Attractions and Places To See around Glendale - Top 18

Glendale offers several beautiful outdoor areas. Forest Park is a premier urban public park spanning 1,326 acres, featuring forests, lakes, and cultural institutions. You can also explore Brand Park, a hillside retreat with walking trails and city views, or the Verdugo Mountains and Deukmejian Wilderness Park for more extensive natural experiences.

Yes, Glendale is surrounded by excellent hiking opportunities. The Verdugo Mountains offer trails for all skill levels, providing views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Deukmejian Wilderness Park also has peaceful trails with views of the Crescenta Valley. For specific routes, you can find various options in the Hiking around Glendale guide, including easy loops like the Tanglevine, Hickory Ridge and Broken Ridge Loop.

Many attractions in Glendale are suitable for families. Forest Park is highly recommended, offering vast green spaces and cultural institutions. The Saint Louis Zoo, located within Forest Park, is free to enter and features animals from around the world. For outdoor activities, the River des Peres Greenway and Meramec Greenway Trail are great for family bike rides.

Glendale is rich in history. You can visit The Alex Theatre, a historic 1925 performing arts center, or the Grand Central Air Terminal, Los Angeles' first commercial airport. The Brand Library & Art Center, housed in the 1904 El Miradero mansion, showcases unique Saracenic architecture. Other notable sites include The Doctors House Museum, Catalina Verdugo Adobe, and Casa Adobe de San Rafael. For more details on these and other landmarks, you can visit the Glendale Historical Society website.

Absolutely. The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) is a unique institution dedicated to art in electric media, preserving historic neon signs and showcasing contemporary light-based artworks. You can also experience Japanese arts and culture at the Shoseian Teahouse in Brand Park, which hosts events monthly.

For stunning vistas, head to Brand Park, which offers walking trails with city views. The Verdugo Mountains provide excellent views of Los Angeles, Burbank, and even the Hollywood Sign on clear days. Glendale Peak in Griffith Park also offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Glendale and the Verdugo Mountains.

Glendale boasts diverse shopping and dining. The Americana at Brand is a popular outdoor center with retail, dining, and entertainment, including a dancing fountain. Adjacent to it, the Glendale Galleria is one of California's largest indoor malls. For a charming local experience, Montrose Shopping Park features unique shops and restaurants. Given Glendale's large Armenian-American population, you'll also find numerous authentic Armenian restaurants and bakeries, especially along Brand Boulevard.

Yes, there are several easy options for walking and running. Within Forest Park, you'll find wonderful bike lanes and paths suitable for a leisurely stroll or run. For dedicated running routes, the Running Trails around Glendale guide lists options like the Kirkwood 5k run via Kirkwood Park, which is an easy route.

Many of Glendale's natural parks and trails are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. Brand Park, the Verdugo Mountains, and Deukmejian Wilderness Park are popular choices for walks with your canine companion. Always check specific park regulations before visiting.

Visitors particularly appreciate the diversity of experiences, from the expansive green spaces of Forest Park, which offers relaxation, biking, and cultural institutions, to the scenic bike paths like the River des Peres Greenway. The free entry to the Saint Louis Zoo is also a big draw for nature lovers and families.

Glendale offers several art-focused venues. The Brand Library & Art Center, housed in a historic mansion, serves as an art studio, gallery, and a specialized arts resources library. Additionally, the Museum of Neon Art (MONA) is dedicated to electric media art, showcasing both historic neon signs and contemporary light-based works.

For a quieter outdoor experience, consider Deukmejian Wilderness Park in north Glendale. It offers peaceful trails away from the crowds and provides beautiful views of the Crescenta Valley. Exploring some of the less-trafficked trails in the Verdugo Mountains can also provide a more serene environment.

Yes, Glendale and its surroundings offer great cycling opportunities. The River des Peres Greenway is a popular bike path, and the Meramec Greenway Trail – Eastern Section offers a scenic route along the Meramec River. Within Forest Park, you'll find excellent bike lanes perfect for recreational cycling.