UNIVERSAL CITY
/ BURBANK / NORTH HOLLYWOOD / VENTURA BOULEVARD / DEEP IN THE VALLEY
THE VALLEY
UNIVERSAL CITY A couple of Metro stops north of the heart of Hollywood is Universal City, a major entertainment-industry outpost. The highlight is Universal Studios Hollywood, which offers a behind-the-scenes peek into moviemaking, plus a theme park with high-tech virtual-reality action rides. The new Wizarding World of Harry Potter attraction is all the buzz; also thrilling are the Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem attraction and the Simpsons Ride and its adjacent Springfield-themed “world.” Splurge for Universal’s VIP Experience, which pampers its guests with such perks as private tour guides, exclusive backlot access and unlimited front-of-line access in the theme park. Among the wide-ranging attractions next door at pedestrian-only Universal CityWalk are skydiving simulations at iFly Hollywood and the latest films at the state-of-the-art Universal Cinema. Restaurants include
new Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, Dongpo Kitchen, chef Ludo Lefebvre’s LudoBird and Voodoo Doughnut.
BURBANK Burbank calls itself the “media capital of the world”—and with good reason. The city is home to some of the most famous players in the entertainment business, including Walt Disney Studios, Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon Animation Studio. Get a taste of the action on a Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood or as part of the studio audience at a taping of one of
your favorite programs, such as The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The media district, which encompasses most of these companies, also boasts some newer cafés and dining destinations, including Coffee Commissary and Simmzy’s, as well as the iconic Bob’s Big Boy, which hosts a classic-car show every Friday. Burbank’s entertainment industry is hardly the city’s only draw. More than 160 restaurants and shops cater to locals and visitors alike. The downtown district offers a major-mall shopping experience, movie theaters and the country’s largest Ikea,
but surrounding streets, such as historic San Fernando Boulevard, have a more homegrown feel, with shops and trendy bistros such as Granville Cafe. Another must-visit district is hip Magnolia Park, centered at Magnolia Boulevard and Hollywood Way, which offers indie cafés, antique shops and the area’s best retro and vintage boutiques (Playclothes and Pinup Girl are favorites). Always-packed Porto’s Bakery offers excellent pastries and sandwiches from Europe and the owners’ native Cuba. Do you like the outdoors? Burbank is a gateway to the Verdugo Mountains, which are crisscrossed with hiking trails. A workout here is rewarded with spectacular views of Burbank, the Hollywood Hills and downtown L.A. For golf enthusiasts, DeBell Golf Club features regulation 18-hole and par-3 courses. And during the summer, outdoor amphitheater the Starlight Bowl hosts a music series. If you’re jetting into or out of L.A., you can escape the hassles of LAX by opting for uncongested Hollywood Burbank Airport. It offers nonstop flights to many cities across the country and
great find
SAGE ADVICE In the heart of quaint Toluca Lake, you’ll find chic women’s boutique Rose & Sage. Owner Soraya Ardakani carefully curates the shop’s selection of apparel, accessories and gifts—everything you need for a picture-perfect look. “I select premium pieces that appeal to all ages and are attainable for everyone,” says Ardakani. 10143 Riverside Drive, Toluca Lake, 818.509.7886, roseandsage.com
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: DALE BERMAN (2); COURTESY ROSE & SAGE. OPPOSITE, FROM LEFT: DALE BERMAN; COURTESY SUGARFISH
The Valley is a sprawling collection of communities, each with its own attractions and charms. Immortalized in movies as diverse as Chinatown and Valley Girl, the area derives its name from Mission San Fernando Rey de España, the historic landmark on the Valley’s northernmost edge.
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