Universal Studios Hollywood Guide

Consider this your guide to visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, a popular theme park in Los Angeles, California.

We love going here year-round so have advice about where to stay, best rides, ticket info and more tips for a fun day!

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My daughter stands in front of the Universal Studios Hollywood entrance during the holiday season.
A wand station in Hogsmeade inside Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles.

Top 5 Reasons To Visit

  • You love movies! Enjoy movie-themed attractions and merchandise, from classic films to modern blockbusters throughout 11 themed lands.
  • Favorite characters from these films perform meet and greets throughout the park for photos and autographs.
  • Between rides, shows, VR experiences, shops, dining, there’s something for everyone to do.
  • You can upgrade to included a Universal Express pass (shorter line waits for select attractions) or an exclusive VIP experience.
  • To see why this theme park is giving Disneyland a run for its money lately.
  • Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Christmas
  • Shows at Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Universal Studios Hollywood's World Famous Studio Tour
  • The set of "Jaws" as seen during the Universal Studios Hollywood World-Famous Studio Tour.
  • A wand station in Hogsmeade inside Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles.
  • Universal Studios Hollywood is included in some Go Los Angeles Cards
  • The Universal Studios Hollywood globe spins in the morning light.
  • Find discount Universal Studios Hollywood tickets for your Harry Potter fan.
  • People in the front row of the Mummy ride at Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Two guests on the Studio Tour look at King Kong.

Must-See Highlights

  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter with its rides, Ollivander’s wand store, Butterbeer, and more.
  • The World Famous Studio Tour
  • Super Nintendo World where you can meet Mario and ride in his Kart
  • WaterWorld show with its explosions and perilous stunts
  • Jurassic World water ride
  • Revenge of the Mummy — The Ride (this is one of my favorites)

Universal Studios Hollywood Dining

I like to eat at Three Broomsticks inside The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you can order a Great Feast with all of the trimmings for your family or a hearty plate for one.

You can get a donut the size of your head at Lard Lad Donuts, a burger or salad at Toadstool Cafe in Super Nintendo World, a blended tropical margarita in a tiki cup at Isla Nu Bar,

There is also A LOT of good dining at Universal CityWalk which is OUTSIDE the park. We like Dongpo cafe (Chinese food) there.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Getting There

Address

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Parking

  • General Parking Before 5 p.m.: $30
  • General Parking After 5 p.m.: $10
  • Preferred Parking Before 5 p.m.: $50
  • Preferred Parking After 5 p.m.: $20
  • Front Gate Parking: $70
GET MORE PARKING INFO

Check Hours

Universal Studios Hollywood hours change according to the day and season. It’s best to check the park calendar online to plan for your visit.

CHECK THE CALENDAR

Universal Studios Hollywood Map and Directions

Most people drive or take rideshare because public transportation to the park is a grind.

Getting There by Public Transportation

Getting there by Metro: Get off at the Universal City stop. Catch the free shuttle bus across the street that will take you right to the gates. Shuttles run approximately every 15 minutes daily from 5 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

DRIVING DIRECTIONS

  • Getting there from LAX:  Jump onto the I-105 East (there are signs that point you to its entrance from the terminal). Stay on it until you reach the I-110 Harbor Freeway North. Once you’ve gone through the downtown Los Angeles area, merge on the Highway 101 Hollywood Freeway North. Follow the 101 to the Universal Studios Blvd. exit. Turn right and it’s easy to follow the signs to Universal Studios Hollywood and its parking lots.
  • Getting there from Hollywood: Take Highway 101 North and exit on Universal Studios Blvd. Turn right and follow the signs to Universal Studios Hollywood.
  • Getting there from Santa Monica: Take the I-10 Santa Monica Freeway East to the I-405 Freeway North. Take the Highway 101 exit. Follow the signs to Los Angeles (veer right). Follow the 101 and exit on Lankershim Blvd. Turn right and follow the signs to Universal Studios Hollywood.
  • Getting there from San Diego (and Anaheim): Take the 1-5 Freeway North and merge onto Highway 101 North. Follow the 101 Freeway and exit at Universal Studios Blvd. Turn right onto Universal Studios Blvd. and follow the signs.

Dropping off kids and not staying?
No problem. You can enter and drop off at the front entrance.

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