Top 15 Attractions in Universal City, California

Situated in the north-central area of Los Angeles, between Burbank and Hollywood, Universal City comprises approximately 400 acres, predominantly comprising private land owned by Universal Studios. It presents an array of attractions related to the entertainment industry, featuring amusement park rides, guided tours, live events, and numerous dining establishments. This locale is particularly appealing to families traveling with children, as it is conveniently located near many of the city’s major attractions, thereby enabling enjoyable side excursions.

Here are 15 activities to consider in and around Universal City, California.

1. Universal Studios Tour

The Universal Studios Tour represents the premier experience in Universal City. For those with limited time, participating in a tour offers a captivating insight into the film and entertainment histories of the area without needing to dedicate an entire day. The tours include exclusive behind-the-scenes access to movie sets, production facilities, and the areas where prominent stars often take breaks during filming.

Typically lasting approximately an hour, these tours may be guided by well-known personalities such as Jimmy Fallon, rendering them an engaging, entertaining, and informative experience that many visitors treasure as a significant highlight of their trip.

2. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter stands as one of Universal City’s most notable attractions. While it draws significant interest from fans of the books and films, even those who do not identify as fans often enjoy the experience. Guests frequently express feeling like they were whisked away to an enchanting realm, far removed from the bustling urban environment of the West Coast.

This location features staff in character attire, numerous rides, scheduled shows, children’s activities, and ample shopping and dining options with outdoor seating.

3. CityWalk

For those wishing to manage their travel budget effectively, CityWalk provides an ideal venue for relaxation, window shopping, and appreciating complimentary live entertainment. While there are ample activities for children, CityWalk is also a superb choice for tired parents looking to enjoy Universal City without the overwhelming presence of kids for extended periods.

This lively area, more suited to adults than the theme park itself, boasts numerous dining venues, cinemas, bars, and well-paved paths suitable for leisurely afternoon strolls.

4. Grinchmas Celebration

The Grinch is a memorable character, known for his infamous act of stealing Christmas, especially amongst children. During the holiday season, Universal City organizes various events for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, showcasing live entertainment, impressive decorations, and beloved characters from films such as How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

The Grinchmas Celebration features a grand tree, a lighting ceremony, children’s activities, and opportunities for young visitors to capture photographs with one of Dr. Seuss’s most distinguished characters along with his dog, Max. It is advisable to check Universal Studios’ website for specific dates and times for these celebrations prior to planning a visit.

5. Voodoo Doughnut

Exploring Universal City with children typically entails extensive walking, navigating from one attraction to the next. Fortunately, the area is filled with trendy dining establishments and cafes. While many options might lean towards the expensive side, some truly excellent choices provide a quick sugary treat without substantial cost.

Voodoo Doughnuts’ Universal City location offers more than four dozen varieties of doughnuts, ranging from traditional favorites to innovative creations with unique flavor combinations. Voodoo is situated within the heart of Universal City, conveniently near many primary attractions.

6. DreamWorks Theatre

Since its opening a few years ago, the DreamWorks Theatre has emerged as one of the most popular and thrilling attractions in Universal City. This venue operates similarly to an IMAX theater, offering a combination of sound, 4-D visuals, and motion to create an interactive experience that is far more memorable than a standard movie viewing.

The theater showcases themes based on well-known characters such as Shrek and Kung Fu Panda, featuring extraordinary DreamWorks animations acclaimed globally for their visual effects quality. Due to its high demand, securing tickets in advance is recommended to ensure availability during peak periods.

7. Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular

Waterworld: A Live Sea War Spectacular consistently ranks as the top show in Universal City, owing to its exhilarating content packed with explosions, collisions, high-speed jet skis, intense firefights, and substantial waves that often soak guests in the so-called “Soak Zone” located nearest to the water.

Despite the show only lasting approximately 20 minutes, it presents extraordinary special effects and daring stunts executed by trained professionals who typically work on high-budget film productions.

8. Super Silly Fun Land

Following an exhilarating experience such as Waterworld, it is advisable to engage in a more subdued attraction to allow tension to dissipate. Super Silly Fun Land provides a vast outdoor play area designed with both wet and dry activity zones, engaging young visitors brimming with energy on warm California days.

The dry section features areas for climbing, jumping, and sliding, along with a video game arcade, while the water-themed area offers various activities, with seating positioned close enough for parents to supervise without getting wet.

9. Special Effects Show

Special effects play a crucial role in transforming even the most significant blockbuster films into memorable experiences. They are crafted using skilled stunt performers and advanced animation software to create realistic action sequences that appear to defy the laws of physics.

Universal Studios employs an array of specialists to bring these scenes to life. For visitors with an hour or two available, there is no better way to gain insight into the production process than by attending the Special Effects Show, which has garnered positive reviews for being informative, thrilling, and a hit with audiences of all ages.

10. Beverly Hills Farmers Market

Although technically located outside of Universal City, the Beverly Hills Farmers Market is just a short drive to the southwest, offering a wonderful refuge from the crowds. This market operates on Sundays, regardless of weather conditions, and features an impressive array of seasonal California produce alongside vendors selling freshly baked goods, organic juices, arts and crafts, and prepared food items such as pickles, salsas, and local honey.

Moreover, the market provides live entertainment, kids’ activities, and educational workshops, typically occurring once a month. Positioned just off Santa Monica Boulevard on Civic Center Drive in Beverly Hills, it serves as a lovely escape.

11. Greystone Mansion

When constructed in the late 1920s, Greystone Mansion stood as one of the most luxurious residences in Southern California. Located just 10 kilometers west of Universal City in Beverly Hills, the mansion features approximately 60 rooms, encompassing nearly 50,000 square feet and costing about $60 million in today’s currency.

Designed in the Tudor Revival style by a renowned architect, the mansion integrates both traditional and contemporary elements. Its architectural significance has made it a desirable location for filming renowned movies over the years, such as There Will Be Blood and The Big Lebowski. The mansion’s grounds are accessible to the public; however, the interior is reserved for special events and guided tours.

12. Maze Rooms Escape Games

In recent times, escape rooms have surged in popularity among those seeking unique experiences. At Maze Rooms Escape Games in nearby Tarzana, individuals employ critical thinking and teamwork to uncover clues and solve puzzles that will ultimately lead to their escape from a locked room.

Since their inception in 2014, Maze Rooms has captivated guests with multiple distinctly themed rooms, offering engaging and immersive experiences. They are particularly favored for wedding parties, corporate gatherings, and couples looking for a refreshing date night activity. Located on Ventura Boulevard in Tarzana, it is situated approximately 20 kilometers west of Universal City.

13. Runyon Canyon Park

Once travelers step beyond the chaotic urban environment of Los Angeles, they encounter expansive natural beauty including desert and mountainous landscapes. Runyon Canyon Park is conveniently located just east of Universal City, close to the iconic Hollywood Sign. This park is popular among nature enthusiasts, amateur photographers, and those seeking fitness opportunities without confinement to a crowded gym.

The park features a network of well-maintained trails accessible to visitors of various ages and fitness levels. Moreover, special events such as yoga sessions and guided tours are often offered.

14. The Hollywood Sign

Perched atop Mount Lee, the Hollywood Sign is an iconic cultural and historical landmark that originated nearly a century ago as an advertisement for a new housing project. The sign’s letters soar over 40 feet tall and extend more than 300 feet in length, rendering them visible from substantial distances.

Maintained by a local civic organization, the sign is accessible but not necessarily easy to reach. Fit individuals can opt for a hike from Branson Canyon or Griffith Park to experience this landmark. The sign is located just three kilometers east of Universal City.

15. TCL Chinese Theater

The TCL Chinese Theater has served as one of Southern California’s primary entertainment venues for nearly a century. While the historic theater has undergone several name changes, it remains commonly known as Grauman’s Chinese Theater, named in honor of its founder in 1926.

Situated on Hollywood Boulevard, approximately 15 minutes southwest of Universal City, it attracts millions of annual visitors and is recognized among the most coveted venues for the premieres of new films. The theater is renowned for its striking Chinese architectural design, luxurious interior, and the preserved hand and foot prints of various celebrities in the forecourt area.