Your Perfect Day in Glendale, California

Here’s a guide to your perfect day in Glendale, California complete with things to do, places to eat, and more!

Where is Glendale?

Glendale, California, is located in the Verdugo Mountains and is the 4th largest city by population in the county of Los Angeles, even though it feels like a small town. It’s west of Pasadena and north of Downtown Los Angeles. Glendale has one of the largest Armenian populations in the United States.

Start with a Hike

Hike the Brand Library Park Loop that offers 360-degree views of downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena, and even the Pacific on a good day. The whole trail is about 6 miles. Best of all you have access to free parking and none of the crowd you’re used to at Runyon Canyon. Also, it has much better views. At the same park, you can also choose the Seven Trees Trail which sends you straight up to the view, is less than 2 miles.

Next comes Breakfast

Begin driving down the hill to Brand Boulevard where in about 10 minutes you’ll be at Muffin Can Stop Us, the adorable daytime spot that specializes in English Muffins. Menu highlights include the Americano Muffin with eggs and crispy bacon ($7.50) and the Mother Muffin Salmon with house-cured salmon and capers ($7.50).

Now it’s time to Shop

Just another 10 or so minutes down Brand Boulevard you’ll find yourself at The Americana at Brand, one of the most beautiful outdoor shopping malls in Los Angeles. It features upscale shopping including Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and Apple along with fun shops like the Amazon 4 Star Store. There are daily free Trolley Rides around the mall and Fountain Shows that were designed by the same creator as those at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas.

Now for Lunch

The Americana at Brand has over 30 locations to grab a bite, including Katsuya, Ladurée, Din Tai Fung, and Bourbon Steak, so you don’t even have to leave the mall if you’re enjoying it. Across the street, you’ll find Egg Slut and Shake Shack if you’re looking for a quick bite instead.

Now for some Culture

You can literally leave your car parked at The Americana (though don’t forget to validate at Nordstrom) and make your way to The Museum of Neon Art or MONA across the street. It’s the only museum in the world dedicated to the future of electric art while preserving the past by housing decades of historic street signs.

Currently, it’s open only Friday to Sunday from Noon onward. Admission is $10 or just $5 for Glendale residents and children under 12 are FREE!

Is it Happy Hour yet?

I promise there are more places than The Americana at Brand but it also happens to house several restaurants that begin their Happy Hour as early as 3 p.m! These include Bacari GDL and Frida among others. Very much looking forward to the return of Happy Hour at Bourbon Steak as well when the pandemic is fully behind us.

Now for some Coffee Culture

Head north on Brand Boulevard once again for some coffee culture at Porto’s, the Cuban bakery, which has been here since 1982. There you can enjoy a Cafe con Leche y un Pastelito for a fantastic sugar jolt from a pure Cuban Espresso that you’ll get at Starbucks.

It’s Dinner Time

Now for some more culture, let’s have dinner in one of the oldest Armenian restaurants in Glendale, Carousel, just across the street from Porto’s. Secondly, I would recommend Raffi’s Place around the corner, but you’ll have to get in your car for that one. Carousel specializes in Armenian and Lebanese, while Raffi’s Place has Armenian and Persian cuisine. Menu highlights include Shish Kabob and Mezze Platters with Hummus and Tabbouleh. Both offer outdoor dining, and Carousel offers Dinner and a Show on Friday and Saturday nights from 9:30 p.m. until 1:30 a.m. You’ll be glad you had that Cuban coffee 🙂

Late Night Drinks and a View

Stay on Brand Boulevard and travel north for the last time where you’ll settle in for drinks on the 7th floor of The Glenmark Hotel. Mila Rooftop is open for dinner and drinks starting at 5 p.m. Specialty Cocktails include a Mila Old Fashioned and a Mezcalito (Both $15). Best of all you’ll have a chance to end the day the way you started it, with a 360 view of Los Angeles.