Most visitors to Burbank arrive with one thing in mind: a studio tour. And while Burbank is absolutely the entertainment capital of the world : home to Warner Bros., Walt Disney Studios, and a rich lineage of film and television history , the city quietly offers far more than Hollywood's back lot. Whether you're here for a weekend, a layover, or an extended stay, Burbank rewards the curious traveler with a vibrant downtown, world-class outdoor spaces, live music, and a local dining scene that holds its own against anywhere in greater Los Angeles. Beyond the studio lots, there are countless things to do in Burbank CA that offer a more local and authentic experience.
Here are 10 of the best things to do in Burbank, California : the ones locals actually do.
1. Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Let's acknowledge the obvious: the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is genuinely worth it. Walking the real lot where iconic television and film history was made, sitting in actual set recreations, and getting an up-close look at props and costumes from decades of production is an experience unlike a theme park : it's intimate, insider, and entirely Burbank. Book well in advance, especially on weekends. Distance from the hotel: 6.6 miles.
2. Explore Downtown Burbank
San Fernando Boulevard and Magnolia Boulevard are the beating heart of downtown Burbank: lined with independent boutiques, vintage record shops, coffee bars, and restaurants that have nothing to do with the tourist circuit a few miles south. Spend a morning wandering and you'll discover a neighborhood with genuine character: local bookshops, vintage clothing stores, and low-key brunch spots that feel like Burbank's best-kept secret. Distance from the hotel: 6 miles.
3. Visit Walt Disney Studios
The Walt Disney Studios campus on Buena Vista Street is another piece of Burbank's entertainment DNA. While the campus isn't open for public tours the way Warner Bros. is, Disney fans will find the surrounding streets rich with history — and the Disney Studio Store nearby is worth a visit. Distance from the hotel: 6.44 miles.
4. Catch a Show at the Hollywood Bowl
Just 11.5 miles from the hotel, the Hollywood Bowl is one of the world's most iconic outdoor music venues. The summer concert season runs June through September and draws everything from classical orchestras and jazz legends to rock headliners. Pack a picnic, pick up wine and cheese at the on-site market, and settle in under the stars for a quintessential Southern California evening.
5. Hike to Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory sits about 11.5 miles from Burbank and offers one of the most dramatic views of the Los Angeles basin you'll find anywhere. Come for the planetarium shows, stay for the vista. The hike up through Griffith Park is a manageable 45-minute trail with sweeping views the entire way : or drive up if you prefer to save your legs for the exhibits inside.
6. Comedy Night at Flappers Comedy Club
Burbank has one of the strongest comedy scenes in Los Angeles : fitting, given how many writers, comedians, and production professionals call the area home. Flappers Comedy Club on Magnolia Boulevard is a beloved local institution. Shows are intimate, the lineup rotates frequently, and the caliber of talent on any given night can surprise you. Book in advance for weekend shows.
7. Shop and Dine at the Americana at Brand
The Americana at Brand in nearby Glendale (13.6 miles) is an upscale open-air shopping district with a European town-square feel : beautiful fountains, a mix of high-street and flagship stores, and a strong restaurant lineup. It's an easy 20-minute drive and worth an afternoon, especially if the weather is cooperating.
8. Explore Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is approximately 9.66 miles from Burbank and offers an entirely different experience from a studio tour : it's a full-scale theme park with blockbuster rides, live shows, and the famous studio backlot tram experience. Budget a full day, arrive early, and consider purchasing an Express Pass to maximize your time.
9. Discover Burbank's Local Arts Scene
Beyond the major studios, Burbank has a genuinely creative local arts culture. The city's gallery spaces and the Burbank Arts Center host rotating exhibitions and performances throughout the year. The area around the Media District also has a cluster of creative studios and production companies worth exploring if you have an interest in the business side of entertainment.
10. Unwind at RhuBAR Kitchen & Cocktails
After a full day of exploring, there's nothing quite like settling into an outdoor patio with a well-made cocktail and California cuisine that actually does the evening justice. RhuBAR Kitchen & Cocktails at Cambria Hotel Burbank Airport delivers exactly that : local craft beers, Cambria Estates wines, handcrafted cocktails, and California-inspired dishes served on an outdoor courtyard patio complete with a fire pit. Daily food and drink specials keep the menu interesting, and the relaxed atmosphere makes it equally well-suited for solo travelers and groups.
Plan Your Stay in Burbank
Cambria Hotel Burbank Airport is ideally located near Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) : making it the obvious choice whether you're flying in or based locally and looking for a well-positioned home base. The hotel offers pet-friendly accommodations, an outdoor courtyard patio with fire pit, on-site dining at RhuBAR Kitchen & Cocktails, a fitness center, and comfortable guest rooms with StayCast TVs and premium amenities. A Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Stay Package is also available for travelers who want to combine comfort with access to Burbank's most iconic attraction.
3501 N San Fernando Blvd, Burbank, California 91505 | (818) 351-7157
Ready to explore Burbank? Book your stay at Cambria Hotel Burbank Airport and start with a table at RhuBAR : everything else is minutes away. |