Universal Studios Hollywood – About, History, Tours & Visitor Guide (2025)

Step into Universal Studios Hollywood, a real working film studio and theme park in Los Angeles. Ride blockbuster attractions, explore immersive lands like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, and take the famous Studio Tour through movie sets, backlots and soundstages. This guide covers the story of the park, ticket options, best tours and key tips for planning your visit.

About Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is both a theme park and production studio located on a hillside in Universal City, just north of Hollywood. It’s known for combining high-energy rides with behind-the-scenes movie experiences, all tied to Universal’s biggest franchises.

The park is split into two main areas — the Upper Lot and the Lower Lot — linked by long escalators called the “Starway.” You’ll find immersive worlds inspired by Harry Potter, Jurassic World, The Simpsons, Despicable Me, Transformers and more, plus shows, character meet-and-greets and lively streetscapes.

What Makes Universal Studios Hollywood Special

Unlike many theme parks, Universal Studios Hollywood is built directly around an active studio lot. That means you’re never far from real soundstages, backlot streets and working productions.

  • Home of the original Studio Tour through real sets and soundstages.
  • Compact layout that’s easy to cover in one long day with a good plan.
  • Immersive lands like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
  • Big mix of screen-based rides, coasters, shows and stunt performances.

Where It Fits in Your LA Trip

Universal Studios Hollywood sits just off the 101 freeway near the Hollywood Hills, making it easy to combine with Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Sign viewpoints, Griffith Observatory, or a broader Los Angeles city tour.

Easy combo day: Spend the day at Universal, then in the evening head to Universal CityWalk for dinner and entertainment, or join a Hollywood night tour to see the Walk of Fame and city lights.

Brief History & Timeline of Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios in Hollywood grew from a working film lot into one of the world’s most famous movie-themed parks. Here’s a simple timeline to put your visit in context:

  • 1910s–1920s — Universal opens its studio lot in the San Fernando Valley. Early visitors can watch filming from basic bleachers and take simple studio tours.
  • 1964 — The modern Studio Tour launches, taking guests by tram through backlots and sets, and is considered the beginning of “Universal Studios Hollywood” as a tourist attraction.
  • 1970s–1980s — Themed attractions and stunt shows are added around the Studio Tour, turning the site into a full-day entertainment park.
  • 1990s — Universal CityWalk opens as an adjacent dining, shopping and nightlife district. New rides based on movies like Jurassic Park and Back to the Future expand the park.
  • 2010s — The park continues to modernize with high-tech rides and the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, bringing Hogsmeade, Hogwarts Castle and a signature Harry Potter attraction to Hollywood.
  • 2020s — SUPER NINTENDO WORLD debuts, adding Mario-themed rides, interactive games and a new kinetic land. Universal keeps updating the Studio Tour and ride lineup with new film and TV franchises.

Today: Universal Studios Hollywood balances its roots as a real studio with cutting-edge theme park design, offering a mix of behind-the-scenes Hollywood and big, immersive rides in a relatively compact space.

Universal Studios Hollywood Tickets & Tours

You can visit Universal Studios Hollywood with a simple park ticket or fold it into a broader Los Angeles sightseeing plan. These options (via GetYourGuide) are popular ways to organize your day:

Universal Studios Hollywood: General Admission

Classic full-day park ticket with access to rides, shows, the Studio Tour and themed lands. Great if you want to explore at your own pace and build your own schedule.

Universal Studios Hollywood: VIP Tour

A premium option that typically includes valet parking, breakfast, a guided backlot tour with exclusive areas, a gourmet lunch, and priority access to most rides and shows.

Los Angeles: All-Inclusive Pass Plus with Universal

A city pass that includes Universal Studios Hollywood along with multiple other attractions and tours in Los Angeles. Ideal if you plan several paid activities in a short time.

Universal Entry with Hollywood Bus Tour

This combo pairs Universal Studios entry with a guided Hollywood sightseeing bus tour, letting you cover top LA landmarks and enjoy a full theme park day in one package.

Full Day L.A Suburbs & Attractions Tour

A small-group day tour from Los Angeles that takes in surrounding suburbs and key sights. It’s useful for getting a broader feel for the city before or after your Universal day.

Helicopter Flights Over Hollywood & Downtown

Several helicopter tours depart from nearby Burbank or LA, flying over the Hollywood Sign, Universal Studios area, downtown skyscrapers and the coastline — a dramatic add-on to a studio day.

Flexibility tip: Many Universal tickets and LA tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. This lets you adjust your day if weather, traffic or jet lag change your plans.

What You’ll Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood

Signature Lands & Rides

Every visit is slightly different, but some experiences are widely considered highlights:

  1. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Explore Hogsmeade, sip Butterbeer, shop for wands and ride a major Harry Potter attraction through Hogwarts.
  2. SUPER NINTENDO WORLD – Step into a vibrant Mario-themed land with interactive games, power-up bands and a headline ride through Bowser’s Castle.
  3. Jurassic World – The Ride – A water-based adventure with dinosaurs, indoor scenes, and a dramatic final drop.
  4. Transformers, The Mummy & Despicable Me – High-energy thrill rides and family attractions tied to Universal’s film franchises.
  5. Springfield, U.S.A. – A Simpsons-themed area with quirky details, food stands and a popular motion simulator.

The World-Famous Studio Tour

The Studio Tour is still the heart of Universal Studios Hollywood. You’ll board a multi-car tram and wind through the backlot and working areas of the studio.

  • See outdoor sets, streets and neighborhoods used in movies and TV shows.
  • Experience special effects sequences such as floods, subway scenes or earthquakes.
  • Glance at soundstages where filming happens (when productions are active).
  • Enjoy a guided commentary that blends movie history, trivia and technical details.

Tip: Try to ride the Studio Tour at least once in the late morning or early afternoon. Lines can grow later in the day, and it’s one of the few experiences that really exists only in Hollywood.

Insider Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Hollywood

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays outside school holidays are usually quieter than weekends. Aim to arrive at or before opening time for the shortest lines and start with the most popular areas such as SUPER NINTENDO WORLD or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Using Express & VIP Options

On very busy days, Universal Express or a VIP experience can save significant time in queues and allow you to re-ride your favorites. They cost more, but can make sense if you only have one day or are visiting in peak season.

How Long You Need

Most guests spend a full day (8–10 hours) at the park, especially if they want to experience the Studio Tour, main thrill rides and at least one major land thoroughly. With Express or VIP access, you can see more in less time.

What to Wear & Bring

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for hills, stairs and long days on your feet. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a light layer for evenings. A small backpack or sling bag that passes security is useful for water, snacks and portable chargers.

Visitor Cheatsheet — Universal Studios Hollywood

Location

Universal Studios Hollywood is in Universal City, California, just north of Hollywood and within the greater Los Angeles area. The park sits on a hillside overlooking the San Fernando Valley.

Getting There

Many visitors arrive by car via the US-101. You can also use rideshare or public transport, including the Metro (Universal/Studio City station) and a short shuttle or uphill walk to the entrance.

Tickets & Entry

It’s strongly recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially for popular periods and special events. Prices vary by date and product type (standard, Express, VIP, or included in a city pass).

Opening Hours

Opening times change by season and day of the week. Always check your ticket details or the official schedule for the exact hours on your chosen date and plan to arrive near park opening.

Height & Ride Restrictions

Some attractions have minimum height requirements or health advisories. If you’re visiting with children or have medical concerns, review restrictions in advance to avoid surprises at the loading platforms.

CityWalk & Extras

Just outside the gates, Universal CityWalk offers restaurants, quick-service food, souvenir shops, a cinema and live entertainment. It’s a comfortable place to wind down after a full park day without needing another ticket.

Ready to Plan Your Universal Studios Hollywood Day?

Secure your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets, consider VIP or Express options for busy days, and pair your visit with a Hollywood tour, LA city pass or helicopter flight for a classic Southern California experience in 2025.