Attractions and Places To See around Glendale - Top 20

Glendale offers a variety of outdoor activities, particularly focusing on challenging climbs, scenic viewpoints, and diverse terrain for cycling and hiking. You can explore popular cycling routes through canyons or tackle summits with extensive views. For specific routes, consider exploring the Road Cycling Routes around Glendale, Gravel biking around Glendale, or Running Trails around Glendale.

Yes, Glendale is known for its challenging climbs. Cyclists often tackle the Lee Hill Drive Climb, a popular and demanding ascent that connects key routes. Hikers can challenge themselves on Mount Sanitas, known for its challenging terrain and accessibility from downtown Boulder.

For breathtaking views, consider the Old Stage Road (Lee Hill to Olde Stage Overlook), which offers a great view out over northeast Boulder. Mount Sanitas also provides extensive views from its summit, visible from the surrounding areas.

Glendale boasts a rich history with several notable landmarks. You can visit the historic Alex Theatre, a 1925 vaudeville house, or the Brand Library & Art Center (El Miradero), housed in a 1904 mansion with unique Saracenic architecture. Other sites include the Doctors House Museum & Victorian Gazebo, the Grand Central Air Terminal, and the ancient Catalina Verdugo Adobe. The Casa Adobe de San Rafael, built in 1871, is also a significant historical structure.

Beyond historical sites, Glendale offers unique cultural experiences. The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) is dedicated to art in electric media, showcasing historic neon signs and contemporary light-based artworks. You can also experience Japanese arts and culture at the peaceful Shoseian Whispering Pine Teahouse & Friendship Garden in Brand Park. Given Glendale's large Armenian community, the city also offers numerous authentic Armenian restaurants, bakeries, and markets.

Glendale features several parks for outdoor enjoyment. Brand Park offers walking trails, picnic areas, and sports facilities, along with housing the Brand Library and Doctors House Museum. For more extensive hiking, Deukmejian Wilderness Park provides over 700 acres of trails in the San Gabriel Mountains. The Verdugo Mountains themselves offer over 5,000 acres of open space with numerous trails. Verdugo Park is a community space with sports facilities and playgrounds.

Yes, gravel cycling is popular in the area. The Sunshine Canyon (Gravel Section) is a well-graded, hard-packed gravel ride that takes you from downtown Boulder into the foothills. It's frequently completed by local cyclists on road bikes. You can find more options in the Gravel biking around Glendale guide.

For families, Brand Park and Verdugo Park offer playgrounds, picnic areas, and open spaces. While not directly in Glendale, the nearby Griffith Park features the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Observatory, and plenty of space for outdoor activities, making it a great family day trip option.

Glendale is home to prominent shopping and dining destinations. The Americana at Brand is a large outdoor complex featuring high-end retail, various restaurants, and a dancing fountain. The Glendale Galleria is another popular shopping mall with a wide range of stores and dining options.

The Verdugo Mountains offer over 5,000 acres of natural open space with more than 30 miles of fire roads and 7.5 miles of single-track trails. You can experience them by hiking, with trails providing panoramic views of the city. Deukmejian Wilderness Park serves as a great entry point to these trails, with the Stone Barn Nature Center providing historical context.

Glendale is rich in architectural heritage. The Brand Library & Art Center, also known as El Miradero, showcases stunning Saracenic architecture. The Alex Theatre is a beautiful example of 1925 vaudeville house design with Egyptian and Art Deco elements. Additionally, Glendale City Hall exhibits Art Deco and Beaux Arts styles, and the city's historic districts like Rossmoyne feature a variety of Period Revival homes.

Visitors appreciate the challenging terrain and easy accessibility of popular spots like Mount Sanitas, making it a favorite among hikers. Cyclists enjoy the rewarding descents after challenging climbs such as Lee Hill Drive Climb. The scenic viewpoints, like those from Old Stage Road, are also highly valued for photo opportunities and breaks.