Beautiful Day in LA
Universal City, a Los Angeles neighborhood
Theme park thrills and studio magic

Universal City

Universal City is an entertainment enclave straddling the Hollywood Hills and the San Fernando Valley, built around Universal Studios Hollywood and the CityWalk promenade. It's a one-stop destination for theme park rides, a working studio tour, dining, and nightlife.

FamiliesTheme park fansMovie loversFirst-time visitors

Why visit Universal City

If you want big-ticket theme park fun and a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made, Universal City delivers it in one place. The Studio Tour, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and a packed lineup of rides make it a marquee LA outing, with CityWalk offering dining and entertainment that's free to stroll.

Universal City grew up around Universal Studios, the movie lot that Carl Laemmle established in the area in the 1910s, famously inviting the public to watch films being made. The studio tour evolved over the decades into a full-scale theme park, and in 1993 the open-air CityWalk promenade opened to give visitors shops, restaurants, and entertainment beyond the park gates. Today Universal City is largely an unincorporated, privately developed entertainment district that remains one of LA's biggest tourist draws.

Top Attractions

  • Universal Studios Hollywood

    A major movie-themed amusement park with rides, shows, and immersive lands; check the official website for tickets and hours.

  • The Studio Tour

    A guided tram ride through working backlots and famous sets, the original attraction that started it all.

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

    An immersive land with Hogwarts castle, themed rides, and Butterbeer.

  • Universal CityWalk

    A free-to-enter promenade of restaurants, shops, a cinema, and live entertainment outside the park gates.

  • Super Nintendo World

    An interactive, game-inspired land bringing Mario's universe to life.

A Suggested Day

  1. 1Ride the Metro B Line and catch the free shuttle up the hill
  2. 2Hit the Studio Tour early before lines build
  3. 3Explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  4. 4Break for lunch inside the park or on CityWalk
  5. 5Tackle the headline thrill rides in the afternoon
  6. 6Wind down with dinner and people-watching on CityWalk

Where to Eat

  • Voodoo DoughnutDoughnuts

    A colorful doughnut shop on CityWalk known for over-the-top creations.

  • Toothsome Chocolate EmporiumAmerican & desserts

    A steampunk-themed restaurant on CityWalk famous for milkshakes and sundaes.

  • Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.Seafood

    A movie-themed seafood chain spot popular with families on CityWalk.

  • Three BroomsticksBritish pub fare

    Inside the Wizarding World, serving British-style fare and Butterbeer (park admission required).

Where to Stay

  • Mid-rangeUniversal Sheraton

    The closest hotel to the park, with a complimentary shuttle and quick CityWalk access.

  • Mid-rangeHilton Los Angeles/Universal City

    A large hotel near the park entrance with a shuttle and family amenities.

  • BoutiqueGarland Hotel

    A retro-cool hotel a short drive away in North Hollywood with a relaxed, garden feel.

Best Photo Spots

  • 📸 The rotating Universal Studios globe at the entrance
  • 📸 Hogwarts castle in the Wizarding World
  • 📸 CityWalk's neon-lit promenade
  • 📸 Valley and hill views from the upper lot

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Top Attractions Near Universal City

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Hollywood Sign
Landmarks

Hollywood Sign

Perched on the south slope of Mount Lee in Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign is the world's most recognizable symbol of the entertainment industry. You can't walk up to the letters themselves, but several trails and viewpoints deliver unforgettable photos of the giant white letters against the hillside.

Griffith Observatory
Landmarks

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory is a free public observatory on the slopes of Mount Hollywood, offering telescopes, science exhibits, and some of the best views in Los Angeles. Its Art Deco architecture and sweeping vistas of the city, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific make it a must-see for first-time visitors.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Landmarks

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood takes you behind the scenes of a working film and television studio in Burbank. Guided and self-guided experiences reveal real sound stages, backlot sets, props, and costumes from beloved movies and shows.

Universal City FAQ

Can I get to Universal City by Metro?

Yes, the Metro B (Red) Line has a Universal City station, with a free shuttle up the hill to the park and CityWalk.

Is CityWalk free to enter?

Yes, CityWalk is free to stroll; you only need a ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood itself.

When are the parks least crowded?

Weekdays and the spring and fall shoulder seasons usually have shorter lines; check the official website for hours and events.

Explore Nearby Neighborhoods

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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.

North Hollywood
San Fernando Valley

North Hollywood

North Hollywood, anchored by the NoHo Arts District, is a creative San Fernando Valley neighborhood packed with theaters, galleries, murals, and a growing food and brewery scene. A Metro B Line hub, it's one of the Valley's most transit-friendly and rapidly evolving areas.