What Is Glendale, CA Famous For?

What Is Glendale, CA Famous For?

With its central location in Southern California just north of Los Angeles, Glendale is considered one of the safest areas of the Valley. Combined with an excellent education system, a thriving business environment, top-notch healthcare facilities, and ever-expanding accessibility to restaurants and entertainment, this city prides itself on the quality of services that it provides its citizens. Spending time getting to know LA County’s third largest city is well worth it.

The History of Glendale, CA

At the turn of the 18th Century, much of Southern California was known as Rancho San Rafael. Through the 1800s, as claimants to the land changed, it was split into smaller parcels that would eventually become many of the cities and towns we know today, one of which was Glendale. In 1884, residents of the area gathered and decided to establish the town of Glendale, named for the native people that once inhabited the area. Incorporated in 1906, the city enjoyed many expansions until the 1950s, starting at just a mere 1486 acres to its current 30.5 square miles. Now split into 34 neighborhoods with their own histories and culture, Glendale truly sparkles, living up to its early moniker, “the Jewel City,” given for its beauty in relation to the mountains and the sunshine that covers the city.

Did You Know?

• A “small” film company known as Dreamworks SKG, home to many well-known animated and live-action films, calls Glendale home.
• Glendale protects its trees through the Indigenous Tree Ordinance. The city’s commitment to the environment has earned it recognition since 1928.
• Walt Disney is not frozen under the Magic Kingdom — but he is buried in Glendale along with many other celebrities including Clark Gable and Nat King Cole.
• Grand Central Airport was the site of the first west-to-east transcontinental flight flown by Charles Lindbergh.
• Glendale is part of both the San Fernando and the San Gabriel valleys.

Must See in Glendale, CA

Whether you live in Glendale or you’re just visiting, you can fill your schedule with plenty of things to do in the city. Here are a few of the many attractions that Glendale has to offer:

1. The Museum of Neon Art. In 2016, this museum wanted to expand and moved from central LA to Glendale to meet its needs. For neon lovers, or those who aren’t sure if they are, this museum will give you an all-encompassing experience. Learning about the history of neon, learning to make your own, or visiting one of the many exhibits, this museum will “brighten” your mind by exposing you to the possibility of neon.
2. The Americana and The Gallery. These are really two places, but they go so easily together. One of the little-known facts about Glendale is its massive shopping district. The Americana is a unique shopping experience not because of the stores, but because of the location. Considered the big sister of Los Angeles’ The Grove, this home of one of the original Apple stores boasts restaurants and shopping that will appeal to everyone while surrounded by over 300 luxury apartments. More traditional mall-goers may love The Gallery. This is the fourth-largest mall in the LA area and uses literal song and dance to attract customers away from The Americana and into its doors. No doubt that both of these options will send anyone on the shopping spree of their life.
3. Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Although 300 acres, this is not your traditional park. This park is permanently occupied by almost 500,000 people in 250,000 graves and 250,000 internments. Although surrounded by death, this park seeks to celebrate life and therefore has created a sprawling place that encourages visitors of all kinds. Pedestrians will walk among trees, fountains, and memorial architecture allowing them to appreciate beauty instead of sadness. A stroll through the park might have you running into the resting places of celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Walt Disney, and Nat King Cole.
4. Alex Theater. This historic location was originally opened in 1925 and is now owned and operated by the City of Glendale. Known today by its towering neon sign and massive marquee, it has become a beacon of the city. While learning about the history of the theater, visitors will find entertainment in the form of film, theater, dance, comedy, music, and more.
5. Deukmejian Wilderness Park. A sprawling 790 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, offering explorers plenty of trails, nature, and opportunities to rest and unwind.
6. Brand Park. Rich in the history of Glendale, Brand Park is at the base of the Verdugo Mountains. While offering all the amenities of a park, including hiking, recreation, and places to picnic, this park also has history to explore. Home to Glendale’s Doctor House Museum & Gazebo, visitors can jump to 1888 as they explore this residence originally belonging to four doctors. While you’re on-site, be sure to visit The Brand Library, which opened in 1956, and see why visitors to this library could read for hours.

Something for Everyone

Glendale is certainly a jewel. With so much to offer its residents and visitors, this city is a hidden gem that sparkles with attraction. Whether you are ready to explore one of the places on our list or just head out and find out for yourself what the city has to offer, Glendale won’t disappoint. With so much to offer, you’re sure to find something to love about Glendale. The attraction of city life with the ease to escape to the mountains makes this a place with something for everyone.

This is why we chose to be a part of the community. The Law Office of Daniel P. Flores is an established firm that focuses on DUI cases in Glendale. If you are in Glendale and experience a DUI, contact our office and find out how we can help you get back to enjoying everything Glendale has to offer.