GREAT DAY-TRIPS FROM BURBANK
One of the many great things about basing your SoCal getaway right here in Burbank is the incredibly central locale, making it quick and convenient to set out and explore. Below are just a few of the most popular day-trip excursions that you’ll have easy access to, all just a short drive from your Burbank home base.
Hollywood
Experience historic destinations that Hollywood is famous for including the bustling Sunset Strip and Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame to TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre). Then venture into the Hollywood Hills where you can take a hike to the iconic Hollywood sign itself or Runyon Canyon for some celebrity spotting, catch a movie or concert at the Hollywood Bowl, or see the stars (in the sky) at Griffith Observatory.
Drive Time: 10 minutes from Burbank
Downtown Los Angeles
Grab some lunch at Grand Central Market and ride Angel’s Flight (L.A.’s turn-of-the-century funicular) up the hill for a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art, you can also check out the The Broad Museum, or simply gaze upon Walt Disney Concert Hall, the stunning Frank Gehry designed building that’s as inspiring to look at as its L.A. Philharmonic performances are to be heard. Then stop by Chinatown where Pagoda-style buildings with red lanterns house traditional Chinese restaurants, dim sum houses and bakeries, plus spot film locations from Chinatown starring Jack Nicholson.
Drive Time: 30 minutes from Burbank
Beverly Hills
Take a driving tour of celebrity homes and other Beverly Hills mansions. Treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime shopping experience along Rodeo Drive. Then tuck yourselves into a table at Wolfgang Puck’s famed restaurant Spago or maybe a booth at the historic Grill On the Alley.
Drive Time: 30 minutes from Burbank
Six Flags Magic Mountain
After checking out our neighbor Universal Studios Hollywood for entertainment action, keep the adrenaline pumping with a visit to Six Flags Magic Mountain. Over 100 exciting rides, shows, & attractions provide an all-day experience of thrills. Check out the new West Coast Racers, the world’s first single track quadruple launch racing coaster. Based on Burbank’s own world-famous West Coast Customs, this ride can’t be missed!
Drive Time: 30 minutes from Burbank
Pasadena
Pasadena is most known for the Tournament of Roses, which includes the world-famous Rose Parade and college football Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day. However, you’ll want to check out it’s historic buildings and museums including the Norton Simon Museum and The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens. It’s also home to CalTech where Big Bang Theory takes place (even though the TV show was filmed right here in Burbank at Warner Bros.).
Drive Time: 30 minutes from Burbank
Santa Monica & the Beaches
Head west for a day to oceanside Santa Monica, home to the fun-filled Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. Then hit the beach in world-famous Malibu to the north. Take the bicycle path (pictured above) to the other Los Angeles beaches including Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and more. Each of L.A.’s seaside havens have their own distinctive personalities, and miles of sun-drenched sands and legendary waves to enjoy. Also, be sure to check out Marina del Rey’s harbor for boating and water recreation.
Drive Time: One Hour from Burbank
Disneyland
The Happiest Place on Earth is just a short ride away, 35-miles south of Burbank. Here, Mickey and friends (including Indian Jones and the Little Mermaid) are waiting to treat you and your family to all of the thrilling rides and excitement. Go into battle with the Guardians of the Galaxy, pilot the Millennium Falcon, then climb the Matterhorn and plummet down Splash Mountain… “It’s a Small World” but still much more than enough to fill up a complete day of family fun.
Drive Time: 90 minutes from Burbank
Santa Barbara & Wine Country
North of Burbank lies one of Southern California’s other iconic cities, the seaside enclave of Santa Barbara. Tour the city that the soap operas made famous – and where celebrities like Ellen still call home. Then take a short drive inland into Santa Barbara Wine Country, with stops for tastings in Danish-themed Solvang, charming Santa Ynez or Los Olivos, and dinner at the Hitching Post in Buellton, the spot that Paul Giamatti’s breakout film Sideways turned into a wine country star.
Drive Time: 90 minutes from Burbank
Joshua Tree & Palm Springs
Escape to the desert for a day with a drive out to Palm Springs, the famed resort getaway of the Hollywood Rat Pack that’s still just as popular today. Take a ride on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (the world’s largest rotating tram car) up to the top of the towering San Jacinto Mountains for breathtaking views of the valley floor below. Or plan a visit to Joshua Tree National Park, a short drive north of Palm Springs. Named for the distinctive Mojave Desert plants that populate the landscape, the park is renowned for its ancient healing properties – as well as some of the world’s very best desert hiking trails.
Drive Time: Two hours from Burbank