Looking for movie magic, sunshine, and laid-back LA vibes? Head to Burbank, California! Known as the “Media Capital of the World,” Burbank is home to major studios, star-studded tours, and charming neighborhoods. Whether you’re geeking out over Hollywood history or relaxing in cozy cafés, Burbank is where the screen meets the street.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Burbank is from March to June and September to November. These months bring warm weather without the intense summer heat, perfect for studio tours, hikes, and rooftop dining. Winters are mild and great for off-season deals.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Burbank is just off I-5 and CA-134, around 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, depending on traffic.
- By Plane: Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) is right in town and offers easy access, less hassle, and domestic flights.
- By Train: Amtrak and Metrolink trains stop at Burbank-Downtown Station, making it easily accessible from surrounding SoCal cities.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Amarano – Boutique luxury hotel with a rooftop pool, close to Warner Bros. Studios and Toluca Lake.
- Safari Inn – A retro-chic motor inn that’s been featured in films, with a vintage neon sign and lots of personality.
- Residence Inn Burbank Downtown – Great for longer stays with kitchens, free breakfast, and a central location.
Unique Attractions
1. Catch a Show in Style at the Historic Colony Theater
With a legacy of over 40 years, Colony Theater is a small theater that is beloved in the Los Angeles community. Drawing from the large pool of acting talent in the area, the Colony puts on quality performances in an intimate setting. This excellence has been recognized, with the theater’s company named among the “25 Notable US Theater Companies” in the Encyclopedia Britannica Almanac. The theater presents a regular schedule of plays as well as special performances by notable guests. The space can be utilized for film screenings, showcases, meetings, and other special events, and the Colony also has dedicated children’s programs.
Address: Colony Theater, 555 N 3rd St, Burbank, CA 91502-1103, Phone: 818-558-7000
2. Laugh the Night Away at Flappers Comedy Club
Flappers Comedy Club is a one-stop shop for everything humor-related in Burbank, California. This lively company, which has been around in various forms since 2000, brings together quality comedy performances, delicious food, and educational comedy workshops. This club plays host to the noted yearly Burbank Comedy Festival, at which up-and-coming talents can strut their stuff. On non-festival days, the club has performances in its three spaces, the bar, the main room, and the Yoo Hoo room. Flappers has prix fixe and full restaurant menus, and even the kids are welcome to come along to certain family-friendly shows, where they are served goodies from the “two milk minimum” menu.
Address: Flappers Comedy Club, 102 E Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502, Phone: 818-845-9721
3. Step Back in Time at the Gordon R. Howard Museum
The Gordon R. Howard Museum is the place to go to step outside all things Hollywood and learn more about Burbank’s important place in history. The Victorian home that contains the museum was built in 1887, and inside one can find a plethora of fascinating historical information and artifacts about the city. These exhibits shine light on former residents of Burbank, many of whom have become the namesakes of its various streets and landmarks. They also pay homage to the city’s police force, fire brigade, and architectural monuments. In addition, the Burbank Historical Society has curated items such as memorabilia from Disney and a retro car.
Address: Gordon R. Howard Museum, 115 Lomita St., Burbank, CA 91506, Phone: 818-841-6333
4. Hike, Picnic, and Explore in Iconic Griffith Park
Griffith Park covers a whopping 4,310 acres, making it one of the largest city parks in the entire United States. Given all this space, the park has plenty to couples and families. Griffith Park is home to the famous Griffith Observatory, known for its stunning panoramic views of downtown Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean, and Hollywood.
Additionally, the park plays host to the infamous Hollywood sign and the Los Angeles Zoo.
Griffith Park certainly qualifies as a multi-use space, and beyond its manmade attractions, it also provides a number of hiking and equestrian trails for rugged adventurers.
Address: Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA
If you are traveling with kids:
5. Relax or Play at Johnny Carson Park
Johnny Carson was once a household name and face who appeared on the television screens of Americans during the late-night hours to introduce special guests and generate smiles. Carson initially hosted The Johnny Carson Show, but then became the leading personality on The Tonight Show, which he hosted for nearly 30 years. Although his reputation in show business has already given Carson a kind of immortality, this host now has a physical monument in the form of Johnny Carson Park, an urban green space in the city of Burbank. Johnny Carson Park sits at the corner of Bob Hope Drive and Riverside Drive, just across from NBC Studios, where Carson recorded The Tonight Show. It includes a bronze plaque dedicated to its namesake.
Address: Johnny Carson Park, 400 Bob Hope Dr, Burbank, CA 91505, Phone: 818-238-5300
6. Discover Fighting Traditions at the Martial Arts History Museum
The Martial Arts History Museum is part of a larger thriving museum scene across the Los Angeles area. This Burbank establishment is built for kids and serves to teach them about the martial arts traditions of a number of countries in Asia, including China, Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines. This global exhibition focus is complemented with local stories of how martial arts are portrayed and enjoyed in the United States. The museum has cultural and artistic elements and holds many interesting artifacts, such as anime prints, the headband used in the film Karate Kid, and Chinese lions. The Martial Arts Museum also presents DragonFest, an annual expo focused on martial arts, manga, anime, and cosplay.
Address: Martial Arts History Museum, 2319 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506, Phone: 818-478-1722
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood – Go behind the scenes of TV and movie sets, costumes, and sound stages.
- Universal Studios Hollywood – Just minutes away, this theme park and working studio offers rides, shows, and thrills.
- Magnolia Park – A walkable district full of vintage shops, indie boutiques, and great local eats.
- Stough Canyon Nature Center – Hike scenic trails with panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley.
Where to Eat
- Porto’s Bakery & Café – A must-visit Cuban bakery famous for potato balls, cheese rolls, and hearty sandwiches.
- Bob’s Big Boy – Classic 1949 diner with burgers, shakes, and an iconic mid-century vibe.
- Tony’s Darts Away – Laid-back spot serving vegan pub grub and a stellar selection of California craft beer.
If you are interested in local events:
- Downtown Burbank Arts Festival (May) – Browse fine art, photography, crafts, and live entertainment in a lively street fair setting.
- Magnolia Park Night Out (Last Friday monthly) – Enjoy food trucks, shopping, and live music at this community event along Magnolia Blvd.
- Holiday in the Park (November) – A festive kickoff to the season with lights, vendors, and family fun in Magnolia Park.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Burbank, California:
- Hollywood (15–20 min) – Visit the Walk of Fame, Hollywood Bowl, or hike up to the Hollywood Sign.
- Griffith Park (15 min) – Home to the LA Zoo, Griffith Observatory, and scenic trails with skyline views.
- Pasadena (20–25 min) – Explore the Rose Bowl, Norton Simon Museum, or stroll Old Town’s shops and cafés.
- Studio City (10–15 min) – Enjoy great sushi, trendy boutiques, and tree-lined streets with local flavor.
- Downtown LA (25–30 min) – Check out The Broad, Grand Central Market, or a Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena.
- Laurel Canyon (25 min) – Drive this historic, scenic canyon known for its musical legends and winding roads.
FAQ:
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Where is Burbank located?
- Burbank is a thriving media town and a next-door neighbor to Los Angeles.
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How is Burbank connected to the film and TV industry?
- Because of its close proximity to the center of the film and TV industry, Burbank incorporates much of this culture into its own city limits.
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Which major media companies have a presence in Burbank?
- Giants such as Disney, NBC, and Warner Brothers maintain significant production sites in the city.
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What can visitors do in Burbank?
- Burbank has plenty to offer visitors, both connected to Hollywood and separate from the stars and red carpets.
Map:
Plan Your Trip