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.

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.

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.

Find out how far is it from Universal Studios to Disneyland and easy transportation methods between the two.

Getting From Disneyland to Universal Studios: Distance & Transport FAQs

Find out how far is it from Universal Studios Hollywood to Disneyland and how to get between the two Southern California theme parks whether you drive or use public transportation.

My daughter stands in front of the Universal Studios Hollywood entrance during the holiday season.

How to Buy Universal Studios Hollywood Discount Tickets: 14 Cheapest Ways

A list of reliable ways to buy Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets to save money on one of Southern California’s best theme parks.

Universal Studios Hollywood globe at the entrance shining in the morning sunlight.

40 Universal Studios Hollywood Tips and Tricks for an Awesome Visit

These Universal Studios Hollywood tips and tricks will help you save money, reduce wait times, add convenience, and more for a fun theme park visit.

People in the front row of the Mummy ride at Universal Studios Hollywood

10 Best Universal Studios Hollywood Rides That You Can’t Miss

From family-friendly to 4D, here are the Universal Studios Hollywood rides to add to your list for the most fun day ever (and how to skip lines).

Universal Studios Hollywood's World Famous Studio Tour

How to Tour Universal Studios and Warner Bros. Studios in the Same Trip

You can tour both in the same day, but planning to see them across two separate days is best.

Sheraton Universal Hotel near Universal Studios Hollywood

Sheraton Universal Hotel: Review & Best Way to Book

What to know about booking Sheraton Universal Hotel within walking distance of Universal Studios Hollywood including rooms, dining, more from our stay.

Outdoor pool at Hilton Universal City/Los Angeles

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City Near Universal Studios Hollywood: Review

Hilton Universal City is the closest hotel to Universal Studios Hollywood. Here’s what it’s like.

How to make Harry Potter chocolate frogs, cards and boxes at home.

How to Make Easy Harry Potter Chocolate Frogs Like Honeydukes at Universal

It’s easier than you think to make Harry Potter chocolate frogs in addition to the box and collectible cards. Here’s how.

Back to All Theme Park Articles

Disneyland Resort LEGOLAND California San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo Safari Park SeaWorld San Diego Universal Studios Hollywood

Ready for Your San Diego Adventure with Our Tips?

We’re passionate travellers and La Jolla residents on a mission to simplify your travel planning with expert tips and insider knowledge so you can make the most of your San Diego visit. We’ll email you once monthly with San Diego best travel tips and special promotions.

Universal Studios Hollywood Guide

Get Our Discounted Universal Tickets