Best Hollywood Studio Tours in Los Angeles

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!

By Casey Makovich
Published: July 18, 2024
WB studio tour in Los Angeles

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

Continue reading

Best Aquariums in Los Angeles
Blog

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
Los Angeles Skyline at Night
Blog

LA After Dark: The Best Nighttime Fun in the City of Angels

When the sun goes down, LA lights up—find the city’s best evening spots!
Blog

Los Angeles in October

Fall in Los Angeles is a wonderful time of the year. As the heat winds down, the fun really kicks off during October with a myriad of cool and interesting things to do. Whether you’re an art lover, a thrill-seeker, or a nature enthusiast, you’re sure to find something to suit your tastes. And of course, since this is October after all, the city comes to life with lots of fun seasonal activities and pop-up events. From spooktastic Halloween events at Disneyland to unique Oktoberfest events, there should be more than enough to keep you busy. This is also an especially good time of the year to visit L.A. since there should be cooler weather, smaller crowds, and a better chance of finding great deals on accommodation and travel. So, if you’re thinking about making the trip, have a read through our list of some of the best things to do in the city during this time of the year. We promise that you won’t be disappointed! Find Fun Activities Los Angeles is home to some of the best theme parks on the planet, but of course, none of them quite stand out like Disneyland! Since opening way back in 1955, this place has become one of the most visited theme parks in the world - and it’s easy to see why! A classic all-American vacation spot, Disneyland is home to some of the most iconic rides, including It’s a Small World, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean. Within the park there are over 30 rides, so you know that there’s always something to choose from. October is a great time to visit since the weather will be temperate and dry. During this time of the year, the park also hosts some fantastic seasonal events, including the Oogie Boogie Bash and Halloween Screams. Whether you’re a kid or just young at heart, this quintessential L.A. attraction is sure to leave you with a huge smile stretched across your face. Of course, it just wouldn’t be an article about things to do in October without mentioning Oktoberfest. In a sprawling city like Los Angeles, there are a lot of ways to celebrate this traditional Bavarian holiday - all you have to do is pick your favorite! If your ideal Oktoberfest involves kicking back with a beer on the beach (and let’s face it, why wouldn’t it be?), then the Old World Oktoberfest might just be your jam. Billed as ‘’Orange County’s Biggest Party since 1977’’, this event really hits the spot. Or, if you love the idea of bratwurst but have devoted yourself to clean living, why not check out the Vegan Oktoberfest? Complete with vegan breweries and plant-based vendors, this spot is perfect for all cruelty-free visitors. For something a little bit different, check out the San Gabriel Dumpling and Beer Fest. However you choose to enjoy Oktoberfest in L.A., we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Learn Something New Those looking for history and culture in Los Angeles won’t have to search very far. Though there are countless great cultural amenities to choose from whilst visiting L.A., we particularly love the Huntington Library for its world-class repository. Combining art, history and nature all in one, this beloved tourist attraction is well-recognized for its all-encompassing collection. A total dream for all bibliophiles, the institute’s library houses more than 430,000 rare books, original manuscripts and historic documents. Meanwhile, its art gallery houses one of the best collections of British art in the United States. Still, perhaps the institute’s main draw is its botanical garden, which is home to over 150 plant varieties on its 150 acres. There’s a whole to lot see and do here, so we recommend setting aside a good amount of time aside for your visit to ensure that you don’t miss a single thing! As the epicenter of the United States’ entertainment industry, Los Angeles is a fantastic visitor destination for pop culture lovers and creative types alike. There are countless museums and cultural institutions to choose from, though we particularly love the Grammy Museum. Standing out from all the other institutes in Los Angeles, this unique speciality institute provides a fun and fascinating look into the history and significance of American music. Though young, the museum’s collection is impressive, with historical instruments, iconic costumes, awards, and much more. There are interactive instrument stations and recording booths to enhance the experience. The institute’s 200-seat theater also hosts live events including performances, screenings and lectures. Working to honor a long history of innovation and creative thought, this spot is perfect for all music lovers. Get in Touch With Nature Seated along the western coastline, Los Angeles is well-recognized for its beautiful natural attributes. If you’re looking to take in some of the area’s most wonderful greenery, we recommend Descanso Gardens. Just a short trip from downtown, this lush forested area offers a much-needed respite from the bustling city. Over its vast 150 acres, visitors can enjoy an extraordinary living repository. The site is home to a fantastic collection of exotic and native flora - there are magnificent oak woodlands, a wide collection of fruit trees, and the largest concentration of camellia plants in the Western Hemisphere. This spot isn’t too difficult to walk through - overall, it should take about an hour explore the full space. Still, we recommend wearing your comfiest shoes and bringing plenty of water with you to stay comfortable. A treasure trove of natural beauty, this spot is a total must-see. With its soft breezes and cooler temperatures, Los Angeles is a pleasure to explore in autumntime! Whatever Tinseltown lacks for in foliage, the city more than makes up for with exciting events and activities of all kinds. From kicking back with a nice cold one at Oktoberfest to ambling through the beautiful Descanso Gardens, the City of Angels never falls short. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.