Things to do nearUniversal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood occupies a hillside lot in Universal City that has functioned as an active motion picture studio since 1915, making it one of the oldest continuously operating studios in the American film industry. Carl Laemmle originally charged visitors a small fee to watch silent films being made on the property, planting the seed for what would eventually grow into one of the most visited theme parks in the United States. Today the park is divided into an upper and lower lot connected by a series of escalators, and each section holds a distinct character.

The upper lot is home to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, a meticulously constructed recreation of Hogsmeade village complete with Hogwarts Castle, interactive wand experiences, and themed dining inside the Three Broomsticks. Nearby, the Springfield area inspired by the animated television series offers its own food and atmosphere drawn from decades of popular culture. The lower lot houses some of the park's most technically ambitious attractions, including a ride set within the Jurassic World franchise and an experience built around the Transformers films.

Threading through both levels is the Studio Tour, a tram journey that remains the park's foundational experience, passing through working production facilities, iconic backlot sets, and several special-effects sequences that have been refined over many decades. The surrounding CityWalk promenade offers dining and retail options just outside the park gates. Universal Studios Hollywood rewards visitors who engage with its dual identity as both an entertainment destination and a functioning piece of Hollywood history.