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!
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.
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.
I feel like there’s are a lot of little tips that can add value to your day. Some are highlighted here but we have a list of 40 for you to read.
One of the most important time- and money-saving tips I can offer is to buy discount Universal Studios Hollywood tickets in advance. You can go straight-to-the-gate and save BIG on VIP Experience, Universal Express, 1-Day and 2-Day admission. SHOP ALL TICKETS.
This sort of touristy entertainment area is outside of the theme park. However, there are shops, restaurants, ice cream shops and more to browse. It’s fun, especially if you’re staying at one of the Universal hotels.
Sunny Southern California is well-known for its fantastic weather. Dry and hot summers and mild winters with very little rain are normal. The great year-round weather makes Universal Studios Hollywood a fantastic attraction at any time of the year. It also means that it’s unlikely that the weather will wreck your visit.
Rainy days will see fewer visitors to the park. This can be a huge bonus when it comes to wait times. However, the WaterWorld Show and Universal’s Animal Actors shows are canceled when there is considerable rain.
The two closest hotels to the park are Hilton Universal City and Sheraton Universal Hotel. I’ve stayed in and reviewed both. You can also take a look at best hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood for even more options.
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.
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.
A list of reliable ways to buy Universal Studios Hollywood discount tickets to save money on one of Southern California’s best theme parks.
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.
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).
You can tour both in the same day, but planning to see them across two separate days is best.
What to know about booking Sheraton Universal Hotel within walking distance of Universal Studios Hollywood including rooms, dining, more from our stay.
Hilton Universal City is the closest hotel to Universal Studios Hollywood. Here’s what it’s like.
The BEST way to buy attraction and theme park tickets is my discounted site.
Get a Sweeter Deal
Subscribe now for my best San Diego, theme park, and luxury hotel tips in addition to thoughts on our recent travels — delivered straight to your inbox, for absolutely free.