The Best Things to Do in Burbank

While Hollywood gets all the cinematic praise, its neighboring city of Burbank is where most of the movie and TV making actually takes place. Touring movie lots, studios, and theaters are a given when visiting Burbank, but this marvelous city has much more to offer to its eager visitors. You’ll find dining, shopping, and entertainment options galore at the Media Capital of the World, as well as an array of lively markets, green parks, and fun hiking trails. Ready for the ultimate itinerary of things to do in Burbank? Here’s everything you need to know.

Fun Things to do in Burbank This Weekend

1. Go on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Many awesome movies and television shows are filmed at major studios in Burbank. And guess what? You can retrace your favorite characters’ steps by touring the  Warner Bros. Studio in town. An absolute must on your list of Burbank attractions, this awesome tour gives you an immersive look at sets and memorabilia from your favorite movies and shows. 

There are a variety of experience bundles you can book online. Read up and choose between the studio tour, classic tour, deluxe tour, and more options. See what’s best for you and your crew, reserve in advance, and you can be sure that you’ll have a blast!

2. Laugh it Off at the Flappers Comedy Club

Ask anyone about their top three things to do in Burbank, and they’ll most likely mention the Flappers Comedy Club. Famous for a reason, the Flappers Comedy Club in Burbank is where many of your favorite comedians kickstarted their careers. If you’ve ever gone on a binge-watching sesh of stand-up clips on Youtube, you’ve most definitely come across the Flappers recognizable stage once or twice. 

You’ll have a long list of shows to choose from at any given week here. If you’re feeling adventurous, reserve a spot for Celebrity Drop In Tuesdays and watch awesome surprise celebrity comedians and national headliners grace the stage. Previous surprise guests have included Whitney Cummings, Jerry Seinfeld, Conan O'Brien, Bill Burr, and more exciting names. Besides watching a hilarious show, you can also have dinner and drinks here; talk about fun things to do in Burbank!

3. Catch a Show at the Starlight Bowl

If you’re lucky enough to visit Burbank while it’s still hot outside, you shouldn't miss out on attending a concert at the Starlight Bowl. A gorgeous open-air amphitheater hosting cover bands and well-known artists, Starlight is the place to go in Burbank for an intimate concert experience. 

People flock to this venue for its impressive Fourth of July celebrations, but a concert here is never boring. You can purchase snacks and drinks on-site or even pack your own picnic. Gather your crew and check out the upcoming concerts while you still can; Starlight is one fun bucket-list Burbank attraction.

4. Attempt the Hollywood Sign and the Wisdom Tree Hike

One of the best free things to do in Burbank is to go on a hike and admire the sweeping views of the Greater Los Angeles area. If you’re up for a kickass challenge, we’ve got just the hiking trail for you. The 7.5-mile, steep, out-and-back Hollywood Sign and Wisdom Tree Trail does exactly what its name suggests: takes you to the Hollywood Sign and a unique, lone-standing tree. 

While it’s definitely grueling, the views along this hike make every sweat and muscle ache worthwhile. Power through as much of this iconic hike as you can and you’ll be rewarded with the best panoramas in town!

5. Explore Downtown Burbank

Downtown Burbank boasts hundreds of shops, restaurants, and activities to discover. Spanning San Fernando Boulevard from the Burbank Town Center shopping mall to North America’s largest IKEA, the heart of the city is a vibrant destination bustling with fun stops to explore—more than 600 of them, to be precise.

While there’s a lot of fun to be had here whenever you visit, you should keep an eye out for the special seasonal attractions. During the holiday season, Downtown is the place to go in Burbank. The city’s most festive holiday tradition—the ice skating rink—comes back near the City Hall from December through January. Meanwhile, if you visit in May, you’ll take part in the Downtown Burbank Arts Festival that stretches across four blocks. You’ll have the chance to see and shop for artwork, handicrafts, check out food booths, and more fun goodies.

Another area adjacent to downtown that’s worth exploring is Magnolia Park. A charming area brimming with lots of character, Magnolia Park is the best place to go in Burbank to check out boutique stores, vintage clothing shops, and artisanal coffee houses.

6. Get a Burger at the Oldest Remaining Bob’s Big Boy

Bob’s Big Boy is a classic American diner-style chain and home of the original double-deck burger. The oldest remaining restaurant from this famous chain has been serving delicious shakes and burgers in the same spot right here in Burbank since 1949.

Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, visiting Bob’s Big Boy on Riverside Drive is a must on any list of things to do in Burbank. After your hearty meal, take a second to pose next to the trademark chubby boy statue in his checkered overalls. Sort of an iconic Burbank attraction in his own right, this old-school statue is sure to cheer you up at first glance.

7. Visit the Gordon R. Howard Museum Complex

Nestled on the east side of George Izay Park, the Gordon R. Howard Museum Complex is where you need to go to learn about all things related to the history of the city. This hidden gem is filled with a dazzling display of items detailing the city’s many phases in history. You’ll learn about Burbank’s rich and diverse film, television, animation, and music world; you’ll read accounts about Native Americans, Spanish Rancheros, and pioneers; you’ll even hear about the city’s innovations in agricultural development, aerospace, car culture, and more niche topics. An educational yet fun place to go in Burbank, this little museum offers an interesting story for everyone to see and learn.