Things to Do Near Universal Studios Hollywood

If you love movies, your time in LA won't be complete without a day (or two, or three) spent exploring Universal Studios Hollywood™. Here, you'll experience your favorite films and shows in a whole new way, with heart-pounding rides, behind-the-scenes tours of movie sets, special effects shows, and much more. As with any theme park, weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, and holidays can be extra busy. Universal Studios allows you to bring in your water bottles, so pack up to 2 liters and stay hydrated.

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Please note: Universal Studios is only available on the All-Inclusive Pass

Tips for visiting:

• Show up earlier in the day to avoid crowds.
• Eat breakfast before you go.
• Check the website a few weeks before your trip to reserve tickets to live tapings and see which celebrities may be filming that day.
• Schedule your day's activities around show times, rather than rides

If you want to see filming in real-time, don't miss Warner Bros. Studio Tour. On this entertaining and educational tour, an expert guide will drive you around the 110-acre studio lot in a comfy golf cart, where you'll see sets from classic and current movies. Keep your eyes open for celebrities who may be on-site filming.

To avoid crowds, plan your visit on a winter or spring afternoon, which tend to be less busy. Bring your comfy shoes, as the tour does involve walking, as well as golf cart rides.

Tips for visiting:
 

• Don't forget your camera, as you may see movies and TV stars on set, but remember that video isn't allowed.
• Book in advance, so your preferred tour doesn't fill up.
• Got a favorite WB show? Let your guide know, as they may be able to swing by the set.
• Plan to spend a couple of hours at the Stage 48 museum after the tour ends.
• Grab a coffee at Central Perk.

Gorillas, Komodo dragons, and snow leopards, oh my! More than 1.5 million people visit the fabulous Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens each year to view thousands of colorful, noisy, and fascinating birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.

Bring sunscreen and a hat, because the afternoon sun can be intense. To see the animals when they're most active, plan to visit the zoo as soon as possible after they open in the morning.
 

Tips for visiting:
 

• You may see more animals on overcast days.
• Don't miss the daily elephant training demonstration, free with admission.
• Book your Hippo Encounter tickets before you go, as they tend to sell out quickly.
• If cutting down on walking, take the shuttle to the top of the zoo and work your way back toward the entrance; it'll be downhill.
• To skip the carousel lines, purchase tickets in advance.

Experience decades of iconic history when you visit TCL Chinese Theatre. This 30-minute walking tour offers a rich glimpse into Hollywood's past and present, with access to the movie theater where celebrities attend red-carpet premieres and, of course, those famous cement hands and footprints in the Forecourt of the Stars.

Take a morning tour, as the forecourt tends to fill with tourists (and sometimes technicians setting up for a premier) in the afternoon. Bring a few small bills with you if you plan on taking pictures with the street performers outside the theater, as they'll expect a tip.
 

• Reserve your tour ahead of time to get the time slot you want
• Look for the three celebrity horse hoof prints among the human hand and footprints
• See a movie at matinee prices in the early afternoon or late morning
• See an IMAX film in the world's largest IMAX auditorium
• The TCL validates parking

See the world's largest collection of movie props, costumes, and photos at the Hollywood Museum. From Marilyn Monroe to Max Factor, this amazing collection of memorabilia from the silver screen (and the small screen) will keep you mesmerized. Wear shoes you can walk and climb stairs in, as the museum has four floors to explore. Plan your visit on Wednesdays through Sundays, as it's closed during the first part of the week.

Tips for visiting:

• Budget enough time to explore this large museum, as it contains more than 10,000 items.
• Very young children may not appreciate this attraction.
• Paid parking is available across the street.
• Check out your reflection in each of the "hair color" rooms in the Max Factor exhibit.
• Be aware that the basement is dedicated to horror films and shows.

See a side of Hollywood that tour buses can't access on a self-guided bike tour! Explore at your own pace as you pedal through beautiful neighborhoods and landscapes you'll recognize from famous films. Take your tour outside of rush hour, when traffic will be minimal. Be sure to bring extra water and stay hydrated on this three-hour ride.

Tips for visitors:

• The ride forms a 12-mile loop
• Helmet, hybrid bike rental, and safety vest included
• You'll use an included GPS to follow the route
• Schedule an early morning or evening ride to avoid the sun and high temperatures
• A moderate level of fitness may be required to handle hilly areas