Most people don’t know this, but I come from Hollywood lineage with a long history rooted in Burbank. My Grandma was iconic actress Debbie Reynolds. As a result, Burbank has always had a special place in my heart.
So when I recently had the opportunity to spend two days exploring Burbank, I jumped at the chance. Located in Los Angeles County, and often referred to as the ‘media capital of the world,’ Burbank is famous for its star-filled neighborhoods, unique boutiques, and old Hollywood charm.
Based on my experience, here’s my ultimate guide to Burbank with the best attractions, boutiques, hotels, restaurants, hidden gems, and more.
My Burbank Experience
First off, let me tell you a little story about how Debbie Reynolds became the actress we all know and love. Formerly Mary Francis Reynolds, she moved to Burbank, California, in 1939 with her family.
When she was a 16-year-old student at Burbank High School in 1948, she won the Miss Burbank beauty contest. Soon after, she was offered a contract with Warner Brothers and was given the stage name “Debbie” by studio head Jack L. Warner.
Even though Debbie Reynolds went on to become one of the most loved actresses of her generation, she always stayed deeply attached to Burbank and always thought of it as home. She kept a house in Burbank her entire life, where I spent many childhood holidays.
She also opened her famous Debbie Reynolds Dance Studio in North Hollywood in 1979, where Michael Jackson rehearsed “Thriller” and John Travolta and Olivia Newton John worked on “Grease.”
A couple of weeks ago I spent two days in Burbank and I felt instantly transported back in time for so many reasons. Part of this feeling was my nostalgia, but much of it was Burbank itself.
Burbank is very much a place where old Hollywood meets the modern world. In an era where “instant gratification takes too long,” (as my aunt, Carrie Fisher, used to say), Burbank invites you to slow down.
When you stroll the streets of Burbank, you can’t help but wonder which iconic movie star once walked the same path – before heading to shoot the next big movie that would shape our culture.
There is undeniable magic that surrounds so much history, steeped in the iconic movie industry. When you come and experience Burbank for yourself, you’ll feel it and know exactly what I mean.
Where I stayed In Burbank
Inspired by the glamour and spirit of Old Hollywood, Hotel Amarano is a luxury boutique hotel that effortlessly blends vintage and modern – where old Hollywood meets new Burbank.
Hotel Amarano offers laid-back privacy and sophistication. On the walls, you will see vintage photographs from old movie sets. On the menu at their upscale FYC Bar & Kitchen, you’ll see new-age, hand-crafted cocktails.
Located in an ideal spot for exploring the best of Burbank, Hotel Amarano is luxurious without being pretentious. It’s also an understated hidden gem, making it a favorite of celebrities, who enjoy drinking and dining at FYC.
Hotel Amarano was named top 20 Los Angeles Hotels by the Condé Naste Readers’s Choice awards – and it’s easy to see why. I spent one night at Hotel Amarano and my only complaint is that my stay was not long enough.
My room was well-appointed, tastefully decorated, and spotlessly clean. My dinner at FYC was excellent. And the champagne breakfast I was treated to in the morning made me feel like royalty.
I would definitely stay at Hotel Amarano again, and I highly suggest it as an ideal hotel to book as your home base for exploring the best of Burbank.
The Best Hotels In Burbank
Burbank has its own unique character. I have narrowed down the best accommodation options to suit all styles, budgets, and location preferences and organized them by luxury, mid-range, and budget to help you choose the best hotel for your group trip, solo trip, or family getaway.
Independent Boutique Properties
- Hotel Amarano – Located within walking distance of the Warner Bros Studio, this luxury hotel is perfectly located for exploring the city. As I mentioned above I stayed here and loved it.
- Coast Anabelle Hotel – Complete with rooms with kitchenettes, suites, deluxe king rooms and superior rooms, this hotel is great for a solo, family, or a girls trip. It is within walking distance of Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros Studio. This hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, free self-parking and a free area shuttle.
- The Tangerine – A Burbank Hotel – Just two-minute walk from Warner Bros Studio, this hotel is a perfect base for enjoying what Burbank has to offer. The hotel has rooms which can sleep up to four people, along with a heated outdoor pool, a terrace, a hair salon and free breakfast.
- Hotel Burbank – This hotel is located in Downtown Burbank, in a walkable area of the city. The hotel has a swimming pool with sun loungers, a terrace, a garden, a free roundtrip airport shuttle, and an electric car charging station.
- Safari Inn, a Coast Hotel – This hotel is a great option if you are looking for a hotel with cooking and kitchen facilities. Some rooms contain a full kitchen with a dining area and can sleep between two and four people.
Mid-range Burbank Hotels
- SpringHill Suites Los Angeles Burbank – Located on San Fernando Boulevard, this hotel has studio rooms, king rooms and rooms that can sleep up to five people. It is located in the business district close to the airport, Warner Bros Studio, and Universal Studios Hollywood.
- Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Burbank – Located just a five-minute drive from Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros Studio, this hotel is in a great location to move around the area. The hotel has a mixture of one-bedroom suites, king rooms and two queen rooms.
- Best Western Plus Media Center Inn and Suites – This hotel has 68 rooms, including rooms with two queen beds, a king bedroom and multiple room and bed suites. It also has an outdoor swimming pool, free self-parking and continental breakfast.
- Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles Burbank Downtown – Located on Ikea Way, this hotel is a short drive or walk from the area’s main attractions. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, barbecue grills and self-parking.
- Hilton Garden Inn Burbank – Complete with rooms that sleep up to four people in two queen beds, this hotel is a great choice for a girl’s getaway or family trip to the city.
- Cambria Hotel Burbank – Located on N San Fernando Blvd, this hotel is a short drive from nearby attractions. This hotel has modern and light rooms with big floor-to-ceiling windows and rooms which can sleep up to four people. The hotel has an onsite American restaurant, a rooftop terrace and a library.
- Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport – This pet-friendly hotel has three restaurants and two outdoor swimming pools and is connected to the Burbank Convention Center. It offers three room types, including king rooms, rooms with two double beds, and one-bedroom executive suites.
Budget Burbank Hotels
- Portofino Inn Burbank – Complete with free self-parking, luggage storage and free in-room wifi. The hotel is close to the Los Angeles Equestrian Center and Warner Brothers Studio.
- Quality Inn Burbank Airport – With 59 rooms, this hotel offers a variety of options, including business rooms, accessible rooms, suites that can sleep four people, and high-speed internet.
- Travelodge by Wyndham Burbank – This budget hotel is just a two-minute drive from Warner Bros Studio and a four-minute drive from Walt Disney Studios. Room options include queen and king beds.
- Ramada by Wyndham Burbank Airport – This hotel is just a short drive from the area’s local attractions. It offers three room options: king beds with a sofa bed, king beds with sofa beds, and rooms with two queen beds.
- Burbank Inn and Suites – Located on W Alameda Avenue, this Burbank hotel is located just a five-minute drive from Walt Disney Studios and Warner Bros Studio. It also features an outdoor swimming pool and free self parking.
- Extended Stay America Suites Los Angeles Burbank Airport – This budget airport hotel is a great budget option while still being close to all of the local attractions. It has 140 rooms, complete with air conditioning, free breakfast and free wifi.
14 Fun Things To Do In Burbank, California
There are so many fun things to do in Burbank! You can hike (or horseback ride) to the Hollywood sign, explore the sets of your favorite movies and television shows, take a helicopter tour over the Hollywood Hills, visit iconic backlots, and enjoy Burbank’s vibrant Downtown shopping and food scene.
Burbank is home to over 1,000 media and entertainment companies, including Walt Disney Studios, Warner Bros Studio, Cartoon Network, Netflix, and Nickelodeon. You can be a part of a show or see your favorite TV or film sets at Warner Bros Studio or Universal Studios Hollywood; it’s a film and TV lover’s paradise.
This is by no means an extensive list of what Burbank has to offer, but here are 14 fun things to do in Burbank to get you started.
1) Take a Warner Bros Studio Tour
On a Warner Bros Studio tour, you can go behind the scenes of one of the most famous movie studios in the world. You might be able to see and experience actual filming taking place during the tour.
Warner Bros Studio features backlots, the famous Friends fountain, the Central Perk set, The Big Bang Theory sets and many more studio lots. I did this tour during my recent visit to Burbank and I loved it.
As soon as you step onto this expansive 110-acre lot you can’t help but get caught up in the magic of being in the very place where so many of your favorite shows and movies were made over the years.
During our tour, our guide pointed out a building that Debbie Reynolds used for dance practice when she was filming at Warner Bros. So I of course had to jump off the golf cart to snap a quick photo. I was now standing in the exact place my grandma rehearsed along with so many other iconic actors and actresses. What a special experience!
2) Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a legendary studio back lot and theme park filled with incredible rides and shows, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World.
3) Explore the Los Angeles Equestrian Center
The Los Angeles Equestrian Center is a world-class horse show and banquet facility with international equestrian events including William Shatner’s annual Hollywood Charity Horse Show and Equestfest.
They hold events throughout the year and they also have film sets.
4) World Famous West Coast Customs
You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the world-famous West Coast Customs, a luxury automotive retail center with its own TV show and celebrity clientele.
5) Visit LA Zoo
Located next door to Burbank is LA Zoo, LA’s premiere zoo. Here, you can see your favorite animals, learn about wildlife conservation, and enjoy a day in the beautiful outdoors.
6) Go Vintage Shopping In Magnolia Park
Peruse the quirky boutiques, antique shops, vintage clothing, and chic eateries that line the streets in Magnolia Park. I started my day in Burbank at Magnolia Park, having coffee at Three Sister’s Coffee and Tea, followed by window shopping at Tansy, an incredible plant boutique and home goods store.
I also suggest stopping by Audrey K. Boutique, Run Out Groove Records, and Little Nelly (pictured below).
7) Snap Photos at Mural Walk
Snap selfies with the Caped Crusader when you visit the 7 ft tall bronze Batman statue in Downtown Burbank, tagging #BurbankBatman and Wonder Woman in the Media District, tagging #BurbankWonderWoman. Then, continue the Mural Walk.
8) Play Golf At Debell Golf Club
Set against a stunning natural backdrop in the hills above Burbank, the Par 71 PGA DeBell Golf Club delivers the most challenging yet affordable 5,600 yards of 18-hole golf in the LA region.
9) Take An Orbic Air Helicopter Tour
For the most unforgettable helicopter experiences over LA, book a private helicopter tour with Orbic Air at the Hollywood Burbank Airport.
10) Filmed In Burbank
Movies and TV shows are produced in Burbank all year around – and everywhere you look are famous film locations. Recreate your own famous scenes here.
11) Go To A TV Show Taping
Witness a piece of television history in the making by becoming a live TV show audience member. You can check out what is currently available on Visit Burbank.
12) Explore Downtown Burbank
Check out the flagship AMC Burbank 16, the largest IKEA in North America, Burbank Town Center, signature events, acclaimed murals, and 600 shops and restaurants.
Don’t miss Artelice Patisserie for the best macarons – even better than in Paris! I don’t even particularly like macarons and these were honestly so good I could not stop eating them!
13) Take A Day Trip
Burbank’s location makes it a great base for a day trip from the city. If you’re based in Burbank for your vacation, excellent day trip options to consider include: Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Pasadena, Santa Monica, Malibu, Santa Barbara, Disneyland, Joshua Tree, and Palm Springs.
14) Escape The Hustle & Bustle
If you are visiting Los Angeles, or if you live in LA in a different neighborhood, I highly suggest taking a day trip into Burbank to relax, unwind, and travel back in time.
Burbank is very much a place where old Hollywood meets the modern world. Especially in Magnolia Park, it feels like you have traveled backward 20 years – in the best possible way.
If you visit Burbank mid-week during shoulder season (spring or fall) you’ll likely be welcomed by significantly fewer people on the streets and far fewer cars than most other places in LA.
Spend a few hours in Burbank strolling around, soaking up the feeling of stepping back in time, to the days when life was simpler and more carefree.
The Best Tours To Take In Burbank
Burbank and Los Angeles both offer an array of fun tours for exploring the area including studio tours, theme parks, and helicopter tours. Here are four great tour options for your trip to Burbank:
- Experience the magic of Hollywood with a Warner Bros Studio tour in Burbank. Hang out with your friends on the Central Perk couch and explore behind the scenes of your beloved shows.
- Enjoy an action-packed day at Universal Studios Hollywood, the world’s largest movie studio and theme park. With a VIP tour, you can get exclusive access to VIP areas and skip the long lines for all attractions.
- Experience the neon-lit atmosphere of the Sunset Strip, Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Walk of Fame, and more on a guided tour that showcases Hollywood’s lively after-dark culture.
- Enjoy a private helicopter tour and take in the stunning views of Beverly Hills and Hollywood, including a flyby of the iconic Hollywood Sign.
Best Restaurants In Burbank
Burbank has hundreds of fantastic dining options, with must-try local dishes, new dining options, and famous long-time favorites. Here are my suggestions for 10 of the best restaurants in Burbank.
- FYC Bar and Kitchen – Located within the Amarano Hotel, FYC Bar and Kitchen takes you back to old Hollywood and the studio ranches of Burbank. It offers a modern interpretation of California’s fresh contemporary cuisine and craft cocktails.
- Yakumi Sushi – This Japanese restaurant has a new design concept that combines stylish décor and premium sushi. Yakumi (sushi pictured below), resembles the trendy Japanese shops often found in Tokyo’s neighborhoods. I ate here and the sushi was excellent. I would highly recommend stopping by Yakumi for lunch.
- Artelice Patisserie – Every item on the Artelice Patisserie menu is perfectly handcrafted to the smallest detail. From cheesecakes to chocolates, macarons, tarts, and croissants, all made with fresh European ingredients. I am not a big fan or macarons and these were exceptional. I have had macarons all over the world including Paris and these were by far the best I have ever had. Artelice Patisserie is a must-visit for exceptional deserts in Burbank.
- Urban Press Winery – A great date night spot. Upscale Italian offering wine tasting, live music and a large covered back patio that provides the perfect spot for outdoor dining year-round.
- Three Sister’s Coffee and Tea – This chic, family-run and owned coffee shop in Burbank offers drip coffee, cold brew, and all of your coffee favorites, lattes, and a large variety of tea. I had a delicious cinnamon roll and great coffee here before heading out to shop in Magnolia Park.
- The Smoke House – Located just a short distance from Warner Bros Studios, Smoke House has been a San Fernando Valley legend since 1946. A must-order is the garlic cheese bread.
- Dino’s Burbank – Considered by many as the best pizza in the Valley. Dino’s has over 38 specialty pizzas available on its menu including the lasagna pizza, the Bel Aire and the Hollywood.
- My Little Home Thai Kitchen – This family-run Thai restaurant has a cute front porch, making it an ideal place to relax and feel like you are away from the city for a little while. They have all your favorite Thai dishes and more, including a Papaya Salad.
- Bob’s Big Boy – Overflowing with entertainment history this restaurant is truly unique. Built in 1949 by local residents Scott MacDonald and Ward Albert, this restaurant has its own place in history. Complete with a breakfast, lunch and dinner menu, you can enjoy a meal at this restaurant and even sit in the booth The Beatles ate in one night in 1965.
- Granville Burbank – Granville has five restaurants in the area, but its Burbank option is a great choice for a delicious meal after a day of exploring the area. The menu consists of upscale comfort food with shareable starters.
- Plush Puffs – Here you can toast up one of the many flavors of marshmallows, such as birthday cake and caramel swirl. These can be paired with the shop’s signature graham crackers, sauces, and toppings for a delicious s’mores experience. Additionally, you can enjoy coffee, hot cocoa, and teas, as well as take-away treats.
The Best Bars In Burbank
Burbank has some great options for live music, wine tasting, shows, pubs, and dancing. From my experience, here are some of the best bars in Burbank.
- Urban Press Winery – Perfect for an evening or afternoon wine tasting, the Urban Press can transport you to Italy. Complete with a beautiful dining room and a sun-soaked patio, this winery makes you feel like you are in Europe from the moment you step foot inside. I did a wine tasting here and the ambiance on the patio was lovely. The wine is good and the charcuterie board they brought us was beautifully arranged and overflowing with tasty bites. This is a perfect spot to book for a date night or special occasion.
- Nineteen26 – Located in the SpringHill Suites Los Angeles Burbank/Downtown, this elegant space serves signature cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres, with a lounge and full-service bar.
- The Green Room – The Green Room is an intimate lounge with the best views of the city. It offers immersive cocktail experiences, inventive small bites, and VIP service. This bar is modeled after the green rooms in theaters and studios.
- Trustworthy Brewing Co – Founded in 2016 in Burbank’s prestigious industrial quarter on Verdugo Blvd, this brewery has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere with an extensive lineup of rotating beers.
- Tiki No – Tiki No is a vibrant tiki bar adorned with retro tiki decor that creates a lively and cheerful atmosphere, drawing in a lively crowd. The Coconut Mojito is an absolute standout, and with its tempting happy hour prices, all of its cocktails are irresistible.
- The Snug – This cozy Irish pub is a local favorite and is among the best places in town to unwind over a few pints. The Snug will warm you with its friendly service and cheap beer.
- Tony’s Darts Away – This environmentally friendly bar specializes in local drinks and food. It exclusively offers craft Californian beer on tap and has a particularly extensive selection of local beers.
How To Get To Burbank, California
Burbank has its own airport, the Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR). Although smaller than LAX, is has non-stop flights to major cities in the United States, including Dallas, San Francisco, New Orleans, New York, Chicago, Denver, Las Vegas, and Seattle.
As a travel writer, I fly a lot. I’m based in Malibu so whenever possible I use the Burbank Airport which is small, less crowded than LAX, and offers an excellent affordable valet service. For just $25 a day you can drive up, drop your car off, and stroll right into the airport.
Alternatively, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is just an hour’s drive from Burbank and serves all major domestic and international routes. But if you can, I highly suggest flying into and out of Burbank to avoid the chaos at LAX.
Best Time To Visit Burbank
The best time to visit Burbank is in the shoulder seasons between April and June and September and November. These months provide plenty of sunshine without the heat and humidity of the summer months.
The winter is also a good time to visit. Even though the weather is not as consistently good as shoulder season, you can still often be graced with warm, sunny weather.
Also, winter in California is considered low season so as long as you avoid holidays you can expect to enjoy fewer crowds, and better hotel prices.
Burbank, California Guide Wrap Up
I hope you’ve found my guide to Burbank helpful. If you’re visiting the Los Angeles area it’s a magical destination rooted in remarkable Hollywood history, that is not to be missed!
There is so much to do and see in Burbank. It’s a great day trip destination from anywhere in Los Angeles County, but if you have more time I highly suggest staying for a day or two, so you can experience all the incredible attractions, boutiques, restaurants, and sights Burbank has to offer.
We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Burbank! If you have questions or tips to share with our readers please leave these in the comments.
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