Behold Burbank’s Iconic Safari Inn!
Living in Los Angeles, it’s easy to take for granted some of the iconic locations in Southern California – but, as we have lost a number of them in recent years, I wanted to eyeball one of the coolest locations in “beautiful downtown Burbank”, the legendary Safari Inn!
This photo is from “San Fernando Valley Blog” – a classic shot of the Inn from years ago:
I love this shot – and I love the look of The Safari Inn, and am so glad to see it alive and well!
According to their website:
“The Safari Inn is one of Burbank’s best kept historical landmarks! This famous little Inn was built in 1955 and has managed to maintain the same style essence since its original construction. It is one of the only properties left in the city with a 1950’s retro décor and a neon sign that lights up Olive Avenue.”
You may not have ever stayed here, but you’ve no doubt seen it in lots of movies and TV shows, like “True Romance”:
As their website points out:
“The Safari Inn is well known throughout the entertainment industry as a preferred location for several scenes in films that have included Blockbuster movie titles such as “True Romance,” “Coach Carter,” “Apollo 13,” along with numerous appearances in breakthrough series such as “Six Feet Under,” “CSI: Vegas,” “Prison Break,” “Desperate Housewives” and “Monk.” The exterior of the Safari Inn has also been used in album covers for famous rock bands such as “The Wallflowers.”
Here is that album cover:
My Film Encounter!
I have been in that area many times for work and would always drive by, drawn by the classic neon sign:
This time, however, I notice some unusual activity going on – and a glimpse of yellow police tape:
A look up at their raised pool deck confirmed that I had wandered into a movie scene! It’s one of the best things about living in SoCal – movie cameras and palm trees!
Who knows what they were filming – at some point in the future I will see this scene and say “hey! I was there!”
If you are interested in knowing more about the Safari Inn, here is a link to more pics, history and info:
http://coastanabelle.com/safari/history/
If you like Hollywood history, and cool movie locations, then you will love this one:
The Hollywood Hightower!
This unique tower has been used in a number of movies as well, such as Robert Altman’s 70’s classic “The Long Goodbye”.
You can see a lot more about this location – and the film – by clicking here:
All this looking around made me hungry, so time to head to Hollywood’s oldest restaurant!
Musso & Frank Grill is legendary, where films like “Once Upon A Time In Hollywood” shot several scenes, and it is now more than 105 years old!
Click here to see their greatest dishes!
And if you just can’t get enough of Hollywood, why not see it from behind its iconic sign?
I took this shot after hiking up to the Hollywood Sign, where you can get this picture!
Here’s more of that trip to the town’s iconic sign:
Let me know some of your favorite Hollywood movie locations as well!
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Here’s to exploring classic Hollywood – if you enjoyed this, please share on social media – thanks!
Categories: 70's Cinema, Art, Cult Movies, Exotic Travel, Hollywood, Memoirs, Movies, Pop Culture, Real Estate, Travel, Travel Adventures, Travel Memoir, True Hollywood Mystery
johnrieber 
i was born in Hollywood so I love this. Also I stayed at the safari inn it’s a real nice motel, and burbank is is a safe clean place to live w lots to do. It’s not too expensive either, the inn that is.
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Thanks for the comment and thank for pointing out that this is an incredibly fun and safe are to explore…and great point on the cost – not bad at all!
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So cool!
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I really must do LA, so many amazing places…
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You do! From Musso & Frank restaurant to this – a hike up behind the Hollywood sign! https://johnrieber.com/2022/01/14/hiking-to-the-iconic-hollywood-sign-getting-my-tinseltown-close-up/
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Getting starry eyed here!
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Some great locations to visit, John. It’s a shame some are disappearing.
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Robbie, there is NO respect for history in LA…none.
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That is sad
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that does look very familiar and I’d looooove to stay there
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I always enjoy knowing about Hollywood and LA history. Thank you for sharing this
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Thankyou for commenting!
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I’m not sure a LA visit is in my future but this is one of the things I love about Vegas, all the old neon signs and spotting movie scenes!
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Exactly! As the new hotels on the Vegas strip continue to forego neon, heading downtown is where they still exist!
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Yes, I love how they put the old ones along LV Blvd, too.
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I would definitely recognise the motel from seeing it in films. Love the iconic architecture and sign!
Best wishes, Pete.
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It’s so retro Pete and hasn’t been torn down like so many other places!
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Thanks for the tour, John. From a guy who has never been to LA before, unless you’re referring to Lower Arkansas, I really appreciate it. My brother-in-law sent me a picture of Nakatomi Tower one day when they were visiting! I thought that was pretty cool!
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Yes! Whenever I drive in west LA I see Nakatomi Plaza right there and it’s so cool!
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