Universal Studios CA

Visit Universal Studios CA, the popular theme Park in Hollywood California. Located in world-famous Hollywood, this park offers tours, rides and fun Hollywood style. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World are now part of Universal Studios Hollywood.

Updated December 18, 2024 by San Diego Beaches and Adventures

Universal Studios California Theme Park

View of Hogwart's Castle from Harry Potter Flight of the Hippogriff Rollercoaster

Universal Studios is both a theme park and a Hollywood movie studio. It is located about 45 minutes from Disneyland California, and 2 hours from San Diego.

If you love theme parks, a visit to Southern California should include a day at Universal Studios Theme Park.

Universal Studios Discount Tickets

The park includes lots of fun for the whole family. In addition to the must see behind-the-scenes Hollywood tour, there are many rides and attractions. You can also meet your favorite characters like The Simpsons, Donkey from Shrek, and more.

Universal Studios Rides and Attractions

The Simpsons Ride

There are some awesome rides and attractions at Universal Studios, best for older children, teens and adults. You won't want to miss the new Super Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. There aren't many rides for young kids, so I recommend you wait until they are at least 40 inches tall (102 cm) so they can enjoy most rides.

The Super Nintendo World opened on February 17, 2023. The ride Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge is located inside Bowser's Castle. There are interactive games and quests to explore, scattered throughout Super Nintendo World.

The LA Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened in 2016 at Universal Studios Hollywood and is modeled after the famous Harry Potter series. It includes Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the Flight of the Hippogriff rollercoaster, and a recreation of the wizarding Hogwarts school and Hogsmeade village.

See our recommendations for the Best Rides at Universal Studios including Jurassic World - The Ride, The Simpsons Ride, WaterWorld show and more.

Universal Studios Tour

Fast and Furious Supercharged Tour - photo courtesy of Universal Studios

Of course you won't want to miss the Behind-the-Scenes Hollywood Studio Tour and and go behind the scenes of a working movie studio. After all, this is Universal Studios LA! The current tour is Fast & Furious Supercharged Tour, a bit rougher than some of these images from earlier tours:

War of the Worlds plane crash

Psycho Norman Bates at the Bates Motel

The Universal Studios tour is free with your admission to Universal Studios LA. Also don't miss the Universal Studio Special Effects Stage to give you insights into those Hollywood special effects, sure to dazzle you.

The VIP Experience tour costs extra, but gives you plenty to see back stage. You have a personal studio guide, get to walk around in the backlot, and see sets from your favorite shows. Reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited.

Universal Studios CA Theme Park Information

This Hollywood style theme park in Southern California has studio tours, rides, shows and food.

Universal Studios CA Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Phone Number: 1-800-UNIVERSAL

Universal Studios Hours: Vary from 10 - 5 off-season weekdays to 8 AM - 10 PM summer weekends. Hours vary each day.

Early Admission - If you purchase a preferred hotel package from Universal Studios online, you can get 1 hour early admission to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

Directions to Universal Studios CA: See below | google Map

Parking: $30 is typical, RVs pay extra. After 6 PM, parking is only $10.

Ticket Prices: Regular price is $109 to $139 per person, ages 2 and under are free. Front of the line pass is expensive and the price varies depending on the season, which includes priority access to all rides and attractions and reserved seating. VIP tickets are available for additional cost. But don't pay full price - see our page on Universal Studios Discount Tickets

Food: One of the nice things about this SoCal theme park is CityWalk, a collection of fun restaurants in a Hollywood California setting open during the day and for several hours after the park closes. Stay for a late dinner after your day at Universal Studios LA!

Official website: www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Special Events at Universal Studios California

Halloween Horror Nights

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights offer the scariest Halloween event in Southern California. Open late September - October on select nights only. No costumes allowed as you wouldn't want to upset any monsters with chainsaws.

Grinchmas happens every winter at Universal Studios CA, where there are celebrations throughout the park, including Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter throughout Hogsmeade village, the tree at Universal CityWalk Hollywood, the Who-tacular festivities with the Grinch during Grinchmas and fun in the new Super Nintendo World.

Universal Studios CityWalk

King Kong over Universal Studios CityWalk Hollywood

Universal Studios CityWalk is located just outside Universal Studios, as you walk from the parking lots to the theme park. Citywalk has restaurants, clubs, IMAX theater, shops, live music and lots of fun to get you into the Hollywood spirit.

You can exit the park for a nice meal, or stay later in the evening after the park closes and enjoy an evening of food and entertainment.

Admission to the theme park is not required to visit CityWalk.

Driving Directions to Universal Studios California

Universal Studios California is located in Southern California about one hour from Disneyland and about two hours north of San Diego Cal. For map and driving directions, see Map of Hollywood