Looking for fun things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood?
You’ve come to the right place! As someone who lives in Southern California and visits its theme parks often, I know all the best family activities and great places to visit near Universal Studios Hollywood and can’t wait to share these ideas with you.
Universal Studios Hollywood is an iconic theme park near Los Angeles. It is the only authentic, working movie studio and theme park attraction in the world. But if you are planning to spend a day or two at Universal, I highly recommend you squeeze some other local attractions into your itinerary, too – for the full Hollywood experience!
Top 5 Picks: Things to Do Near Universal Studios Hollywood
If you are just looking for a quick list of the can’t miss, very best things to do near Universal, I am here to help! Here are our Top 5 recommendations.
► Shop, dine, and wander through Universal City Walk
► See a real working TV and film studio on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour
► Visit Griffith Park and hike up to the Hollywood Sign
► Check out four floors of costumes, props, and show business history at the Hollywood Museum
► Check out the stars along the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Keep reading for more details on these top five things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood, plus lots more ideas to help you plan your trip! To make it easy, I have divided this list into two sections – attractions you need to purchase tickets for, and things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood that are totally free.
Museums, Attractions & Family Activities Near Universal Studios Hollywood
With its prime location close to Hollywood, Burbank and downtown Los Angeles, there are lots of fun and unique family activities near Universal Studios Hollywood – many you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
1. Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Warner Bros. Studio Tour offers the chance to go behind the scenes of an active, working film studio.
Located less than three miles away in Burbank, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is one of the closest and best things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood. More than a tour, a visit to Warner Bros. Studio will give you a close-up look at some iconic TV sound stages, movie sets, costumes, and props.
We recently had our first visit to the studio, and it was beyond expectations!
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood combines a guided tour led by an expert who drives you around the 110-acre studio backlot pointing out various sets and buildings. You’ll also get to walk through indoor and outdoor sets and pose for a photo in front of the fountain from Friends or the Central Perk set.
It is a working studio, so there is always a chance you will catch a glimpse of celebrities coming or going and even scenes being shot. (We visited over Memorial Day Weekend, so alas is was pretty quiet filming-wise.)
After the guided tour, spend the rest of your visit wandering at your own pace as you check out several exhibits. Some of the spots we enjoyed most were the Storytelling Showcase, Friends and Big Bang Theory sets, DC Super Heroes, and Script to Screen interactive sound stage. There is also a Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts exhibit, Central Perk Café, and Studio Store.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour
- 2400 Warner Blvd, Burbank
- Hours: Open daily from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
► Planning a visit to Warner Bros. Studios? Book your Warner Bros. Studio Tour here.
2. Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Located in Griffith Park in the heart of Los Angeles, the L.A. Zoo and Botanical Gardens is home to more than 2,000 animals representing more than 270 different species! See birds, deer, elephants, monkeys, koalas, sloths, giraffes, lemurs, snow leopards, kangaroos and literally hundreds more mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish, and more.
The zoo also features a carousel, numerous shops and eateries, and some special experiences you can purchase (like feeding a giraffe).
The Los Angeles Zoo also has botanical garden comprised of over 800 different plant species with approximately 7,000 individual plants.
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great outdoor, kid friendly destination and one of the top things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood. Plus, once you are at the Los Angeles Zoo it is very easy to explore all the other places within Griffith Park.
Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
- Hours: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
- lazoo.org
3. Madame Tussauds Hollywood
Rated TripAdvisor’s #1 thing to do in Hollywood, Madame Tussauds Hollywood wax museum offers three floors filled with your favorite celebrities right on the world famous Hollywood Walk of Fame!
Madame Tussauds Hollywood features incredibly lifelike wax figures of famous stars from movies, music, sports, and more. Even though you are in the heart of Hollywood, this might be your only chance to grab some photos with movie stars. There are seven different zones to explore.
New at Madame Tussauds Hollywood is the MARVEL Universe 4D Experience! Experience amazing special effects as you get closer than ever before to Captain Marvel, Thor, Black Panther, Rocket, Spider-Man, Ant-Man and the wasp as they battle Loki a bid to save the world.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- 6933 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood
- Hours: Monday through Wednesday – 11 am to 6 pm, Thursday through Sunday – 11am to 8 pm
► Click here to check out discount Madame Tussauds tickets and combo packages
4. Kid-Friendly Museums in Los Angeles
The Hollywood Museum is just one of many museums in Los Angeles! If you are trying figure out what to do around Universal Studios Hollywood, there are many great family-friendly museums within a short drive you should definitely check out! Here’s a quick round-up.
Located in the historic Max Factor Building, the Hollywood Museum – the official museum of Hollywood – has the most extensive collection of show business memorabilia in the world. You can see costumes, props, photographs, and other artifacts from famous movies and TV shows. I really loved looking at these old gems during our recent visit.
The California Science Center in Exposition Park is where the Space Shuttle Endeavour is now housed. Zimmer Children’s Museum is a hidden gem on Museum Row, while the Kidspace Children’s Museum inspires kids to enjoy learning.
Another fun place to visit is the La Brea Tar Pits. Bones of mammoths and other prehistoric creatures have been excavated and are on display at this one-of-a-kind attraction. The La Brea Tar Pits is the only Ice Age fossil site in the world that’s being actively excavated in the middle of a city!
For car lovers, the Petersen Automotive Museum is just across the street, boasting a rare and exotic collection of everything from mint condition muscle cars to the latest Lamborghini Diablo.
Other family-friendly museums in L.A. include the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles, Guinness World Records Museum, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
5. Tour the Dolby Theatre
You’ve seen celebrities walking down the Red Carpet at the Academy Awards, now take a behind the scenes look at this renown venue.
Home of the annual Academy Awards ceremony as well as host to numerous concerts and shows, the Dolby Theatre is an iconic place to visit. Be sure to check out the photo galleries of past Academy Award winners on the sides of the spiral staircase.
The Dolby Theatre Tour schedule will vary month to month based on the theatre’s performance schedule, so be sure to check for updates.
Dolby Theatre
- 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
- Hours: Days vary, from 11 am to 4 pm
- dolbytheatre.com
Free Things to Do Near Universal Studios Hollywood
Looking to save some money while having fun near Universal Studios? The following spots are totally free (unless you want to do some shopping or buy something to eat)!
6. Universal CityWalk
Universal CityWalk is the obvious choice when it comes to fun things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood. It is literally located adjacent to the park entrance, just a two minute walk away, and it is totally free to enter.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. You can find restaurants, bars, live music venues, a movie theater and even indoor skydiving at iFLY Hollywood.
If you are spending the day at Universal Studios Hollywood, popping out of the park for a few hours to grab a meal and look through some shots is a nice way to break up the day. One of our favorite spots is the Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, just for its very cool steampunk atmosphere. (A great spot for dessert, although they do serve full meals, too.)
Universal CityWalk
- 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
- Hours: Monday through Thursday – 11 am to 9 pm, Friday through Sunday – 11am to 10 pm
7. Griffith Observatory
Located in Griffith Park just a few miles away from Universal Studios Hollywood, the Griffith Observatory offers stunning views of Los Angeles, as well as interesting exhibits on astronomy and space exploration.
The Griffith Observatory offers a number of family-friendly daily programs and exhibits. Experience the universe in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, observe the sky through a telescope, explore the exhibits, listen to a talk, or pose for photos with the Hollywood Sign in the background. Each day there’s something to fun to do at the Griffith Observatory.
Griffith Park – the largest urban-wilderness municipal park in the United States – is also home to many other attractions and nature trails. You can hike the trails for a closer look at the iconic Hollywood sign.
Griffith Observatory
- 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles
- Hours: Tuesday through Friday – 12 pm to 10 pm, Saturday and Sunday – 10am to 10 pm
- griffithobservatory.org
8. Hollywood Walk of Fame
Is there anything more “Hollywood” than checking out the stars along the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
This famous stretch of sidewalk is located along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. You can wander along the street checking out stars from the Golden Era until now in television, movies, radio, music and theater. There are more than 2,700 stars on the Walk of Fame.
And it is not just real people who have been honored with their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Keep an eye out for stars for Donald Duck, Shrek, Snoopy, Snow White, The Simpsons, Mickey Mouse and many more.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Stars are located on Hollywood Blvd from Gower to La Brea and on Vine Street from Sunset to Yucca
- Hours: Stars can be viewed 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- walkoffame.com
9. Ovation Hollywood
Formerly Hollywood & Highland, Ovation Hollywood is located in the heart of Hollywood. Visiting the Ovation Hollywood shopping center is one of the best places to visit near Universal Studios Hollywood.
Ovation Hollywood is a multi-level shopping and dining destination. Recently renovated and boasting one of the best views of the Hollywood sign, this mall is in the center of it all. Among the many restaurants, there are plenty of kid friendly spots, including California Pizza Kitchen, Dave & Busters, and the Hard Rock Café. Ovation Hollywood also has a very cool bowling alley, Lucky Strike, and many specialty shops.
If you are visiting Los Angeles during the holiday season, Ovation Hollywood has some great events, sing-alongs, and meet & greets with holiday characters. It is also where you can catch a great view of the famous Hollywood Christmas Parade.
Ovation Hollywood
- 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
- Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm
- ovationhollywood.com
10. Santa Monica Pier
Though it is located about 30 minutes away from Universal Studios Hollywood, if you are craving some beach time Santa Monica is the best and closest way to go! Aside from the cost of parking, there are no other fees required to enjoy the sand and sea.
You can also walk out on the Santa Monica Pier for free and take in the views and lively atmosphere. The Santa Monica Pier is home to Pacific Park, one of the best amusement parks in Southern California. It is packed with fun things to do and see, including the world-famous Pacific Wheel and other inexpensive rides and carnival games. There is plenty to enjoy here both for small kids and older children. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon!
Here’s a fun fact! The Santa Monica Pier marks the western end of the legendary Route 66, one of the country’s first interstate highways. The road originally ran from Chicago to Los Angeles and was later extended to Santa Monica. You can take a picture with the sign.
Santa Monica Pier
- 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
- Open daily from 6 am to 10 pm
- santamonicapier.org
11. Hike to the Hollywood Sign
One of the most famous landmarks in California, the Hollywood sign – established in 1923 – originally read “Hollywoodland” to promote a new housing development. One hundred years later, people still flock to the area to see and photograph this famous sign. Hiking the hills that surround Hollywood is one of the best ways to experience this attraction!
There are a number of hiking trails that will lead you to the Hollywood sign, ranging from an easy loop to 6+ mile treks for a more challenging hike. Either way, you’ll enjoy plenty of scenic spots along the way.
If a guided hike sounds more appealing, this Official Hollywood Sign Hike is a great one to consider. A guide will lead you on a 2.5-hour walking tour that combines history and sightseeing with a vigorous walk up to the Hollywood sign and lots of photo stops along the way.
Map of Family Activities Near Universal Studios
To help you visualize where these fun things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood are located in the greater Los Angeles area, here’s an interactive Google map!
Where to Stay Near Universal Studios Hollywood
Unlike in Anaheim, where there are literally dozens of hotels walking distance to Disneyland, there are only a handful of hotels walking distance to Universal Studios Hollywood.
If you want to stay near the park and avoid those infamous L.A. traffic jams (not to mention Universal’s steep $30 per day parking fee) check out these three hotels within walking distance to Universal.
📍 Best Budget Hotel – BLVD Hotel & Spa
BLVD Hotel & Spa is a trendy boutique hotel less than a mile away from Universal Studios Hollywood.
📍 Best Mid-Range Hotel – Sheraton Universal Hotel
Nicknamed the “Hotel of Stars,” Sheraton Universal Hotel is a sophisticated hotel with a great restaurant and lobby bar. They offer a shuttle to the park to save you the short walk up a steep hill!
📍 Best Luxury Hotel – Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Located just steps away from Universal City Walk, the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City is the closest hotel to Universal Studios Hollywood. Enjoy a short walk from this upscale hotel or take the complimentary Universal Studios shuttle.
Final Thoughts: Things to Do Near Universal Studios Hollywood
Located just two hours north of San Diego, Los Angeles is California’s largest city and a very popular vacation destination. Universal Studios is not only one of the best attractions in the area, but also one of America’s best amusement parks and a quintessential L.A. experience.
We’ve been to Universal Studios Hollywood many times (though I have to be honest and admit we are more Disneyland people than Universal). It is a great park, especially for older kids and teenagers. You’ll find thrill rides and shows, and of course the world-famous Studio Tour where you can experience “movie-making magic” from the comfort of a tram.
In recent years, the theme park has expanded to include new rides and adventures in its various themed areas of the park. Some of the most popular attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Super Nintendo World, The Simpsons ride, the legendary studio tour featuring host Jimmy Fallon, a Jurassic World ride featuring a giant tyrannosaurus rex and waterfall drop, and many more thrilling rides!
There are lots of things to do around Universal Studios California for the whole family to enjoy, and this will give you the full Hollywood experience. Even though the area is a sprawling mecca and traffic can without a doubt be an issue, there are plenty of things to do near Universal Studios California theme park that are lots of fun and not too far away.
How to Get Discount Tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood
There are a variety of ways to save money on tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park, including AAA discounts, military or student discounts, and bundling tickets through CityPASS. I recommend purchasing your Universal Studios Hollywood tickets from authorized seller and our trusted partner, Get Away Today. Get Away Today has discount theme park tickets and offers a variety of ticket types to suit any budget.
Plus, when you purchase your tickets with Get Away Today, you’ll get extras – like free downloaded area coupons with up to $300 in savings on things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood. Get Away Today’s tickets are also flexible and refundable.
Save These Attractions Near Universal Studios Hollywood for Later!
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