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From Wild West to Wild Animals....
Within just a few miles of the Ramada Burbank are several attractions that offer visitors a fun-filled day of sightseeing. The newly renovated Griffith Observatory in nearby Griffith Park is an amazing cosmic experience, while the nearby Los Angeles Zoo treats attendees to an up-close and personal visit with the many varieties of animal life on permanent display.
If you're a western history enthusiast,
then you should mosey on down to the Museum of the American
West (formally the Autry Museum of Western Heritage). Located
right across the street from the Los Angeles Zoo (about 5
miles from the hotel), the museum showcases
a broad range of art and artifacts that chronicle the history
and diversity of the American West. There is an admission fee
during the week; weekends (from noon to 5 p.m.), attendance
is free.
Less than six miles east of the Ramada Burbank is Brand Park. Located
at the base of the Verdugo Mountains in the neighboring City
of Glendale, the 31-acre recreational facility offers
hiking trails, picnic areas, sport fields, and a playground
for the kids. The park was a gift to the city by Leslie C.
Brand, who purchased 1,000 acres of the picturesque property
at the turn of the last century. Brand’s
5,000-square foot East Indian-style mansion is still standing
and has been converted into a library.
The Griffith Observatory
is one of the true sightseeing wonders in Southern California.
Located a mile west of the Greek Theatre, this working astronomical
research facility receives over two million visiting stargazers
annually. The observatory is atop Mount Hollywood (1,134 feet
above sea level), on the Griffith Park grounds. Because of
its Art Deco styling, the site has been used as the backdrop
for many Hollywood classics, such as Rebel Without
a Cause and The Terminator. The ever-popular observatory has recently
reopened after a five-year renovation project, so reservations
are advisable.
Less than eight miles from the Ramada Burbank and four miles
from Disney and Warner Bros. studios is an historical landmark
that has become a local cultural and recreational mainstay.
Griffith Park is the largest municipal park and urban wilderness
area in the U.S., and is the home to the Griffith Observatory,
Museum of the American West and Los Angeles Zoo. There are
numerous family attractions (Travel Town Museum, carousel,
pony rides) and events held throughout the year.
Less than a mile from the Greek Theatre is one of the most famous intersections in the world. Hollywood Ave. and Vine St. is located at what used to be the heart of glamour and excitement during the town’s halcyon days. Legendary nightclubs such as Sardi’s and the Brown Derby were in full swing during this corner’s heyday. Few famous localities remain, but the Capital Records building is still a stunning reminder of this site’s magnificent history.
What trip to Los Angeles can be complete without seeing some ferocious, wild beasts in action? The Los Angeles Zoo has been a major L.A. attraction since it opened in 1966. Located across the street from the Museum of the American West on the northeast section of Griffith Park, the zoo receives 1.4 million people visitors each year. Encompassing 113 acres, the facility is home to more than 1,200 animals and nearly 7,500 plants.