Movie fans and visitors hoping to see stars in person will enjoy a visit to the historic Warner Brothers Studio in Burbank. Since 1928, beloved classics like "Casablanca" and "The Music Man" have been filmed there, along with more recent popular movies and TV shows like "Spider-Man" and "The Big Bang Theory."
Unlike the theme park experience at nearby Universal Studios Hollywood, visitors taking a tour of Warner Brothers Studio are offered a more intimate behind-the-scenes look at movie and TV show production. Each tram seats only 12 people, and tour guides can semi-customize the excursion based on visitors' requests.
Parking and public transportation for Warner Brothers Studio
Free parking is usually available in the guest parking lot for visitors with tickets to TV show tapings, starting at about two hours before show time. For visitors taking a studio tour, parking is around $7.
Via public transportation, visitors can take the Metrolink-Antelope Valley Line to the Downtown Burbank station, and then take Metro Bus Line 155 or 222, or LADOT Commuter Express 549, to Warner Brothers Studio.
Best and worst time to visit Warner Brothers Studio
The best time to visit the studio is on weekdays, when more productions are filming. For visitors hoping to spot a star, the worst time is Saturdays and Sundays.
Admission to Warner Brothers Studio
Visitors with tickets to TV show tapings are admitted free. Admission for the VIP Tour, which lasts just over two hours, is in the $54 range. The five-hour Deluxe Tour costs about $250. Children must be at least 8 years old. Visitors must present a valid, government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport.
Warner Brothers Studio is open to visitors daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. VIP Tours depart continuously from 8:15 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Deluxe Tour departs Monday through Friday at 10:15 a.m. The studio is closed on Christmas Day.
Must see/do on at Warner Brothers Studio
Fans of old TV sitcoms will recognize Blondie Street, which is home to the houses seen on "Leave It to Beaver," "Bewitched," "Father Knows Best," and many more.
Even though "Friends" has been off the air for years, visitors can still pose for a photo op on the recreated set of Central Perk.
Warner Brothers is the only L.A. studio that has its own museum. Visitors can view sets, costumes, props and scripts from its famous productions.
Other Places to Visit Near Warner Brothers Studio
Visitors in a movie mood can also visit Universal Studios Hollywood, less than three miles away in Universal City.
Among the restaurants near Warner Brothers Studio where visitors might dine alongside a star are the Smoke House, Morton's The Steakhouse and Novo Cafe.
Insider tip for visitors to the Warner Brothers Studio
While riding around the backlot in the tour tram, visitors who want to take a picture of something can ask the tour guide to stop (as long as photos are permitted at that location).
Author's bio: Laura Goldman is a freelance writer and lifelong Angeleno. Follow her on Twitter and visit her blog, i Still Love Dogs.
