Universal Studios Hollywood™ is where all your favorite characters—from Harry Potter© to Transformers™—come alive. Chock full of adrenaline-pumping rides, fabulous shopping opportunities, and mind-blowing shows, this is one place you’ll never want to leave.
Where is Universal Studios Hollywood?
Located in Universal City, California, Universal Studios Hollywood is approximately a 20-minute drive from Los Angeles and a two-and-half-hour ride from San Diego.
Universal Studios Hollywood Hours and Tickets
Universal Studios Hollywood hours vary based on the day of the week and time of year and can be found on the Universal Studios Hollywood website.
You can buy tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood via the official website or you could opt for Southern California CityPASS® tickets, which deliver a great discount on Universal Studios Hollywood tickets and other top attractions, including Disneyland® Resort, SeaWorld San Diego®, and LEGOLAND® California. Information about Universal Studios Hollywood’s annual pass options is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com/tickets. Blackout dates and restrictions apply.
What is the Best Age to Go to Universal Studios?
While Universal Studios Hollywood welcomes guests of all ages, certain rides and attractions are more kid-friendly than others. If your child is too small or doesn’t want to go on a particular ride, the theme park has a family room where a member of your party can wait with the little ones.
Depending on their age, your little ones won’t have to sit out during your whole trip. Universal Studios Hollywood has toddler-friendly rides like Kung Fu Panda Adventure, Flight of the Hippogriff, and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. Your kids can also enjoy the studio tour, where there’s no height requirement, and enjoy a meet-and-greet with some of their favorite characters.
Universal Studios Hollywood Rides and Attractions
Make sure you plan your day at Universal Studios so you can fit in all the top-rated rides and attractions. With action-packed rides themed after movies like The Fast and the Furious™, Transformers™, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, and more, there’s never a dull moment, and you don’t want to miss out. Here are some of the most popular rides:
- The World Famous Studio Tour — You’ll narrowly avoid a flash flood and risk life and limb (sort of) when Jaws comes looking for lunch, and join a high-speed chase with the cast of the Fast and the Furious franchise during this 60-minute tour.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ — Unleash your inner wizard or witch and experience the magic of Diagon Alley and Harry’s enchanting world for yourself. Join him on a whirlwind ride above the castle grounds as part of the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ ride, or test your mettle aboard a swooping Hippogriff-themed roller coaster. Harry Potter fans may be tempted to stay the entire day in this enthralling section of the park.
- Special Effects Show — This behind-the-scenes peek into Hollywood special effects will blow your mind. You’ll get to learn the secrets behind the magic of horror scenes, fearsome fight scenes, and even zero gravity space travel, all portrayed through professional demonstrations.
- Transformers: The Ride-3D — This cutting edge thrill ride will keep you on the edge of your seat as you help Optimus Prime protect the Allspark from massive, four-story-tall Decepticons. Will you be able to save the human race?
A Universal Studios map is available for download on the official website to help you navigate the expansive park, or you could download the Universal Studios Hollywood Mobile App for guidance.
Shopping at Universal Studios Hollywood
You’ll never be far from an enticing shop bursting with themed merchandise you can’t find anywhere else. The Universal Studios Store is one of the most popular shops in the park; here you’ll find apparel, candy, toys, and collectibles for souvenirs that will remind you of your time at Universal Studios. Grab a handful of chocolates from Honeydukes in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or a collectible featuring the likes of The Simpsons or Scooby-Doo from the Animation Studio Store.
Hotels near Universal Studios Hollywood
There are several hotels in close proximity to the park, the closest being the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, which is located a block away and offers a complimentary shuttle bus. There are family friendly options, a hotel with a history of famous residents (the Sunset Tower Hotel), and wallet-friendly accommodations all nearby.
Whether you’re a full-time resident of the Golden State or just a visitor passing through for a few days, be sure to make time to visit Universal Studios Hollywood. You’ll have the time of your life and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
Visit Universal Studios Hollywood for Less with CityPASS® Tickets
When you purchase Southern California CityPASS® tickets, you can experience world-famous theme parks for less! Get discounted tickets for one or two days at Universal Studios Hollywood. You can grab a couple of souvenirs to take home with the money you’ll save on tickets. CityPASS® has teamed up with popular Southern California attractions so you can hit the must-see locations on your list without the hefty price tag. With our guide to visiting Disneyland, Disney California Adventure guide, and SeaWorld guide you can plan the perfect SoCal vacation. Get your CityPASS® tickets and get ready to experience the thrills of Universal Studios Hollywood!