Burbank

If you come to Los Angeles wanting to see where movie magic gets made, look on the other side of Hollywood—literally.

I always tell people that when they see the Hollywood Sign, if you climb over that hill, the other side is Burbank—and that’s where the movies are made,” says Tom Whelan, the general manager of Burbank’s AAA Four-Diamond Hotel Amarano, and chairman of the Burbank Hospitality Association.

Indeed, this San Fernando Valley town, just north of the geographic Hollywood, is the headquarters for a number of heavy hitters, like Warner Bros. and Disney Studios. “People often don’t realize that Burbank is the media capital of the world,” says Whelan. “Most sitcoms, talk shows, and a lot of movies are all done in Burbank.”

Hollywood-Centric Things to Do in Burbank

It’s easy to immerse yourself in the entertainment biz on a visit to Burbank—but the city is more than a collection of studio lots. Here are some top sights:

• Explore the Warner Bros. Backlot Tour: Take one of the tours at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, with its 110-acre backlot of movie and TV sets, Superman exhibit, and loads of props and soundstages. During the winter months the Gilmore Girls series recreates Stars Hollow in the middle of the lot for a special holiday experience.
• Take a Tour of the Old Disney Studios: Disney Studios offers an official walking tour that takes guests inside Walt Disney’s original office from the 60s. The tour is aimed at insiders and Disney archive enthusiasts and goes for three hours with no stops. 
• Watch a Live Taping of a TV Show: Score a spot in the audience at the live taping of a TV show—from game shows and sitcoms to talk shows and competition series. Most tickets are free—but it pays to plan ahead.
• Head To West Coast Customs: The body shop known for its custom car designs, and was notably featured on MTV’s Pimp My Ride was also the inspiration of the West Coast Racers ride at Six Flags Magic Mountain in nearby Santa Clarita. Gearheads can tour the facility, visit their onsite barcade, and enjoy smash burgers on the patio on Fridays.

Where to Stay in Burbank

Since this is the working turf of many visiting entertainment-industry types, there are plenty of local places to stay, from brand-name hotels to the plush boutique Amarano with its saltwater pool, complimentary French bonbons, and a reasonable chance of seeing stars in the lobby.

Another great choice: the retro-styled Safari Inn, which has played small parts in films and shows such as True Romance and Desperate Housewives. 

How to Get to Burbank

Getting here is easy: Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) offers easy entry into L.A. by way of airlines such as American Airlines, JetBlue, United, Spirit, and Delta; Southwest currently offers daily direct flights into Burbank from St. Louis.

In October 2026, the airport officially debuted its new $1.3 billion terminal, Elevate BUR. The sleek passenger complex is more than twice the size of the legacy terminal and features half a dozen shops and 13 new dining options from largely Burbank-based purveyors. The terminal also boasts valet parking, art pieces from L.A.-based artists, and a bar overlooking the airfield. 

 

 

 

 

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Where to Eat in Burbank

Burbank’s food scene is defined by its assortment of classic dining establishments:

• For Old Hollywood Nostalgia: Sink into a red leather booth at The Smoke House, a wood-paneled steakhouse where La La Land and The Studio series was filmed. Enjoy its famous garlic cheesy bread and slabs of juicy prime rib. Fun fact: George Clooney notoriously loved this spot so much he named his production company, Smokehouse Pictures, after it. 
• For Old School Italian: Pinocchio’s Restaurant is a Burbank institution known for its hearty meatball sub and cafeteria-style service. 
• For Pizza Lovers: Dino’s Pizza is a neighborhood staple serving classic pies with a no-frills vibe. Or test out the modern Flour, where NY-style slices are crafted from specialty flour milled in Italy. 
• For something truly historic: Chili John’s has been dishing out its signature rich, spicy chili for generations in a cozy, diner setting. Don’t leave without a slice of their Lemon Ice Box pie. 
• For Tiki Drinks: Broken Compass has a plethora of fancy drinks. Don’t miss the “Magic and Mai Tais” night for cocktails and slight-of-hand-celebrations.
• For insane views: The steak- and seafood-focused Castaway is a drive up a mountain side but offers sweeping views of the L.A. skyline 

MORE: 11 Iconic Movie Bars You Can Actually Visit in California

What to Do in Downtown Burbank

Beyond the industry-driven Media District, the city has a few more distinct areas. The Downtown Burbank district is now home to eateries such as the braised-beef soft tacos at foodie magnet Guisados and Foster’s Freeze the ’50s-era drive-in famous for offering the first soft-serve ice cream cones in the region. 

To go full circle in the movie-making process, watch a blockbuster at downtown’s AMC Burbank 16, one of the top-grossing movie theaters in the U.S. Or, head to the Universal Cinema at CityWalk, where a rotating exhibit showcases screen-used costumes from the Universal archives. The theater also offers several premium large-format experiences, including IMAX 70mm and PRIME, which syncs immersive sound effects from the film’s audio right to your seat. 

Don’t-Miss Burbank Neighborhood: Magnolia Park

For more dining, a perspective-expanding museum, and shopping, wander the diverse Magnolia Park neighborhood. Be sure to try the Cuban-style chorizo pies and guava strudels at the acclaimed Porto’s Bakery or visit Tony’s Darts Away, an eco-friendly beer bar featuring an all-California draft list.

Be sure to drop by the Martial Arts History Museum, where exhibits celebrate America’s cultural diversity by exploring the various martial-arts traditions of China, Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand, and Hawaii that have had an impact in the U.S. 

Magnolia Park also has a thriving “vintage-inspired” shopping scene, such as the antiques and cool ephemera at Best of Times Antiques, clothing at Chance Vintage and Catnip Coalition, or the ultimate Hollywood souvenirs from It’s A Wrap!, which sells off props and costumes from TV shows and movies; check its website to see which productions are supplying the current inventory.