Universal Studios Hollywood is a movie-themed amusement park and working film studio in Universal City, just northwest of central Los Angeles, California. It is marketed as the "Entertainment Capital of LA" and combines rides, shows, and a behind-the-scenes studio tour.
Location and basics
Universal Studios Hollywood’s main entrance is at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, in the hills above Hollywood and close to the 101 freeway. The park is family‑friendly, with a 4.6/5 visitor rating and over 170,000 reviews, and typically requires a full day to experience the major attractions.
Park highlights
Major areas include The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic World, Springfield (The Simpsons), Super Nintendo World, and the Studio Tour that runs through real backlot sets. Popular attractions feature rides like Mario Kart: Bowser’s Challenge, Jurassic World – The Ride, Transformers: The Ride 3D, and Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, plus the long‑running WaterWorld stunt show.
Tickets and planning
Buying dated tickets or date‑flex passes online in advance is strongly recommended, especially in peak seasons when the park often reaches high crowd levels. Many visitors choose upgrades such as Express Pass (shorter lines) or early entry to Super Nintendo World to experience headliner rides with less waiting.
Hours, parking, and amenities
Typical operating hours range roughly from 9–10 a.m. opening to 6–9 p.m. closing, varying by day and season, so checking the specific date’s calendar before visiting is important. The resort offers paid garages and lots, on‑site dining and bars, lockers, baggage storage, free Wi‑Fi, gender‑neutral restrooms, and is generally wheelchair‑accessible with adapted entrances, seating, and restrooms.
Tips for a visit
Using the official Universal Studios Hollywood app helps with mobile ticketing, wait times, navigation, dining reservations, and mobile food ordering. For a smoother day, arrive before opening, start with the most popular lands (often Super Nintendo World or Wizarding World), and plan meals outside peak lunch and dinner hours to reduce lines.
