GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE BEST STUDIO TOURS IN LA

The World-Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood 
Photo: Yuri Hasegawa

From classic films to current hit TV shows, Los Angeles is home to the studios that produce much of what you see on the small and large screen. Book a studio tour to get a behind-the-scenes peek at sets and props, learn Jeopardy-worthy trivia, and maybe even see some of your favorite stars in action.

NOTE: Hours and opening dates change frequently. Check individual websites for updated information.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD

For an entire day of cinematic thrills and family-friendly fun, buy a one-day pass to Universal Studios Hollywood (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 91608), which includes the world-famous Studio Tour, and movie-themed rides such as Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, The Secret Life of Pets and Jurassic World.

Opened in February 2023, SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ takes you into the world of Super Mario™. Battle Team Bowser on the groundbreaking Mario Kart™ride. Play interactive games throughout the land and track your score with a Power-Up Band™. Dine at Toadstool Cafe™, meet Mario and friends, and purchase exclusive merch at the 1-UP Factory™ store.

STUDIO TOUR

 VIP Experience trolley at Universal Studios Hollywood
 Photo: Yuri Hasegawaz

Hosted on video by Jimmy Fallon, the one-hour Studio Tour takes guests through 13 city blocks on 400-plus acres of historic studio lot in the largest set construction project in studio history, built with creative consultation from Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg.

Highlights include the original Jupiter’s Claim set from Jordan Peele’s horror epic, NOPE; an up-close encounter with the star of Jaws; the iconic Psycho House and Bates Motel from Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece; the massive Boeing 747 crash site built for Spielberg's War of the Worlds; the world's largest 3D experience, Peter Jackson's King Kong 360 3D; and the high-octane grand finale, Fast & Furious: Supercharged!

VIP EXPERIENCE

For an unforgettable behind-the-scenes visit to Universal Studios Hollywood, book the VIP Experience and enjoy exclusive perks such as:

• Tour the backlot in a special trolley that lets you disembark and explore areas not open to the general public.
• VIP guide who immerses you in Universal Studios history, gives you no-wait, front-of-the-line access to all rides, and finds the best seats at any show.
• Gourmet lunch in the private VIP dining room, valet parking, and VIP entry and exit from the park.

Where to eat nearby: VIVO Italian Kitchen (100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City 91608)

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD

Selfies at the "Friends" Central Perk Set
 Photo: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Celebrating its centennial in 2023, Warner Bros. was founded on April 4, 1923. Warner Bros. kicked off its centennial celebration with the unveiling of a commemorative logo and a new slogan: "100 Years of Storytelling." The press release says the year-long festivities will include "a fully realized, fan-focused campaign involving every division of the Studio — film, series, consumer products, video games, themed entertainment, studio tours, live events and more."

Go behind the scenes and learn the history of the legendary studio on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood (3400 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank 91505). For the ultimate WB experience, book the Deluxe Tour, which includes a three-hour guided tour, a visit to the Property Department, lunch at the Commissary Fine Dining Room, and a beverage and snack at the iconic Central Perk Café from Friends.

Take a trip back in time to the Golden Age of Hollywood with the Classics Tour, featuring award-winning films and TV series that were shot on the iconic backlot from the early days of the Studio through the 1970s.

Where to eat nearby: Smoke House Restaurant (4420 Lakeside Dr, Burbank 91505)

PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

 Photo: Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Founded in May 1912, Paramount Pictures Studio (5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles 90038) is the longest operating studio in Hollywood. Cecil B. DeMille, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Marlene Dietrich, Mae West, Gary Cooper, the Marx Brothers, and Elvis Presley have all filmed at the iconic studio lot. Paramount Studios is also home to an elaborate New York Street backlot that can transform into 10 different NYC neighborhoods — making a visit to Paramount the fastest and cheapest way to travel across the country!

The Studio Tour features a 2-hour guided cart tour of iconic filming locations and the Prop Warehouse - along the way your guide will provide insight into the studio’s rich history. The VIP Tour is a 4.5-hour cart tour that includes VIP access to the archives, backlots and production facilities; a gourmet catered lunch (morning tours) or champagne & hors d’oeuvres in the Prop Warehouse (afternoon tours); complimentary parking and a personalized souvenir photo.

Where to eat nearby: Osteria La Buca (5210 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90038)
 

SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

Photo: Sony Pictures Studio Tour

At Sony Pictures (10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City 90232), a two-hour walking tour ($50) will provide you with a glimpse of the soundstages where The Wizard of Oz, Men in Black and Spider-Man were filmed; and beloved game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are currently taped.

You may also get to a chance to see the Barbara Streisand Scoring Stage or the set of the ABC comedy The Goldbergs. The lot is also home to a studio museum and is the permanent home of the Breaking Bad RV. The Sony Pictures Studio lot took over what used to be MGM, and many of the buildings still boast the same Art Deco styling that dates back to the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Available Monday-Friday at 11:00 a.m., the 3-hour VIP Tour ($200) includes Sony Museum access, three-course prix fixe lunch, souvenir photo, and an employee's discount at the Sony Studio Store.

Where to eat nearby: Ms Chi Cafe, 3829 Main St., Culver City 90232

* Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, 633 West 5th Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90071, USA info@discoverlosangeles.com