Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of Glendale
- Safety in Glendale
- Where to Stay in Glendale
- Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Glendale
- Things to Do in Glendale
- What and Where to Eat in Glendale
- General Tips About Visiting Glendale
- Conclusion
- Los Angeles Blogs
Introduction
Glendale is located in the northern part of the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. It is surrounded by Burbank, Griffith Park, the Verdugo Mountains, and Pasadena. It is a much more quiet part of Los Angeles which can be a nice escape from all the chaos of nearby Downtown L.A. and Hollywood. Glendale does offer some very nice things to do, but people tend to skip over Glendale or drive through it to get to Pasadena or Burbank.
Glendale is home to amazing restaurants, points of interest, access to Griffith Park, and one of the most unique museums in all of Los Angeles. This blog post will cover everything from the history of Glendale, accommodation, transportation, things to do, safety, what and where to eat, and other general tips while visiting Glendale.
History of Glendale
Before Glendale was Glendale, the area was inhabited by the Indigenous Tongva people who were spread out over 2,560,000 acres / 1,035,995.244 hectares. After Spain colonized the area, Glendale remained fairly unbothered and part of a larger Rancho San Rafael. Rancho San Rafael occupied current-day Burbank, Glendale, Eagle Rock, and Highland Park. in 1871, a court decision nicknamed the “Great Partition,” divided the massive Rancho San Rafael into different areas.
Six individuals would occupy and manage what would later become Glendale. The area saw roads and other industries built during the 1870s and 1880s and the connection of the railroads brought more people and business into the area. Glendale held strong throughout droughts and economic crashes and was officially incorporated into Los Angeles in 1906, and now sits in northern Los Angeles.
Safety in Glendale
I have found Glendale to be one of the safest cities in Los Angeles. Glendale is located north of Griffith Park and is surrounded by Burbank and Pasadena on both sides. It does have its share of problems like most places on Earth, but not nearly to the extent of other areas. There can be homeless to be found in the area so be mindful, and in general, I don’t recommend you walk alone at night, especially if you are a woman.
Crimes of opportunity can occur here, although they are not common. What is a crime of opportunity? Crimes of opportunity are not pre-planned crimes, but rather when the perpetrator sees someone mess up and allows them to commit the crime. Even though smaller crimes like pickpocketing and car break-ins are still low, do not give anyone the chance to do so and keep aware of your surroundings. Glendale has its own fire and police departments so you will be perfectly fine visiting. If you want more information about safety in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Safety in Los Angeles: Complete Guide” blog post.
Where to Stay in Glendale
Glendale can be a good place to stay, but you have to have a car. Glendale’s safety and quiet nightlife can make it a prime location to base your L.A. adventures, but since there is no access to airports or the L.A. Metro, you do need to have access to a personal or rented vehicle. There are three primary accommodation options in Glendale, motels, hotels, and room and house rentals, which will all be discussed in detail below with specific recommendations.
Hotels
There are several hotels within Glendale. Most of them should offer parking spots, so if you have a car or rent a vehicle (Which in Glendale, you should), it should not be a problem. Please ensure you are checking that all hotels have parking if you have a personal vehicle. Some hotels charge an additional fee to park your car, so be sure to ask at the front desk, and they will give you a parking hanging tag or sticker for your vehicle if applicable.
Most hotels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in most cases, it will cost extra. Prices can change depending on the time you are going and for how long. Average rates that I’ve seen range from $100.00 to $180.00+ / €91.99 to €165.59+ per night.
House and Room Rentals
Airbnb and Vrbo are popular rental companies and offer guests opportunities to rent private and/or shared spaces for a few days to a few weeks. If you are a solo traveler or a couple, I would recommend you use Airbnb as they have smaller accommodation options. For larger groups, Vrbo may be a better option.
All rooms and houses offered usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see how their experience was. I’ve also noticed that ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, both companies have charged a very high cleaning fee. Sometimes close to $200.00 / €185.54!
Costs and availability can vary depending on the time you go and for how long, but the prices range from $80.00 to $100.00+ / €73.59 to €92.77+. It is also possible that many options do not have any parking spots, so if you rent a car or have a personal vehicle, check to make sure it has a parking spot. Generally speaking, most places have a check-in time around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but it can vary depending on the location.
Normally if you want an early check-in and/or late check-out they can accommodate you without an extra fee. Air conditioning does not come in all the units (sometimes at an extra fee), so if you come during summer, I’d recommend finding a place with air conditioning since it can get very hot in Glendale. To check out Airbnb’s official website, click here. For Vrbo’s official website, click here.
Motels
Motels are very common in Canada and the United States. For my readers outside the U.S. and Canada, motels may seem like a weird concept, but let me explain. Motels are very similar to hotels but offer fewer amenities. Motels are very basic, they have a room with a bed, a desk, and a private bathroom, and sometimes the campus will have a pool which can be closed seasonally. Sometimes they will have air conditioning and will always have a parking spot (sometimes limited).
Motels tend to be a little cheaper than hotels but do not offer flexible check-in and check-out and tend to have virtually no security. Just like hotels, most motels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. Motels average around $80.00 to $100.00+ / €73.88 to €92.47+ per night. Of course, the prices can depend on the time you are going and for how long, but it is more expensive than other motels.
Recommendations:
- Hotel Xilo Glendale ($$)
- Hilton Los Angeles, Glendale ($$)
- Hyatt Place Glendale ($$$)
If you want more information about accommodation in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Where to Stay in Los Angeles Guide” blog post.
Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Glendale
- Arrival
Arriving to Glendale can be done by two methods. You can drive/take a ride-share or take a city bus. Driving is the simplest and really the only way to get here if you are already in Los Angeles. There are plenty of parking spaces but expect it to be crowded and with a bit of traffic. You can also use ride-sharing apps if you don’t want to worry about the traffic or plan on drinking. Uber and Lyft are all over Los Angeles, but driving is still recommended as parking is abundant and possibly free.
You can get to Glendale by city bus, but they shouldn’t be used or used as a last resort since they can be dirty, unreliable, and a bit dangerous. If you want more information about transportation within Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Arrival and Transportation Within Los Angeles” blog post.
- Parking
Parking should be pretty straightforward in Glendale and can be free. There is a main mall in Glendale called the Glendale Galleria, which does have free parking. However, it can be a bit tricky since the Glendale Galleria is attached to an outdoor promenade called the Americana. The Americana does not have free parking, so be sure to park at the Galleria. If you try to find parking around the city, be aware of metered parking and street signs.
- Transportation Within Glendale
Since many of the things to do in Glendale are spread out, a car is best used to traverse the area. Either rented or personal, a car can get you to the Museum of Neon Art, Griffith Park, and the Americana with ease. The next best way to get around is by taking a ride-share application like Uber or Lyft. Do be wary of traffic and remember that from 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. / 06:00–10:30 and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. / 15:00–18:30 is rush hour (peak traffic). Again, there are city buses but don’t use them unless you are with a local since they are not the safest.
Things to Do in Glendale
Although Glendale is more sleepy than some of the other parts of Los Angeles, it does not lack things to do. There are hiking areas, a unique museum, and the second-best shopping center in all of L.A. Most people come to Glendale to shop, but there are a few things to do as a tourist. In no particular order, these are the top things I recommend you do in and around Glendale.
The Americana
The Americana is a shopping center located in Downtown Glendale and offers luxury shopping, great restaurants, and a relaxing atmosphere. I used to live in Glendale, and I loved going to the Americana and walking around enjoying the atmosphere. There is a lively fountain with amazing water displays. My favorite time to visit the Americana is during the holidays as the views with all the Christmas decorations are unmatched.
The Museum of Neon Art (MONA)
The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) is a small museum located in Downtown Glendale right next to the Americana. This museum highlights neon in all forms. From creative artworks and the signs that dotted the skyline during the 1900s. I found this museum to be very informative and fun. The museum is very small only consisting of two main rooms. However, alongside the main museum, there are also neon classes and neon walking tours for an additional cost.
I have not done either the walking neon tour or neon class, but the neon class looks like the more interesting of the two. The classes start at $300.00 / €277 per person and give people the opportunity to interact with Neon uniquely and create something truly one of a kind. To learn more about the neon classes offered at MONA click here to go to their official website.
This museum utilizes an app called Bloomberg Connects. This free app has online museum guides that can give you a somewhat virtual tour and help guide you throughout the museum. Bloomberg Connects has online guides for 15 institutions in Los Angeles, including the MONA.
This app also has almost every major language included which is very useful since most museums in L.A. only have information in English, with a few having Spanish. Although some guides on Bloomberg Connects have audio tours, the MONA does not, so there is no audio. Click here to go to the Bloomberg Connects website to learn more and download the app for both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Hike in Verdugo Mountains Park Property
The Verdugo Mountains are a California State Park located north of Glendale and offer some of the most intense hiking in the city (in my opinion). The area offers some unique views of the Hollywood/Burbank Airport. You can see airplanes periodically taking off and landing which is really cool. There is a strenuous 6.1-mile / 8.8-kilometer trail called the Chandler Motorway that goes into the mountains. This area is best hiked on a cloudy day since there is no shade throughout the trail and the heat will cut your hike short.
Visit the Autry Museum of the American West
The Autry Museum of the American West is located on the northeastern corner of Griffith Park adjacent to Glendale and focuses completely on the American West, as you could’ve probably guessed. The museum is beautiful and very informative. It goes into all aspects of the West including stereotypes, reality, different participating people groups, and of course history. There was a specific exhibit on the hurtful stereotypes Hollywood displayed normally depicting Native Americans as the antagonists.
There was a strong emphasis on the native communities that came before American settlers which I appreciated. The amount and quality of information about the Tongva people who inhabited the Los Angeles area before Mexican and American Settlers came was insightful. I had no idea just how diverse L.A. was before it was L.A. Located right next to the Los Angeles Zoo, this museum is worth a visit and in my opinion better than the nearby zoo.
This museum, just like the MONA, utilizes the Bloomberg Connects app. This free app has online museum guides that give you a somewhat virtual tour and help guide you throughout the museum. Bloomberg Connects has online guides for 15 institutions in Los Angeles, including the Autry.
Visit Griffith Park
Griffith Park is the largest park in Los Angeles and the largest city park in California. There is so much to do here from hiking to museums to the Los Angeles Zoo. You can truly walk around and spend hours doing so many new things. Since Griffith Park is so massive, there will be a separate blog dedicated to it. Griffith Park is located immediately south of Glendale, so it is very close by.
Visit the Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is one of the most visited places in Los Angeles and for good reason. It offers some of the best views of Downtown Los Angeles on a clear day. Alongside the phenomenal views, it’s also a great place to learn about all things interstellar with its out-of-this-world exhibits. Did I mention that entry is completely free? but not the parking.
Visit Pasadena
Pasadena is located right next to Glendale, in the northeastern part of Los Angeles. The city is home to amazing museums, the best garden in Los Angeles, the lively Rose Bowl, and other popular points of interest. The city is one of the cleanest in all of L.A. and is a great location for a very nice day trip. Whether you want to see the Norton-Simon Museum, watch a UCLA game at the Rose Bowl, or walk around the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), there is so much to do in Pasadena.
What and Where to Eat in Glendale
Glendale does not lack things to eat and offers one of the best bakeries in Los Angeles. It hosts a lot of good restaurants as many people who live in Los Angeles, rather drive to Glendale as opposed to the San Fernando Valley. Of course, popular fast food chains can be found here like In-N-Out and Chick-fil-A, but this section will focus on non-fast food establishments. In no particular order, here are a few recommendations that I have eaten at or some of my friends have given great reviews.
Porto’s Bakery (Cuban)
Porto’s Bakery is the most popular bakery in Los Angeles, and for good reason. It was opened by Rosa Porto, a Cuban woman who wanted to share some delicious Cuban food with the people of Los Angeles. Although the original location opened up in Echo Park, California, there are now six all across Los Angeles, and the Glendale location is my personal favorite. It is smaller than most other Porto’s, but that does not take away from the taste. Some of my favorite things to eat are the guava strudel, coconut strudel, and tres leches cake. Delicious!
Din Tai Fung (Chinese)
Din Tai Fung is a well-established Chinese restaurant in Glendale and serves amazing Chinese food. The chicken dumplings are beyond delicious and the bao pork buns are to die for. The food is a little more expensive, but if you want to have one nice fancy dinner this is not a bad option.
Salt and Olive (Mediterranean)
Salt and Olive is highly recommended by a close friend as her favorite restaurant in Glendale. Salt and Olive serves Mediterranean-style food with fresh ingredients, tangy sauces, and bold flavors.
Salt & Straw (Ice Cream)
Salt & Straw is an amazing local ice cream place that sells gourmet ice cream and weirdly unique flavors. There are a few around the Los Angeles area, but the one located in Glendale is found at the Americana. When I went during summer, they had an Earl Grey and Blueberry ice cream that was divine.
L’Avenue (American)
L’Avenue is a very lively location to eat brunch or dinner. Alongside good American-style food, L’Avenue serves amazing craft cocktails and beer on tap. If you want to have a nice dinner and stay for some great drinks, this is an excellent location.
85 Degrees Celsius Bakery (Café)
85 Degrees Celsius is an amazing café with decadent pastries and tasty coffee. It is a French-Korean bakery and one thing I love about the pastries is that they are not too sweet. Some pastries at other locations are just overloaded with sugar, but this place does it perfectly. There are a few around L.A. but they are all amazing.
General Tips About Visiting Glendale
Compared to other parts of Los Angeles such as Redondo Beach and Hollywood, Glendale seems so much calmer. Of course, as in every city, Glendale comes with its own set of tips which will be discussed in detail below. In no particular order, here are some tips about Glendale.
Traffic
It has been said many times, but Los Angeles is known for having bad traffic, and Glendale follows that trend. I have also noticed that outside of the highway, many cars drive very fast, so be sure to look both ways when covering the street. 6:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. / 06:00–10:30 and from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. / 15:00–18:30 is rush hour (peak traffic). Always account for some traffic around the city and be sure to watch your speed as the California Highway Patrol (CPH) will put a stop to your speeding.
The Homeless
Unfortunately, Los Angeles is going through a homeless crisis at the current moment. It’s not as prevalent in this city, but you may see it. You may see many makeshift shelters and tents where the homeless sleep. These shelters can be found throughout the city and can appear everywhere. They also panhandle a lot, and it is not uncommon for many homeless people to have dogs. I always advise if you want to give them something, give them something that is not straight money. Food, water, or even dog food are good options since you don’t know what that money will be used for.
Some people who live on the streets are addicts and/or mentally unstable individuals, and although they keep to themselves on most occasions, they can cause some trouble and discomfort. It is not uncommon to hear them yell into the sky, or move erratically, so just ignore their shouts and if they make you uncomfortable, walk to the other side of the street or turn around. Not all homeless are bad people. I have noticed an improvement in homelessness in the area. However, I think it is just preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games that will take place in Los Angeles. So hopefully, the improvement stays.
Expect Noises
Since Glendale has a lot of traffic and sees a lot of people drive through it, the area sees a lot of activity. You will hear cars, traffic, honking, sirens, helicopters, and the occasional heated debate or argument. Some of the noises can be heard anywhere throughout L.A. but when I lived in Glendale, the helicopters were constant.
Use AllTrails
AllTrails is a godsend when it comes to hiking. The app has millions of trails across dozens of countries in thousands of cities. There is a built-in GPS mechanic that tracks you while you are hiking which is a key feature. It is perfect for those trails that are overgrown or confusing as you can track your progression to make sure you are on the right trail. There is a built-in GPS mechanic that tracks you while you are hiking which is a key feature. They also have an easy-to-use search option to look up trails in the Verdugo Mountains. To visit AllTrails’ official website and download the app for both the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, click here.
Wildlife While Hiking Near Glendale
While hiking some of the mountains north of Glendale, you may encounter some of its wildlife. The wildlife is not going to be as abundant as in Acadia or Pinnacles National Parks, but it is far from barren. This section will go into the flora and fauna that you may encounter hiking in Glendale.
– Insects
Insects exist everywhere on Earth, except Antarctica. There are three that are best known for their ability to transmit some nasty diseases: fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks. All three are in and/or around the Verdugo Mountains but the diseases they transmit are not common in the area.
– Rattlesnakes
The most common animal that can cause harm while hiking in Los Angeles in general is rattlesnakes. They are most commonly found in shaded areas. There are seven different species of rattlesnakes in southern California. Although they can be fatal if bitten, the good news is that they have a rattle to let you know you are getting too close. They also hide during the day to avoid the sun. If you are bitten, do not constrict the area or try and suck out the venom.
Remain calm and call 911. Rattlesnakes are not the only snakes in the area but are the only deadly ones in the area. One piece of advice I can give you is to stick to the trails. Rattlesnakes only go on the trail to cross from one side to the other since there is no shade. For more information, click here to go to the official University of California, Davis Health website.
– Coyotes
Coyotes are small canines related to dogs and wolves. They rarely approach, let alone, attack humans. They are often found in groups and can be seen all around the mountains and around the city. Coyotes do not pose a threat but in some instances, transit rabies, so keep a safe distance and you will be fine.
– Bobcats
Bobcats are a species of feline that resembles a large house cat. They are much bigger than your average house cat and can be territorial, and aggressive. However, they stick to themselves and rarely confront humans. If you see one, clap loudly and create noise to scare them off.
– Mountain Lions
Mountain Lions are the most intimidating animals in the area, but also the most elusive. Sometimes referred to as pumas, cougars, and panthers, mountain lions are the apex predators in the areas and are found in the Angeles National Forest, the Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu, and the Verdugo Mountains. Sightings are rare, and there has never been a recorded attack on a human in Los Angeles. If you see a mountain lion, wave your hands above your head and make noise so they get frightened and leave your area.
– Poison Oak
Poison oak can be found all around the Verdugo Mountains and can ruin your trip. Poison oak contains an oily resin (urushiol oil) that causes an allergic reaction when exposed to human skin. It is not life-threatening, but the rash can last days and ruin your trip. If you come into contact with poison oak, rinse the affected area with soap and cold water and remove any clothes that may have come into contact with the oak. If you want to learn more about prevention and treatment, click here to go to the FDA’s official website.
– Black Bears
Thought bears in California were extinct? Well, brown bears are, not black bears. Black bears are a smaller species of bear that are not as aggressive or as threatening as its cousin, the Grizzly Bear. Black bears are only found in one location in all of L.A. County, the Angeles National Forest, and the surrounding areas such as the Verdugo Mountains. Black bears rarely attack humans and tend to stick to themselves. Bears can become more aggressive if they have cubs, but it is still uncommon for them to attack. To learn more about the California Black Bear, click here to go to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s official website.
For more broad tips about traveling to Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Traveling To Los Angeles General Tips” blog post.
Conclusion
This has been a comprehensive and detailed list of everything regarding Glendale including where to stay, how to get around, what and where to eat, safety, general tips, and what to do. Would you visit Glendale? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to L.A.
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