Located approximately 10 miles north of downtown LA, San Fernando Valley suburb Burbank is home to famous production studios, great restaurants, and shopping, high-end boutiques and hotels.
Things to Do
1. Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Live like a celebrity for a day by scoring Warner Brothers Studio Tour passes for a behind-the-scenes look of famous movies and television shows and a look at film crews in action. Tours lead guests through back lots, sound stages and more.
2. Griffith Park Horse Rentals
Located within the Burbank boundary of the park, Griffith Park Horse Rentals offers a unique way to explore LA’s natural treasure. Rides leave frequently 8 am to 6 pm (last ride is 5 pm Nov. to Feb.) for $25 an hour. A sunset ride to a Mexican Restaurant is available every evening with at least two riders and after-hours rides are also available.
3. Flapper’s Comedy Club
Flapper’s Comedy Club is home to the all-star lineup of comics and features performances almost every night.
Where to Shop
1. Free Bird Boutique
Filled with handmade pieces and one-of-a-kind vintage finds, Free Bird Boutique is one of Burbank’s most popular shops for the girl looking to add a little flair to her wardrobe. With reasonable prices and endless options, a visit to Free Bird is an absolute must.
2. Playclothes
Who needs time travel when a visit to Playclothes can do the transporting? With vintage clothing collections from the 1930s, 40s and so on, Playclothes is the ultimate playground for vintage collectors and antique enthusiasts.
3. Burbank Town Center
For a more convenient shopping experience, the Burbank Town Center features more than 150 options, with national retailers, an AMC movie theater and restaurants. Parking is easy with a free parking garage adjacent to the mall.
Where to Eat
1. Umami Burger
The popular regional burger chain, Umami Burger, has expanded to Burbank with several tasty burger options (the truffle burger and the hatch burger are among favorites) and side orders to excite the fanciest of foodies (think tempura onion rings and house pickles).
2. Commonwealth
Commonwealth restaurant and wine bar offer small plates inspired by flavors from all over the world. Menu must-haves include shrimp dumplings, grilled octopus and Brussels sprouts and the Commonwealth chopped.
3. The Smoke House Restaurant
The Smoke House Restaurant in Burbank is a hidden gem, thanks to its warm and homey vibe, live music and world-famous garlic bread. Situated next to the Warner Brothers Studio lot, the Smoke House was built in 1946 and has since been a stomping ground for movie industry types and some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. The menu has steakhouse favorites (think Porterhouse Steak and Rib Eye) and 20 side dish offerings.
4. The Castaway
Surrounded by the De Bell Course, the Castaway is a great stop during or after a round of golf or for a casual midweek date. With more than 50 years in operation, the Castaway is best known for two things: their cocktails and their view. For the best Castaway experience, snag a seat on the patio and sip on a signature cocktail—the 1944 Mai Tai and Wild Berry Mojito are favorites.
5. Bob’s Big Boy
A meal at Bob’s Big Boy is more than just bacon and eggs. This California landmark and dining institution, known for its breakfast and a long list of menu items, was built in 1949 and is the oldest remaining Bob’s Big Boy restaurant in the country. Designed by architect Wayne McAllister, Bob’s Big Boy is a throwback to the birth of car culture with a circular car drive-through (not in operation) and the automotive industry’s chrome and steel past.
Drinks
1. Coffee Commissary
Tackle that much-needed pick-me-up with a freshly brewed cup of coffee courtesy of Coffee Commissary, a hip coffee haven with hand-drip coffee and pulled espresso.
2. Corner Bar
The Corner Bar is a quintessential dive bar, perfect for an after-work cocktail or draft beer or a break from shopping. This neighborhood favorite has a few special touches, including a juke box, outdoor patio, and karaoke.
3. Tinhorn Flats
Home to outlandish burger combinations and saloon specials (think $4 fireball shots on Mondays and Taco Tuesdays), Tinhorn Flats is quickly becoming a staple for after-work drinks and delicious eats. The restaurant’s décor and ambiance make patrons feel as though they have just walked into an old Texan saloon—a saloon that offers an extensive list of burgers and beer offerings, that is.
4. Tony’s Darts Away
If there’s a bar more committed to California’s burgeoning micro-brew scene, we haven’t found it. Visitors to Tony’s Darts Away won’t find a beer bottle or can and the only thing on tap is a beer brewed in the Golden State. The bar prides itself on a “low-waste” environment—saving the world, one draught beer at a time.
Where to Sleep
1. Hotel Amarano
Catch up on some serious Zs at Burbank’s one-and-only luxurious boutique hotel. Whether the choice is to relax poolside or at the library lounge, a stay at Hotel Amarano is highly recommended.
2. Safari Inn Hotel
A hotel with history, the Safari Inn Hotel is a true Burbank landmark inspired by old Hollywood and all its charm. Built-in 1955, the Safari Inn’s retro design signage is 1950s kitsch with up-to-date amenities in its 55 rooms and an outdoor swimming pool, fitness facility and complimentary shuttle service to Bob Hope Airport.
3. Tangerine Hotel
Situated in the heart of Burbank, Tangerine Hotel is ideal for travelers looking for a centrally located stomping ground, minutes away from landmarks such as Warner Brothers Studios and Universal Studios. With just 30 hotel rooms, the accommodations are quaint and lovely at Tangerine, with amenities that include a heated pool, complimentary coffee and espresso, and free parking.