WB studio tour in Los Angeles

Best Hollywood Studio Tours in Los Angeles

Los Angeles studio tours you've gotta see while you're in town
By Casey Makovich

One of the quintessential Hollywood attractions is visiting a working movie and TV show studio - here's our rundown of the main four. Grab your popcorn and clapperboard, we're rolling!

Studios are opening up all over the country these days, but the hub of the entertainment industry is still Los Angeles. No trip to LA is complete without experiencing the major Hollywood studio tours and spending some time soaking up the film and television industry culture.

Get a behind-the-scenes look (literally) at the magic of the big screen on a studio tour. You can visit the same studios where your favorite movies and TV shows are filmed for an exciting way to experience the star-studded city of Los Angeles. Backlots, sound stages, and antique sets are just the beginning. Keep your eyes peeled - you might see a studio filming in action!

Not sure which studio tour is best for your visit? We put together a go-to list of the best studio tours with a rundown of what to expect at each of the major studios, including some popular shoes or movies filmed at each, age requirements, and other need-to-know information.

Universal Studios Hollywood Tour

movie-concept-miniature-set-on-dark

Universal Studios Hollywood tops many must-see lists when in the Los Angeles area. It's part theme park, part working studio tour (you might even see some movie stars on set!) The 45-minute tram tour of the Universal Studios studio is included with admission to the Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park, so it's a great choice for those who want to experience both attractions.

The action-packed live studio tour is narrated by video-host and famed comedian Jimmy Fallon. You'll board an open-air tram and ride through the largest movie set street expansion in Hollywood history ever built, with creative consultation from Steven Spielberg.

Past highlights of the tour included a bit of Wisteria Lane from ABC’s “Desperate Housewives,” the site of the plane crash from the movie “War of the Worlds,” the Bates Motel from still-scary classic “Psycho,” and a murky-looking body of water where a fearsome star from “JAWS” might lurk. Hold on tight for the Studio Tour’s all-new grand finale, Fast & Furious – Supercharged.

Things to know before you go
 

  • We recommend setting aside the whole day to visit Universal Studios Hollywood to make the most of your experience. Arrive early!
  • Like most working studios, there are a few restrictions on what you can bring into the park, like large bulky items like coolers or luggage. Universal has some lockers for a small fee, useful if you pick up a few items during the day that you can’t carry on rides or bring to dinner.
  • Photography is prohibited in a few areas; please pay attention to your tour guide's instructions on the subject.

Before you go, check out our tips for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood for even more info.

Extras

Don’t forget to save some time for the CityWalk, numerous blocks of entertainment, dining, and shopping inside Universal Studios Hollywood.

Restrictions & Requirements: Although there are no specific restrictions for the Universal Studios Hollywood Tour, visitors should be aware that the tram tour passes through several attractions that may include loud explosions and special effects. Take this into account when deciding if the tour is right for your group. 

Hours: Universal Studios Hollywood's hours of operation vary. Be sure to check the website for up-to-date info. (The studio tour is included in regular park admission). 

Location: 100 Universal City Plaza Universal City, CA 91608

Check out more about Universal Studios vs Disneyland. Both are must-visits, but if you want more detailed information, we've got you covered!

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Harry Potter potions

Ever wanted to see the Batmobile? Sit on the couch at Central Perk? Peruse an entire floor of authentic Harry Potter props? Now's your chance! The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is a must visit for TV and movie fans. The highlights of this 2.25 hour tour of Warner Bros. Studios are endless, you'll be immersed in the world of contemporary television and film with in-depth looks at the major components of film production.

You’ll visit a number of exterior sets and some sound stages, special departments that focus on areas like props, set construction and costuming, and the Studio Tour museum. (If you happen to visit on a rainy day, the tour will still run but will show you more of the indoor sights instead.) 

Warner Bros studio tour

Because no two days on a Hollywood production set are the same, no two Warner Bros. Studio Tours are the same! 

Tip: make sure you tell your tour guide what you want to see most, as every tour is geared towards visitors' interests. You may even get a chance to spot stars on popular shows such as The Big Bang Theory, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Conan, Pretty Little Liars, The Mentalist, Chuck, Mike & Molly, and many more.

Things to know before you go
 

  • Because Warner Bros. Studios is always working on new and exciting projects, it’s a safety concern for young children to be on set. Consequently, children under 8 are not permitted on the tour.
  • This tour is available by reservation, so don’t forget to make one, especially during the busy summer months. Plan to arrive 30 minutes in advance of your scheduled tour. Sundays have limited availability, and we recommend trying to go on a weekday if it fits your schedule.
  • Remember, this tour includes a lot of walking! Wear appropriate footwear and comfortable clothing.
  • Photography is only allowed in some areas, so pay attention to your tour guide’s instructions. Large bags and video cameras are not permitted.

Check out our tips for visiting Warner Bros. Studio Tour for even more info.

Extras

Keep an eye out for celebrities! As one of the largest working studios in the world, there’s no end to the people you might run into. Don’t forget to stop by the WB store to pick up some souvenirs from your favorite show. There are also a few places to pick up refreshments, like the Studio Plaza Café, although you should plan to find dinner elsewhere. 

Restrictions & Requirements: 

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood offers admission to guests ages 8 and up. Although flash cameras are allowed in some areas, video cameras are prohibited. Oversized bags are also prohibited. Adults must bring a photo identification card, and it is suggested you arrive 30 minutes before your tour is scheduled to depart. 

Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:20 am. to 4 pm. 

Location: 3400 Riverside Drive Burbank, CA 91505

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

director-work-on-set-works-group

A tour of the famed Sony Pictures Studio, once the home of MGM, will shed light on the film industry from its historic beginnings to the present day. The Sony Pictures Studio Tour is ideal for the classic film buff, the blockbuster fan, and the cinephile. You'll take a 2-hour walking tour of the place where The Wizard of Oz, Men in Black, and Spider-Man were filmed (along with several other big hits!)

Your tour will be led by a knowledgeable guide who will take you through Hollywood's glory days and the state-of-the-art motion picture studio. Sony Pictures features a whopping 16 sound stages, and you'll get to walk on the sets of various shows currently being filmed (pending availability).

As you'll be at one of the busiest studio lots in the world, you may glimpse some of the stars who work at Sony. Each tour is designed as a behind-the-scenes look at some of the industry’s most influential and iconic programs and films. You’ll see a mixture of contemporary and classic sets, backstage production spaces.

Some other big films that call Sony Pictures home? Ghostbusters, Karate Kid, Smurfs, Spiderman, and more! Be sure to check out one of the newer exhibits featuring famous vehicles and cars from television and film, like the RV from Breaking Bad.

Things to know before you go
 

  • Like Warner Bros. Studios, Sony Pictures Studio is an active, working studio. Due to safety concerns, children under 12 years of age are not permitted on this tour. This tour may not be the best choice for you if you have young children.
  • We highly recommend reservations because these tours have a limited capacity and only run 4x per day on weekdays. Plan to arrive 30 minutes in advance of your designated tour time.
  • Large bags, video cameras, and backpacks are not allowed on this tour.
  • This attraction is separately ticketed and not available on Go City® Los Angeles passes.

Extras

Pay a visit to the Studio Emporium before you leave the studio lot – you’ll find an awesome selection of souvenirs and memorabilia from all your favorite classic movies. 

Restrictions & Requirements: To go on the Sony Pictures Studio Tour, you must be 13 years of age or older. Reservations are not required, but they are highly recommended. All adults must carry a photo identification card. Video recording devices are not allowed on the tour. 

Hours: Monday through Friday tours depart at 9:30am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, and 2:30 pm. 

Location: 10000 West Washington Boulevard Culver City, CA 90232

Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures

As the only classic studio still located in Hollywood, the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour offers a unique look into the historic past of the film industry. It's very different to the modern studios in Burbank. Of course, the Studio is also home to working movie and television facilities, and you'll get to see the day-to-day operations of big Hollywood executives and popular movie stars. 

One of the most impressive parts of the 2-hour tour is the re-creation of streets designed to look like New York and Chicago for numerous film shoots. For example, the New York City backlot is a 5-acre site that recreates 8 distinct areas of New York City, including Brooklyn, SoHo, and the Lower East Side.

Although we won't go as far as to say you should expect a celebrity sighting, it is a common occurrence, so keep an eye out. After all, you will be strolling along the workplaces of the top celebrities in the industry. 

Restrictions & Requirements: You must be 12 years of age or older to participate in the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour. Advanced reservations are required and all cameras and recording devices are prohibited. 

Hours: Monday through Friday tours depart at 10am, 11am, 1pm, and 2pm. 

Location: 5555 Melrose Avenue Hollywood, CA 90038

Please note: This attraction is separately ticketed and not available on Go City® Los Angeles passes.

Cut! That's a wrap!

Friends Central Perk at WB

You'll love seeing the film industry in action when you visit Tinseltown. Movie magic is waiting around every corner - getting to look behind the scenes of your favorite TV show is such a fun experience!

Want to save money on those bucket-list Los Angeles attractions? 

Check out passes from Go City and you could save yourself up to 50% on your must-sees – perfect!  

☀️Compare Los Angeles passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to Do in Los Angeles in Summer 2020 - Attractions, Activities & More

Although Los Angeles has the particularly attractive benefit of being a warm city year-round, it’s probably at its most delightful in the summer. With tons of festivals, events, musical performances, theme parks, and top-notch museums, there’s no shortage of fun things for visitors and locals alike to enjoy this summer in LA. If you’re planning a visit and looking for things to do in Los Angeles in summer 2020, check out our list of the top attractions and activities going on this year, including... JUSTICE LEAGUE: Battle for Metropolis at Six Flags Magic Mountain Knott’s Berry Farm Roaring Nights at the LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens First Fridays at the Natural History Museum and more... Heading to the area to celebrate Independence Day? Then check out our post on things to do in Los Angeles 4th of July Weekend. Want some more summer time suggestions? Here are a few fun things to do in Los Angeles Labor Day Weekend. Save on Summertime Activities Regular admission to a number of these attractions are available on the Go Los Angeles pass. Choose as you go from popular attractions and save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Check out all Los Angeles tourist passes, attractions and prices. Please note, some of these special Summer events may be separately ticketed and not available on the Go Los Angeles pass. Universal Studios Hollywood Explore the world-famous Universal Studios and see real film sets from some of your favorite Hollywood movies. Some of the top attractions there now include: Fast & Furious - Supercharged, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, TRANSFORMERSTM: The Ride-3D, and more. Plus, Kung Fu Panda comes to Universal Studios, featuring state-of-the-art visual effects and innovative technology to immerse you into Master Po's journey. You can't miss the Universal Studios tour. Head behind the scenes on this interactive tour that immerses you in the world of movies and TV like nothing else. Getting In: Universal Studios Hollywood tickets are included with the 3-, 5-, and 7-Day Go Los Angeles passes. LEGOLAND® California Resort Every kid’s dream park, LEGOLAND® California is where the best toys in the world come to life. Enjoy the intimacy of playing with LEGO and making your own creations, as well as the excitement of enjoying LEGO rides, slides, and other attractions. Visit the beloved Heartlake City, scope out Miniland USA, and visit all the Star Wars-themed models and rides. You should also check out the NINJAGO exhibits and attractions, which have been immensely popular since their opening. Immerse yourself in the world of these stealthy warriors, and test your own ninja skills at multiple interactive attractions. Getting In: LEGOLAND California tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Huntington Library & Gardens This multi-faceted attraction is among our favorite almost-hidden gems in the area. Enjoy lush, cultivated gardens, a world-renowned research library, and an impressive art gallery. Plus, a series of textual exhibits featuring a Gutenberg Bible, an original folio of Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales, and more. Special exhibitions are often fascinating, too. For example, there's one this spring and summer highlighting the Orbit Pavillion, from NASA themselves. The Huntington Library is a must see and great thing to do in Los Angeles in the summer. Getting In: Huntington Library & Gardens tickets are included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Mariachi USA Festival Hollywood Bowl June 20, 2020 The first Mariachi Festival was held in 1990 and the event has been going strong ever since, running for over 30 years. The event showcases the best Mariachi bands from the U.S. and Mexico all on one stage. Featuring traditional dancing and fireworks display that is well worth the price of admission, the Mariachi USA Festival is the only annual Latino-themed event at the Hollywood Bowl. Getting In: The Mariachi Festival is separately ticketed and is not included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Let's Recap So there you have it. Our picks for some of the top things to do in Los Angeles in the summer. There are lots of fun attractions and activities so you won't be short of things to do. The hardest part will be deciding what to do first! Please note, the summer events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go Los Angeles pass. Plan to visit some of these top attractions during your trip. Whether you are traveling with your family or a couple of friends, we're sure you will have a great time.
Katie Sagal
Best Aquariums in Los Angeles
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Best Aquariums in Los Angeles

If you're looking for the best aquariums to visit in Los Angeles, check out our picks and make it an underwater adventure to remember! Including: Which U.S. city has the largest aquarium? What is the biggest Aquarium in L.A.? How many aquariums are in L.A.? Best Aquariums in Los Angeles Which U.S. city has the largest aquarium? You may be surprised to find out that the biggest aquarium in the U.S. is found in Atlanta. It's called the Georgia Aquarium, and it features a mind-boggling 10 million gallons of water! What is the biggest Aquarium in L.A.? The Aquarium of the Pacific is L.A.'s largest aquarium - more on that down below! How many aquariums are in L.A.? Los Angeles features four aquariums around the city, and we cover each and every one here! We've also added a few non-aquarium choices, just to spice things up, because we're kind. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Aquarium of the Pacific If you fancy spending the day in L.A.'s largest aquarium, hanging out with more than 11,000 animals, then Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the best aquariums in Los Angeles! The aquarium's centerpiece is its comprehensive portrayal of the Pacific Ocean, the Earth's largest body of water, stretching from the vibrant coral reefs of the tropics to the icy waters of the north. It's the only place to see so much coral and so many coral-residing creatures up close, so prepare for an explosion of colorful, exotic fish! There's also the Shark Lagoon, where you can pet - yes, pet - some of the many sharks that call it home, the Blue Cavern kelp forest tank, an aviary featuring hundreds of birds, and an entire penguin colony to marvel at. Brilliant stuff. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Heal The Bay Heal The Bay's aquarium is a hidden gem, often overlooked because it's nestled beneath the Santa Monica Pier, but underwater lovers shouldn't miss it! This family-friendly aquarium is part underwater showcase, part learning experience, featuring more than 100 different species of fish that call Santa Monica Bay home. Every Tuesday and Friday at 2.30PM, you can check out feeding events where you and your little ones will learn all about the fish and what they eat. And then on Sundays at 3.30PM, they have a shark feeding showcase, which is a little more on the gruesome side, but still fascinating nonetheless. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Situated a short stroll from the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is a smaller facility that offers the most comprehensive insight into local marine life. The main exhibit hall alone boasts nearly 40 individual tanks featuring local marvels. Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is more hands-on than some of the others on this list, with a touch pool that lets you get up close with the safer side of L.A.'s underwater life. The Exploration Center and Aquatic Nursery explore the aquarium's research into local life, as well as its breeding initiatives for certain dwindling species. After you're done exploring, you'll find Cabrillo Coastal Park right outside, featuring pristine beaches, the Point Fermin tidepools, and an excellent birdwatching location within the Salinas de San Pedro salt marsh. For a nature-filled day out, you know where to go. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: Roundhouse Aquarium Only slightly bigger than many people's flats, the Roundhouse Aquarium is bite-sized fun that can be seen in no time at all. That doesn't mean it's not worth a visit, though! See sanddabs and juvenile rays as they gracefully glide in circular patterns within the sandy-bottom tank. Look, but don't touch - they don't do that here. Still, you'll get plenty of snaps of these wonderful creatures up close, so why not? For an extra dose of excitement, make sure to visit on Saturdays at 12.30PM, when you'll see leopard and horn sharks feeding. Best Aquariums in Los Angeles: California Science Center So yes, technically, the California Science Center isn't an aquarium, but on the other hand, it does have a fully-functioning kelp tank, includes a walkthrough tunnel where you can see plenty of underwater wonders up close, and even has dive shows where the audience can ask the divers questions pre-dive. You'll also find a Deep Sea exhibit, where you can control mock-ups of underwater robots, all while learning about deep sea exploration and how it has progressed in the last 200 years. And while you can come for the underwater goodness, you can stay for all the other sciency stuff! See the Space Shuttle Endeavor up close, learn all about the progression of space travel, and even explore creepy crawlies in the Rot Room. Whale and Dolphin Watching Tour Yes, this is another non-aquarium option, but it's the only way you'll get up close and personal with some of the ocean's most revered creatures! If the weather's good, take a whale and dolphin watching tour and see them up close. Board a 65-foot double-decker ship, which includes seating on both decks, sunbeds, and even a snack bar if you need to refuel. Then, sit back, and enjoy the experience. With any luck, you'll see humpback whales, orcas (also known as "killer whales"), and, if you really luck out, a blue whale. Seals and dolphins are also often sighted in L.A.'s waters, so keep an eye out and your camera on standby. The ship itself is luxurious and comfortable, certainly taking the sting out of any missed sightings. And, with your captain narrating the trip, you'll learn more about all of the above, as well as local conservation efforts and migration patterns. An all-round good time if the sun stays put! And that's everything you need to know about the best aquariums in Los Angeles, as well as all the other underwater highlights you'll find in the city! Of course, there's much more to Los Angeles than what you find beneath the surface, so go with Go City to make sure you see it all! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you'll see all the city's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Things to do in Los Angeles at Night
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Things to do in Los Angeles at Night

Ahoy there, traveler! Are you a creature of the night? Do you sleep all day and party all night? If so, check out our picks of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night, and make the most of your evening! Including: Ghost Hunting Tour of Chinatown Yoga on Huntington Beach A nighttime tour of LA by Star Track Two Bit Circus and more! Ghost Hunting Tour of Chinatown It's a nighttime blog, so let's kick things off with some spooky evening fun! Chinatown is one of the most popular districts of Los Angeles, and it's also seen its fair share of gruesome goings-on. So, why not follow in Jack Nichelson's footsteps and see what's really going on in Chinatown on this ghost-hunting tour? With a professional paranormal investigator in tow, you'll walk the streets, learn about the tools and tricks every paranormal investigator should use, and stop off every time their equipment starts popping off. Starting at the Chinatown Metro Station, you'll pass the cemeteries that were uncovered during the station's building. Next, you'll explore a nearby warehouse said to be haunted by its former employees. Next up is the neighborhood's oldest cottage, which has received claims of haunting for decades. If you can stomach the spookiness, this ghost-hunting tour is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night! Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour But wait, there's more! You thought one spooky tour of Los Angeles was enough? Think again. Hollywood is known for many things; the glitz and glamor, the A-list celebrities, the home of cinema, and more. But did you know it's also been the scene of many a grisly murder?! Shocking, we know. If you fancy seeing the sights and learning all about them, this haunted Hollywood walking tour should be top of your list of things to do in LA at night! Your fright-filled walk will take you down the Boulevard of Broken Dreams as you visit haunted landmarks aplenty. Hotels, theaters, and other landmarks where gruesome hijinks have taken place. And don't worry; you won't be alone. Your spook-certified guide will be right there with you, dropping knowledge bombs about each location like some kind of information exploder. Highlights include the Pantages Theatre, where Howard Hughes supposedly wanders the halls; the Knickerbocker Hotel, where Houdini put in his final performance; the Hollywood Sign, which has seen its fair share of violence; the Hollywood & Highland Complex, where both the Hollywood Ripper and Manson murders occurred; and finally the Roosevelt Hotel, where famous ghosts such as Marylin Monroe's are said to lie in wait. Spooky stuff, indeed! Yoga on Huntington Beach Now we're going to swiftly shift gears from outer spooks to inner peace. If you're longing to align your chakras, do a downward dog, and breathe in that sweet sea air on your Los Angeles vacation, why not do a beach-based yoga class? And don't worry; if you have a busy day, you can even do one during sunset. Interested? Head to LA's famous Huntington Beach for blissful views of Orange County's sunset while your certified teacher takes you through the steps, stretches, and poses. These classes are for all types, so if you're a seasoned stretcher or a yoga newb, you'll be welcomed with open arms. And, with a whole host of chakra-aligning activities to choose from, including yoga, pilates, and qigong, you're sure to find something to help you unwind - or prepare you for a night of fun. Huntington Beach's sun-kissed sands provide a picturesque setting for your class, creating a calming and mindful environment as the waves lap gently at the shore. So, why not take a load off and check it out? A nighttime tour of LA by Star Track Of course, not every tour of Los Angeles needs to be filled with spooks and shocks. You don't even need to use your legs. So, why not hop aboard one of Star Track's luxurious vehicles, and get an A-list tour of the City of Angels? Your tour vessel is fitted out with comfortable seats and massive TV screens that'll give you sweet morsels of information as you drive. Then, your driver/guide will take you on a rollercoaster of sightseeing wonder. You'll pass places from famous movie scenes and learn some behind-the-scenes gossip. You'll pass several celebrities' homes and, thanks to the TVs on board, you'll even see walkthroughs from inside said homes. Imagine yourself living there, and slap yourself and put such foolish ambitions to rest. Luck out, and you may even see some famous faces in their driveways as they stumble home from the latest celeb house party. So whose houses will you see? Well, you may have heard of them. Tom Cruise, anyone? How about Ellen DeGeneres? That's right, star chasers, and those are but two of the many homes you'll see on your travels from Hollywood Boulevard to Mulholland Drive. Two Bit Circus If the tour life just isn't for you, why not explore the digital delights that Los Angeles has on offer? At Two Bit Circus, you'll enter the virtual world to do battle with beasts, or just settle in for some classic arcade fun. Two Bit's piece de resistance is unarguably its Virtual Reality Playground, where state-of-the-art equipment will transport you to other realms, where possibilities are endless. Jump incredible distances, fight unimaginable horrors, and do it all with $30 credit on us. Or, if you'd rather stay in actual reality, hit the arcade to play some old-school cool like Pacman, or team up with a buddy on NBA Jam. Remember NBA Jam? Ah, simpler times. You can even dare to challenge one of their escape rooms. Oh, and there's a bar. Happy days. If you're looking for some digital evening fun, then Two Bit Circus is a must-visit, and one of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night! And those are our picks of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night! If you're looking for some daytime fun too, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of LA's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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