Not just a city centered around entertainment. Burbank, CA, has a small-town feel, surrounded by many larger cities. Families who have never left, mom-and-pop restaurants, and a multitude of unique shopping experiences make Burbank a destination to visit for a weekend getaway, whether you’re flying in or driving from the surrounding areas.
Burbank, CA, was named after dentist Dr. David Burbank in 1887. Home to the Disney Studios, Warner Bros., and NBC. Also known for their Aviation history, with Lockheed being the leader of aviation, especially during World War II. With so much growth emerging from a small town, when people come to visit, they miss out on what the locals enjoy year-round. Below is a 36-hour visit in Burbank, so you can enjoy more than just what Burbank is known for.
Friday Evening, Begin Your Adventure
Friday nights in Burbank are meant for burgers and classic car shows. From 4 pm to 10 pm every Friday, at Bob’s Big Boy, you can examine the classic cars while enjoying a Big Boy combo or one of the many dinner items they have to offer. Don’t forget to take your photo with Bob himself.
Dinner prices vary from $10.00 to $25.00, and the portions are worth the cost. Even the servers make the restaurant feel like a home away from home. Most have worked there for twenty-plus years, and they make you feel welcome. There may be a wait at dinner time, but the car show is available, and the cars and food are worth the wait, and a great way to start your Burbank adventure.
Although your adventure in Burbank is sans the studios, there is no reason not to get a little bit of cinema nostalgia, with movies like True Romance and Apollo 13 being filmed here, as well as TV shows like Parenthood and Monk. After dinner, head down to the Safari Inn and check in for the weekend.
This 3-star hotel is conveniently located in the center of Burbank, offering easy access by car, Uber, or public transportation to your weekend destinations. They do offer a discount on your stay if you join their rewards program.
Summertime offers guests a centralized pool to escape the summer heat.
Saturday, The Adventure Continues
Spend your Saturday in Downtown Burbank. Enjoy hundreds of shops, dining, the mall, bowling, and yes, three AMC theatres.
Downtown Burbank has transformed over the years into a hot spot for locals and visitors. There are parking restrictions in some areas, but in others, there is ample parking time allotted, and you can spend the day here exploring all that Downtown Burbank has to offer.
Plenty of benches line San Fernando Blvd., and what better way to relax with the beverage of your choice and people watch. There is no need to rush through your day with so much to see.
Sunday, End the Weekend with Food & Shopping
Like most restaurants in Burbank, The Smoke House has been around for as long as many can remember. Started in 1946 by two Lockheed Aircraft employees, the restaurant has gone on to be a favorite of the early silver screen elite, and is currently known for its Sunday brunches and garlic bread. Yes, garlic bread that people will drive hours to pick up, myself included.
As you finish your 36 hours in Burbank with Sunday brunch and enjoy their breakfast bar featuring made-to-order omelets or scrambles, waffles, and every breakfast side to keep everyone happy. Not in the mood for breakfast? Enjoy their sushi station, fresh meat station, and a variety of other delicious food choices. Do not forget to end with a dessert, including a visit to the chocolate fountain.
Give your party at least one to two hours to enjoy the patio and delicious food before wandering the city.
After a filling brunch at The Smoke House, make your way to the Magnolia Park area of Burbank. Here you will find many vintage clothing shops, one-of-a-kind shops, metaphysical shops, thrift stores, antique stores, a store that specializes in saving cats, barber shops, and a year-round Halloween store.
You will also find many eateries, and if you get hungry after walking the many blocks of shops, you can dine on Italian, Diner, Bagels, and even a multitude of coffee shops. No Starbucks here, these are all locally owned shops.
A couple of shops that are a must see include:
The Mystic Museum, home to “Camp Horror,” “Mystic Museum Oddities,” and “The Mystic Museum,” features various installations for your viewing pleasure. There are usually interactions that make the museum experience a must-see. The oddities here include taxidermied animals, morgue items, and many other oddities, most for sale.
Audrey K Boutique offers a wide selection of vintage-inspired clothing, accessories, and knick-knacks. The staff are always helpful, and the holidays bring a variety of holiday-inspired goodness. Audrey and Andrea make all customers feel like family and can answer any question. If you check out the boutique before your visit and want to snag an item, pick it up while you’re there. Fee pickup is always available.
Catnip Coalition is a one-of-a-kind shop —like an indoor antique mall — where independent vendors sell their goods. This shop also helps cats in need. What better way to help than by shopping to get that item you may not find elsewhere?
There are many other shopping adventures for you to explore. Located between Magnolia Blvd / Hollywood Way and Magnolia Blvd / Buena Vista, you are sure to end your 36-hour adventure picking up trinkets to take home with you. If you are a local, there is always something new and a great reason to return.
Making your trip enjoyable…
It is best to have a vehicle while spending the weekend in Burbank. You can also use Uber or Lyft to get around, since Burbank is a small town, and it is easy to utilize these ride-sharing services.
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