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The Universal Studios globe and a colorful theme-park entrance bustling with visitors in Universal City
Theme Parks · Universal City

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is a major movie-themed amusement park and working film studio, blending thrill rides with the famous behind-the-scenes Studio Tour. Immersive lands like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World make it one of LA's top family attractions.

Why visit

It is the only major theme park built around a real working Hollywood backlot, so you get blockbuster rides and an authentic peek behind the movie-making curtain in one day. Immersive worlds like Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World make it a bucket-list outing for film fans and families alike.

The park is split between an upper and lower lot connected by a long series of escalators known as the Starway. Headline attractions include the Studio Tour tram ride through real backlot sets and special-effects scenes, plus rides themed to franchises like Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Transformers, and the Mario universe of Super Nintendo World. Live shows, character meet-and-greets, and elaborately themed environments round out the day.

Adjacent to the park, the free-to-enter Universal CityWalk is a lively promenade of restaurants, shops, a cinema, and nightlife that many visitors enjoy before or after their park day. Because the park can get crowded and the rides draw long lines, strategic planning, an early arrival, and consideration of express options all help you make the most of a visit.

History

Universal's studio tours date back to 1915, when founder Carl Laemmle first invited the public to watch silent films being made. The modern tram-based Studio Tour launched in 1964 and grew into a full theme park over the following decades. The park has continually reinvented itself, opening The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in 2016 and Super Nintendo World in 2023.

Insider Tips

  • ✦Buy tickets online in advance, where date-based pricing is often cheaper than at the gate.
  • ✦Use the official app to check wait times and download a Studio Tour show schedule.
  • ✦Ride the Studio Tour early in the day before lines for the trams grow long.

Photo Tips

  • 📸Get a colorful shot of the Super Nintendo World entrance pipe and the Harry Potter castle facade before midday crowds fill the frame.
  • 📸Snap the iconic Universal globe near the entrance early, when the plaza is still relatively empty.
  • 📸Capture CityWalk's neon signage after dark for a vibrant, glowing nighttime photo.

Before You Go

  • ✓Buy date-based tickets online in advance, which is often cheaper than the gate.
  • ✓Hours change widely by season, so check the official calendar before you go.
  • ✓Download the official app to track wait times and Studio Tour schedules in real time.

Visiting with family

Match rides to your kids' heights and tolerance for thrills, mixing big coasters with gentler family attractions and shows. Bring a stroller for younger children, since the park's upper and lower lots mean a lot of walking.

Where to Eat Nearby

🍽️ Universal CityWalk restaurants🍽️ Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at CityWalk🍽️ Mel's Diner at CityWalk

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Universal Studios Hollywood FAQ

How many days do you need at Universal Studios Hollywood?

Most visitors can see the highlights in a single full day, though arriving early and using Express access makes it far more comfortable.

Is Super Nintendo World included with admission?

Yes, it's part of the main park, though timed entry via the app may be required during busy periods.

What is the Studio Tour?

It's a guided tram ride through Universal's real working backlot, passing famous sets and special-effects experiences, and it's a signature part of the park.

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Studio City
San Fernando Valley

Studio City

Studio City is a leafy, upscale San Fernando Valley neighborhood named for the film studios that have long operated there. Its Ventura Boulevard corridor is a magnet for sushi, brunch, and boutique shopping, all within reach of the Hollywood Hills.

Burbank
San Fernando Valley

Burbank

Burbank is the beating heart of LA's entertainment industry, home to Warner Bros., Disney, and a cluster of studios, plus a charming, walkable downtown. With studio tours, leafy streets, and easy access to Universal nearby, it's a fan's dream.

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