15 Best Things To Do In Burbank, California: Visit And Live Your Dreams - Updated 2024

things to do in burbank california
Lorrie
Lorrie 
Updated
| 6 min read

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

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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)

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3. Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood
Source: Photo by Flickr user Thank You (21 Mil... used under CC BY 2.0

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

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4. Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Warner Brothers studio tour
Source: Photo by Flickr user Alan Light used under CC BY 2.0

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

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5. The "A Day in LA" Tour (from USD 99.0)

things to do in burbank california | 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

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LA: City and Beach Highlights Tour with Transfer Options

Duration: 7.5 hour

211 reviews

Arts and culture

6. Portal of the Folded Wings Shrine to Aviation

The Portal Of The Folded Wings - Shrine To Aviation
Source: Photo by Flickr user Konrad Summers used under CC BY-SA 2.0

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

Website: Portal of the Folded Wings Shrine to Aviation

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7. Martial Arts History Museum

The Martial Arts History Museum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user NKreuzer used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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Nature and outdoors

12. Stough Canyon Nature Center

Out Over Yonder
Source: Photo by Flickr user Renee Silverman used under CC BY-ND 2.0

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

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13. Wildwood Canyon Trail

Lizard Rock, Wildwood Canyon, Thousand Oaks, CA
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Howcheng used under CC BY-SA 3.0

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

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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)

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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)

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Burbank welcomes you

Burbank media district from Griffith Park 2015-11-07
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Junkyardsparkle used under CC0

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


Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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I'm a self-employed pet sitter and have been in business for almost 13 years. I'm a solo traveler since 2011 and have visited Charleston, Newport RI, Chicago, Denver, Boston, Mackinaw Island and...Read more

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