Burbank is home to many things related to the entertainment industry and has a wide array of things for visitors to see and do. If you are impressed by glitz and glam head to Universal or Warner Brothers Studios. If you like the outdoors, enjoy the nearby lakes and nature centers of the area. If you’re looking for entertainment, then head to a show at the performing arts center. For those visiting for the first time, there are numerous accommodation options in the area, including Vrbo vacation rentals and Airbnbs.
Read on to find out about the best things to do in Burbank, California.
Entertainment attractions
1. K1 Speed Burbank
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The biggest difference between karts is the Driver mod!
Posted by K1 Speed Burbank on Thursday, June 24, 2021
Adrenaline-seekers will have an absolute blast go-karting at K1 Speed Burbank. This indoor racing center offers go-kart tracks for all skill levels. Whether you’re a racing expert or a complete beginner who just wants to test the waters and might find their newest hobby! This Burbank location of K1 Speed features a complex racetrack and provides adults and junior electric go-karts. There’s also a nightclub-style restaurant, Paddock Lounge, that’s ready to serve you with delicious handheld eats, desserts, drinks, and more!
K1 Speed Burbank
Address: 960 Chestnut St, Burbank, CA 91506, United States
Website: K1 Speed Burbank
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 12pm - 10pm; Fri: 12pm - 12am; Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 10am - 10pm
2. Pickwick Bowl
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Pickwick Bowl on Thursday, February 18, 2016
Don’t know what to do in Burbank, CA, with your friends and family? If you want to test the bowler in you, challenge your group to a game at Pickwick Bowl! This premier bowling alley features 24 bowling lanes, a snack bar, vending machines, and an 18+ lounge area with recreational facilities like darts, billiards, board games, and large TVs. On Fridays or Saturdays, this entertainment center holds Cosmic Bowling where you can bowl under vibrant lights and club music.
Pickwick Bowl
Address: 921 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506, United States
Website: Pickwick Bowl
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 4pm - 8pm; Fri: 4pm - 11pm; Sat: 1pm - 11pm; Sun: 2pm - 8pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
3. Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood gives you the ultimate experience, by letting you see behind the scenes of a real working movie studio - step on the “Extra” set and see celebrities being interviewed. The Universal Studios CityWalk is the Vegas of Hollywood, with lots of restaurants, nightclubs, theaters and shopping. Explore the many areas of the park including “The Walking Dead” attraction, “Harry Potter World”, “Fast and Furious Supercharged” and “King Kong 3-D”. By getting the VIP experience, guests get a personal tour guide and more access.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Address:100 University City Plaza University City CA
Price: 105 to 116 USD
Opening Hours Friday to Sunday 8am-10pm, Monday to Thursday 9am-7pm
Access:12-20 min drive from Burbank center
Website: Universal Studios Hollywood
4. Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Looking for fun Burbank activities? Warner Brothers Studio Tour takes guests on outdoor sets and sound stages used to create productions such as “Gilmore Girls”, “The Big Bang Theory” and “Argo”. Each tour includes access to sets used for shows like “Friends”, “Batman” and more. Guests have two options: a Studio Tour, which includes a self-guided visit to Stage 48: Script to Screen, or the five-hour deluxe tour which includes complimentary breakfast from Starbucks and a three-course lunch.
Warner Brothers
Address: 3400 W Riverside Dr Burbank CA
Price: Studio Tour: Adult 65 USD, Child 55 USD. Deluxe Tour 295 USD
Duration: Studio Tour: 2 hours; Deluxe Tour: 5 hours
Website: Warner Brothers
5. The "A Day in LA" Tour
The “A Day in LA” tour covers the areas of Venice Beach, Santa Monica and Los Angeles’ most notable highlights including Griffith Park, the Sunset Strip, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, the Grove & Farmers Market, the Hollywood sign and more. The tour also makes a stop at Hollywood Blvd. to see the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. They use buses to do their tours and pick up tourists at their hotels.
A Day in LA
Address: 25 Windward Ave., Los Angeles, CA
Duration: All day
Access: Tour van picks up at the hotel
Contact:+1 818 538 6287
Website: A Day In LA
Arts and culture
6. Portal of the Folded Wings Shrine to Aviation
One of the most popular sites to visit in Burbank is Portal of the Folded Wings Shrine to Aviation. This structure stands 75 feet (22.86 meters) and features sculpted figures, marble, and mosaic. It is where 15 aviation pioneers are buried, including Kinner airplane creator Winfield Bertrum Kinner, one of LA’s first female pilots Elizabeth Lippincott McQueen, and air historian and Portal of the Folded Wings Chaplain John Franklin Bruce Carruthers. In 1998, this site was listed to the National Register of Historic Places.
Portal of the Folded Wings Shrine to Aviation
Address: 3898 Valhalla Dr, Burbank, CA 91505, United States
7. Martial Arts History Museum
One fun way of getting to know the Asian culture is through the lens of Martial Arts History Museum. This Burbank attraction aids its visitors in learning about countries like Japan, Korea, Philippines, Thailand, and more through a cultural and artistic experience. The museum also focuses on the influence of martial arts in the traditions of these countries. There’s also a section for American history with exhibits on anime history, martial arts in the US, and Hollywood films, TV, and magazines.
Martial Arts History Museum
Address: 2319 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506, United States
Website: Martial Arts History Museum
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 11am - 6pm (closed from Mon - Wed)
8. Hyaena
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Artwork by Matthew Levin, photo by Adam Hayes.
Posted by Hyaena Gallery on Saturday, November 9, 2013
Leave it to Burbank to have some of the most obscure and hidden gems that will tickle our minds. If you’re up for unique entertainment, Hyaena Gallery comes to your rescue. This art gallery specializes in underground and outsider art, as well as dark art and lowbrow art that you definitely wouldn’t see in traditional galleries!
The museum currently has a true crime art exhibit named Don’t Do Anything Illegal which has crime- or criminal-related mementos for sale. Other non-mainstream displays include vintage clown art, dog prints, and pandemic edition doodles.
Hyaena
Address: 1928 W Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91506, United States
Website: Hyaena
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 11am - 7pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
9. Bearded Lady's Mystic Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Bearded Lady's Mystic Museum on Tuesday, March 24, 2020
More oddities await at Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum on West Magnolia Boulevard. This museum leans toward occult, mysticism, paranormal, and horror and is definitely not for the faint of heart. At their permanent store Camp Horror, they sell vintage memorabilia and other novelty items that you can add to your obscure collection. Their exhibits include the current Slashback Video and past events like the immersive Evil Dead and Mystic Museum Family Goals, which was a tribute to gothic families of TV.
Bearded Lady's Mystic Museum
Address: 3204 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505, United States
Website: Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum
Opening hours: 12pm - 7pm (daily)
10. Pacific Ballet Dance Theater
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Pacific Ballet Dance Theater was created in 2001 and is one of the best dance companies in the Los Angeles Area. They have very talented dancers that have performed in other ballet companies across the world. It serves the metropolitan Los Angeles region by performing captivating ballet performances and offering educational programs. Formerly known as Media City Ballet, it’s contemporary dance group gets its inspiration from a variety of music genres.Their upcoming ballet, Carmen, is paired with a wine tasting event and a silent auction.
Pacific Ballet Dance Theater
Address: 237 E Palm Ave Burbank CA
Price Adults 45 USD; Children 25 USD
Duration: 2 hours
Access: Bus 94 towards Los Angeles
Nearby Food Barney’s Beanery of Burbank, Black Angus Steakhouse, BJ’s Resturant and Brewhouse
Contact +1 818 972 9692
Website: Pacific Ballet Dance Theater
11. Colony Theater Community
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Make your next event a memorable one! Email rentals@colonytheatre.org or call 818.558.7000 x20 for more info.
Posted by The Colony Theatre on Thursday, June 9, 2016
The Colony Theater Community started in 1975 by Hollywood actors who wanted to go back to their theater roots and by the 90s, they had sold out performances. In 2000, they moved to their current home - the Burbank Center Stage. Their shows appeal to everyone and includes comedy and drama performances. They plan on having more plays for the community and a shorter play season of only two to three plays per season.
Colony Theater Community
Address: 555 N Third St Burbank CA
Price: From 25-45 USD
Opening Hours 3pm or 8pm showings
Duration: 2 hours
Access: Bus 165
Nearby Food Burbank Bar and Grille, Flavors of India, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Contact +1 818 558 7000
Website: Colony Theater Community
Nature and outdoors
12. Stough Canyon Nature Center
Stough Canyon Nature Center is an educational place, nestled in the Verdugo Mountains. The center provides opportunities for the public to learn more about wildlife and things that inhabit this area of Los Angeles County. They offer guided nature hikes and have a library and small theater. The natural trail goes along the Verdugo mountain-way trail. Their guided hikes include: a fitness hike, little explorers hike, a full moon hike, hike for health for seniors, and a wild creatures walk.
Stough Canyon Nature Center
Address: 2300 Walnut Ave Burbank CA
Opening Hours: September to August 9am-5pm
Access: 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) away from Burbank or a 9 minute drive
Contact: +1 818 238 5440
Website: Stough Canyon Nature Center
13. Wildwood Canyon Trail
Wildwood Canyon Trail is a 2.5 mile (4 kilometer) hike and welcomes mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and trail running. It is kid and dog friendly and everyone can enjoy the trail’s nature, with its flowers and views. The trail gives gorgeous views of Los Angeles and Burbank and looks out to the east end of the San Fernando Valley towards the Santa Monica mountains and downtown Los Angeles. Once at the peak of the trail, you’re rewarded with a view of the Verdugo Mountains and north of the San Gabriels.
Wildwood Canyon Park, is nestled at the bottom of a wooded canyon, between steep ridges, at the base of the Verdugo Mountains on outskirts of Burbank. Starting from the turnaround at the top of Wildwood Canyon Road, take the wide unpaved trail that goes up into the canyon. The Canyon Park has restrooms and picnic tables to enjoy before going on the hike or after.
Wildwood Canyon Trail
Website: Wildwood Canyon Trail
Restaurants
14. Urban Press Winery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Unique artisanal wines are what’s waiting for you at Urban Press Winery in Burbank. This trendy hangout venue with a laid-back environment and weekend live entertainment is one of the most popular venues for young adults (or not!) in the city. Featuring award-winning wines from the Sonoma Region, this winery offers white wines like chardonnay, sparkling, sauvignon blanc, and viognier. For their reds, you can never go wrong with merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and pinot noir. Come bring your friends out for a night of chit-chat and drinking!
Urban Press Winery
Address: 316 N San Fernando Blvd, Burbank, CA 91502, United States
Website: Urban Press Winery
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 3pm - 10pm; Fri: 3pm - 11:30pm; Sat: 11:30am - 11:30pm; Sun: 11:30am - 10pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
15. Lincoln Beer Company
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Come over and out your Tuesday with a delicious brew or two. Sports ball is on the projector and we're here until 8pm.
Posted by Lincoln Beer Company on Tuesday, August 10, 2021
If you’re more of the beer-type kind of drinker, Lincoln Beer Company is going to be your next hangout spot in Burbank. This brewery is owned by Patrick Dunn, who became fond of craft beer in college and eventually decided to learn homebrewing. He was completely head over heels about introducing his own twist and takes on the beers that he eventually opened the brewery as locals know it now. This venue is notable for lagers, IPAs, and unusual flavors like habanero vanilla red and cinnamon-vanilla stout.
Lincoln Beer Company
Address: 3083 N Lima St, Burbank, CA 91504, United States
Website: Lincoln Beer Company
Opening hours: Tue - Wed: 4pm - 8pm; Thu - Fri: 5pm - 10pm; Sat: 12pm - 10pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm (closed on Mon)
Burbank welcomes you
With plenty of attractions nearby, plus great restaurants and cafes, Burbank is worth a visit when you’re in LA. If you love water sports, it’s also close to Los Angeles’ top surf spots. Come check out all that Burbank has to offer - beautiful views and entertainment await. Don’t wait long, book your stay at the best aparthotels and historic hotels and start planning your trip!
Frequently asked questions about best things to do in Burbank, California
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