Universal Studios Hollywood combines a theme park with a working film studio, located in the San Fernando Valley, approximately 15 km northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The site features attractions inspired by Universal franchises (Harry Potter, Jurassic World, The Minions, Transformers) and the famous Studio Tour, a tram ride through active soundstages.

Why Visit Universal Studios Hollywood

Three elements distinguish Universal Studios Hollywood from other California theme parks. First, it is the oldest American film studio still in operation, founded in 1915: the historical significance is genuine, not merely marketing. Second, it is the only Universal park worldwide whose Studio Tour crosses actual soundstages in active use by the Hollywood film industry. Third, it is a compact park, visitable in a single day, unlike Universal Orlando or Disney Resort, which require several days.

The park suits families with children as well as thrill-seekers, and its proximity to Hollywood makes it a natural stop on a Los Angeles visit.

History: From Carl Laemmle's Studio Tour to the Modern Park

Universal Studios Hollywood was founded in 1915 by Carl Laemmle, a German-American cinema pioneer. Early on, Laemmle invited the public to observe filming from grandstands: he sold tickets for 25 cents and even offered lunch on-site. This insight led, several decades later, to the concept of the tram-based studio tour, formalized in 1964.

The route expanded over the decades by incorporating sets that became iconic: the Bates Motel from Psycho (Hitchcock, 1960), Hill Valley from Back to the Future, and the recreated New York and European streets used for dozens of productions. Today, the Studio Tour remains the park's most iconic attraction, one that other Universal parks worldwide cannot replicate.

What to See and Do

The park is divided into two zones connected by a long escalator, the Starway.

Upper Lot: Family Zone

• The Wizarding World of Harry Potter: recreation of Hogsmeade village and Hogwarts Castle, featuring the flagship attraction Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey.
• Super Nintendo World with Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge, a recent highly popular opening.
• Despicable Me Minion Mayhem: a simulator featuring the Minions.
• The Simpsons Ride: large-screen simulator in the Springfield universe.
• The Secret Life of Pets: Off the Leash! and DreamWorks Theatre.

Lower Lot: Thrills

• Jurassic World – The Ride: water ride with final plunge.
• Revenge of the Mummy – The Ride: indoor roller coaster.
• Transformers: The Ride 3D: immersive simulator.

Studio Tour and Shows

The World-Famous Studio Tour, a guided tram ride, traverses the studio's backlots. Plan about one hour for the complete circuit. On the live entertainment side, WaterWorld offers a water show with stunts, and Universal's Animal Actors features trained animals from film. Raptor Encounter offers a close encounter with an animatronic velociraptor.

Practical Information

Recommended Visit Duration: a full day, approximately 8 to 10 hours on-site. Arrive at opening to minimize wait times at major attractions.

Tickets: online booking is highly recommended and offers access to the best rates. Several options are available: standard ticket, Express Pass with priority access (useful during peak season), and VIP experience with guided tour and access to areas closed to the public. Rates vary by date and season; budget accordingly, as costs exceed those of comparable European parks.

Official App: essential for checking real-time wait times and planning which attractions to visit in what order.

Dining: numerous venues throughout the park, from Krusty Burger (Simpsons universe) to Three Broomsticks (Harry Potter universe), plus standard restaurant chains.

When to Visit

Universal Studios Hollywood is open year-round, with extended hours during peak season (summer, American school holidays, end-of-year holidays). Crowds reach their peak from June to August, during Thanksgiving, and around Christmas; wait times at major attractions can exceed two hours without an Express Pass.

The most pleasant times to visit are late spring (May-early June) and late fall (late October-November, outside Halloween Horror Nights). Weekdays see significantly fewer visitors than weekends. Los Angeles' climate allows for pleasant visits year-round, with some hot days in summer.

How to Get There

The park is easily accessible from Los Angeles by several means.

• Metro: Red Line, Universal City/Studio City station. A free shuttle connects the station to the park entrance in minutes.
• Bus: lines 150/240 and 155, Lankershim Boulevard/Universal Center Drive stop, then free shuttle.
• Car: US-101 Highway (Hollywood Freeway), Universal Studios Boulevard exit. Multiple levels of paid parking are available.

Nearby Attractions

The park integrates naturally into a Los Angeles visit. In the vicinity or at short distance:

• Hollywood, a few kilometers south, with the Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, and views of the Hollywood Sign.
• Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive for shopping and iconic villas.
• Bel Air, upscale neighboring residential area.
• Santa Monica State Beach for beach, pier, and seaside atmosphere.

Frequently Asked Questions

To integrate this visit into a broader California or West Coast itinerary, explore our trips to the États-Unis.