Hollywood is renowned as the home of American moviemaking, but it's the city of Burbank, north-west of downtown Los Angeles, that really drives the film and television industry. Major TV and movie studios, including Warner Bros and Walt Disney, are based here, and there are plenty of fun experiences on offer to visitors, including tours of film backlots and soundstages. To explore more of California, rent a car at Hollywood Burbank Airport and hit the road to make the most of this incredible state.
Film fans won't want to leave Burbank before having immersed themselves in the rich history of Hollywood and the movie industry. The best way to do that is by booking a place on a studio tour. Warner Bros takes visitors on a trip around its 110-acre backlot, where you can see numerous film and TV shooting locations, props and more. Universal and Disney Studios also operate tours.
Just a short drive away from Burbank you'll find Los Angeles Zoo, where you can see more than 250 animal species and 800 different types of plant. One of the highlights of a visit to this attraction is getting involved in the various activities on offer, such as mingling with flamingos, feeding giraffes and going behind the scenes to see how the zoo cares for its animals.
You can combine a trip to Los Angeles Zoo with a walk around Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America. Situated at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, the park encompasses various sights and attractions, including Bronson Canyon, which has featured in many films and television shows, and Griffith Observatory, which offers panoramic views across the Los Angeles Basin.
Pick up your car rental in Burbank and the bustling center of one of the world's most famous cities is just a short ride away. Using a car to explore Los Angeles will give you the opportunity to cruise along iconic roads like Rodeo Drive, Mulholland Drive, Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard. During your drive around LA, look out for sights like the Hollywood sign and the Kodak Theater, the venue of the annual Academy Awards ceremony.
Malibu is the quintessential California beach hangout, known for its luxurious Mediterranean climate and 21-mile stretch of beautiful coastline. Follow CA-134 W and US-101 N, before taking exit 32 onto Las Virgenes Road to head towards this affluent city, where you can check out seafront spots like Surfrider Beach, Zuma Beach and, of course, Malibu Beach. It's also worth heading to the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to explore some of the many parks there.
If you're renting a car in Burbank to enjoy some of the spectacular drives on offer in California, your trip wouldn't be complete without a journey along the Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH as it's known to locals. Technically referred to as California State Route 1, this major highway runs along most of the Pacific coastline of California, stretching for just over 656 miles. It offers unbeatable views and, if you're feeling adventurous, will take you all the way to San Francisco Bay.
A compact, practical car will be a good option to navigate the tight, busy roads in the area.
Hollywood Burbank Airport
There are no toll roads in Burbank itself, but major routes in wider California, like I-10 and I-15, do charge tolls.
The months from May to August all typically enjoy 13 hours of sunshine a day.
February, with 114 mm on average.
Burbank Beer Festival, Taste of Downtown Burbank, Downtown Burbank Arts Festival