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
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

Seal underwater in the Californian Channel Islands
Blog

Best things to do near Los Angeles

With long, golden beaches, stylish promenades and an average temperature that rarely dips below 60 degrees, Los Angeles is a dream vacation spot for anyone who loves chasing the sun or life in the chilled lane. And with nearby mountain ranges circling the city to the east, and the pacific ocean brimming with explorable islands to the west, the city of angels really is the ultimate outdoor destination. Whether you prefer island hopping, walking trails or snooping on the rich and famous, these things to do outside Los Angeles will give you plenty of reasons to be ga-ga about la-la-land: Santa Catalina Island Laguna Beach Whale and dolphin watching Ojai Valley Palm Springs Big Bear Lake San Diego ‘Fly’ over to Catalina Nestled in the California channel islands south of LA is the small Island of Catalina, where the adventurous can get their adrenalin going with scuba diving, kayaking, parasailing or even jet ski rental. If you’re more of an introvert, you can indulge in a spa day or explore the island’s numerous museums and galleries. Catalina is small enough to walk everywhere, and visitors with families can enjoy glass-bottomed boat rides, mini-golf and walking trails around the island. The best way to get there is on the Catalina Flyer, which docks in the historic port of Avalon. Let the sea breezes wake you up on the trip over in the morning, then relax on the open deck on the way back, sipping a cool beverage as you enjoy views of the glittering LA coastline. Lounge around on Laguna Beach About one hour from the city is Laguna Beach, making it one of the best day trips from Los Angeles if you feel the need for sand at your feet. Beach lovers will be in their element here, with seven miles of coves, caves, tide pools and bluffs to explore. It’s a popular spot for surfers, and animal lovers will relish a visit to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, which rehabilitates seals and sea lions that have been stranded along the shores of the OC. If you prefer to keep your feet dry you can explore the Laguna Coast Wilderness Park or take a self-guided walking tour along the beach past public art spaces, architectural landmarks, coastal wildernesses and several bars. When you need to rest your legs, jump on the iconic blue and gold Laguna Beach Trolley for a free ride along the scenic Laguna Canyon Road. Go Whale watching from Newport Beach Okay, so technically Newport Beach is still in Los Angeles, but once you’re on the boat and out in one of the largest marine sanctuaries in California you’ll feel like you’ve left the city far behind. A two-and-a-half-hour whale and dolphin spotting tour includes a drink and binoculars, as well as commentary from the crew to help you spot any marine life that may be gamboling around in the waters around you. Depending on the time of year you might spot dolphins, orcas, minke, humpback, California gray or even the elusive giant blue whale. Later in the afternoon, swap whale watching for people watching with a stroll along Newport’s historic pier, try a surfing lesson at Newport Beach, or sample some local brews at one of the town’s atmospheric beach breweries. Sample sauvingnon and sunsets at Ojai A slightly more grown-up option for an LA day trip, Ojai is a small, picturesque city nestled in a valley of the Topatopa Mountains. About 90 minutes up the coast from Los Angeles, it’s known for its New Age and ecologically friendly galleries, shops and farmer’s market. It’s bordered by Lake Casitas and the Los Padres National Forest, both excellent for hiking and horseback riding, and the surrounding country is dotted with olive groves and wineries, perfect for sampling! And if you’re still there at sunset you might witness a magical ‘pink moment’, when the entire Ojai Valley glows with stunning peach, pink and lavender hues. Be sure to have your camera and tripod handy! Spot celebs at Palm Springs As the name suggests, this stylish city is dotted with hot springs and spas and is a modern-day lair of luxury with lavish hotels, immaculate golf courses and magnificent mid-century architecture. It’s been a magnet for the rich and famous since the 1930’s, when Hollywood stars needed a place to escape within a couple hours of the city. Shopaholics will love the vintage boutiques and interior design shops on Palm Canyon Drive, while movie fans can get the goss on famous inhabitants of the past on a Celebrity Tour. Before the drive home, take a ride on the Aerial Tramway over the Chino Canyon to Mount San Jacinto State Park, where there are restaurants, theaters, observation decks and a museum. Survey the seasons at Big Bear Lake If the blinding lights of the city are getting you down, escape into the mountains at Big Bear Lake, a small settlement a couple of hours away in the San Bernardino Mountains. Depending on what time of the year you’re visiting you’ll find plenty of activities on offer, from water sports in summer to skiing and snowshoeing in winter. Mountain trails around the lake are particularly stunning in the fall, and anglers can hope for a catch of salmon, trout and carp from spring through summer. The scenic Sky Chair runs year-round, so you can dangle your legs all the way to the top, while the young – and young-at-heart – will love the Big Bear Alpine Zoo, which provides sanctuary for animals that can’t be released into the wild. Have a close encounter at San Diego If you’re not planning a separate stay in ‘America’s finest city’ then it’s worth an early start and a trip down for the day, especially if you’re an animal lover, as the 100-acre San Diego Zoo is famous all over the world. Its rich botanical collection of over 700,000 plants provides lush, natural habitats for more than 4,000 rare and endangered animals, and you can experience unique animal encounters – such as early morning cheetah watching or the Skyfari Aerial Tram – that you won’t find anywhere else. If zoos aren’t your thing, there’s SeaWorld San Diego, Legoland California and of course the city’s picture-perfect 70 mile coastline to explore. Explore Los Angeles with Go City From crags to coast, zoos to ziplines, there’s a day trip from Los Angeles for every kind of adventurer. Get the most out of your stay in the city of angels and save money on popular attractions with a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass.
Karleen Stevens
Los Angeles
Blog

Los Angeles itinerary – 3 days in Los Angeles for first timers

From Hollywood showbiz and studio tours to amusement parks and beaches, can you possibly fit it all into 3 days? The answer is yes, you can! And here's how.
Katie Sagal
skyline-los-angeles-during-sunset
Blog

10+ Things to Do in Los Angeles in Winter

Southern California is one of the best places in the world to visit during the winter months. The temperature is mild but there’s still guaranteed sunshine. Here's our guide to the best December and January events in Los Angeles.
Casey Makovich

Have a 5% discount, on us!

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