Location: Glendale
Top Things to do in Glendale
What to do and see in Glendale, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Glendale /ˈɡlɛndeɪl/ is a city in Los Angeles County, California, United States. Its estimated 2014 population was 200,167, making it the third largest city in Los Angeles County and the 23rd-largest city in California. It is located about 8 miles (13 km) north of downtown Los Angeles.
Restaurants in Glendale
1. The Americana at Brand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 402 reviews
Reviewed By sas820 - Stanley, Hong Kong
Excellent planning that resulted in a well thought out multiple purpose community center: fine retail outlets, inviting outdoor gathering areas, wonderful fountain, trolley, wide variety of dining options, excellent seasonal decor, safe and clean parking garages.
2. Descanso Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 333 reviews
Located 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles, Descanso Gardens is a botanical garden and place of year-round natural beauty, with internationally renowned botanical collections and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays. Accredited by the American Association of Museums as a museum of living collections, Descanso Gardens welcomes 250,000 visitors annually. The principal collections include California native plants and oak woodlands; one of the largest concentration of camellia plants in the Western Hemisphere; a rose garden with specimens from all corners of the globe; and significant presentations of lilacs, maple trees, cherry trees and iris. It has been designated an International Camellia Garden of Excellence by the International Camellia Society.
Reviewed By Eric G - Pasadena
This review pertains to the Enchanted Forest, a holiday-themed, evening walk through the gardens that is offered in November, December and part of January. Tickets must be booked in advance with a timed entry. Although people were parking on the street, there was parking the lot, so I recommend trying that first. It can get cold after dark this time of year in SoCal, so dress accordingly. It takes about 90 minutes to walk through the various areas - the trees and other areas are magnificently lit was different colored, changing LEDs and there are a number of other surprises that are fun for kids and adults. Food and drink (including adult beverages) are available, but the lines can be long and it isn't inexpensive. I'm not sure we will go every year, but the entire family was really happy we went this time. One last tip, since there are lots of people moving all around, it was a bit dusty, so casual wear is appropriate and those people in "dating" attire didn't seem as comfortable.
3. Norton Simon Museum
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
The Norton Simon Museum is known around the world as one of the most remarkable private art collections ever assembled. Over a 30-year period, industrialist Norton Simon (1907–1993) amassed an astonishing collection of European art from the Renaissance to the 20th century and a stellar collection of South and Southeast Asian art spanning 2,000 years. Modern and Contemporary Art from Europe and the United States, acquired by the former Pasadena Art Museum, also occupies an important place in the Museum’s collections.
Reviewed By Rolf A - Chicago, Illinois
Not a large collection, but what gems! In two hours you can easily see the best of French 18th and 19th-century painting, some Italian and Dutch and Netherlandish paintings not see in the U.S otherwise. The Hans Memling Christ Giving His Blessing from 1478 is worth the trip from anywhere and then there are two Rembrandts, a superb Diego Rivera, a wonderful Vigee Le Brun portrait of Theresa, not to mention many Degas sculptures and probably the finest collection of Cambodian Angkor Period sculpture in the U.S.
4. Forest Lawn Memorial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 207 reviews
This famous cemetery has dozens of fancy Hollywood tributes and exhibits, and it attracts over one million annual visitors.
Reviewed By brwerner - Burlington, Vermont
On a Sunday, very few people there. Very pretty driving around. Stopped at information just inside the entrance and got a map, calendar of events and fancy Great Mausoleum tour guide. If you are a Christian, the mausoleum will both strengthen and inform your faith. And if you are not a Christian, go for the art, museum, and beauty. Don't miss the Crucifixion and Resurrection paintings, with narration - check the website for days and hours. Whole thing not to be missed!
5. Griffith Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
A public observatory owned and operated by the City of Los Angeles for the benefit of all. Located in on Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Observatory offers a planetarium, exhibits, public telescopes, cafe, bookstore, and the best views of the Los Angeles basin. Admission is free, and visitors may drive directly to the Observatory and park in its lots and roads.
Reviewed By BobKava - Cooper City, Florida
We were unable to get to the observatory because of the crowds. So recommend you go there way before the opening Cars were parked everywhere. Many walked a great distance uphill to get there
6. Glendale Galleria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 230 reviews
Reviewed By gumbokins - Singapore
It’s a nice, clean mall with a good selection of stores for the whole family. Large food court with lots of seats, the kabob store has halal chicken. Toilets are plentiful. Just a short walk from the Americana as well. Happy to find Teavana, we spent way too much money there.
7. Universal Studios Hollywood
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience! Find a full day of action-packed entertainment all in one place: thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk. Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience that’s fun for the whole family. Explore Universal Studios backlot on the legendary Studio Tour. Then face the action head on in heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions that put you inside some of the world’s biggest movies. End your day with the energy and excitement of Universal CityWalk. All this and much more. Only at Universal Studios Hollywood, The Entertainment Capital of L.A.
Reviewed By Cjervey2014 - Newark, New Jersey
This was the most fun that I've had in a long time. It is a bit pricey, but everywhere is, so it's priced like all of the other parks. The rides were sooo fun and the shows & tour were awesome. Can't wait to go back!
8. The Gamble House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 492 reviews
This historic landmark, owned and operated by the University of Southern California, is an excellent example of American Arts and Crafts style architecture.
Reviewed By DMUH - Honolulu, Hawaii
All the tours to the Gamble House is escorted. You cannot view the house on your own. The house is interesting. What makes the tour really fun, is the history provided by the tour guide. The "Gamble" is the Proctor & Gamble, Gamble. He and his wife were very committed to nature and the house reflects the care in planning the layout. Caution - you need to "reserve" a slot. The guides are broken into one hour segments. The first day we went (in the afternoon) all slots were taken. So, we made a reservation for the next day. And, then, not all time slots were available ( sold out). I recommend going a couple of days earlier, make the reservation and then return.
9. Brand Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Rosie A - Los Angeles, California, United States
One of our favorites. My seven year old daughter and I enjoy walking around the entire premises. From the actual library to the Japanese garden. The library hosts concerts and art work, check calendar. Beautiful views of palm trees from the gate up. Be prepared to take lots of pics.
10. Glendale Centre Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By trishakelley - Pasadena, California
This theater boasts a very long running production of A Christmas Carol and it was very well done. The show is done with the seats wrapping around the whole theater with the play happening in the middle. The actors were great and had excellent voices. The show was punctuated with Christmas carols that really got us into the season. It was quite fun.
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