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

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10+ Things to Do in Los Angeles for Adults During Your Vacation (Ideas for Couples & Groups of Friends)

Los Angeles has a well-deserved reputation as a popular adult vacation destination. With everything from sunny, sandy beaches to top-notch attractions in Hollywood and beyond, L.A.'s got plenty to appeal to travelers. In addition to many museums, amusement parks, gardens, monuments, and more, you’ll also find award-winning cuisine and exciting nightlife to enjoy as a couple or with a group of friends. If you’re looking for things to do in Los Angeles for adults, check out our list of the top activities that couples and groups of friends will enjoy, including... Universal Studios Hollywood GRAMMY Museum Madame Tussauds Hollywood Aquarium of the Pacific Knott's Berry Farm Hollywood Tours Whale Watch L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens and more! Universal Studios Hollywood You can’t visit Hollywood without spending some time at Universal Studios Hollywood. It combines the best of an awe-inspiring studio tour with a dizzying theme park. Go behind the scenes of one of the most famous movie studios in all of Hollywood, and keep an eye out for celebs wandering about on their way to work. Then, head to the theme park! Whether you’re a fan of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, or the Fast & Furious franchise, you’ll find a ride to delight and thrill you. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is especially popular with those of us who grew up with the books. GRAMMY Museum Madame Tussauds Hollywood Another top attraction for the fans of celebrity culture is Madame Tussauds Hollywood. One of the most expansive instances of this franchise, this Madame T’s features over 100 lifelike wax figures. Different themed areas include “Movie Stars,” “Hollywood Icons,” “Pop Stars,” “Sports Stars,” and the special Marvel Superheroes 4D Experience. Get that perfect Insta snap with your favorite celebrity, from Kylie Jenner in her Met Gala dress to Zac Efron in his role as a Baywatch lifeguard. Aquarium of the Pacific This is one for the animal lovers in your party. The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach has both a beautiful location and an astonishing collection of marine life. Although the focus of this aquarium is specifically on the ocean life of the Pacific, you’ll find tremendous variety between the warm waters of Baja California and the chilly waters of the Northern Pacific and more. Shark Lagoon is a particularly cool exhibit, which allows you to come face-to-face with these awe-inspiring predators. Amusement parks Thrill-seekers have plenty of options in addition to Universal Studios if they’re looking for more fun in Los Angeles. For example, Knott’s Berry Farm is the original theme park (America’s first, in fact!), and has a bunch of history but plenty of modern rides and flair. They also host frequent special events themed around holidays, including their own Boysenberry Festival, so keep an eye on the Knott's Berry Farm event calendar before you visit. If you’re in Santa Monica, Pacific Park is another top option, with the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel – perfect for a romantic moment. Hollywood tours  If you want to see more of the city with a specific focus on Hollywood and celebrity culture, check out a themed tour. The Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes Tour focuses on the lesser-known spots and hidden gems of Hollywood, as well as the top destinations like the Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre.  Whale Watch by Newport Landing  Take the opportunity to encounter some of the world’s most majestic creatures on a Whale Watch Tour at Newport Landing. Head out to a nearby marine sanctuary for an almost guaranteed glimpse of these amazing animals, with a wide variety of other ocean life sure to be around as well. Keep an eye out for California Gray Whales, Giant Blue Whales, Orcas, Minke Whales, and the iconic Humpback Whales. Don't forget to bundle up, though — even with the temperate weather it will be cooler out on the water.  Planning to visit lots of Los Angeles attractions? With Go City® you won't miss a thing, plus with a pass you can save up to 50% compared to buying individual entry to everything you want to do - winning! ☀️Compare Los Angeles passes☀️  L.A. Zoo & Botanical Gardens Exploring Griffith Park makes for a romantic afternoon or a fun daytime trip with friends. Head to the LA Zoo & Botanical Gardens if you’re interested in more animal encounters, and be sure to check out the accompanying Botanical Gardens for a tour of the world’s flora. You could also pop by the famed Griffith Observatory, picnic, bike, or generally enjoy the park as you’d like.  Los Angeles area museums  Culture buffs will find much to love that stretches beyond Hollywood people and things. Especially if you appreciate natural history and the outdoors, there are plenty of top-notch museums for you to explore. The La Brea Tar Pits are most famous as one of the richest Ice Age excavation sites in the entire world, with a vast array of the known plants and animals from the period having been discovered right in those tar pits. The Natural History Museum is a great accompaniment, featuring mammal and dinosaur fossils, plus striking gems and minerals, and archaeological artifacts from Latin America. Other popular museums include the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Petersen Automotive Museum.  Additional studio tours If you loved the behind-the-scenes studio aspect of Universal, then take the opportunity to tour some other active studios, like Warner Bros. or Sony Pictures. At Warner Bros. Studio, you’ll get to enjoy an excursion around a massive backlot where famous flicks such as Casablanca were created, and TV shows like Friends and The Big Bang Theory were made.  With the Sony Pictures Studio Tour, you’ll get a guided two-hour trek through the studio that brought you such a variety of art from The Wizard of Oz to Jeopardy!  Los Angeles bike rentals  Get active with your partner or friends and hop aboard a bike. L.A. may seem pretty sprawling, but there are plenty of great places for bike rides, including the expansive and gorgeous Griffith Park in Santa Monica. Spend some time pedaling along the boardwalk past the ocean waves and beachy crowds, too. You could also opt for some rollerblade rentals and go old school. A fun opportunity to be competitive with your friends to see who can remember how to rollerblade the best! L.A. dining  With so many celebrities in town, you have to know that the dining scene in L.A. is killer. Because the city is so spread out, you’ll find multiple neighborhoods with distinct culinary identities, and there's so much to explore on your own. Some of the most popular areas for dining include DTLA/Arts District, Venice, Hollywood and San Gabriel/Pasadena. Want to save money on those bucket-list attractions? Check out passes from Go City and you could save yourself up to 50% on your must-sees – perfect! So go grab an LA pass and make the most of it! ☀️Compare Los Angeles passes☀️ – 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈️
Katie Sagal
Couple Watching the Sunset
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Los Angeles in July

Looking for interesting things to do in July in Los Angeles? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! As the summer begins to heat up, get ready for fantastic activities and pop-up events of all kinds. The city’s cultural calendar has a little something for everybody around this time of the year, no matter where your interests may lie. From walking the charming Venice Canals to sinking your teeth into some of the city’s best dishes at Smorgasburg, there’s always something to keep you busy. July is one also of L.A.’s hottest months, so this is a great time for exploring some of California’s best outdoor attractions - just so long as you pack accordingly! Still aren’t sure how to get started? Have a read through our list of the best things to see and do in Los Angeles in the summertime! However you choose to explore the area, we’re sure you’ll have a blast! Hit the Classics Of course, a visit to Los Angeles just wouldn’t be complete without making a stop at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Since its establishment way back in 1960, this historic attraction has become one of the city’s most iconic spots as it sees more and more footwork each day. Spanning 15 whole blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and consisting of over 2, 000 brass stars, the Walk of Fame continues to draw in millions of visitors each year. If you’re looking for the star of your favorite celebrity or artist, use the Walk of Fame’s Star Search tool on their website. Whilst you’re in the area, we also recommend checking out some of Hollywood’s great attractions, like the TCL Chinese Theatre, Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and Ovation Hollywood. A quintessential West Coast city, Los Angeles is bursting with great summertime spots to check out. Ranking high up on the itinerary, Santa Monica Pier has been a long-time favorite from way back since its establishment in 1909. This classic L.A. hotspot presents a myriad of cool things to do, though its most popular attraction has got to be Pacific Park - an admission-free theme park with tons of rides, restaurants, shopping destinations as well as a full-blown arcade. Or, if you’re looking to take it slow, why not check out the Santa Monica Pier Farmers’ Market? This laidback stop pays homage to the city’s agricultural heritage with a wide range of vendors to choose from. In addition, there are local crafters and live musical performances to check out. And for those who want to kick back and enjoy those sweeping oceanfront views, we recommend trying your hand at fishing. The Santa Monica Pier is an excellent spot for catching everything from small ocean creatures like clams to mackerel and even sea bass. With so much to see and do here, you’re sure to have a good time! Explore the City Los Angeles is a massive metropolis made up of dozens of notable neighborhoods. Though each spot most certainly has its charm, one of our favorite places has got to be Venice for its eclectic style and laidback atmosphere. There are a lot of great things to do in Venice, though the most popular activity has to be hitting the beach. With its palm-fringed shorelines and soft surf, this spot makes for a fantastic family day trip. In addition, the Venice Boardwalk is a fantastic place for shopping and people watching. Of course, though, Venice has much more to offer away from the beach. One of its best-hidden gems has got to be the Venice Canals, offering a scenic tour of the area’s most gorgeous beach houses. In addition, the neighborhood is known for its quirky attractions, like the Mosaic Tile House and Muscle Beach. With its funky energy and so much to see and do, this place is a total must-see. Find Interesting Activities to Do It goes without saying that one of the best parts of travel is discovering the local food scene. And whilst L.A. undoubtedly has a lot of great food stops to choose from, there’s nothing quite like heading over to the market for some delicious eats. Standing out as one of our favorites, Smorgasburg is a total treat for anybody who considers food their religion. Drawing in around 50, 000 people each weekend, this event is well-recognized as the largest open-air food market in America - and with good reason! Gorge yourself on Hawaiian garlic shrimp served right from a traditional pineapple boat, try fresh top-quality oysters, and then cool down with speciality ice cream from Wanderlust Creamery. There are also a lot of vegan options here, so you know that there’s a little something for everybody to enjoy! Whether you’re a big meat-lover or a self-diagnosed sweet tooth, this stop is well worth the visit. Whilst we love all of the hustle and bustle of the city, sometimes it’s good to take a bit of time to yourself. Thankfully, Los Angeles is filled with wonderful green spaces where you can get in touch with Mother Nature. Located just twenty minutes from downtown Los Angeles, the Descanso Gardens cover over 150 acres of lush forestry to be enjoyed. This spot is accredited by the American Association of Museums as a repository of living collections and welcomes around 250,000 visitors annually. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy an impressive collection of native and exotic flora, including stunning oak woodlands, a vast collection of fruit trees, and one of the largest concentrations of camellia plants in the Western Hemisphere. An undoubtedly serene experience, this spot is well worth the visit. We love Los Angeles all year round, though there’s no better time to visit than summertime! With a whole host of exciting events and attractions, there should be more than enough to keep you busy. 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

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