While in SoCal
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios is in Studio City, just a short jaunt from North Hollywood. In fact, it's within sight of the hotel we selected, so if you're looking for a Hollywood experience, you won't have to go far! They have a quirky CityWalk area if you want an activity without the theme park ticket. And their AMC theater validates parking if you see a movie!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Our hotel is also right next to the WB Studios, which offers a variety of studio tours for the movie lover. The historic sound stages have been home from everything from "Casablanca" to "Ghostbusters." There's a also a replica of the Central Perk Cafe from "Friends," so if you're Dani's sister, you'll spend most of your time there.
Round1 Bowling & Amusement
Round1 is a fun arcade and bowling alley in the Burbank Town Center, a mall not far from North Hollywood. The Burbank Town Center also sprawls several blocks and has 3 AMC theaters, so if you want to take in a movie, this is a great spot. We have spent many an evening trying to rack up enough points to win one of their upscale prizes like a Japanese t-shirt or a snarky home good, but no luck yet.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library and Gardens is a beautiful museum a short drive from North Hollywood.
The Getty
The Getty Center is just off the 405 Freeway on the way to Santa Monica. It houses some beautiful art collections.
Porto's Bakery and Cafe
Porto's is a Cuban bakery chain with several locations around Los Angeles and Orange County. They have incredible pastries and coffee, plus their medianoche is to die for. If you're looking for a morning treat, this is a must. However, everybody and their mom has heard of Porto's, so expect lines. In fact, if you can figure out how to order ahead, do it.
Republic Of Pie
Just down the street from Idle Hour in the NoHo Arts District, this chic little café serves a tasty slice of pie. It can get quite busy, so you might want to take yours to-go. Alex went on several unsuccessful dates there before meeting Dani, but he still attests to the quality of their pie. Dani has never been there because it gives Alex flashbacks to bad dates.
In-N-Out Burger
Slightly farther away from Idle Hour, but a can't miss if you're visiting from the East Coast. Yes, their burgers are really that good. Yes, there is a secret menu.
Kahuna Tiki
We have a complicated fondness for tropical-themed bars. Do we love the immersive environments and sugary rum drinks? You betcha! Do we always worry that tiki is cultural appropriation of thousand of island nations distilled into some midcentury version of escapism? Also yes. All of that to say, Kahuna Tiki NoHo is a weirdly-wonderful little surprise right off Magnolia Boulevard. This is not the best spot for tropical cocktails, but the courtyard ambiance and extensive menu are memorable.
Tiki No
Another nearby tropical hideaway is Tiki-No. (For those of you keeping track at home, yes - there are several tropical-themed bars in the area. They all have their own perks!) We love how close Tiki-No is to the wedding events, and while they don't serve food, they have some truly delightful cocktails.
The San Fernando
Do you want to drive to all the way to Glendale to visit Dani's favorite dive bar? Then buckle up, buttercups. Just a short ways away is Dani's other favorite spot to grab a drink. It used to be a diner across from the Glendale train station, now it's just a cool, dimly-lit little bar with a great happy hour. Get the sliders. You won't be disappointed.
Disneyland Park
Are you surprised? We highly recommend visiting Disneyland Park and the adjacent Disney California Adventure in sunny Anaheim, just a couple hours from our wedding venue. You'll want to make reservations, because COVID has changed how the park handles admission. We also highly recommend visiting Batuu, the Star Wars-themed section of Disneyland, and queueing for Rise of Resistance, the coolest Star Wars ride you'll ever experience. (While Dani works for the Mouse, she doesn't have complimentary tickets for this trip. We're sorry and we love you all!)