The BEST Disney Things to do in Los Angeles & San Francisco
Although I don’t cover it too much on my blog, I am a pretty huge Disney fan. I grew up visiting Walt Disney World and I still travel to Orlando at least once a year.
A few years ago I had the opportunity to spend the summer in Los Angeles. My husband had an internship in LA so I went with him to explore California. Being a huge Disney fan, I knew I wanted to visit Disneyland a few times while I was in LA. But, I also wanted to find some of the lesser-known Disney sites in the city.
During my 2-months in Los Angeles, I visited almost 20 Disney-related sites. And that number doesn’t even include Disneyland! Most of these were in Los Angeles, but I also stopped by a few Disney locations during a weekend getaway to San Fransisco.
If you are a Disney fanatic like me, you will want to check this out when you are in California. Many of these sites are free to visit. I loved checking out these sites because they give you a taste for Disney’s history.
Ready to get started? Let’s go! Here are the BEST Disney things to do in Los Angeles & San Fransisco.
Quick History Lesson
Ok, before we actually look at the list of the best Disney things to do in Los Angeles & San Fransisco, let’s take a brief look at the history of Walt Disney in California.
Walt Disney’s connection to California is so much more than Disneyland. Of course, this is probably the first thing we all think of. But Disneyland didn’t open until 1955.
Walt Disney was born in Chicago in 1901 and he moved to Los Angeles with his brother, Roy, in 1923. Here, they set up Disney Brothers Studios, which eventually became Walt Disney Studios.
Mickey Mouse was created in 1928. Mickey Mouse, combined with the success of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs in 1937, allowed for Walt to expand the studio. Soon, he began dreaming of opening a family-friendly amusement park and, in 1955, his dream was realized with Disneyland.
Ok, that was an incredibly brief overview. But it gives a little context for the list we are about to look at. Walt lived and worked in California for over 40 years. He spent time exploring Los Angeles and was often inspired by the city’s sites. So, let’s follow in his footsteps and take a look at some of the places that inspired and were influenced by Walt Disney.
The BEST Disney Things to do in Los Angeles & San Francisco
Los Angeles
Walt Disney’s Carolwood Barn
5202 Zoo Dr
Walt Disney had a major fascination with trains, which is one of the reasons you can find a train at Disneyland & Walt Disney World. In 1950, he built a 1/8 scale steam train in his backyard. He enjoyed taking guests for a ride on his train.
In addition to the train, Walt constructed a red barn in his backyard as a workspace to build model trains. The original barn still exists and is now operated by the non-profit Carolwood Foundation. Inside the barn, you can see some of Walt’s personal items including tools, benches, and photographs. On the campus, you can also see one of the original Santa Fe & Disneyland trains that used to operate at Disneyland.
The barn is generally open for tours on the 3rd Sunday of the month. Check the website and Facebook for up-to-date opening information. During the open Sundays, you might see an Imagineer or author at the barn signing autographs or talking about their experiences with the Walt Disney Company.
During my summer in LA, I planned my weekends around the open Sunday. I knew I didn’t want to miss the chance to visit Walt’s Barn. I’m so glad I did and I highly recommend a stop here! This spot gives some insight into Walt Disney’s personal life and his hobbies outside of work. Plus, the barn isn’t too far from our next stop so consider combing the two for a nice Disney-filled day!
Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
4730 Crystal Springs Dr
This one won’t be much of a surprise to major Disney fans. The story goes that Walt took his daughters to Griffith Park to ride the Merry-Go-Round. As he sat on the bench watching them, he dreamt of creating a place where families could go and have fun together. It was here, on the Griffith Park bench, that the idea for Disneyland was born.
This Merry-Go-Round was originally created in 1926 and was moved to Griffith Park in 1937. Today, you can still ride the Merry-Go-Round in Griffith Bench or sit on a bench nearby.
El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Blvd
El Capitan is a theater on Hollywood Boulevard that Disney uses to premiere a lot of its movies. Toy Story, The Avengers, and Wreck-It Ralph are just some of the movies that have premiered at this theater.
In addition to movie premieres, El Capitan often hosts events. Throughout the year, you can head to El Capitan to watch reruns of older Disney movies. Check the calendar to see what is playing during your trip. When I was in LA, I attended a “Dory After Dark” event. This was a back-to-back showing of Finding Nemo and Finding Dory.
Pro Tip: Next to El Capitan, you will see the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain. This is part ice cream shop and part Disney store. Sometimes they create specialty ice cream sundaes themed to the newest Disney movie releases. Plus you can usually get specialty pins at this Disney Store.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood Blvd
After visiting the El Capitan, stroll (realistically weave your way through crowds of people) along Hollywood Boulevard. There are plenty of Disney-related stars on the Walk of Fame to keep an eye out for!
- Walt Disney– 7021 Hollywood Blvd
- Mickey Mouse– 6925 Hollywood Blvd
- Donald Duck– 6840 Hollywood Blvd
- Tinker Bell– 6834 Hollywood Blvd
- Snow White– 6910 Hollywood Blvd
- Disneyland– 6834 Hollywood Blvd
- Roy O. Disney– 6833 Hollywood Blvd
TCL Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd
When you think about Hollywood Boulevard, this is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. This historic movie theater opened in 1927 under the name Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Many iconic movies have premiered here, including Mary Poppins in 1964.
Besides being the location of the Mary Poppins premiere (and a location in Mary Poppins Returns), the TCL Chinese Theatre has another Disney connection. This theater is replicated in Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. The Disney World version use to house the Great Movie Ride and is the soon to be the location of Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.
Both the original Chinese Theater and the Disney World versions feature handprints outside the entrances. Some of the Disney-related filmmakers and stars who have left their mark outside the theater include Donald Duck, Tom Hanks, Robin Williams, and George Lucas.
Hollywood Bowl
2301 N Highland Ave
The Hollywood Bowl is an iconic Los Angeles venue. Disney World fans, does the building look familiar? The Theater of the Stars in Hollywood Studios (where Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage is held) was modeled after this famous venue.
Be sure to check out the Hollywood Bowl line up. Disney-related events and shows are often held at the Hollywood Bowl. A few years ago, I saw The Little Mermaid: Live-to-Film Concert Experience here and it was spectacular!
Tunnel to Toontown
N Vermont Canyon Rd
Any Who Framed Rodger Rabbit fans out there? Head back to Griffith Park to drive through the Tunnel to Toontown. This somewhat non-descript tunnel has been featured in a few movies, including the 1988 Touchstone Pictures film Who Framed Rodger Rabbit. Touchstone Pictures was Disney’s label for edgier movies aimed at an older audience.
You can find this tunnel on N Vermont Canyon Rd, near the Greek Theater.
Tam O’Shanters
2980 Los Feliz Blvd
As a Disney fan, it is always exciting to be in a place where Walt Disney once was. That is partially why Disneyland feels so special.
No, Tam O’Shanters doesn’t give me the same emotions as Disneyland, but it is so fun to visit a restaurant that was a favorite of Walt’s.
Tam O’Shanters is a Scottish pub that opened in 1938. The pub was located near Walt’s Hyperion Studio and he frequently ate here with his Imagineers. When you make your reservation, request to sit at Table 31. This table is adorned with a plaque that reads ” this was a favorite spot of Walt Disney and his Imagineers.”
There are a few other Disney-nods around the restaurant, including a drawing made by Walt for the restaurant. Request Table 31, enjoy the atmosphere and just imagine what could have been discussed at that table.
Hyperion Studio
2725 Hyperion Ave
Unfortunately, Walt’s Hyperion Studio no longer exists. This studio opened in January 1926 and was the birthplace of Mickey Mouse and Snow White. After the success of Snow White, Walt moved the studio to Burbank.
Today, a Gelson’s Market sits on the site of the Hyperion Studio. Since there really isn’t anything to see, head across the street to my favorite LA ice cream shop, Magpies, and enjoy some soft serve while you reflect on the Disney history that took place right across the street.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S Grand Ave
Even without the Disney connection, the Walt Disney Concert Hall should be on your LA itinerary. This Frank Gehry-designed building in Downtown LA is a unique and eye-catching structure. It is home to the LA Philharmonic and serves as a venue for plenty of other events.
Lillian Disney donated $50 million to create a concert hall and to honor Walt’s love of the arts and the city of LA. To learn more about the Concert Hall and the Disney connection, consider taking a free self-guided audio tour. Check the calendar on the website to see when these tours are available.
Echo Park
1632 Bellevue Ave
It shouldn’t be a surprise that there is another spot in LA that inspired something in Hollywood Studios. That park was modeled after “a Hollywood that never was – and always will be.”
Echo Park in LA directly inspired Echo Lake in Hollywood Studios. In LA, head to Echo Park (this is a bit confusing because the whole neighborhood is called Echo Park- but I’m talking about the actual park here) and take a walk around the lake. If you’ve been to Hollywood Studios I’m sure you will pretty immediately see the resemblance.
Crossroads of the World
6671 Sunset Blvd
This 1936-building is considered the first outdoor shopping mall in America. You can find this historic spot on 6671 Sunset Blvd. Why is it included on this list? Another Hollywood Studios connection!
The iconic structure was recreated for Hollywood Studios. The main difference is the Disney version includes a Mickey Mouse statue on top of the globe.
The Walt Disney Studios
500 S Buena Vista St, Burbank, California
I’m not going to lie, I geeked out when I first saw The Walt Disney Studios lot. This campus holds so much history and creativity. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to take a tour or actually visit the lot. But there is plenty to see just by driving around the area.
Look for the Team Disney building, which features the Seven Dwarfs holding up the roof. You can also see The Roy E. Disney Animation Building with the Sorcer’s hat outside and the large Disney water tower.
Occasionally, D23 events are held on the lot. If you are a member, keep an eye on the calendar and try to schedule a tour when they are offered!
Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center
501 S Buena Vista St, Burbank, California
On November 30, 1966, Walt Disney was taken to the Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. On December 15, he passed away in St. Joseph’s. This hospital is located near the Burbank studios and today features The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center.
The Jim Henson Company Lot
1416 N La Brea Ave
Jim Henson, the creator of the Muppets, collaborated closely with Disney during his lifetime. The Muppets have a presence in a few places throughout Walt Disney World and, as of 2004, the Disney Company owns the rights to The Muppets.
The Jim Henson Company Lot, which was built by Charlie Chaplin, is the main production lot for the Jim Henson Studios. Drive or walk past the lot to see the large Kermit the Frog statue that stands on top of the entrance building. You might also recognize the lot as the site of the abandoned Muppets Studios in the 2011 film The Muppets.
Walt Disney’s First Los Feliz House
4406 Kingswell Ave
This bungalow in Los Feliz was owned by Walt’s aunt and uncle. When Walt first moved to Los Angeles in 1923, he used the garage as his animation studio. You can drive past the home (but it is a private residence so be mindful when taking pictures) and imagine what it was like when Walt first started working in LA.
Walt and Lillian’s Los Feliz Home
4053 Woking Way
Walt and Lillian lived in this 12-room mansion from 1932-1950. Honestly, you can’t see much today. I drove past this address and most of the house is blocked by a large ivy-covered fence. But, you get an idea for the upgrade Walt made between 1923 and 1932.
California Institute of the Arts
24700 McBean Pkwy, Valencia, California
Cal Arts is a private art school outside of LA that was envisioned by a few notable benefactors, including Walt Disney.
Many important Pixar and Disney filmmakers and artists have attended Cal Arts over the years. A few of the more famous alumni include Brad Bird, Pete Docter, John Lasseter, and Tim Burton.
Familiar with the A113 Easter egg that pops up in Pixar films? That is a reference to a classroom at Cal Arts.
Disneyland & Downtown Disney
1313 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, California
I mean, of course, I couldn’t make this list and not include Disneyland. The ultimate Disney thing to do in Los Angeles is to visit Disneyland! The Downtown Disney shopping and dining district is located next to the parks, so even if you don’t want to pay for a ticket, you can go hang out in Downtown Disney and get a taste for the atmosphere. But let me tell you, I’ve done this a few times and it is SO tough to see the gates and not actually go into the parks!
If you are here and a Disney fan, you are going to want to go to Disneyland and California Adventure. There is just no way around it. It’s so worth it. Have fun in the park Walt created.
San Fransisco
This list mainly features Disney things to do in Los Angeles. But, there are a few important sites in San Fransisco you should know about. If you are heading to SF you won’t want to skip these.
Pixar Animation Studios
1200 Park Ave, Emeryville, California
Like the Walt Disney Studios, you can’t take a tour of the Pixar Studios. But, it is still great to drive past the gates and get a sense of where so many of these fantastic films are created.
Pixar is located in Emeryville, which is a suburb of SF. Drive past the Studios and see the iconic Pixar sign (which was replicated in Hollywood Studios).
The Walt Disney Family Museum
104 Montgomery St
Honestly, The Walt Disney Family Museum was a major reason why I wanted to visit SF. This museum opened in 2009 in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. It is owned and operated by the Walt Disney Family Foundation, a non-profit run by Disney’s heirs.
If you are a massive Disney fan like me, give yourself a few hours to fully explore this museum. Here you can see 248 awards that Disney won during his career, a large diorama of Disneyland, plus plenty of other mementos and artifacts related to Disney.
This museum also often features temporary exhibitions, so check the website to see what is on during your visit.
I hope you enjoyed this list of the BEST Disney things to do in Los Angeles & San Fransisco. Are you a Disney fan like me? Have you been to any of these sites? Let me know in the comments below!
If you are looking for more, check out these posts:
The Ultimate San Diego Weekend Getaway Guide
The 5 Best Bars in Disney World
How to Visit Walt Disney World During the Holidays
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