What to do in Universal City, CA

Activities, attractions and tours

Universal Studios Hollywood® which includes a city, rides and signage
Universal Studios Hollywood® as well as a large group of people
Universal Studios Hollywood® featuring rides as well as a small group of people
Universal Studios Hollywood® featuring street scenes and heritage architecture
Universal Studios Hollywood® showing a water park, a waterfall and a garden

Places to Visit in Universal City

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Universal City, Los Angeles while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Universal City attractions from NZ$2, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Universal City tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 301 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Universal City. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios is one of the oldest working studios in Hollywood. Its doors first opened to paying guests in 1915, when enterprising studio founder Carl Laemmle charged people 25 cents to see silent films being made. You can still see real film-making in action, but there’s so much more to discover and enjoy. Feel your pulse quicken on one of the high-speed thrilling rides.
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Universal City featuring rides

2. Crypto.com Arena

Visit the STAPLES Center and see a major sporting or entertainment event. This arena is home to the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers National Basketball Association (NBA) teams. Take a tour of downtown Los Angeles and view the STAPLES Center or book a ticket for a major event.
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Staples Center which includes a city, signage and modern architecture

3. Santa Monica Beach

Get the iconic southern California sun-and-surf experience at Santa Monica Beach. Discover a sandy stretch of oceanfront delights close to one of the nation’s biggest cities.
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View of the Santa Monica beach in California

4. Venice Beach

Forget the sun, surf and sand for a while and enjoy Los Angeles at its most ostentatious, loud and eccentric. Feast your eyes on the boisterous human carnival on parade along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. People-watching is a favourite sport in this sun-drenched bohemian enclave of artists, musicians, poets, singers, skateboarders and jugglers. The spectacle includes daring chain-sawing acrobats and fire-breathing cyclists. Just remember that performers expect to be tipped if you watch most of their show or take their photograph.
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Aerial Venice Beach Los Angeles

5. Universal CityWalk

A stroll through Universal CityWalk, leading to and from Universal Studios Hollywood, can extend the fun of a theme park visit, but this three-block dining and entertainment district is worth a trip for its own sake. Over 30 restaurants offer varied options for a quick snack or a filling meal. You’ll find everything from Brazilian steakhouse fare and grilled shrimp to sushi, hot dogs, pretzels and frozen yogurt along CityWalk.
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Universal CityWalk showing signage and street scenes as well as a small group of people

6. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™

Come to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ at Universal Studios Hollywood to experience firsthand the magic and wonder you’ve delighted seeing over and over in J.K. Rowling’s fantastic books and movies. Attention to detail, state-of-the-art robotics technology and some wizardry make this theme park an authentic recreation of the worlds that Harry, Ron and Hermione inhabit.
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Universal City which includes rides

Recommended things to do in Universal City

Number of things to do
301
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Self-Guided Walking Tour in Los Angeles' Best-Kept Secrets: NZ$2
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Universal City

Discover the most popular places to visit in Universal City

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood

A star-studded venue which is part film and TV studio, part entertainment complex and part amusement park for three-times the fun.

Universal Studios Hollywood
Staples Center which includes a statue or sculpture, signage and shopping

Crypto.com Arena

This multipurpose sports arena has hosted some of the world’s biggest musical acts and is home to two National Basketball Association teams.

Crypto.com Arena
Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Long Beach Cruise Terminal

Explore the waterfront in Long Beach with a trip to Long Beach Cruise Terminal. Experience the acclaimed art galleries or attend a sporting event in this walkable area.

Long Beach Cruise Terminal
Los Angeles Convention Center

Los Angeles Convention Center

During your trip, find out what's happening in Los Angeles Convention Center, a top convention centre in Los Angeles. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and entertainment choices in this vibrant area.

Los Angeles Convention Center
Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain

Enjoy the excitement at Six Flags Magic Mountain and find out why this is a popular theme park in Stevenson Ranch. Attend a sporting event or discover the mountain views in this family-friendly area.

Six Flags Magic Mountain
University of Southern California

University of Southern California

Enjoy the student vibe with a visit to University of Southern California, a top university in Los Angeles. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

University of Southern California
Santa Monica Beach

Santa Monica Beach

Located just west of downtown Los Angeles, this iconic southern California beach is a haven for swimmers, surfers, beachcombers and fitness enthusiasts.

Santa Monica Beach
Venice Beach featuring picnicking and a city as well as a large group of people

Venice Beach

Top up your tan while you watch body builders and colourful performers doing their stuff along Los Angeles’ quirky urban shoreline, a great escape from the city.

Venice Beach
Dodger Stadium

Dodger Stadium

Catch an event at Dodger Stadium during your trip to Los Angeles. Experience the great live music and acclaimed theatre scene in this vibrant area.

Dodger Stadium

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Universal City

Burbank which includes a park as well as a small group of people

Burbank

Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Photo by alisha rothman

North Hollywood

Photo by alisha rothman

Studio City

Frequently asked questions

Is Universal City worth visiting?
Offering a mix of history and family-friendly attractions, there are plenty of things to do in Universal City. When you're here, visit Universal Studios Hollywood, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Universal City?
Universal Studios Hollywood and L.A. Live are two great places to begin your holiday adventures. Remember to check out the retail and dining options in Universal City while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Universal City?
The top tourist attraction in Universal City is Universal Studios Hollywood, so don't forget to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Universal City?
Three days will give you time to tick off the leading city attractions, like Universal Studios Hollywood, Rodeo Drive and Sunset Strip. The average stay in Universal City is three days. If you have the urge to extend your trip, Los Angeles isn't far away.
Is Universal City a walkable city?
Some leading sights in Universal City, including Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 5 kilometres from the city centre of Universal City is Hollywood Boulevard and NoHo Arts District is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Universal City with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all the family, we've got some excellent ideas for what to do in Universal City with kids.

What to do in Universal City for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, avid foodie or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in Universal City for adults including San Antonio Winery and Los Angeles Convention Centre.
Are there free things to do in Universal City?
In Universal City, Rodeo Drive is a top spot for anyone planning to tour the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the local neighbourhoods and parks, and ask for recommendations from a local tour guide. It's a great way to explore the best free things to do in Universal City.

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