Are you looking for things to do and see in the City of Glendale? Immerse yourself in the Jewel City’s community and culture by adding these ten experiences to your list of things to do.
1. BRAND PARK
Start your morning with a hike exploring a 31 acre park that offers trails, basketball courts, picnic areas, a playground, a softball field, and a seasonal children’s wading pool. Make sure to tour the traditional teahouse that was built in 1974 as well!
Brand Library & Art Center
After, stop by Brand Library & Art Center which has been a cornerstone for arts in Southern California since 1956. The public library provides free services and programs including exhibitions, concerts, dance performances, films, lectures, and hands-on craft programs for adults and children.
2. MONTROSE
Find a restaurant in Montrose that has nearly 200 independently owned businesses. Montrose’s many restaurants, cafes and bakeries offer outside dining, serving up everything from beignets to sashimi.
3. FOREST LAWN
Visit Forest Lawn, a Southern California landmark since 1906. It has a world-renowned museum, extraordinary statuary, and the Hall of the Crucifixion-Resurrection, which houses two of the largest religious paintings in the western hemisphere. While you are there you can visit the resting sites of celebrities like Michael Jackson, Walt Disney, and Sammy Davis Jr.
4. MONA
Marvel at neon art pieces at the Museum of Neon Art (MONA). The museum was founded as a non-profit in 1981 by artists Lili Lakich and Richard Jenkins to create awareness for historic neon sign preservation and to showcase the electrifying contemporary art form.
5. GALLERIA & AMERICANA
Touring a new city is never complete without a shopping trip! Shop until you drop at the Americana at Brand and the Glendale Galleria. Find stores like Top Shop, J. Crew, Urban Outfitters, Adidas, Calvin Klein, Tiffany & Co., and so much more. You can even take a break by indulging in dessert from the Pie Hole or Sprinkles.
6. SEE A SHOW
Unwind by watching a show at the Alex Theatre, Glendale Centre Theatre, or Antaeus Theatre. All theatres are at the center of Glendale’s thriving Arts & Entertainment District. Here you can find community programming that offers a diverse schedule attracting thousands of patrons a year.
7. GCC PLANETARIUM
Spend some time under the stars at Glendale Community College’s Planetarium, an all-digital full dome theater with reclining seats. The Community College offers shows presented by a live narrator that can last up to 55 minutes.
8. ENJOY ETHNIC CUISINE
Pick from a wide range of ethnic cuisines for dinner. Glendale offers Armenian, Persian, Cuban, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean restaurants. Enjoy a meal at Gen Korean Barbecue House, Din Tai Fung, Tsujita, Porto’s Bakery & Café, Skaf’s Lebanese Cuisine, Max’s of Manila, Sushi Sasabune, Tumanyan Khinkali Factory, and many more!
9. HAPPY HOUR
Indulge in Happy Hour cocktails at places like the Tavern on Brand, Eden on Brand, Frida’s, Bacari GDL, or try and visit them all! If you’re not feeling like a fruity concoction, stop by one of Glendale’s many craft breweries like Brewyard Beer Co., Glendale Tap, We’re Pouring, and Pacific Plate Taproom. There’s a place for everyone to try whether its beer, a cocktail, or wine.
10. MOONLIGHT ROLLERWAY
Relive your childhood memories and roller-skate your night away at the Moonlight Rollerway. This historic site was built in the 1940’s as a factory that produced airplane parts for World War II. It wasn’t until February 1956 that it was opened as Harry’s Roller Rink. Today’s skating floor is Harry’s original 2 ¼ inch maple flooring with no nails, all tongue and groove.