For things to do near Universal Studios Hollywood, you can make the theme park your main event or spend the day on city sights such as Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Boulevard. Universal Studios Hollywood is about 4 minutes by car from El Royale Gardens Near Universal Studios, making it practical to build a Studio City day around either plan.
- Theme park: Universal Studios Hollywood is open year-round, but hours vary.
- City sights: Griffith Observatory offers free admission and views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
- Nearby transport: Universal City/Studio City station is a nearby transit option.
- Evening option: The Hollywood Bowl is a nearby venue.
At a glance
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01Choose a theme park day or a city-sights dayA full day at Universal Studios Hollywood suits a theme-park-first plan, while Griffith Observatory or…
02Universal Studios HollywoodUniversal Studios Hollywood makes a straightforward main stop for a theme park day: head to 100 Universal…
03Hollywood Boulevard or Griffith ParkFor an afternoon outside the theme park, choose between Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame and Griffith…
04choose a nearby venueThe Hollywood Bowl is an evening option with limited parking.- 05FAQsThe park is open every day of the year, but daily operating hours vary by day and season and may change.
Choose a theme park day or a city-sights day
A full day at Universal Studios Hollywood suits a theme-park-first plan, while Griffith Observatory or Hollywood Boulevard can anchor a day focused on Los Angeles sights.
For a park-focused day, check the opening hours and ticket availability for your intended date. The World-Famous Studio Tour is included with a theme park ticket or Annual/Season Pass, subject to blackout dates.
For a city-sights day, Griffith Observatory combines exhibits, telescope viewing and planetarium shows with views across the city. Admission to the Observatory is free, though parking closest to it is paid.
The Walk of Fame is a Hollywood Boulevard stop for a day focused on Los Angeles sights. For a longer outdoor stop, consider Griffith Park, where a guide to planning a Griffith Park visit can help you plan your time.
MorningUniversal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood makes a straightforward main stop for a theme park day: head to 100 Universal City Plaza in Universal City, just off the 101 Freeway. The park is open every day of the year, though its daily hours vary by day and season.
Ticket prices depend on the ticket benefits and season, and the park can reach capacity. Check the online store for date availability before settling on your plan. The park typically posts hours four weeks in advance, and those hours may change, so check the official site before you go.
If you’re arriving by transit, a pedestrian bridge at Lankershim Boulevard and Universal Hollywood Drive links the Universal City Red Line and bus stations with the park. The World-Famous Studio Tour is included with a theme park ticket or Annual/Season Pass, subject to blackout dates. For more details on planning a visit, see the Universal Studios Hollywood visit guide.
AfternoonHollywood Boulevard or Griffith Park
For an afternoon outside the theme park, choose between Hollywood Boulevard’s Walk of Fame and Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park. The Observatory is at 2800 East Observatory Road, on the south side of Mount Hollywood.
The Observatory’s regular building hours are Tuesday to Friday, noon to 10:00 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.; it is closed on Mondays.
Its grounds and roads are generally open daily from 5:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The building and grounds are accessible for all visitors. It tends to be busiest on weekends, during summer and holiday periods, and at sunset.
You can use the Observatory as more than a viewpoint: it offers exhibits, telescope viewing and live Samuel Oschin Planetarium shows. If you’d rather keep to Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame and Hollywood Boulevard are a separate option.
Eveningchoose a nearby venue
The Hollywood Bowl is an evening option with limited parking. Los Angeles County Parks recommends using one of its 13 Park & Ride locations or four shuttle bus lots.
Theater hours begin at 8:00 a.m., subject to rehearsal and event closures. Box office hours are Tuesday to Sunday, noon to 6:00 p.m.; for Monday performances, the box office opens at 2:00 p.m. For more on reaching the venue, see the Hollywood Bowl guide from Studio City.
How do you get around from Studio City?
You can reach Universal Studios Hollywood by car or on foot, and the nearby Metro station provides another way to connect with the park.
The pedestrian bridge at Lankershim Boulevard and Universal Hollywood Drive connects the Universal City Red Line and bus stations with the park. LA Metro’s B Line runs between Union Station and North Hollywood.
Metro bus routes serving the area include Line 218 between Beverly Hills and Studio City via Laurel Canyon Boulevard, Line 222 between Hollywood and Sun Valley via Hollywood Way and Cahuenga Boulevard, and Line 224 between Hollywood and Sylmar via San Fernando Road and Lankershim Boulevard.
For a drive to Universal Studios Hollywood, use the 101 Freeway and take an exit at Universal Studios Boulevard or Lankershim Boulevard. If Griffith Observatory is your destination, its closest parking is paid. At the Bowl, parking is limited, so consider the county’s recommended Park & Ride or shuttle options.
FAQs
Is Universal Studios Hollywood open every day?
The park is open every day of the year, but daily operating hours vary by day and season and may change.
Is Griffith Observatory free?
Yes. Griffith Observatory is a free-admission facility. Parking closest to the Observatory is paid.
Can you walk from Universal City/Studio City station to Universal Studios Hollywood?
Yes. A pedestrian bridge at Lankershim Boulevard and Universal Hollywood Drive connects the station area with the park.
What is an evening venue near Studio City?
The Hollywood Bowl is an evening option. Parking is limited, and Los Angeles County Parks recommends its Park & Ride or shuttle options.