Tips for traveling to Studio City

Studio City is a neighbourhoood in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles County, and is located just North of the Hollywood Hills. Here are a few tips for traveling to Studio City:

1. Airports - The nearest airports are Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR) which is 7 miles away (20 minutes via surface streets without traffic) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) which is 24 miles away (35 minutes via highway without traffic). The benefits of BUR is the ease of flying in and out, however, the flight options are rather limited. LAX offers non-stop flights to almost any airport, but with it being one of the busiest airports in the world, always allow for more time to get in and out of LAX. Also, traffic getting to and from the airport can be unpredictable, so always plan for extra traveling time. Click here to search for the best flight options.

2. Ground Transportation - Although LA has public transportation, routes are limited and often inconvenient. So, you will need a car to get around the LA area. Click here to search for rental cars. Carefully read all posted street signs for parking restrictions when parking on both main streets and residential streets. Many main streets require paying for meters, even on nights and weekends, and most private lots are either paid or valet operated. And, many residential streets are permit only.

3. Lodging - We suggest staying in the Studio City adjacent areas (Sherman Oaks, Hollywood Hills, Burbank, Toluca Lake, Universal City). The hotels we negotiated rates with are within 15 minutes of our venue. If you would like to stay somewhere more central, please allow for extra traveling time to our venue as LA traffic can add several minutes to your commute.

As the event is on a holiday weekend, plan to book all travel as early as possible.

4. Things to do - Here are some lists you can read up on for suggestions of things to do in LA:
* Studio City recommendations
* First time visitors
* Family friendly LA
* Museums and Shows

5. Weather - Studio City has an average of high 70s degrees F (25 degrees C) during the day in late May/early June. However, once the sun sets, temperatures drop to high 50s-low 60s F (15 degrees C).  A light jacket is recommended for the cooler evening temperatures.

Area Recommendations

If you are staying in the Studio City/Sherman Oaks/Universal City/Burbank area, here are some of our recommendations:

Things to do

Dodgers Stadium - The Chicago Cubs are playing at Dodger Stadium the weekend of the wedding! Click here for tickets for Friday, May 26 at 7:10pm, and click here for tickets for Saturday, May 27 at 4:15pm. Parking can also be purchased ahead of time to save money (for general parking, it is only $10 in advance or $20 at the gate; I discourage using lots 13/14 as the hills are no joke). They also have paid tours for the stadium, tickets and info can be found here (do note that all tours are subject to cancellation but will be fully refunded).

Universal Studios - Get your tickets online to save a few dollars off ticket counter prices. (location: Universal City)

Universal City Walk - Shops and restaurants aplenty. (location: Universal City)

Warner Brothers Studio Tour - Get to go on actual working sets. (location: Burbank)

Westfield Fashion Square Mall - Get your shopping on. (location: Sherman Oaks)

The Getty Center - Free museum with a beautiful garden and great views of LA. $15 parking/car. (location: Brentwood in West LA)

Hiking - A few good hiking trails in the area with great views of LA/The Valley:
* Wilacre Park (Studio City)
* Fryman Canyon (Studio City)
* Cahuenga Peak (Hollywood Hills)
* Coldwater Canyon Park (Sherman Oaks)
* Runyon Canyon Park - Great for people watching & celebrity sighting (Hollywood)

Studio City Farmers Market - Weekly Sunday Farmers Market (location: Studio City)

Stahl House -  Modernist-styled house designed by architect Pierre Koenig with a great view of LA. See website for tour information & cost (including evening/sunset tour).

Hollywood Attractions - Lots to see including Hollywood Walk of Fame, Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Sign. (location: Hollywood)


Sit down Restaurants

Nata's Pastries - Portuguese food, favourites include Feijoada (meat stew), Polvo a Lagareiro (octopus), Shrimp Mozambique, Chopped Salad, and not forgetting the Natas (Portuguese egg tart).  (location: Sherman Oaks)

Granville - American food with a wide menu - there's something for everyone. (location: Studio City)

Jinya Ramen - A less traditional but still delicious Ramen place. (locations: Studio City & Burbank)

Burgers - Lots of good burger joints in the area:
* Stout (Studio City)
* Umami Burger (Studio City & Burbank)
* Laurel Tavern (Studio City)
* The Counter (Studio City)
* Blue Dog Tavern (Sherman Oaks)

The Front Yard - American food with a really cute patio. Also, $12 bottomless Mimomas at weekend brunch! (location: Studio City)

Blu Jam Cafe - Brunch spot, order the Crunchy French Toast and Brunch Carbonara. (location: Sherman Oaks)

Sugarfish - A Omakase (Chef's choice) style sushi restaurant. The most popular is the "Trust Me" set meal. (location: Studio City)

Le Pain Quotidien - French style cafe. (location: Studio City)

Bea Bea's - Breakfast place. (location: Burbank)


Order at the Counter Restaurants

In N Out - This doesn't need an introduction. Click here for the secret menu. (location: Sherman Oaks & Studio City)

Mendocino Farms - Sandwiches, salads, and great healthy sides. (location: Sherman Oaks)

Take a Bao - Asian fusion, Baos, small plates and rice dishes. (location: Studio City)

Porto's Bakery - This Cuban bakery has sandwiches, cakes, pastries and fresh squeezed orange juice. Lines are long but don't be intimidated, they move pretty fast. Must order are the Cheese Rolls, Guava Cheese Rolls & Potato Balls (filled with meat) (location: Burbank)

Spitz - Mediterranean food with a twist. (location: Studio City)

Aroma Cafe - This cafe has a really big menu with endless options of breakfast, salad, sandwiches, coffee, drinks, and a display case full of large portion desserts. (location: Studio City)

Poke - Hawaiian Style Sashimi Rice Bowls:
* All About Poke (Studio City & Burbank)
* 8 oz Poke (Sherman Oaks)

Joan's On Third - Sandwiches, salads, and much more. (location: Studio City)

Lemonade - American style upscale, with everything from salads, mac n cheese, sandwiches, fish, carved meat, dessert, and of course, Lemonade. (location: Studio City & Toluca Lake/Burbank)

Pizza Rev - Made to order pizzas with customized toppings. (location: Studio City)

Zankou Chicken - Mediterranean Rotisserie Chicken. (location: Sherman Oaks & Toluca Lake/North Hollywood)


Desserts

Ice cream - Two of my favourite ice cream places are now open in Studio City!
* McConnell's - From Santa Barbara
* Salt & Straw - From Portland

Other -
* Republic of Pie (North Hollywood)
* Aroma Cafe (Studio City)
* Lemonade (Studio City & Toluca Lake/Burbank)
* Joan's On Third (Studio City)
* Porto's Bakery (Burbank)