Los Angeles is a vibrant city full of famous attractions, and no trip here is complete without a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood. Located in the San Fernando Valley area of LA, Universal Studios Hollywood offers visitors the unique experience of exploring the world's largest movie studio and theme park in one exciting destination.
In this travel blog, I'll provide tips on navigating Universal Studios Hollywood and the best rides to experience. I'll also share some of my other favorite things to do in LA to make the most out of your visit to this wonderful city. Grab your walking shoes and sunglasses - we have a full day of exploring ahead!
Arriving at Universal City Studios Hollywood:
Universal Studios Hollywood is located in Universal City, an unincorporated area of Los Angeles County just off the 101 freeway. Public transportation by metro and shuttle is available, but driving and Uber/Lyft are the easiest ways to arrive. Parking costs $25 for general self-parking and $40 for preferred parking closer to the entrance.
Once you arrive, be prepared for extensive security screening involving bag checks, metal detectors, and sometimes full-body scanners. Leave prohibited items behind to speed up the process. The front gates open at 9am, so arrive early if you want to maximize time in the park. Consider purchasing tickets online ahead of time to skip the long ticket booth lines.
Making the Most of Your Day:
With so many rides, shows, attractions, and Harry Potter wizardry to experience, it's impossible to do everything at Universal Studios in one day. I recommend focusing your morning on the studio/production backlot tram tour and the lower lot rides. Then spend your afternoon immersed in the themed lands of Springfield, USA and Hogsmeade/Diagon Alley.
If time and budget allow, definitely get the Front of Line pass. This lets you bypass regular lines and makes a huge difference in being able to ride everything. Staying at one of Universal's on-site hotels also grants early park admission an hour before the public opening time.
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