9 Tips for a Family Friendly Spring Break in Burbank, CA

Spring break is just around the corner, so what better time than right NOW to start planning?

Burbank, nestled right next to Los Angeles, is the perfect spring break destination for families. The city enjoys close proximity to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood but also feels very much like a hidden gem or a locals' well-kept secret. You'll find beautiful, quiet streets, incredible local restaurants, and a decidedly low-key vibe.

With two wonderful properties in Burbank, the Safari Inn and Annabelle Hotel, we know a thing or two about this SoCal city. So grab your sunglasses and start packing your bags, because we've put together a Burbank, CA family friendly travel guide worth celebrating, with tips and ideas for a family spring break getaway to remember!

Embark on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour

If you've ever wanted to visit a working Hollywood studio, it's hard to top Warner Bros. As the filming location for countless iconic television shows and movies including Full House, Ghostbusters, The Big Bang Theory, Friends, Gilmore Girls, Jurassic Park, and so many others, a Warner Bros. studio tour is one of the best things to do in Burbank, CA. Best of all, since it's still an active working studio, no two tours are ever exactly alike!

Studio tours include one hour with a guide and two hours on your own to explore, eat, and shop. Advance ticket purchase is required and tours often sell out well in advance. We strongly recommend reserving your tickets as far in advance as possible.

Visit Dodger Stadium

March marks the beginning of Spring Training in the MLB, with several home games hosted at Dodger Stadium. There's nothing quite like watching a baseball game while enjoying classic stadium snacks and near-perfect weather with plenty of sunshine — especially when that baseball game happens to be in one of the most historic and iconic stadiums in the league. 

Be sure to check the game schedule for the days you're visiting, but keep in mind that you can always visit the stadium, even on non-game days. In fact, it's totally free to visit the team store and roam around the upper deck when there isn't a game!

Visit the Burbank Aviation Museum

Did you know that Burbank, CA is considered one of the most significant aviation capitals of America? It's true! The city has a number of connections to major flight events throughout history. For example, Amelia Earhart's tragically lost plane was built in Burbank and Howard Hughes maintained several aircraft facilities in the city. Today, you can walk through a piece of that history at the Burbank Aviation Museum.

Stroll Through Descanso Gardens

The very definition of an urban oasis, Descanso Gardens in Burbank, CA features seasonal flower gardens and a forest with walking paths, ponds, expansive green spaces, and more. There's also an art gallery, gift shop, and restaurant onsite.

Take a Hike or Enjoy a Nature Program

There are many ways to get outside and enjoy nature in the Burbank area with your family (which is a very good thing, because you'll want to very literally soak up every possible ray of sunshine!). Here are just a few of our favourites.

• Stough Canyon Nature Center - The amazing staff here offers guided hikes and other educational programs throughout the year, including workshops, astronomy events, and day camps.
• Wildwood Canyon Park - Want to get some exercise and feel like you're "getting away from it all," without ever leaving the city? Head to Wildwood Canyon! The hike is approximately two miles each way, and the radio tower at the top provides views as far as downtown L.A.
• Griffith Park - You can hike one of several hiking trails, but our favourite way to enjoy Griffith Park is on horseback! Situated within the heart of the park, the Los Angeles Equestrian Center provides guided rides — including up to the iconic Hollywood sign.
• Los Angeles Zoo - It's hard to beat a day walking around in gorgeous weather and interacting with a bunch of unique animals. With more than 270 animals, special events and activities including giraffe feeding and "flamingo mingle," visiting the L.A. Zoo is a fantastic way to spend some time in SoCal!

Get Into a Retro Mood at a Classic Car Show

Fun fact: the country's oldest Bob's Big Boy restaurant is located right here in Burbank, CA. To this day, Bob's hosts a 1950s-style classic car show every Friday evening. Come out, order a classic "Big Boy" double-decker burger, and keep your eyes peeled for classic car-loving celebrities.

Explore the Downtown District In Burbank, CA

Burbank's downtown district is a picturesque area with over 100 shops and eateries. The city is notorious for its safe, clean streets, making it an enjoyable place to spend an afternoon walking around. There always seems to be some sort of special event or performance going on also, so be sure to check out Burbank's events calendar to plan your visit.

While you're down here, don't miss a chance to explore the famous Magnolia Park. This charming section of Burbank is known for its quaint streets lined with boutique stores, vintage clothing shops, coffee houses, and galleries.

Soak Up Some Cowboy Culture at Autry National Center

Officially called the Autry Museum of the American West, this unique Burbank, CA attraction celebrates the Wild Wild West. You'll find pistols that belonged to Annie Oakley, an 1850s mail stagecoach, an extensive collection of saddlery and cowboy hats, and much more. The Autry is in Griffith Park just across from the zoo, so it's easy to make a day out of it!

Where to Stay in Burbank, CA

With two fantastic Coast Hotels properties to choose from, you'll find the perfect basecamp for your Burbank family friendly spring break trip.

Safari Inn, a Coast Hotel

This iconic mid-century Burbank, CA hotel comes with a long list of amenities — and a bit of its own fame, too. Its huge neon sign and pool have been featured in cult classic films, Apple TV productions, and on major networks like FOX.

Coast Annabelle Hotel

Just across from the Safari Inn, this boutique Burbank, CA hotel offers its own twist on SoCal luxury. Onsite Olive's Bistro & Lounge is a local favourite.

Regardless of which property you choose, take advantage of the pool and fitness center at the Safari Inn, and order room service from Olive's. Both hotels also offer complimentary onsite parking, as well as a free shuttle to and from the Burbank airport, Warner Bros. Studio, Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, and other points of interest.

Ultimate Hollywood Movie Experience

In honour of the city (re)rolling out the red carpet and welcoming visitors back, Coast Hotels is offering the Ultimate Hollywood Movie Experience deal. Enjoy a room at Safari Inn or the Coast Annabelle Hotel for one night, along with two adult passes to Universal Studios Hollywood. We also recommend that you take advantage of our free airport shuttle and courtesy shuttle service that will take you around to Burbank’s most popular attractions!