Support

Universal Studios Hollywood

About

Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique place in Los Angeles, USA, where the world of cinema comes to life before your eyes. It is not just a theme park, but a real working film studio—one of the oldest and most famous in Hollywood—which is still actively used for filming today. It’s no surprise that this place proudly carries the title of "The Entertainment Capital of L.A."

Universal Studios Hollywood. Illustration.
Source: Kupi.com AI

Traveler photos:

The park is an incredible blend of thrilling rides and a real filming process. Visitors are given a chance to look behind the scenes of movie-making during the famous studio tour. The park's vast territory is divided into themed zones, each dedicated to popular movies and cartoons like Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Transformers, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in their favorite universes.

Located adjacent to Hollywood, the park occupies an extensive area, most of which is in the district known as Universal City. A visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is an opportunity not only to ride exciting attractions but also to touch film history, seeing where legendary pictures were created and continue to be made.

Contacts

You can contact park representatives or check for the latest information through several channels. All details regarding tickets, opening hours, and special events are always available on the official website. A hotline is also available for general inquiries and consultations.

How to contactContact
Address100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
Phone number+1 800-864-8377
Websitewww.universalstudioshollywood.com

What to Do

Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood offers guests a unique opportunity to dive headfirst into the magic of movies. One of the park's main highlights is the world-famous Studio Tour. This is a tram excursion through real film sets where famous movies and TV shows have been and continue to be filmed. During the tour, you will not only see legendary sets but also witness impressive special effects recreated specifically for guests.

Beyond the tour, the park is famous for its thrilling attractions, of which there are about ten, including two roller coasters. All are based on popular Universal films and series. The park is divided into several themed zones, allowing visitors to walk the streets of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, meet dinosaurs from Jurassic Park, or find themselves in the middle of a battle between Autobots from Transformers.

The experience isn't limited to just rides and tours. Guests can attend spectacular stunt shows where professionals demonstrate incredible feats. Additionally, you'll have the chance to peek into star dressing rooms and see an impressive collection of authentic costumes and props from famous films, making a visit to the park even more educational and memorable.

Getting There

Getting to Universal Studios Hollywood is quite simple, as it has convenient transport links to various districts of Los Angeles. Whether you prefer public transport, a personal car, or a taxi, there are several convenient options to reach this famous attraction.

One of the most convenient and budget-friendly ways is using the metro. You need to take the B Line (Red Line) to Universal/Studio City station. Right at the exit, there is a free shuttle stop; shuttles run every 10–15 minutes and take visitors directly to the park entrance. This trip not only saves you from the hassle of finding parking but also helps avoid the city's famous traffic jams.

If you're traveling by car, simply enter the park's address into your navigation: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608. There are several large multi-level parking garages near the park where you can leave your car all day for a fee. Additionally, you can always use a taxi or the rideshare services popular in Los Angeles to be comfortably dropped off right at the park's main gates.

Nearest city: Los Angeles

History & Facts

The history of Universal Studios Hollywood began long before the arrival of modern attractions. Its founder, German-born Carl Laemmle, opened Universal City Studios on April 30, 1912. By March 15, 1915, he offered the public an unprecedented opportunity for the time: a behind-the-scenes look at film production. Visitors could walk through the studio grounds and watch the filming of silent movies. With the advent of "talkies," this practice had to be temporarily stopped, as the noise from tourists interfered with high-quality sound recording on set.

The tours were only revived decades later, and the park officially opened in its new format on July 15, 1964. Initially, it was far from the amusement park we know today. The main entertainment was a tram tour, during which guests could see star dressing rooms, an impressive collection of costumes, and watch a thrilling stunt show. The original staff was quite small, consisting of just a few guides, drivers, and performers.

Over time, to compete with the growing Disneyland, the studio began actively developing its park. New attractions and pavilions were gradually added to the tour route, turning the studio tour into a full-fledged theme park. This very concept—combining a working film studio with entertainment for the whole family—became the hallmark of Universal Studios Hollywood and served as a model for creating other Universal parks around the world.

Time Needed

To fully enjoy a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, most visitors will need a full day. It is recommended to set aside 8 to 10 hours for the park, especially if you want to see all the major rides, shows, and the famous studio tour without rushing. By planning a full day's visit, you can cover most of the entertainment the park offers.

The duration of your visit may depend on several factors. For example, the famous Studio Tour alone takes about 60 minutes. Additionally, on peak days and hours, queues for the most popular attractions, such as those in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, can be quite long. To save time, you might consider purchasing a Universal Express ticket, which grants one-time express access to most rides and shows. This will allow you to do much more in the same amount of time.

Thus, one full and well-planned day is usually enough to get bright impressions and experience the park's main attractions. If you want to catch every show, ride your favorite attractions multiple times, and explore every corner at your leisure, you might consider buying a two-day ticket. However, for a first encounter with the magic of Hollywood filmmaking, a full day will be more than enough.

Working Hours

Universal Studios Hollywood is open to visitors all year round, 365 days a year, though its operating hours can vary significantly. Generally, opening and closing times depend on the season, the day of the week, and special events. During summer months, weekends, and holidays, the park usually stays open longer, while hours may be reduced on weekdays during the off-season. To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it is highly recommended to check the current schedule on the official park website right before your planned visit date.

We strongly advise purchasing tickets online in advance. This not only guarantees entry—especially during high-demand periods when tickets may sell out—but often allows you to save money compared to buying at the gate. For those who want to make the most of their time, there is the Universal Express option, which provides expedited access to most attractions and shows.

DayOpening hours
Monday9:00 – 19:00
Tuesday9:00 – 19:00
Wednesday9:00 – 19:00
Thursday9:00 – 19:00
Friday9:00 – 19:00
Saturday9:00 – 21:00
Sunday9:00 – 20:00

Nearby

Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood is just one part of a grand adventure awaiting you in Los Angeles. The park's surroundings are filled with iconic landmarks that allow you to dive even deeper into the atmosphere of the world’s cinema capital. Some attractions, such as the Universal CityWalk Hollywood entertainment complex, are literally just steps away, while others are a short drive away.

You can complement your journey through the world of cinema by exploring legendary locations. World-famous themed zones, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, are very close by, and at a short distance are the famous Hollywood Sign and the Hollywood Bowl concert venue. To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve put together a list of nearby points of interest.

NameDistance
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter0.1 km
Super Silly Fun Land0.3 km
Hollywood Sign2.9 km
Capitol Records Building4.5 km
Griffith Observatory5.3 km
Greystone Mansion & Gardens6.7 km
Los Angeles County Museum of Art8.1 km

Have you reached the end of the page?

So the route has been studied inside and out