Universal City, CA

Travel Guide

The Simpsons Ride and Krustyland at a theme park.
A crowded street with people walking, shops, and a large cartoon character sign.
A yellow raft with people, surrounded by water spray and a rocky area.
A Universal Studios tram with passengers.
A water ride with a yellow boat, clear turquoise water, rocky terrain, palm trees, and a waterfall.

Tour film sets, get chased by dinosaurs, cast magical spells and enjoy many other activities in the home of a major film studio in Los Angeles.

Discover Hollywood glamour, film history and endless entertainment in Universal City. Located in the San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, this area is home to one of the world’s major film studios.

See movie magic come to life at Universal Studios Hollywood®Opens in a new window. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of one of Hollywood’s longest operating film studios. On a Studio Tour, visit 13 blocks of studio lots where some of the world’s most famous movies were made. Dodge King Kong in 3-D, check out the eerie Bates Motel from Psycho, explore Wisteria Lane from Desperate Housewives and watch for Jaws under the water. Films and television shows may be filming during your visit. See moviemaking in the moonlight during a Nighttime Studio Tour.

Immerse yourself in the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Discover the secrets of Hogwarts™ castle or purchase a personalized wand in Hogsmeade™ village. See the mythical hippogriff and join it for a thrilling ride.

Enjoy movie-themed thrills at the many rides in Universal Studios. Sit in the splash zone at WaterWorld®. See unbelievable stunts on Jet Skis and even a seaplane crash landing. Escape from dinosaurs in Jurassic Park® - The Ride, including a massive Tyrannosaurus rex. See stuntmen in action and meet favorite movie characters in the park’s many other features.

Within the three-block radius of Universal CityWalk Hollywood, enjoy myriad shopping, dining and entertainment options. See an IMAX® film at the large movie theater. Get your thrills at the indoor skydiving center. Enjoy the sunny California weather as you browse the shops or have a meal along the promenade.

Visit Universal City throughout the year. Save money and ensure speedy entry to some Universal Studios Hollywood’s star attractions, like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, by purchasing tickets in advance. Plenty of parking is available along with city Metro access. Hop on the complimentary Universal Studios shuttle to safely and conveniently travel between CityWalk and Universal Studios.

Sheraton Universal Hotel

Sheraton Universal Hotel

4 out of 5
333 Universal Hollywood Drive Universal City CA
$201 nightly
The price is $234 total per night from Oct 12 to Oct 13
$234 total
Oct 12 - Oct 13
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Universal City. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,320 reviews)
"Convenience and value"

Reviewed on Sep 23, 2026

Sheraton Universal Hotel
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City

4 out of 5
555 Universal Hollywood Dr Universal City CA
$208 nightly
The price is $241 total per night from Sep 27 to Sep 28
$241 total
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Universal City. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), 24-hour room service, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise ...
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Family-Friendly Pool House near Universal Studios w/ Guesthouse - Events Inquire

Family-Friendly Pool House near Universal Studios w/ Guesthouse - Events Inquire

Los Angeles CA
$1,025 nightly
The price is $1,152 total per night from Sep 29 to Sep 30
$1,152 total
Sep 29 - Sep 30
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this vacation home in Universal City. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl ...
Family-Friendly Pool House near Universal Studios w/ Guesthouse - Events Inquire
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Family-Friendly Pool House near Universal Studios w/ Guesthouse - Events Inquire

Family-Friendly Pool House near Universal Studios w/ Guesthouse - Events Inquire

Los Angeles CA
Stay at this vacation home in Universal City. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a garden. Popular attractions Universal Studios Hollywood and Hollywood Bowl ...
Family-Friendly Pool House near Universal Studios w/ Guesthouse - Events Inquire
Stylish Home Prime Location with Fireplace & Patio

Stylish Home Prime Location with Fireplace & Patio

Studio City CA
Stay at this apartment in Universal City. Enjoy balconies, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Universal Studios Hollywood and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (21 reviews)
"Nice place, good neighborhood, only a 10 min uber or drive to universal studios. Good food in the area, would stay here again!"

Reviewed on Sep 16, 2026

Stylish Home Prime Location with Fireplace & Patio
Rhythm & Blues Lounge: DTLA Skyline-Parking incl.

Rhythm & Blues Lounge: DTLA Skyline-Parking incl.

Los Angeles County CA
Stay at this apartment in Universal City. Enjoy a fitness center, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Universal Studios Hollywood and ...
Rhythm & Blues Lounge: DTLA Skyline-Parking incl.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Universal City attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Universal City worth visiting?
Universal City is worth visiting for its diverse food scene, where travelers can enjoy a range of North American and Latin American cuisine. The area also offers practical transit access with its metro system, providing a convenient way to get around and discover nearby attractions.
What is Universal City known for?
Universal City is known for being home to Universal Studios Hollywood, where travelers can explore attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. It also features Universal CityWalk, offering entertainment and dining options, with a notable North American food culture for travelers to enjoy.
What is a good itinerary length for Universal City?
A good itinerary length for Universal City is one to two days to explore Universal Studios Hollywood, including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, and Universal CityWalk. For an extended stay of three to four days, travelers can enjoy special events like Halloween Horror Nights or the VIP Experience, plus more time to savor North American, Latin American, or Italian dining. See Universal City Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Universal City?
In Universal City, travelers can explore movie magic, unique thrills, and lively entertainment:


How do I plan a trip to Universal City?
To plan your trip to Universal City, focus on experiencing Universal Studios Hollywood, Universal CityWalk, and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. Book your flights, hotels, and popular activities like Halloween Horror Nights in advance, especially during peak times. You can get around using the metro, and consider a rental car if you plan to explore further.
What cuisines can you find in Universal City?
In Universal City you can find New American cuisine, offering dishes like gourmet burgers, artisanal pizzas, and creative small plates. Travelers can also enjoy Mexican favorites such as tacos, along with Italian pasta dishes, Chinese stir-fries, and Mediterranean cuisine.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Universal City?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Universal City by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Universal City with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Universal City trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Universal City?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Universal City can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Universal City trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Universal City trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Universal City trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Universal City trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Universal City?
If it's your first trip to Universal City, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Universal City hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Universal City hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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