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The 20 Best Things to Do in Burbank, California

Verdugo Mountains

If you're looking for a great getaway, look no further than Burbank, California. This vibrant city has something for everyone. From world-class shopping and dining to exciting entertainment options, Burbank is sure to please. This is a thriving media town, home to many major studios, and there's always something going on. Being a next-door neighbor to Los Angeles, it has all the perks of a big city without the traffic and congestion. And with its proximity to some of Southern California's most popular attractions, Burbank is the perfect place to base yourself for a getaway. In this article, we will highlight 20 of the best things to do in this amazing city.

Burbank Town Centre

20. Burbank Town Centre

Burbank Town Centre is one of the most iconic places to visit while in Burbank. This open-air mall features over 150 stores, restaurants, and cafes. There's something for everyone here, whether you're looking for the latest fashion trends or simply want to grab a bite to eat. The mall also features an outdoor amphitheater, which is perfect for catching a live concert or show. According to The Tourist Checklist, there are also two movie theatres as well as a bowling alley, and an arcade, making it the perfect place to spend a day or night. Additionally, you can walk from the mall to Angeleno street where you will find an array of cafes shops, bars, cafes, eateries, and many more.

Gordon R. Howard Musuem

19. Gordon R. Howard Museum

If you are interested in history, then a visit to the Gordon R. Howard Museum is a must. This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Burbank and the surrounding area. The museum has a wide variety of exhibits that focus on different aspects of Burbank's history, including its Native American heritage, pioneer settlers, and the city's role in the development of the aviation industry. You will learn a lot from the exhibits at the Gordon R. Howard Museum and you will also be able to see some of the city's historic landmarks up close. There are also displays of architectural monuments that are located throughout Burbank. The museum is open every day from noon until four in the afternoon.

Burbank Aviation Museum

18. Burbank Aviation Museum

Burbank Aviation Museum which is also known as Portal of Folded Wings is an aviation museum located in Burbank, California. The museum has a collection of over 30 aircraft, including a Douglas DC. You will get a lot of information regarding pilots, mechanics, engineers, and other pioneers of the flight industry. You will be amazed by all the things you will find in this museum. If you are interested in aviation, then this is the place for you.

Colony Theater

17. Colony Theatre

The Colony Theatre is a historic theatre in Burbank, California that first opened in 1935. It was designed by architect S. Charles Lee and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. According to Yelp, the theatre is currently operated by the Burbank Civic Light Opera Association. Some of the theatre's works have made them quite famous. There is no surprise stating that the company is among the 25 most recognized Theatre companies. The company has garnered numerous awards over the years including several for Best Production and Outstanding Achievement. The Colony Theatre has also won the Ovation Award for Best Season. Most recently, they have received the Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Production of a Musical for their 2016 production of Crazy For You.

Warner Bros Ranch

16. Warner Bros Ranch

Warner Bros Ranch is a historic ranch that is used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows. The ranch covers a 40-acre plot of land that contains many famous historical sets. It is important to note that some of the houses you will find here are not actually used in the movies or TV shows but were brought here to be used assets. They are also houses where the Watson lived and some of these houses have been used in other movies as well. The ranch also has a lot of open space where you can explore and find different set pieces from movies. You can also find a lot of props and costumes that have been used in the movies. Overall, the Warner Bros Ranch is a great place to explore and learn about the history of filmmaking.

Martial Arts History Museum

15. Martial Arts History Museum

If you love Martial Arts, you will not want to miss the Martial Arts History Museum. This is a must-see for any martial arts enthusiast, as it contains over 12,000 items on the history and evolution of martial arts. The museum also offers classes for those interested in learning more about the discipline. It is a global exhibition of martial arts that covers weapons, armor, and more from all over the world. The museum has an extensive collection of items and you will find interesting artifacts such as headbands used in the movie karate kid, Chinese lions, animal prints, and many more.

The Starlight Bowl

14. The Starlight Bowl

The Starlight Bowl is an event center that is perfect for hosting any type of party or event. This place has a lot to offer including an amphitheater, stage, and picnic areas. It is an open-air concert that has been around since the 1950s and continues to be a popular spot for both locals and visitors. It has a capacity of 5000 people with 3000 covered spaces and 2000 spaces on its lawn. In case you would love to attend any of their summer season concerts, you should book early enough. Some of the performers that have thrilled the stage at the Starlight Bowl include Ray Charles, Bill Cosby, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, and many others. The venue continues to bring in top-notch performers from all around the world.

Urban Press

13. Urban Press Winery

The Urban Press Winery is one of the best things to do in Burbank, California. Being one of the best wineries in the city, there is a reason why the Urban Press Winery is a must-go-to spot. Located in downtown Burbank, the Urban Press Winery was established in the year 2016. Currently, the winery makes some of the best vintage wine you can get in the country. It will be fun to spend an afternoon or evening wine-tasting at this urban winery. The tasting room at the Urban Press Winery is comfortable and inviting. The staff is knowledgeable about the wine and will guide you through your wine-tasting experience. There is a wide variety of wines to choose from, so you are sure to find the perfect wine for your taste.

The Palm Coffee Bar

12. The Palm Coffee Bar

The Palm Coffee Bar is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The coffee is roasted fresh daily, and the tea is brewed in small batches. This place was opened in 2018 by Ben and Milliken. It is quite a unique shop that is not your typical American coffee house. The shop is located in the heart of downtown Burbank, and it has a very cozy atmosphere. The staff is very friendly, and they make sure that you have everything that you need. The coffee is excellent, and the tea is also very good. The Palm Coffee Bar is a great place to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.

Griffith Park

11. Griffith Park

Griffith Park is a large urban park in Los Angeles, California, United States. The park covers more than four square miles of land and is the largest city park in North America. The park was named after Colonel Griffith J. Griffith, who donated the land to the city in 1896. The park is so big in that it cuts through boundaries that make up the neighborhoods of Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Los Angeles, and Hollywood. Griffith Park is home to many different attractions such as the Greek Theatre, the Griffith Observatory, the Los Angeles Zoo, and the Hollywood Sign. According to Delightful Impact, there are also miles of hiking trails that provide views of the city and the surrounding mountains. The park is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace.

Johnny Carson Park

10. Johnny Carson Park

Johnny Carson Park is a household name in Burbank. The park was named after the late, great talk show host and comedian who grew up in Burbank. The park features a playground, a basketball court, and a walking trail. The park is also home to the Johnny Carson Statue, which was unveiled in 1998. There is a lot you can do while you are at Johnny Carson Park, so make sure to check it out when you are in the area.

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9. Market City Caffe

Market City Caffe is the place to go if you are looking for true African roots in your food. They have a classic recipe that is made with love. The ingredients are all organic and they use a lot of fresh produce. This is one of the best places to go if you want to get a taste of home. The food is fantastic and the service is great.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

8. Warner Bros. Studio Tour

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour will excite any movie lover or TV enthusiast. It is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at one of Hollywood’s busiest studios. Visitors can see firsthand how movies and TV shows are made. The tour includes a visit to Stage 48: Script to Screen, where you can see props and costumes from your favorite Warner Bros. movies and TV shows.

Wildwood Canyon Park

7. Wildwood Canyon Park

This park is a great place to hike, picnic, and view wildlife. The park has over five miles of trails and is a great place to get some exercise. According to Trip101, you can have a walk with your dogs as well as they are allowed in the park on a leash. The views from the top of the trails are breathtaking, and you can see for miles. The park is also home to many different animals, including squirrels, lizards, and birds. If you're lucky, you might even spot a deer or two.

Magnolia Park

6. Magnolia Park

Magnolia Park is not just a Park but one of the most iconic shopping districts in Burbank. This is a great place to stroll around, shop and people watch. You'll find vintage stores, indie boutiques, and all sorts of restaurants and cafes. The Magnolia Park Partnership hosts a monthly Third Thursday event with live music, food trucks, and special offers from the businesses.

Burbank Farmer's Market

5. Burbank Farmer's Market

Though there are just a few Farmer's Market in the area, the Burbank Farmer's Market is in a class of its own. You will find all the fresh fruits, vegetables, and other goodies that you would expect from a farmer's market. The market is also known for its live music and entertainment. According to The Crazy Tourist, they allow buyers to sample products before purchasing them, so you can be sure that you're getting the best possible product.

Woodbury University Nan Rae Gallery

4. Woodbury University Nan Rae Gallery

The gallery is located on the campus of Woodbury University and features rotating exhibitions of contemporary art, with a focus on work by local and regional artists. Admission is free and the gallery is open to the public. This is an interesting place to visit as it is a big part of the community.

Animal Walk of Fame

3. Animal Walk of Fame

This is a fun activity for animal lovers of all ages. The Animal Walk of Fame is located on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and features the hand and paw prints of some of Hollywood's most beloved animal actors. Some of the animals featured on the Animal Walk of Fame include Lassie, Rin Tin Tin, Benji, Toto, and Flipper.

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2. Blue Palms Brewhouse

Blue Palms Brewhouse in Burbank is a must-go for any beer lover. With over 50 different beers on tap, including many local and regional brews, there's something for everyone to enjoy. According to Vacation Idea, the food menu is also noteworthy, with a variety of pub fare and American comfort foods. If you're looking for a place to watch the game or just relax with friends, Blue Palms is the perfect spot.

Verdugo Mountains

1. Verdugo Mountains

Verdugo Mountains is located right within the borders of Burbank and Los Angeles county. These mountains offer a great escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with plenty of hiking trails to explore. If you're looking for a challenge, you can even hike to the top of Mt. Wilson. This area is home to very many natural springs and streams which makes it more refreshing and cooler to hike in than most other mountains in Southern California.

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Liz Flynn

Written by Liz Flynn

Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog.

Read more posts by Liz Flynn

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