Attractions and Places To See around Glendale - Top 12

Glendale is rich in natural features, offering several lakes and extensive trail systems. You can visit Duncan Park Lake, a 14-acre reservoir with views from the paved Duncan Park Path. Another option is Lake Craig, a 165-acre lake within Croft State Park, which also provides campsites and trails. The region also features the Verdugo Mountains, Brand Park, and Deukmejian Wilderness Park, all offering scenic hiking opportunities.

Yes, Glendale offers several family-friendly attractions. Both Duncan Park Lake and Lake Craig are suitable for family outings. Trails like the River Birch Trail and Cottonwood Trail are known for being family-friendly, offering peaceful and easy hikes. For indoor fun, Moonlight Rollerway is a beloved roller skating rink, and the Americana at Brand provides outdoor shopping and entertainment.

Glendale is home to several significant historical landmarks. The iconic Alex Theatre, built in 1925, is a performing arts center with Egyptian and Art Deco elements. You can also see the Grand Central Air Terminal, an example of Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco design, which was Los Angeles' first commercial airport. The Brand Library & Art Center, housed in the Moorish-style mansion of city founder Leslie C. Brand, is another notable historical site. Other historical buildings include Glendale City Hall, Casa Adobe de San Rafael, and the Doctors House Museum & Victorian Gazebo.

Glendale offers numerous hiking opportunities. You can explore trails within Croft State Park, which boasts over 20 miles of trails, including the Croft Passage of the Palmetto Trail. The River Birch Trail provides a peaceful and easy hike alongside Lawsons Fork Creek, connecting with Edwin M. Griffin Park trails. The Cottonwood Trail is another mellow, shaded path following Lawson Fork Creek. For more options, check out the hiking routes around Glendale, which include trails like Lake Johnson Loop Trail and Blue Trail.

Yes, Glendale has a vibrant cultural scene. The Museum of Neon Art (MONA) is dedicated to preserving and displaying neon art. The Forest Lawn Museum offers art exhibits within a peaceful setting. The Brand Library & Art Center, located in the historic Brand mansion, functions as an art studio, gallery, and arts resources library. Additionally, the Shoseian Teahouse in Brand Park hosts events related to Japanese arts and culture.

For shopping and entertainment, The Americana at Brand is a prominent outdoor complex featuring elegant design, a dancing fountain, and a trolley. Adjacent to it is the Glendale Galleria, a large indoor shopping center with a wide array of stores. For a unique experience, Moonlight Rollerway has been a beloved roller skating rink since 1950.

Absolutely. The area around Glendale is great for cycling. You can find routes like the Drayton Mills, Cottonwood, and River Birch Trails, or the Mary Black Rail Trail and Duncan Park Path. For more challenging rides, consider the Palmetto Trail: Croft Passage Loop. Explore various cycling routes around Glendale, including options for touring and road cycling.

Brand Park, at the foot of the Verdugo Mountains, features shaded trees, gardens, and hiking trails. Deukmejian Wilderness Park in north Glendale offers peaceful trails with beautiful views of the Crescenta Valley. Together, these areas contribute to over 5,000 acres of natural open space managed by the city, including 30 miles of fire roads and 7.5 miles of single-track trails suitable for hikers, joggers, dog-walkers, and mountain bikers.

While not exactly 'hidden,' the Museum of Neon Art (MONA) offers a unique experience dedicated to the preservation and display of neon art. The Rockhaven Sanitarium Historic District is also a rare example of a residential health care facility, offering a glimpse into a specific piece of history. The Shoseian Teahouse in Brand Park provides a tranquil cultural experience.

Visitors particularly appreciate the peaceful and easy hikes offered by trails like the River Birch Trail, which provides charming views of nature and varied terrain. The mellow, shaded paths of the Cottonwood Trail are also highly regarded, especially for their lush greenery in summer. The presence of lakes like Duncan Park Lake and Lake Craig, often within state parks, provides opportunities for both relaxation and active exploration.

Yes, Croft State Park is noted as dog-friendly, offering over 20 miles of trails for you and your canine companion to explore. Many of the open spaces and trails in areas like Brand Park and Deukmejian Wilderness Park also welcome dog walkers, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activity with your pet.

The Verdugo Mountains offer impressive views of Los Angeles from their hiking trails. Similarly, Deukmejian Wilderness Park provides beautiful vistas of the Crescenta Valley. The River Birch Trail also features charming views of the surrounding nature as it runs alongside Lawsons Fork Creek.