Burbank is a city in Los Angeles County, California, located in the southeastern end of the San Fernando Valley, just 7 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. With a population of over 107,000, it is known as the “Media Capital of the World” — and for good reason. The city is home to Warner Bros., Disney, Nickelodeon Animation, Cartoon Network Studios, and The CW network, making it one of the most important entertainment production centers on the planet. But Burbank is more than just studios — it is a city with a rich history, from Spanish colonial days to the golden age of Hollywood to the cutting edge of aerospace.
Media Capital of the World
Burbank’s identity is inseparable from the entertainment industry. Warner Bros. Studios, one of the oldest and most iconic film studios in the world, has been based in Burbank since the 1920s. The Walt Disney Company has its headquarters and main studio lot here. Nickelodeon Animation Studio, Cartoon Network Studios, and The CW television network are also headquartered in the city. On any given day, thousands of actors, directors, animators, and crew members walk Burbank’s streets, and the city’s restaurants and shops cater to the entertainment community.
The Burbank Studios (formerly NBC Studios) is where classic shows like The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In were taped. “Beautiful Downtown Burbank” became a catchphrase thanks to these shows, and the city embraces the joke with pride.
Hollywood Burbank Airport and the Skunk Works
The Hollywood Burbank Airport (formerly Bob Hope Airport) is one of the busiest airports in the Los Angeles area. But its most remarkable history lies in what was built nearby. Lockheed’s Skunk Works, located at the airport, was the secret facility where some of the most advanced aircraft in history were developed — including the U-2 spy plane, the SR-71 Blackbird, and the F-117 Nighthawk stealth fighter. These aircraft pushed the boundaries of aerospace engineering and played key roles in Cold War intelligence and military operations.
Old Town and the San Fernando Valley
Burbank’s downtown, known as Old Town Burbank, features a charming mix of restaurants, shops, and historic buildings along San Fernando Road. The area has undergone significant revitalization and is now a popular dining and entertainment destination. The city also contains the largest IKEA store in the United States, a 300,000-square-foot retail landmark that draws shoppers from across Southern California.
The city is divided into two distinct areas: the downtown/foothill section in the Verdugo Mountains, with hillside homes and scenic views, and the flatland section of the San Fernando Valley. This geography gives Burbank a varied landscape, from rolling hills to flat suburban streets.
Parks and Recreation
Burbank is adjacent to Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States, giving residents easy access to hiking trails, the Griffith Observatory, and the Los Angeles Zoo. Within the city, the Johnny Carson Park and the Verdugo Park offer green space, sports facilities, and community events. The Chandler Bike Path connects Burbank to the rest of the San Fernando Valley.
Climate and Geography
Burbank sits at 607 feet above sea level in the San Fernando Valley. Summers are warm and dry, with temperatures occasionally reaching the mid-90s°F (35°C). Winters are mild, with most rainfall occurring between November and March. The city covers 17 square miles and enjoys over 280 days of sunshine per year. The Verdugo Mountains form the southern boundary, and the San Gabriel Mountains are visible to the east.
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