger airport that is located approximately 30 miles from Burbank.

Bus Stations Near Burbank

  • Burbank Station: A Metrolink station that offers train service to the surrounding areas.
  • Burbank Bus Terminal: A bus station that offers service within the city and to surrounding areas.

Other Options

  • Car rentals: Car rentals are available at the airports and within the city.
  • Ride-sharing services: Ride-sharing services such as Uber and Lyft are available in Burbank.

How to Get Around in Burbank

Burbank is a walkable city, but visitors may also want to explore other transportation options. Here are some ways to get around:

  • Bus: The city offers several bus routes that operate throughout the day.
  • Bicycle: Burbank has several bike lanes and paths, and visitors can rent bikes from local shops.
  • Car rentals: Car rentals are available within the city.

Where to Go Next from Burbank: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Burbank is located near several popular destinations, including:

  • Los Angeles: Just a short drive from Burbank, Los Angeles is home to several popular attractions such as the Getty Center and the Griffith Observatory.
  • Santa Monica: A beachfront city that offers a variety of shops and restaurants, Santa Monica is located approximately 25 miles from Burbank.
  • Malibu: A coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and scenic views, Malibu is located approximately 35 miles from Burbank.

Conclusion

Burbank has something for everyone, from cultural attractions and natural wonders to outdoor adventures and entertainment. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors can plan the perfect trip to this charming city.

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