Where to stay
Los Angeles is home to several vibrant neighborhoods with their own attractions for when you have a bit of downtime during your Universal Studios® trip. Each area has a unique atmosphere, but they all are within a short driving distance of Universal Studios®.
On-site: Staying right beside the studios is a great option if you want to be close to the action. You can walk to the park from partner properties like the Sheraton Universal Hotel and Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City. Being so close to Universal Studios®, you'll be able to spend longer enjoying the attractions.
Hollywood: If you want to sleep in the heart of the Hollywood film industry and do a bit of celebrity spotting, this is the district to pick. Luxury hotels like The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott Los Angeles give your stay a glamorous twist, while family-friendly options like Magic Castle Hotel and Loews Hollywood Hotel offer amenities like pools and children's games.
Downtown Los Angeles: You'll have endless shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities on your doorstep here in the buzzing downtown district. Use the search filter on Expedia to find accommodations like the InterContinental, citizenM, and the Miyako Hotel.
Santa Monica: It takes just 40 minutes to drive between Universal Studios® and the coastal city of Santa Monica. After a busy day at the park, you can chill out on the beach or enjoy the amusement park rides on the pier. For beachfront accommodation, try Shutters on the Beach or the Shore Hotel.
Top things to do at Universal Studios Hollywood
There's a lot to see and do at Universal Studios®, so plan your time well to make sure you make the most of your visit. Access to the park is included in Universal Studios® packages, so there are no hidden costs to worry about.
The 10 themed lands are packed with rides and attractions suitable for adventurers of all ages. In Jurassic World, you'll encounter fearsome dinosaurs, while over in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, you can wander through the magical halls of Hogwarts™.
If you're a Minions fan, you'll love being turned into one by super-villain Gru in Minions Land. Or head to Universal CityWalk for shopping, live shows, and mouth-watering dining to finish your day in style.
Family-friendly Universal Studios® vacation packages
There's plenty for kids to enjoy at Universal Studios®, with attractions for young explorers and older teenagers alike. Have fun jumping around the wet and dry play zones in Super Silly Fun Land and zoom up and down on the family-friendly roller coaster that trundles around Hagrid's pumpkin patch.
Meanwhile, over at WaterWorld, older kids will love the wild stunts performed by the daring stars of the show. Expect jet-ski jumps, fiery fights, and even a plane crash to keep you on the edge of your seats. Or chat
You'll also get to meet some of your favorite characters as you stroll around the different lands. Keep an eye out for Scooby-Doo and Shaggy, and pose for selfies with Shrek, Megatron, and Bart Simpson.
Extend your stay
Los Angeles is one of the most popular destinations in the United States, so why not extend your visit to Universal Studios® and check out some of the other city attractions?
For more movie-themed sightseeing, visit the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame, take a backstage tour at the Dolby Theater, or wander down the glitzy Hollywood Boulevard. If you want to stretch your legs, Runyon Canyon Park offers scenic hiking trails with sweeping views out across the city. Or head up to Griffith Park for panoramic picnics and a visit to the famous observatory.
Los Angeles is well placed for some superb day trips too, so leave room in your schedule if you can. Whether you're into beaches, deserts, or vineyards, there's something in the area to keep everyone happy. Relax by the sea in Laguna Beach, explore the desert in Joshua Tree National Park, or go wine tasting in Temecula.
How to find Universal Studios vacation package deals
One of the best ways to find Universal Studios vacation deals is to use Expedia. The search engine does all the hard work before displaying several options to suit your budget.
Begin your search by choosing your hotel or vacation rental and selecting your travel dates. You can then add extras like flights and car rentals to your package if required. Expedia will show all available options, and you can sort by price to instantly see the cheaper packages. If your plans are flexible, try changing the dates to see how this affects the trip cost.
