Tucked away in North Hollywood, The Garland is your retro-chic home base for a San Fernando Valley weekend– Studio City strolls, NoHo Arts District nights, iconic hiking trails, music venues, and local food favorites. And yes–if Universal Studios Hollywood is on your list, our complimentary Garland Trolley makes it easy to pop over at any time during your stay. Below is our 72-Hour guide to taking in the Valley like a local…so sit back, relax, and prepare to be inspired for your next weekend getaway at The Garland!

Day 1-  Studio City Sights & NoHo Nights 

Things to Do in Studio City and North Hollywood (NoHo Arts District) 

At The Garland you’re not just checking-in, you’re stepping into a California daydream that’s been keeping the good times rolling for over 50 years. In 1972, legendary Hollywood actress Beverly Garland and her husband Fillmore Crank, set out to create a hideaway for friends, family, and guests– an urban oasis nestled on seven sycamore-lined acres within the high-energy excitement of Los Angeles. Today we’re still a family-owned boutique hotel–and embrace the quintessential relaxed, SoCal style, with a myriad of activities both on-property and off:

Morning:

• Urban Walk- Explore Studio City up close! Guests of The Garland can go for a stroll through the neighborhood and see the Brady Bunch House in all its glory (11222 Dilling St, North Hollywood, CA, 91602). Departing from The Lobby on Fridays at 8:30am*, this is sure to be a great start to your day, with the final stop including Tujunga Village. Looking for a quaint coffee shop? We suggest Aroma Cafe! *The Garland also leads the Urban Walk on Tuesday mornings at 7:30am. Not a morning person? The Front Desk can provide you a neighborhood map for a self-guided tour at your own pace or check out more suggestions on our Instagram Guide here!

• The Great Wall of Los Angeles (North Hollywood)- Snap photos at the world’s longest mural, The Great Wall of Los Angeles. Located on Coldwater Canyon between Oxnard Street and Burbank Blvd, this 2,754-foot-long concrete canvas depicts ‘The History of California’ as seen through the eyes of local artist and activist, Judith Baca. Painting of the 'largest known communal mural project in the world' began 50 years ago, in the summer of 1976! The Great Wall is situated in the NoHo Arts District, a neighborhood that earned its name in the late 1990s as North Hollywood transformed into a creative hub packed with theaters, galleries, and performance spaces. Feeling inspired? Ask for a tour of The Garland’s many in-house art pieces, curated by the owners, James & Scott, themselves! The Garland's regularly scheduled ‘Art Walk’ departs from the Lobby every Wednesday at 4:00pm. 
  
  

Afternoon:

• Historic Sushi Row- You’ll surely have worked up an appetite after all of that walking. Head to Ventura Boulevard, often referred to as ‘Sushi Row’, this 18 mile stretch earned its namesake for being the most concentrated street of chef-driven sushi restaurants in America! Sushi-Katsuya boasts the birthplace of spicy tuna crispy rice, while Asanebo offers Michelin Star dining. No matter your price point, there is truly something for every sashimi aficionado. 

• Looking for a place to wet your whistle? Enjoy Rosé All Day at The Front Yard with our signature bottles of Sky Ranch Rosé for just $30 with the purchase of an entrée. Available daily from 11:30 AM–2:30 PM. 

Evening:

• The Courtyard at The Garland offers a great place to unwind after your first action packed day. Grab a drink, kick up your feet and enjoy the soothing melodies of the acoustic guitar Thursdays & Fridays from 5:30pm-7:30pm. Still enjoying that SoCal breeze? Stroll over to the pool to catch a classic flick at sunset, also known as our ‘Dive-In Movies’!

• If you’re looking for a unique nightcap experience, pop up the road to Tonga Hut! Opened in 1958, this retro lounge is LA’s oldest surviving tiki bar serving Mai Tais in the glow of a moai! 

Day 2 – Valley Views & Vintage Finds 

Hollywood Hills Hiking, Burbank Shopping, Scenic Los Angeles Views, & Iconic Live Music Venues in LA

Morning:

• Guests of The Garland can enjoy a Scenic Stretch in Beverly Park at 9am on Saturdays before heading off to their choice of iconic Hollywood Hills hikes.
• Fryman Canyon / TreePeople – This moderate hike offers amazing Valley views and is home to an environmental nonprofit dedicated to preserving our urban forest. While it’s not as Instagram heavy as Runyon Canyon, it offers almost as many celebrity sightings. Be sure to bring a water bottle and your camera for scenic shots along this 2.6 mile loop! Parking lot & trail entrance located at 3431 Fryman Rd. Studio City, CA 91614. 
  

Afternoon:

• Relax at The Garland Pool – Recover from your hike in one of The Garland’s two hot tubs or take a refreshing dip in our pool! Fancy somethin’ from our ‘LA Street Food’ Taco Cart*? Go on- you earned it. *Taco Cart in The Garland's Courtyard is available Thursdays-Sundays during Summer Time programming.   
• Need a lil’ sweet treat? We suggest paying a visit to Porto’s Bakery – a Valley institution! Ask for  a Refaguiado (a guava and cheese filled pastry), you won’t regret it. While you’re in Burbank’s famous Magnolia Park District, head down the boulevard to check out some of the best vintage stores LA has to offer. Browse mid-century gems at Playclothes Vintage, or if you want to take home a prop featured on the silver screen, be sure to visit It’s A Wrap! 

Evening:

• Catch a Concert at the Hollywood Bowl – Spend the evening at the Hollywood Bowl, one of Los Angeles’ most iconic outdoor venues featuring concerts, orchestras, and live performances. The Bowl has hosted legends like Sinatra, Billie Holiday, The Beatles, Guns N’ Roses, Cynthia Erivo and The LA Philharmonic Orchestra. Fun Fact: The Hollywood Bowl used to house a Reflecting Pool with fountains separating patron seating from the stage. The image above was taken in 1972, the same year that the Bowl's empty pool was turned into VIP box seats and the Beverly Garland Howard Johnson Motor Lodge opened its doors! Just minutes away, Hollywood Bowl concert patrons can grab pre-show dinner at The Garland’s signature on-site restaurant, The Front Yard or opt for a pack-along picnic from their To-Go menu.

Day 3 – Markets, Museums and Music

Studio City Farmers Market, Cute Coffee Shops in SFV, Van Nuys Attractions & the Valley's Best Live Jazz. 

Morning: 

• The Garland guests can partake in Sunday Morning Yoga at Beverly Park- This restorative flow yoga is open to all levels, focusing on gentle stretches, deep breathing, and fluid movements.
• Nothing screams LA like a Sunday morning spent at your local farmers market! - The Studio City Farmers Market happens on Ventura Place between Radford Blvd and Laurel Canyon Blvd every Sunday from 8am to 2pm. Peruse fresh picked flowers, local produce and artisanal goods. You’ll scratch your itch to ‘shop til you drop’ while resting assured that you’re supporting small businesses! Looking for an instagram worthy latte? Look no further than Alfred Coffee (12077 Ventura Pl, Studio City, CA).

Afternoon:

• Round out your Afternoon at The Valley Relics Museum- Explore vintage neon signs, classic cars, old-school memorabilia, and unique cultural artifacts. It’s open on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 3pm and offers a nostalgic journey that’s fun for locals and tourists alike! For all you movie buffs reading along- the museum is situated in the Van Nuys Airport, the same location that Casablanca’s iconic airplane departure scene was filmed in 1942. Local Secret: When visiting the Valley Relics Museum, ask the docents about the fast-food graveyard—it’s a neon-soaked trip down memory lane that most tourists miss! Pro Tip: The Valley Relics Museum is only 2 miles away from Lake Balboa Park, should you long for a Swan Boat ride overlooking the cherry blossoms! (They’re in full bloom in March-April)

Evening:

• Indulge in a Jazz Night at Vitello’s or The Baked Potato– End your trip in Classic Hollywood Supper Club Style! The Velvet Martini Lounge upstairs at Vitello’s offers Italian cuisine complete with live music. If you’re a true crime sleuth, you might already be privy to what happened there in 2001. If you’re looking for casual fare amid rustic 70’s digs, we suggest The Baked Potato. Can’t pick? Visit both legendary jazz clubs, as they’re less than 5 minutes apart and The Garland is smack in the middle… the perfect way to soak up the Valley’s live music scene!

That’s a wrap on your 72-Hour San Fernando Valley weekend itinerary! We’ve done all of the planning for you- What’s more? We’ve even included a direct link to our ‘Stay More Save More’ offer…now all you have to do is click ‘Book’ and Let The Good Times Roll!

Til next time,

Your Garland Guide

FAQs: Planning Your San Fernando Valley Stay

What is the best hotel near Universal Studios Hollywood? -The Garland is a top-rated boutique hotel in North Hollywood offering a complimentary trolley to Universal Studios Hollywood.

Why Stay at The Garland Hotel in North Hollywood? -The Garland offers a unique blend of mid-century charm and modern comfort in one of Los Angeles’
most accessible neighborhoods. Escape the crowds and enjoy the sunny enclave that is the Valley!

• On-site dining at The Front Yard
• Easy access to major filming studios, Universal CityWalk, Burbank, and Hollywood
• Family-owned and family-friendly boutique hotel
• Resort style pool with outdoor movies and unique seasonal programming

Is the San Fernando Valley good for a weekend trip? -Yes, the San Fernando Valley offers a mix of outdoor activities, entertainment, dining, and proximity to major Los Angeles attractions.

Image Citations:

Judith F. Baca©1983. The Great Wall of Los Angeles (Detail), longshot perspective of the 1940's section of the mural.
Image courtesy of the SPARC Archives SPARCinLA.org.

Valley Relics Museum©2020. Interior view of the Valley Relics Museum. Image courtesy of the Valley Relics Museum. ValleyRelicsMuseum.org

Vintage Los Angeles©2016. The Hollywood Bowl (Detail), view of the empty reflecting pool before its removal in 1972.Image courtesy of the Vintage Los Angeles Archives, Facebook.com/VintageLosAngeles

Weekend Sherpa©2021. California outdoor landscape photograph. Image courtesy of Weekend Sherpa. WeekendSherpa.com. Published January 6, 2021.

Written by Brooke Nitti