Universal Studios Hollywood – Best Activities, Rides & Things to Do (2025)
Spend a blockbuster day at Universal Studios Hollywood, where real working film sets meet cutting-edge rides, shows, and immersive worlds like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World. This guide helps you pick the best rides, shows, tickets, and nearby Hollywood experiences so you can make the most of every hour in the park.
Top Things to Do Inside Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is split between the Upper Lot and Lower Lot, packed with rides, shows, and themed lands. Here are the must-do highlights you shouldn’t miss on your visit.
World-Famous Studio Tour
Ride the iconic tram through real working backlots, soundstages, and movie sets. You’ll pass famous streets, encounter surprises like King Kong 360 3-D and Fast & Furious – Supercharged, and get a taste of how Hollywood movies are actually made.
The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
Walk through Hogsmeade, sip Butterbeer, shop for wands, and brave Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey inside Hogwarts Castle. At night, the area glows with lanterns and castle projections, making it one of the most atmospheric corners of the park.
Super Nintendo World & Mario Kart
Step inside a real-life video game world with coins, blocks, and characters from the Super Mario universe. The Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge ride mixes AR, physical sets, and interactive gameplay, especially fun if you grab a Power-Up Band.
Jurassic World – The Ride
A water ride with huge animatronics, lush jungle scenes, and a dramatic T. rex finale. Expect to get a little wet and a lot thrilled, especially sitting toward the front of the boat.
Action-Packed 3-D & 4-D Rides
Feel like you’re inside the movies on attractions like Transformers: The Ride-3D and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem. They combine motion simulators, special effects, and huge projected scenes for high-energy fun.
WaterWorld Stunt Show
Don’t skip this live show: it’s one of the best in any theme park. Expect jet-skis, explosions, high dives, and practical effects pulled off by Hollywood stunt professionals several times a day.
Character Meet & Greets
Take photos with characters from Minions, The Simpsons, Transformers, Jurassic World, and more. It’s a great break between rides and perfect for families wanting those classic theme-park shots.
Family & Kids’ Areas
Little ones will love areas themed to Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets, and friendly play spaces. Many rides offer child-swap so adults can still enjoy big coasters without skipping turns.
Things to Do Around Universal Studios Hollywood & Hollywood
Universal is set in the Hollywood Hills, close to some of Los Angeles’ most famous viewpoints, neighborhoods, and filming hotspots. Use these ideas to turn your park visit into a full Hollywood day.
Universal CityWalk Entertainment District
Right outside the park gates, CityWalk is packed with restaurants, bars, dessert spots, cinema, and live music. It’s ideal for dinner, people-watching, or simply soaking up neon lights after the rides.
Hollywood Walk of Fame & Chinese Theatre
Combine your day with a visit to the Walk of Fame, the iconic star-lined sidewalks, and the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. Many tours include photo stops and fun movie trivia.
Griffith Observatory & LA Views
Head up to Griffith Observatory for sweeping views of the Hollywood Sign and downtown LA. It’s one of the best sunset spots in the city and pairs nicely with a relaxed evening after the park.
Hollywood Sign Viewpoints & Tours
Choose from hiking routes, guided walking tours, or even helicopter flights that circle the Hollywood Sign. These are perfect if you’re chasing iconic skyline photos in addition to your day at Universal.
Mini-Car Adventures in Los Angeles
Try a quirky mini-car guided tour to drive through LA streets and near major sights in a small 3-wheel vehicle. It’s a fun, open-air way to see the hills, freeways, and neighborhoods beyond the park.
Behind-the-Scenes Hollywood Audio Tours
If you’re driving your own car, an audio driving tour around Hollywood lets you explore at your own pace while learning stories about studios, legends, and filming locations.
Best Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets & Tours
There are several ways to experience Universal Studios Hollywood: simple day tickets, VIP front-of-line tours, and multi-attraction passes that bundle in other LA sights. Pick the option that matches your time, budget, and crowd-tolerance.
Universal Studios General Admission Ticket
A straightforward 1–2 day ticket that gives you access to all standard rides, shows, and the Studio Tour. Ideal if you want flexibility and plan to manage wait times with early arrival and smart routing.
Universal Studios VIP Tour
For guests who want the most efficient, in-depth day, the VIP Tour includes behind-the-scenes access, a guided Studio Tour with exclusive areas, a dedicated escort in the park, and priority or skip-the-line access to major rides.
All-Inclusive LA Pass with Universal Studios
Want to see more of LA? Choose a multi-day city pass that includes Universal Studios Hollywood plus other attractions like museum entries, tours, and observation decks. Great value if you’re staying several days and planning to sightsee heavily.
Universal Entry + Hollywood Bus Tour
Combine a day in the park with a guided bus tour through Hollywood and central LA. You’ll tick off famous sights like the Walk of Fame and celebrity neighborhoods in the same package as your Universal ticket.
Full-Day LA Suburbs & Attractions Tour
If you want a guide to handle logistics, opt for a small-group LA attractions tour that covers key neighborhoods, coastal suburbs, and viewpoints. It pairs well with a separate Universal day if you have a long city break.
Tip: Many tickets include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which is helpful if you’re watching the weather, juggling traffic, or coordinating a tight LA itinerary.
Food & Drink at Universal Studios & CityWalk
You won’t go hungry at Universal Studios Hollywood. Inside the park and at CityWalk, you’ll find everything from quick snacks to themed restaurants and late-night treats.
Themed Restaurants in the Park
Eat in worlds inspired by your favorite films and games: think tavern-style spots in Hogsmeade, Jurassic-themed dining, or colorful eateries in Super Nintendo World. It’s worth timing meals slightly early or late to avoid rush.
Quick-Service & Snack Stops
Throughout the park you’ll find burger stands, pizza slices, churros, ice cream, and popcorn carts. These are ideal for grabbing something fast between ride reservations or showtimes.
CityWalk Restaurants & Bars
After the park closes, cross into CityWalk for sit-down dinners, sports bars, and dessert shops. It’s lively in the evenings, with music, neon signs, and plenty of seating.
Coffee, Treats & On-the-Go Options
Look out for coffee chains, bakeries, and smoothie spots both inside Universal and at CityWalk. Grabbing something portable can help you stay energized while keeping your ride schedule tight.
Quick Visitor Tips for Universal Studios Hollywood
Best Time to Visit
Weekdays outside school holidays are usually quieter. On busy days, arrive before opening, head straight to high-demand rides like Super Nintendo World and the Studio Tour, and save shows for later.
How Long to Allow
Plan at least one full day for Universal Studios Hollywood. If you want to repeat favorites, visit at a relaxed pace, or explore everything in detail, consider a 2-day ticket.
Express & VIP Options
On peak dates, Express or VIP options can save hours in queues. They’re especially valuable if you only have one day and want to experience as many attractions as possible.
Height Limits & Child Swap
Many rides have height restrictions, so check them in advance if you’re traveling with young children. Use the child-swap system so adults can take turns on bigger attractions without waiting twice.
What to Pack
Comfortable shoes, layers for changing temperatures, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket (for water rides or mist zones) are all useful. Keep bags small so they’re easy to store in lockers when required.
Getting There & Parking
Universal Studios is located in Universal City, just north of Hollywood. You can arrive by car (with several parking options), rideshare, or subway via the nearby Universal City/Studio City station.
Using the Official App
Download the park app to check wait times, show schedules, and maps. It’s a huge help when deciding where to head next and tracking which attractions you’ve already done.
Plan for Evening Atmosphere
If possible, stay into the evening. Night lighting in areas like Hogsmeade, CityWalk, and the Lower Lot gives the park a completely different, cinematic feel.
Ready to Visit Universal Studios Hollywood?
From the classic Studio Tour to next-generation lands like Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Hollywood packs a full day of thrills, film history, and themed fun. Secure your tickets in advance, add a VIP or LA combo tour if you want extras, and get ready for a movie-worthy day out.