The best things to do in the San Fernando Valley this weekend are the ones that suit a slow, sunny pace: a morning at a studio tour, an afternoon on a trail or by the river, dinner on Ventura Boulevard, and an evening somewhere quiet. We host guests from all over the world at our home in Valley Village, so this is the list we actually hand people when they ask what to do nearby. We have kept it evergreen, so check opening hours and tickets before you go.
Start with the studios: Universal and Warner Bros.
The Valley sits right beside the film industry's best-known backlots, which is why so many visitors choose it as a base. Universal Studios Hollywood is 4.9 miles from our door, and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in Burbank is 7.4 miles away. Both are easy drives from Valley Village, and neither requires the long haul across the city that a Westside hotel would.
If you only have one weekend, pick one studio and give it your full day instead of trying to cover both. Universal is the choice for rides and big crowds; the Warner Bros. tour suits adults and teenagers who care about how films and television are made. We have written separate guides for each: our Universal Studios Hollywood tips and tricks and, if you are travelling with little ones, our guide to things to do near Universal Studios with kids.
Get outside: trails, parks and the LA River
People forget how green the Valley can be. Our own street backs onto the Los Angeles River, and the wider area is full of places to stretch your legs.
- Griffith Park is 11 miles from us and is the classic big-city escape, with trails, picnic areas and views across the basin.
- The Hollywood Sign hike starts 7.2 miles away. It is popular for good reason, but it is a real hike, so read our honest take in how hard the Hollywood Sign hike is before you set out, and bring water.
- The Los Angeles Zoo is 8.3 miles away and works well as a half-day outing for families.
- Neighbourhood walks in Valley Village, Studio City and Toluca Lake are lined with mature trees and are best in the early morning, before the day warms up.
If you would rather not leave the property at all, many of our guests do exactly that. Nerio R. told us, "Because of the beauty of the Enchanted Manor, we spent most of our time in the property itself." We understand: the grounds cover more than 18,000 square feet.
Eat and drink along Ventura Boulevard and beyond
The Valley has some of the most relaxed dining in Los Angeles. Ventura Boulevard runs for miles through Studio City, Sherman Oaks and Encino, and it is packed with independent restaurants, cafés and bakeries. Magnolia Boulevard through Toluca Lake and the Burbank area has a similar neighbourhood feel, and the NoHo Arts District has a growing mix of restaurants close to the theatres.
One landmark we mention to guests is Larsen's Steakhouse, 5.3 miles from the manor, a favourite for a classic night out. For a more casual weekend, there is something to be said for doing what we do: pick up good ingredients on the way home and cook in the Inn's full kitchen, then eat in the octagonal breakfast room, where French windows on every side look onto the pool.
See the grand side of Los Angeles
If you want a taste of old Hollywood glamour, Greystone Mansion is 5.2 miles away, and Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive are 6.5 miles away. These make a good half-day for anyone who likes architecture, window shopping or a walk through well-kept gardens. Both are close enough that you can be back at the Inn in time for a swim before dinner.
Going further afield? The coast is 19 miles away at Santa Monica Beach and 19.5 miles at Venice Beach. On a weekend afternoon, traffic can be heavy, so we usually suggest leaving early or saving the beach for a day when you have no other plans. Six Flags Magic Mountain is 26 miles away, and Disneyland is 37 miles, which is a full day trip, not an easy detour.
Spend a slow evening at the manor
The nicest part of a Valley weekend, in our experience, is what happens after dinner. Our trees are strung with fairy lights, which one visitor described as walking in dappled moonlight. The grotto pool has three waterfalls and nine light colours, the raised Jacuzzi is open from 9am to 11pm, and the lava-rock fire pit is a good place to end the evening.
Andrew W. summed it up: "It was hard to believe it was actually Los Angeles." Malaya G. told us, "My kids didn't want to get out of the pool. They loved the secret room behind the book case." The secret room is a finished attic behind a bookcase with four twin beds, reached by ladder, which children love and which is not suited to very young kids, older guests or very tall adults.
Where to stay this weekend
If you are choosing a base, we think a private house works better than a hotel for a weekend of Valley adventures. Our Inn is a vacation rental with a large living room and fireplace, a queen Murphy bed, a full kitchen, an octagonal breakfast room, premium cable, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, laundry, and a crib, high chair, toys and games for little guests. With the Secret Room and the Great Room opened, it sleeps up to six.
The nightly rate is $575 Monday to Thursday and $595 Friday to Sunday, with a two-night minimum, plus a $185 cleaning fee, a $190 admin fee and a refundable $300 deposit. Each guest over two adds $50 per night, and the Secret Room and Great Room are $100 per night. Check-in is after 3pm and check-out is at 11am. Guests must be 21 or older, and bookings are non-refundable once confirmed. See the full details on our vacation rental page, and compare options in our places to stay near Universal Studios guide.
Tips for a smooth Valley weekend
- Drive early. The 101 and 405 are both close to us, but weekend traffic builds up through the afternoon. Leave early for anything across the hills.
- Choose one big thing per day. A studio, a hike or a museum day is plenty. Leave room for the pool.
- Check before you go. Hours, tickets and trail conditions change, so confirm with the venue.
- Stay near the airport you are using. Burbank and LAX are both easy from Valley Village.
- Planning a celebration? A weekend in the Valley is also the best time to look at event venues in person. Read on below.
Thinking of a celebration instead?
Many people visiting the area are also planning an event, such as a birthday, a shower, an anniversary, a reunion or a milestone party. The manor hosts private events for up to 100 guests: up to 50 guests is $4,200, 50 to 75 is $5,400 and 75 to 100 is $6,600. You bring your own caterer and your own beverages, so there are no mandatory food and drink packages. Details are on our weddings and events page.
Book your Valley weekend
If you would like to base yourself 4.9 miles from Universal Studios, or tour the grounds for an event, we would love to hear from you. Call or text Georgia on (213) 999-3050, or find us at 5235 Goodland Avenue in Valley Village. As we like to say, they come as strangers and leave as friends.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best area to stay in for a San Fernando Valley weekend?
Valley Village, Studio City and Toluca Lake are quiet, leafy and close to the 101 and 405. The Enchanted Manor is in Valley Village, 4.9 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood and 7.4 miles from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
How far is Universal Studios from the Enchanted Manor?
Universal Studios Hollywood is 4.9 miles by road from the manor. Burbank and LAX airports are both easy to reach from Valley Village.
Is there a minimum stay at the Inn?
Yes, the Inn has a two-night minimum. Rates are $575 per night Monday to Thursday and $595 Friday to Sunday, plus cleaning, admin and a refundable deposit.
Can children stay at the Inn?
Yes. The Inn provides a crib, high chair, toys and games, and guests must be 21 or older to book. The Secret Room attic, reached by ladder, is not suited to very young children.
