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Hollywood Studio Tours

Which are the best.

best studio tour los angeles area

This post covers the most enjoyable movie studio tours in and around Hollywood.

With so many historic studios in the area, it might be difficult to pick just one to visit.

Taking a studio tour is one of the top things to do in LA .

  • Studio Tours
  • Celebrity Homes Tours
  • Ways to Save on Tours
  • LA TV Show Tickets
  • Things To Do in Hollywood
  • Tips from Locals and Travelers

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

STUDIO TOURS

Interestingly enough, there are quite a few differences between the tours offered at each studio, and that should make it easier to figure out which tour best fits your expectations.

Ticket prices vary from $62 per person to literally thousands of dollars.

However, 3 of the tours, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Universal Studios are included for free or at a lower cost in several tourist attraction passes. 

It's also worth noting that the length of these tours can run from roughly an hour to almost a week.

With all of that said, let's start talking about what each movie studio offers with their tours.

  • Warner Bros.
  • Sony Pictures
  • Universal Studios
  • Paramount Pictures
  • Adventures by Disney: Disney Backstage

At the bottom of this post , we share some thoughts and opinions from members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook.

Our group comprises roughly 9,000 locals (like our tour guides), tourists, returning visitors, and newbies to LA.

You don't need to be a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR

Below is a summary of our post on Warner Brothers Studio tours , where we also provide tips on planning your trip.

If you're in the market for a somewhat normal tour on the backlot, this might be one of your best bets.

In addition to seeing movie sets and sound stages from some of the most notable movies in film history, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a few specific activities.

best studio tour los angeles area

  While on this movie studio tour, you'll be able to re-create a famous scene from the hit television show Friends , climb aboard Harry Potter 's broomstick, and even create your own Batmobile.

Warner Bros. even offers an interactive sound stage that explores the entire process of making a film from start to finish.

At three hours in length, this tour is probably the longest duration of all of the options in Hollywood.

  • $70/adult | $60/child
  • Availability: Thursday - Monday
  • Hours: Every half hour from 9 am - 3:30 pm
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Available in both English and Spanish
  • Click here for more information .

TIP: This tour is included for free with the purchase of the Go City Los Angeles Explorer Tourist Pass .

You can also combine this tour with the Universal Studios tour using the combo deal below!

best studio tour los angeles area

With an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars , it's fair to say that this Hollywood studio tour is very well rated ( read reviews here ).

Some guests have gone so far as to suggest that this trip is worth every single penny.

Visitors were typically very happy with their tour guides, referring to them as both friendly and informative. 

SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

This might be the most affordable movie studio tour in Hollywood, and it's also one of the most historic. Do note, that is is a walking tour.

While on this tour, you'll see the sound stages where they recorded classics such as The Wizard of Oz and superhero flicks like Spider-man .

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to see where Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are recorded.

Although they don't make any promises, there's always a chance that you'll run into someone famous on this active studio back lot!

They also offer a premium tour which includes transportation via golf cart, access to the Sony Museum, a free souvenir photo, a complimentary beverage, and lower prices at the Sony Studio Store.

Tickets 

  • $55 per person | $150 for the Premium tour
  • Availability: Monday – Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm
  • Duration: 2 hours

Tip: Admission is usually included for free with the purchase of at least one Los Angeles tourist pass .

With an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, it's clear that this is a pretty popular Hollywood studio tour.

Customers really appreciated the opportunity to see several historic filming locations and learn a lot about the process of making a movie.

Although some reviewers were unhappy that this is a walking tour, others simply appreciated the opportunity to see where film history was made.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TOUR

This is where things get interesting, as Universal Studios has essentially made their tour one of the services offered at their amusement park.

In other words, you need to buy a ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood in order to experience this studio tour.

Clocking in at only one hour in length, this is definitely the shortest studio tour available. Check out this video of Stephen Spielberg giving a tour of the site.

In addition to seeing the back lot, you'll also experience attractions such as the Jaws ride, King Kong 360 in 3D, Bates Motel and Fast & The Furious : Supercharged.

Although it will cost more to take this tour, it's worth noting that your ticket lasts all day and guarantees access to all of the rides. 

  • $119-$139/adult | $109-$129/child
  • Availability: Daily from 8 am - 6 pm
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Click here for ticket information .

TIP:   Universal Studios Hollywood is included for free with the purchase of a tourist pass. Read about all the opportunities for deals in our full post .

Despite the higher price tag, this movie studio tour has still received quite excellent ratings ( read reviews here ). The overall Universal Studios Hollywood experience has a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars .

A few visitors have even suggested that this trip around the studio is worth the price of admission.

Although most customers feel that the ticket price is a bit high, even the critics can't deny that they had a blast. 

PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

Unlike the other movie studios, Paramount Pictures offers three different studio tours.

The main tour is 2 hours long and covers quite a lot of ground on the backlot.

However, if you want to experience more, their VIP tour lasts for 4 ½ hours and includes access to several additional areas.

The VIP tour also provides a gourmet lunch at a unique location in the studio.

Alternatively, you can also choose a 2 ½ hour night tour that reveals a lot of historic locations such as notable theaters and original film vaults.

No matter which option you choose, you'll learn a lot about the history of Paramount.

  • $65 for the studio tour | $215 for the VIP tour
  • Availability of Studio tour: Mon-Fri, every half hour from 9 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Availability of VIP tour: Mon, Wed, Fri at 9:30 AM
  • Duration of Studio tour: 2 hours
  • Duration of VIP tour: 4 ½ hours
  • Click here for additional information .

Reviews for the Paramount Pictures Studio tours are very positive, averaging a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. 

Some visitors referred to the excursion as a movie buff's dream, while others were just impressed with how much they learned and discovered.

Some reviewers indicated that Paramount alters the tour slightly depending on the season, ensuring a nice variety of topics and locations to cover no matter when you decide to buy a ticket.

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY: DISNEY BACKSTAGE

You had to figure that Disney was going to be a little more expensive, but the actual cost of this week-long experience might shock you.

To be fair, the package includes meals and accommodation at both the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

This Disney backstage adventure includes a tour of the Walt Disney Studios & Archives, an Imagineering tour, a Hollywood walking tour, and a tour of the Jim Henson Company.

Most of these tours are only available via this week-long package. The entire itinerary takes six days to complete, and it will keep you busy with plenty of fun activities from start to finish. 

  • $4,999 for Adults | $4,749 for Children
  • Availability: 2-4 times per month
  • Duration: 6 days
  • Hotel accommodation included
  • 11 Meals included
  • VIP Disneyland ticket included

As you can probably imagine, the testimonials for this experience are quite positive ( read reviews here ).

Some guests even noted that they made friends with their tour guides and continue to stay in touch with them to this very day.

Additionally, customers also appreciated the opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes areas that bring the history of Walt Disney to life.

One visitor even suggested that this trip allowed them to become kids again as they explored secret and wonderful locations at the happiest place on earth.

COMBO DEALS

If you're looking for a better price on these tours and other activities in Hollywood, you might want to consider one of the following combo packages.

Studios like Warner Bros. and Universal often work with tour companies to provide their services at lower prices.

There are several options to mull over, and almost all of them provide additional tours and services.

If you plan on spending more than one day in Hollywood, these combo deals are definitely worth a look.

GO CITY LOS ANGELES ALL-INCLUSIVE PASS

There's a reason that this is one of the premier attraction passes in Los Angeles.

In addition to offering access to a variety of notable locations, they also provide admission to some studio tours.

In particular, you can enjoy the Universal Studios tour, the Warner Bros. Studio tour and (sometimes) the Sony Pictures Studio tour with one version of this pass or another.

The Warner Bros. Studio tour is currently only offered with their Explorer Pass, and you'll need to purchase at least a 3-Day All-Inclusive pass to get admission to the Universal Studios tour .

Given that this tourist pass also supplies tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm, it's fair to say that the Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass could be a real bargain.

  • $109 for 1-day pass
  • $164 for 2-day pass
  • $284 for 3-day pass
  • $344 for 4-day pass
  • $374 for 5-day pass
  • $434 for 7-day pass
  • $99 for 2 choices
  • $119 for 3 choices
  • $144 for 4 choices
  • $154 for 5 choices
  • $189 for 7 choices
  • This attraction pass is available every day of the week
  • Includes up to 3 movie studio tours

Read our post comparing the different tourist attraction passes available in Los Angeles.

TRANSPORTATION COMBO PACKAGES

If you're looking for transportation to and from each movie studio tour, the following services are available.

The advantage of these combo deals is that you won't have to pay for parking, gas, or car rental in order to visit each location.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included with each package.

Take your time and enjoy the studio tour without having to worry about anything else!

  • Not currently available as of January 2024

Universal Studio Tours Sign

CELEBRITY HOMES TOUR COMBO PACKAGES

These combo deals provide both a celebrity home tour and a movie studio tour.

Each option includes transportation not only around Hollywood but also to and from the studios.

While some of these services use a mini-bus, others drive you around town in a luxury sedan or an SUV.

Each company offers both hotel pickup and drop-off.

Expect these outings to last for between 6-8 hours on average.

  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Movie Star Homes Tour (Starline Tours) - $119/Adults | $99/Children
  • Alternatively, we offer our own self-guided celebrity homes tour .

This might be a good way to save even more money if you don't mind doing a bit of driving around Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we provide the details of what each tour offers, costs, and other information, here you can see what members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook have to say.

There are plenty of fans of the Warner Brothers tour.

best studio tour los angeles area

And some enjoyed Paramount as well.

best studio tour los angeles area

If you have to choose only one, between Warners or Paramount, these members’ insight may help.

best studio tour los angeles area

Universal Studios received mixed reviews. Some people felt it was a waste of time and money.

best studio tour los angeles area

On the other hand, Issa had a fantastic time, so much so that she wrote a very long post detailing her time there and how to make the most of your visit.

best studio tour los angeles area

Take a look at our Los Angeles Travel Tips group for more recommendations, opinions and advice.

You don't need to join to read comments, but if you do join you can post a question regarding the studios!

los angeles travel tips

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Top 5 Studio Tours in Los Angeles

best studio tour los angeles area

The new year is here, and we’re all about bringing you the best things to do in LA, whether you are homegrown and live here full time, or if you have friends and family visiting and would love to show all that our beautiful city has to offer. One of the best ways to gain insider access to Hollywood’s glitz and glamour is through studio tours. The four major studio tours in LA provide a chance to get up close and personal with celebrities and production teams as they create movie magic and TV history. You’ll also get to go deeper into some of the classic films and see just how imaginative and resourceful studios can be when it comes to getting the perfect sound, visuals and storyline. If you’re lucky, you also may see a dreamy movie star or TV actor buzzing by you in their golf cart on their way to set. Here are four of the main studio tours in LA, plus an extra special behind the scenes tour of what is widely considered the happiest place on earth. 

Pro Tip: The studio tours can fill up quite quickly, so be sure to get your tickets in advance. Also, each studio lot has their own parking procedures and some are cash only, so be sure to have that information on hand before you go. Finally, the studio tours can vary in both price and time, and you can follow our guide below to get clear on which experience is right for you! 

best studio tour los angeles area

photo by: Warner Bros Studio Tour

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Location: Burbank 

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is our first pick for many reasons. First, from the time you enter the parking garage to the time your tram takes off on the lot, you are given movie star treatment. We love that although the tour can be quite large in the number of attendees, it feels like your own private experience with only 10-12 guests at a time on the tour. The Warner Bros. Tour has a great mix of both driving by numerous outdoor sets and sound stages and ample opportunity to wander around on your own. At just under three hours, this tour was the longest one we went on, and we still were left with wanting more. Our highlights included the new Storytelling Showcase highlighting nearly 100 years of Warner Bros. The new grand finale delights fans of the DC Universe and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts with recreated sets, authentic props, costumes, and memorable photo opportunities. Gilmore Girls fans will also delight in getting to walk around some very familiar scenes, and there are some great photo ops at ‘Central Perk’ and in front of the iconic Friends fountain! For the fashion lover, you can marvel at some of the original costumes and outfits worn by stars like Lady Gaga in A Star is Born and the cast of Crazy Rich Asians.  Get tickets here !

  Bonus: A fter you work up an appetite walking around the studio, head to The Smokehouse in Burbank for a martini, steak, or just to admire the many old Hollywood stars that frequented the joint. Legend has it that The Smokehouse was also George Clooney’s go-to restaurant for many years while filming ER. 

best studio tour los angeles area

Photo by Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Tour

Location: Universal Studios, Universal City 

This tour is SO much fun and packs so much within the 60 minute run time. The studio tour is included with park admission, so you can spend the whole day going on rides and then hop on the tour for a nice relaxing break. Comedian and The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon makes a (pre-recorded) appearance as you get to travel throughout one of the world’s biggest TV and movie production lots. We loved the exclusive behind the scenes look of the Jupiter’s Claim set on Jordan Peele’s latest horror movie, NOPE. We don’t want to give away all the twists and turns on the ride, but let’s just say there are some jaw dropping moments that will leave you quaking with delight. 

best studio tour los angeles area

Photo By Time Out

Paramount Studios Tour 

Location: Hollywood 

If you’re a movie buff looking for a classic Hollywood tour, look no further than the Paramount Studios Tour. From seeing the original Forrest Gump bench to the “little New York” city, Paramount has a large part in Hollywood’s history and future. Make sure to download their Paramount Studio Tour app, as it provides a fun extra bonus to see how the props in front of you were actually used in their respective movies. We loved the insider glimpse into Hollywood’s top TV shows like I Love Lucy and films like the original King Kong. Paramount Pictures offers three different studio tours, and while their main tour is just about 2 hours long and covers much ground, the VIP also offers some extra perks including a gourmet lunch. 

best studio tour los angeles area

Photo By Sony Pictures Studios

Sony Pictures Tour

Location: Culver City

The Sony Pictures Tour is our choice for when you’re in the mood to explore on foot, as this two-hour guided walking tour gives you the close up experience of a working studio. Create some great Vision Board pics by holding an Oscar and an Emmy Award, and visit sound stages once used for giant films like The Wizard of Oz, Men in Black and Spider-Man . Swing by smash-hit games shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune . Our favorite was the scoring stage and we left having a deeper appreciation for the labor intensive process of making a movie and all the integral parts within production from start to finish.

best studio tour los angeles area

Photo by Disneyland

Adventures By Disney Backstage Tour 

Neighborhood: Hollywood and Disneyland, CA 

Okay, we’ve done the movie thing and now we’re ready to celebrate in the land of the Magic Castle and Mickey! If you really want to go big with plenty of activities and a week long excursion of fun and magic, the Disney Backstage Adventure is six fun-filled days long days and includes a tour of Walt Disney Studios & Archives, a Hollywood walking tour, and tour of Jim Henson Company. The tour is on the lux side coming in just over $4000 per ticket for adults, but it also includes a bevy of amenities including coverage for most of your meals over 6 days, a VIP Disneyland ticket with your own private Disney Adventure guide, and hotel accommodation at both the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel and Spa.

Whatever tour you choose, we wish you a wonderful experience and have a feeling it will make you fall in love with La-La Land a little bit more. 

Here are more activities to do in LA and they’re F-R-E-E!

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Guide to Los Angeles' Studio Tours

 Universal Studios

Going on a studio tour in Los Angeles is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of your favorite TV and movie sets. As a tourgoer, you'll get to see some of the most iconic backdrops in town, from Monica's apartment on "Friends" to the RV from "Breaking Bad"—but access is limited and be aware that your favorite movie scenes might actually be just a bunch of warehouses full of lights, cables, and set pieces.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Warner Bros.' studio tour in Burbank entails both walking and riding in a cart around to working sets (although rarely are there any actors around). It's the most expensive of the studio tours, but that's because it's a bigger studio and it's also home to some of the most familiar stages like "Friends," "Big Bang Theory," the Harry Potter series, and more. There's even a working Central Perk Café on-site. The regular tour takes three hours and there's also a deluxe version that takes six hours.

Paramount Studio Tour

TripSavvy / Kayte Deioma

Two-hour cart tours of the studio behind the famous Paramount Arches are offered several times a day. Here, you'll see the Bronson Gate, the New York Street Backlot (which is designed to look like NYC), and the Prop Warehouse. You might recognize things from "Forrest Gump" and "I Love Lucy." The VIP Paramount Studio Tour includes a gourmet lunch and talks with archivists and last four hours, 30 minutes long.

Sony Pictures Studios Tour

Michael Kovac / Getty Images

The two-hour guided walking tour of Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City includes photo opportunities on the "Jeopardy" set and in front of the mobile meth lab from "Breaking Bad." Tours are offered four times a day Monday through Friday, but they can get very busy—probably because this is one of the cheapest studio tours in town—so it's recommended to make a reservation beforehand.

Universal Studios Tour

Universal Studios Tours are unique in that they're actually part of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park . You'll have to pay theme park prices to take the tram tour, which includes special effects sets so you get to experience earthquakes, floods, car crashes, "King Kong" in 3D, and a "Fast and the Furious" simulation along the way. You'll also get to see outdoor backlot sets that have been used in TV shows and famous movies like "Psycho" and "War of the Worlds." The route is ever-changing depending on which sets are in use.

Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio & Museum

Rick R.1 / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio in Newhall, north of Los Angeles, is a working set for everything from westerns to war movies. Its museum houses nine decades of movie memorabilia, including the famous "Dukes of Hazard" car. Tours of the 22-acre lot are only available for groups, but if you come in April, you might be able to attend the annual Cowboy Festival  (that is if it doesn't get relocated due to filming).

Paramount Ranch

Patrick Slaven / Flickr CC By-NC 2.0

In addition to the Paramount Studio Tour, you can also visit Paramount Ranch , located in the Santa Monica Mountains. This old western movie set was built back in 1927 and operated for 25 years. After that, it changed hands numerous times, until the National Park Service finally took it over. It is still available for use as a film set or for weddings, but it's open to the public, so you can sometimes watch filming from afar. The ranch is a hub for surrounding hiking and equestrian trails. Best of all, it's free to visit. 

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.st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} SMS Main navigation Things to Do Attractions & Tours Arts & Culture Outdoors & Wellness Shopping Budget Family Hidden Gems Luxury Pet-Friendly Eat & Drink Bars Clubs Dine LA Restaurant Week Restaurants Business Spotlight Find Events Itineraries Where to Stay Celebrate LA Heritage AAPI Heritage Black LA Latino Heritage LGBTQ+ Tourist Information Meetings About LA Tourism Travel Trade Membership Business Spotlight Media Research Careers Today's must read Hidden Gems of Los Angeles Log in Search Search Things to Do Attractions & Tours Go Behind the Scenes at the Best Studio Tours in LA by Discover Los Angeles   Mar 6, 2024 The World-Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood  |  Photo:  Yuri Hasegawa Share Been There Login Register My Next Trip Login Register Studio Tours Television & Motion Picture Studios Arts and Culture 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.

Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

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)

Soundstage at the Sony Pictures Studio Tour

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

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  • Things to Do

4 Best Studio Tours in Los Angeles

  • July 31, 2021

One of the best things about visiting Los Angeles is randomly seeing some of your favorite stars as you visit that popular restaurants or mall, but rarely, does stars like to go where they will draw a crowd.

So, the next best way to learn connect to some of your favorite shows or movies is to a studio tour.

These tours showcase some of how these amazing shows and movies are made by bringing you on set, displaying actual outfits used by big stars in popular classics, realistic cities built to look like you’re in New York and much more.

As a local, I find them surprisingly fun and I always leave gaining a bit more appreciation for all the efforts those in the entertainment industry go to give me a memorable experience.

Here are 4 of the best and well know studio tour in Los Angeles

1. Warner Bros Tour

Sights on the Warner Bros Studio tour: Warner Bros tower

Website:   https://www.wbstudiotour.com/

Address: 3400 Warner Blvd, Burbank, CA 91505

Public Transportation: Take the Metro Rail Red Line to the Universal/ Studio City station , then take the Metro bus 155 to Warner Bros studio

What to see on the Warner Bros Tour: Central Perk Cafe

The Warner Bros studio tour is offers one of the most popular studio tours in Los Angeles.

With a combination of guided and self-guide tour, guests are given a brief history of the Warner Bros studio through the many popular projects it has produced or has been a part of.

Guest can sign up for one of three tours below.

Studio Tour

This tour begins with a 1 hour guided tram ride around the Warner Bros lot where some of the most popular shows and films are actually filmed!

You may see the set of Pretty Little Liars, Big Bang Theory, Ellen, etc.

The guide will explain how realistic sets are created and their purposes.

After guided portion of the tour, guests are allowed to take as much time as they want to experience the fun and interactive exhibit of Warner Bros’s Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, and DC Comics.

There are many photo opportunities available including: at Central Perk Café (the famous fictional café where the cast of Friends often hang out) and a red-carpet event where you have an Oscar.

You also outsize your friend with optical illusion and camera magic and pretend you’re a hobbit from the Lord of the Ring, and much more.

I highly recommend this fun and informative tour where you’ll gain a new appreciation for all the work it takes to bring a movie or show together!

Sightings on the Warner Bros Studio tour: DC Comics exhibit

Classic Tour

This classics-themed tour focuses on Warner Bros’s Golden Age of Film and TV, featuring award-winning titles that shot on the iconic backlot from the early days of the Studio through the 1970’s.

Deluxe Tour

The deluxe tour includes the Studio Tour plus visits to the Costume Department and the Property Department.

This tour is the for the ultimate visitor who wants to know everything it takes to make a show or a TV, from costumes, sets to construction.

The six-hour tour includes a gourmet lunch in Warner Bro’s commissary, a fine dining room.

2. Universal Studio Park studio tour ride

Sightings on Universal Studio's studio tour: the arches

Website:   https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Public transportation: Take the Metro Rail Red Line to the Universal/ Studio City station

Located inside the Universal Studios theme park, this 1-hour studio tour is actually a tram ride that show some of the sets used in films and TV shows.

Universal Studios tour is on a tram

The ride also includes a 3D simulation of an action movie which you, the guest, will be a part of!

This tour is great for families with young children, because it’s quick and fun.

No extensive walking because the conductor of the ride, tram cart, and tour guide will do all of the work to make sure you’re having fun!

Plus, your admission ticket includes Universal Studios many other popular rides like Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Transformers: The Ride-3D, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem, and much more!

3. Paramount Pictures studio tour

Sightings at Paramount Pictures studio tour: famous Paramount Pictures

Website: http://www.paramountstudiotour.com/studio-tours.html

Address: 5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Public Transportation: Take the Metro Rail Red Line to the Hollywood/Vine station , then take the Hollywood/Wilshire Dash bus to Melrose/Beachwood stop .

One of the last studio still operating in Hollywood, the Paramount Picture studio tour offers a fun and intimate two hour guided tour in small groups of between 6-8 people.

The tour is part tram ride and part walking.

Guests get to learn about Paramount’s long history including where Lucille Ball live during the filming of “I love Lucy.”

Plus, guests get to learn some interesting fact about the filming of the “Godfathers” and “Indiana Jones.”

You’ll also be visiting iconic locations like the Bronson Gate, New York Street Backlot, and the Prop Warehouse.

You will learn how Paramount’s 105-year legacy influenced Hollywood and the subsequent entertainment industry.

The VIP tour package offers a 4.5 hours tour with access to private areas of the Studio operations including Special Effects, Sign Shop, Prop Warehouse, and Sound Stages.

Guests will receive a hands-on look at props and set items from past productions.

The VIP Tour ticket holder will also be introduced to the people and places who work behind the scene to bring a show or movie together.

The morning tour will include a gourmet lunch in an exclusive location, complimentary parking, personalized souvenir photo, and 15% discount at the souvenir shop.

4. Sony Pictures studio tour

Sightings at Sony Studio tour: Sony Pictures Entertainment arches

Website: https://www.sonypicturesstudiostours.com/

Address: 10202 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Public Transportation: Take the Metro Rail Expo Line to the Culver City Station , then take the Metro 33 bus to Venice/Overland .

This is a two-hour studio tour that showcase of Sony’s biggest hits like: The Wizard of Oz,” “Men in Black,” “Seinfeld” and “Spider-Man.”

You’ll see the set of popular games shows: “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.”

You’ll see the newly built Studio Museum which describe Sony’s history and a good-size collection of costumes and memorabilia.

Parking is free which a big plus in Los Angeles!

The Sony VIP tour comes with a three-hour tour with a three-course meal from Wolfgang Puck included at the Sony Commissary Dining room.

The VIP tour also has a limit size of 5 people to keep the tour personable and intimate.

At the end of the tour, you will receive a souvenir photo and employee discount on all merchandise in the Sony Studio Store.

In addition, free valet parking is offered for those with a VIP tour package.

Watch CBS News

Best Studio Tours In Los Angeles

February 25, 2018 / 5:00 PM PST / KCAL News

Final Water Tower warner bro brothers studio tour

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood 3400 Riverside Dr. Burbank, CA 91522 (818) 972-8687 www.wbstudiotour.com

Stop by Warner Brothers Studios in Burbank where guests will be treated to one of the best studio tours. Featuring behind the scenes news, visits to sound stages, sets and black lot streets, it's one tour you won't want to miss. This is home to TV shows such as "Friends," "Gilmore Girls" and "Big Bang Theory." Harry Potter fans will be delighted to visit the Warner Brothers Museum as one floor is dedicated to the popular movie. Explore outdoor sets and soundstages used to create productions and more! Each tour includes access to original props and costumes, picture cares and sets used from "Batman" to "Friends". Studio tour guests will stop at the DC Universe - DC Comics Exhibit, the real Central Perk Friends set, original Batman Museum - Batmobile Collection, and much more!

sony pictures

Sony Pictures Studio Tours 10202 W Washington Blvd. Culver City, CA 90232 (310) 244-4000 www.sonypicturesstudiostours.com

Formerly MGM Studios, this walking tour treats visitors to where the Yellow Brick Road wrapped through Munchkinland. The two-hour guided walking tour will give you the real experience of a working studio. Visit soundstages that once were home to films like "The Wizard of Oz," "Men in Black" and "Spider-Man." Swing by smash-hit games shows "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune." Maybe you'll even catch a glimpse of a celebrity! Tours run from Monday to Friday at 9:30am, 10:30am, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Reservations are required.

paramount pictures

Paramount Studios Tour 5555 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038 (323) 956-8398 www.paramountstudiotour.com

Get an intimate behind the scenes view of Hollywood! Visitors can choose between the Studio Tour, the VIP Tour or the After Dark Tour. The 2 hour Studio Tour will let visitors get a look at Hollywood's original movie studio, discover the rich history of the new Tour Center and Prop Warehouse, and explore locations like the New York backlot, Bronson Gate, soundstages and more! Or, opt for the VIP Tour, which is a true behind the scenes insider experience where guests will get access to Paramount's archives, the backlot and special effects studios. Meet archivists during this 4 1/2 hour tour and backlot tradesman and get a private gourmet lunch in the afternoon. The After Dark Tour provides exclusive access to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, and offers a look at the nocturnal side of Paramount!

The set of the Stephen Spielberg film

Universal Studio Hollywood Tour 100 Universal City Plaza Los Angeles, CA 91608 (800) 864-8377 www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Go behind the scenes of a real working movie studio with this world famous studio tour! This one hour tour will have guests visiting 13 city blocks on four acres of a historic studio lot. Laugh along with comedian Jimmy Fallon, the video host the Studio Tour, and more!

Related: Guide To Universal Studios Hollywood

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Warner Brothers Studio Tour + Tips

best studio tour los angeles area

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Are you looking for the best studio tour in Los Angeles? TV and movie lovers won’t want to miss the Warner Brothers Studio tour! I’ve done it twice over the decades and loved it both times. The WB Studio tour keeps adding experiences and features to make it more fun, engaging and interactive.

After reading this Warner Brothers Studio tour review, you’ll have all the tips you need to make the most of your experience – including how to snag a Warner Brothers Studio tour discount !

Warner Brothers Studio tour information

best studio tour los angeles area

The Warner Brothers Studio Tour Hollywood takes place on the backlot of the famed WB Studio in Burbank, California. It borders Griffith Park and is just 3 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood .

The basic Studio Tour includes about 1 hour touring the back lot with a live guide in a cart along with as much self-paced time exploring exhibits as you want. During the guided portion of the tour you’ll see some of Warner Brothers’ most famous sets like “New York City”, Fuller House , The Big Bang Theory , Friends and more. Guests even visit an active sound stage where current shows are filmed!

best studio tour los angeles area

In the photo above from 2011, you can see the set “dressed” as Bluebell, Alabama for Hart of Dixie . It’s amazing to notice the small details that must be added and removed every time an area of the massive backlot is repurposed!

We learned so much about the different types of sets, how lighting needs are met, ways to turn residential Burbank into a remote island jungle and more. If you’re paying attention to the details, the tour is incredibly informative. You really do get to go behind the scenes, exactly as advertised.

best studio tour los angeles area

In recent years, Warner Brothers has fleshed out the tour to include tons of fun interactive experiences. You can check out the latest Batmobile, design your own costumes, get sorted into your Hogwarts house and so much more! Warner Brothers Studio suggests to allow about two hours for these exhibits and that matched our experience.

During your visit you’ll ride two carts: the first is your main studio tour from the arrival to the Stage 48 exhibits, and the second is (mostly) transportation from Stage 48 back to the building where you started. I like this set up because you really can set your own pace in the interactive areas. Stage 48 has the Central Perk Cafe, restrooms, several popular TV sets and a very cool interactive soundstage. This is where you get to learn how so many costumes, special effects and computer animated characters are created!

Once you’re ready to leave Stage 48, your second cart makes a brief stop for photo ops at the “Friends fountain” for anyone who wants to do it – though plenty of people forgo it because they’ve already been on the tour for around two hours at that point. Surprisingly, the “couch” is made of fiberglass so it’s hard as a rock and can be blazing hot as it sits in the LA sun.

best studio tour los angeles area

The final stop on the Warner Bros Studio Tour is a brand new set of exhibits designed to connect WB Studios with younger generations. There are huge areas dedicated to DC Super Heros and Super Villains and to Harry Potter. We spent most of our time in the HP section, which is an official “Wizarding World” location. There are so many fun things to do! Visitors can practice casting spells, pose in iconic scenes and more. It’s a great warm-up to visiting Universal Studios.

If you feel like you’ll want even more behind-the-scenes than the hour with your tour guide, check out the Studio Tour Plus. It includes an extra hour with your guide plus lunch at Central Perk and some other bonuses. This is for true movie and TV buffs!

Is the Warner Brothers Studio worth taking?

best studio tour los angeles area

Absolutely! I’ve taken this tour twice and enjoyed it even more the second time. There’s something in the WB Studios tour for everyone, whether it’s the opportunity to connect with your favorite TV shows and movies or to nerd out on all the cool special effects. We even got to hold a real Oscar!

What you won’t find here are rides and attractions that are typically in a theme park. This is a tour of one of the busiest studios in the world rather than a stand-alone tourist experience. As long as you go into it understanding what to expect, you’ll have a phenomenal time.

Warner Brothers Studio tour tips

best studio tour los angeles area

How to score at Warner Brothers Studio tour discount

There are a few excellent ways to get a discount on the Warner Brothers Studio tour.

SoCal resident discount

If you live in Southern California, the simplest way to get a discount is to book resident tickets. You don’t need a Warner Brothers Studio tour coupon, but you will need to show proof of residency when you check in. A resident can buy up to 6 tickets, so this is a great option if you have family and friends visiting from out of town. Note that this deal isn’t available during the winter holidays or summer break.

That said, the SoCal resident discount is NOT my favorite way to get discounted tickets for the Warner Brothers Studio tour…

Undercover Tourist Warner Brothers Studio tour tickets

The Undercover Tourist tickets to Warner Brothers Studio is just $1 more for adults but it’s $6 cheaper per child! The huge advantage is that you can use the tickets even during peak dates like summer break. I’ve used Undercover Tourist for tickets in the past and there was never a hiccup; they’re a legitimate travel agency focused on theme parks and other attractions in SoCal and Orlando.

Even better, if you buy your WB Studio Tour tickets and book your rental car at the same time you can save up to 50% off of your car! I’ve done it myself for other tickets and saved hundreds of dollars.

GoCity Los Angeles attractions pass

The GoCity Los Angeles attractions pass is a great way to save money if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing in LA. They offer two options, which both include the WB Studios tour: Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass. I’ll explain the difference.

The GoCity Los Angeles Explorer Pass allows you to choose how many attractions you want to visit in a 60 day period. This can be a great option for both visitors and locals! You select between 2 and 7 activities you want to do. The more you do, the more you save. If you really want to explore the city, you could opt for 7 attractions for $163 per adult/$119 per child. In addition to WB Studios, you can check out great options like the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, get a behind-the-scenes tour of SoFi Stadium , see the new King Tut immersive experience, go whale watching and plenty more.

If you’re tight on time but want to do a lot, the GoCity Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass lets you cram in the best activities within a short amount of time. Pick the number of days you plan to use the Pass and on each day you can do as many activities as you want! You have 14 days to use your All-Inclusive Pass, so you don’t have to use the days consecutively. The All-Inclusive option can be a really great value, especially for theme park lovers: Passes of at least three days include Universal Studios Hollywood , and all durations include LEGOland, Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain (in addition to plenty of other activities). You can even cap off an evening with a dining credit at The Curious Palate (which I love) on the roof of Santa Monica Place!

When’s the best time to take the Warner Brothers Studio tour?

best studio tour los angeles area

If you can, try to schedule your tour of Warner Brothers Studios for a weekday. You’ll see the lot buzzing with activity and might even see some of your favorite celebs! Weekends (as seen above) and holiday periods are much quieter, as there’s rarely filming. Even Hollywood types get time off.

The specific time you’ve booked your tour isn’t critical. Try to arrive around that time but tours run pretty much continuously from 9am to 3:30pm most days. We weren’t able to secure tickets for as early in the day as we preferred, but when we arrived 30 minutes early the attendants told us to go right in. You’ll spend the first part of your visit on your own exploring the engaging exhibit about the Studio’s history anyway.

Obviously if you’ve booked the last tour of the day, show up on time – or early!

What age should kids be for the Warner Brothers Studio tour?

best studio tour los angeles area

The minimum age for the Warner Brothers Studio tour is 5 years old.

That said, I wouldn’t bother bringing kids until they’ve started getting into live action movies unless they’re really interested in special effects. They won’t connect with the sets and story telling as much as older kids and adults so they might get bored.

We took our kids at 8 and 11, and they had already watched all of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts movies plus several super hero movies. It was great for them, but probably wouldn’t have been even a year earlier.

If you plan to do the Warner Brothers Studio tour with kids, be sure that they’re able to sit calmly and in the open-air cart as it zips around the back lot. There are lap belts for all passengers.

Can you take photos and videos on the Warner Brothers Studio tour?

best studio tour los angeles area

You can’t take videos on the tour at all. You can take photos on most of the tour except when you’re touring the sound stage that’s currently being used for production (even if no one’s working in it that day).

Best places to stay near Warner Brothers Studio tour

The Garland

Just a mile away from Universal Studios in North Hollywood is  The Garland . I’m already looking at rooms for our family’s next trip back to Los Angeles!

Inside the mission-style building, you’ll find a beautiful blending of SoCal craftsman architecture with Mid-Century Modern design touches. For larger crews, this hotel offers quite a few different room types including standard queen-queen rooms, rooms with junior bunk beds in alcoves for early bed times, and even family suites with bunk beds. And for pet owners, The Garland is a pet-friendly hotel in Los Angeles!

If you don’t want to rent a car while you’re in Los Angeles, The Garland is a great option. They have a free trolley shuttle to CityWalk at Universal Studios, as well as to the Red Line (now called “B”) metro station nearby. That metro line will get you to all of the major sites in Hollywood as well as Downtown LA. To get to the Warner Brothers Studio tour, hop on the orange #222 and then walk a few blocks from the Hollywood Way stop – you’ll be there in about 15 minutes.

The Garland

There are also on-site activities available to keep you busy when you aren’t out exploring. There’s a lovely pool and a family jacuzzi, plus a rotating calendar of activities that includes lawn games, local food pop ups, guided tours and hikes in the area and more. It all comes together to make one of the best places to stay in LA with kids!

Pro tip: If you do rent a car, head 5 minutes north to the NoHo Arts District and grab some amazing tacos or ceviche at newcomer Xécora.

How to get to Warner Brothers Studio tour + parking

The Warner Brothers Studio is located in Burbank just off the 134 freeway near Riverside Drive. The tour has its own entrance that is separate from the “working” studio gates , and you’ll be able to find the tour in your favorite navigation app. The entrance is at 3400 Warner Blvd.

If there’s one thing I can’t stand about LA, it’s making captive, money-spending audiences pay for parking. But that’s the way this city goes. The Warner Brothers Studio tour parking cost is $15 per vehicle, payable by credit card when you enter.

Planning on a car-free trip to LA? There are several bus lines that run pretty close to the Warner Brothers Studio tour entrance. The orange metro #222 picks up just in front of The Garland and drops you off at Hollywood Way/Alameda – total transit time for walking and the bus is just over 15 minutes. Visitors staying at the Sheraton Universal City will need to allow 25 minutes to walk and catch the orange #155.

For those staying outside of the immediate area and avoiding a rental car, you’ll probably want to snag an Uber. There are additional transit options (including the Metro Red line) but they’ll take a least 40 minutes each way.

Keep exploring LA

best studio tour los angeles area

After you’ve wrapped up your WB Studios tour in LA, check out these other fun things to do in Los Angeles:

  • Fun Things To Do In Los Angeles With Kids (A Local Mom’s Guide)
  • 7 Things to Do in Downtown Los Angeles
  • Best Activities to Do Near SoFi Stadium

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Los Angeles Movie Studio Tours

by DayTrippen

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Los Angeles Movie Studio Tours

Los Angeles is home to several major motion picture studios, including Universal Studios, Paramount Pictures, and Warner Brothers Studios. Along with producing films and television shows, these studios offer public tours. Guests get a behind-the-scenes look of a real working studio and may even spot a celebrity.

Universal Studios Hollywood Tours

Universal Studios Hollywood Tours

Universal Studios Hollywood is the most famous Hollywood movie studio tour. Hop on a tram and take a 45-minute trip around the back lot of the studios, including a few surprises along the way. Travel down Wisteria Lane and see the War of the Worlds set. Set your eyes on King Kong’s famous Skull Island and duck for dear life as Jaws tries to take down your tram.

Universal Studios backlot tour gives you a chance to see how Hollywood legends come alive.  The studio tour is one of the main attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood and is led by a live guide. The time gives an informative look at the sights and scenes of the studio.

Lines can be long for this attraction, so you must arrive early and take the movie tour first. Universal Studios backlot tour includes the price of admission.

Warner Brothers Studio Tours

Warner Brothers Studio

Warner Brothers Studio Tour lasts about two and a half hours. Guests ride on a golf cart that takes you through the back lots, sound stages, sets, and craft shops, all part of filmmaking.

View the set of a television show and watch the crew set up for filming. Visitors can also peek at millions of Warner Brothers Studio prop department items.

Your expert tour guide will take you to the locations of many of the film and television’s most memorable moments. You begin your trip through the backlot through Midwest Street’s town square to Hennesy Street’s urban exteriors, then to the Jungle lagoon.

Walk on the set of a hit show and visit its costume and prop departments while browsing the collection of costumes, props, locations, and correspondence in the Warner Bros. Museum. See Stage 16- the tallest sound stage in the nation. You can even have your photo taken in front of the backdrop of your favorite WB movie moment.

Paramount Pictures Studio Tours

Paramount Pictures Studio Tours

Paramount Pictures Studio Tour is a guided, 2-hour, historical and informational look behind the scenes of the operations of a major motion picture and television facility. Your guide will give an up-close tour of the functional elements of one of the nation’s largest operating film studios.

On your tour, you will see numerous back lots and scenic areas and walk down streets designed to look like New York City and Chicago, complete with original design features and fire escapes. The New York City backlot has been created on a 5-acre site and recreates eight distinct areas of the city.

Check out other architectural structures, grassy parks, and facades that make up the backdrops for many of the movies you’ve loved over the years, and you might have even believed they were filmed outside the gates of the studios. Feel like part of the magic with the Hollywood sign in the background.

Sony Pictures Studio Tours

Sony Pictures Studio

Each Paramount tour is different; tour guides take the time to point out the sights and scenes most interesting to you. And there is always the chance for a celebrity encounter.

Sony Pictures Studio Tours are available by reservation Monday through Friday. Sony Pictures is a walking tour that gives you a glimpse of old Hollywood’s glory days and an insider’s view of a state-of-the-art motion picture studio—filled with movies and television. And commercial productions on any given day, you never know what- or who- will be just around the corner.

Sony Pictures is located at 10202 West Washington Boulevard in Culver City. Reservations for the Sony Pictures Studio tour must be made in advance. 310-244-8687

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Studio Tours in Los Angeles

Four major studios spread around town sell daily tours for visitors. On all but Universal Studios' tours, you will usually be able to go onto the set of a show that is currently in production. For film buffs, our favorites are the last two. Universal Studios  in Universal City offers daily 1-hour tram tours of its studio lot as part of the general admission price to the amusement park, which is open from 9am to 7pm in the summer and from 10am to 6pm in the winter. Bonus: You'll get to see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter as part of your ticket. www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Sony Pictures  in Culver City also does tours, but its lot has gone through several owners, so you'll see little of the old MGM days an more about the current Sony franchises. Book via www.sonypicturesstudiostours.com .

The last two have the most intact history on display. Paramount  in Hollywood does tours that combine walking with golf cart transportation. Book via Paramount Studio Tour ( www.paramountstudiotour.com ).

Warner Bros . in Burbank has tours of its backlot and soundstages conducted on small-group golf carts. The entire experience takes three hours and should be pre-booked via  www.wbstudiotour.com .

The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank does not regularly open to the public, but Adventures By Disney often includes tours into expensive 5-day vacation packages that also include time at Disneyland Resort. 

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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5 Best Studio Tours for Families in Los Angeles

best studio tour los angeles area

September 21, 2019

Los Angeles is known as the center of the entertainment industry , and for good reason: the most famous television and movie studios in the world are located here. These five studio tours are the best the area has to offer—read: the opportunity to tour sets ( Friends, Psycho and The Wizard of Oz), learn   behind-the-scenes info and see stars in action!—and are great not only for visitors to Los Angeles  but also for natives. Come on, who wouldn't love the chance to come face to face with Jaws or wave a wand alongside Harry, Ron and Hermione? Native or not, you're going to want to add these five studio tours in Los Angeles to your bucket list.

1. Warner Brothers Studios

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Burbank, CA Warner Brothers Studio tour guides take visitors behind-the-scenes at this iconic TV and motion picture studio. Tour the backlots, which have been the exterior sets for films and TV shows like Casablanca , Batman , Gilmore Girls and Friends . You can even "experience" the sets of famous Warner Bros. entities like Friends ' Central Perk, Big Bang Theory 's Apt 4A, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a very special DC Universe: The Exhibit ! You'll also get to see soundstages where current shows like Young Sheldon  and Ellen are filming—and if you're lucky, you might see one of the stars. 

Cost : Adults $72, children (ages 8-12) $62

2. Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Studio Tour 10000 W Washington Blvd Culver City, CA Guests on the Sony Pictures Tour get a behind-the-scenes look at a studio that's been around for nearly 100 years. The walking tour makes stops at soundstages where iconic films like The Wizard of Oz and Spiderman were filmed, plus stages where current game shows like Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune are still filming. You might get a peek at the set from The Goldbergs , and everyone will get a glimpse of Sony's many Best Picture Oscars. Finally, the tour wouldn't be complete without walking under the studio's 94-foot tall rainbow.

Cost : $50 per person, ages 12 and up

3. Paramount Studios

Paramount Pictures 5555 Melrose Ave LA, CA Paramount Pictures began in 1912 and has been responsible for films like The Ten Commandments , Breakfast at Tiffany's and Titanic . Visitors will ride around the lot in a cart driven by their tour guide, and they'll visit sound stages, the backlot and iconic Hollywood landmarks (including the famous "New York street" set). Paramount is also the home of current TV shows, so keep your eyes open for stars. The tour begins and ends in the Studio store, allowing guests to buy snacks at the beginning and souvenirs at the end. Smart. 

Cost : $60 for the studio tour (ages 10 and up), $99 for the After Dark tour (ages 16 and up), $189 for the VIP tour (aged 10 and up)

4. Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood 100 Universal City Plaza Los Angeles, CA Universal Studios' "world-famous" studio tour is one of the main attractions inside the Universal Studios Hollywood Theme Park. And for good reason: this tour delivers. Universal Studios is the largest working movie studio in the country, and there's always something being filmed there. Jimmy Fallon introduces tour-related clips on the tram's HD monitors, while a live tour guide narrates the tour and answers any questions the group has. Tour highlights include experiencing the plane crash from War of the Worlds, catching up with Norman Bates at the Bates Hotel, coming face to face with Jaws and a grand finale of living  Fast and Furious: Supercharged ! The best part? After the tour, your family can enjoy the rest of the park!

Cost : $109-139 for a one-day ticket, $179-279 for a Universal Express ticket, from $349 for a VIP Experience ticket

5. Adventures by Disney Hollywood and Disneyland Tour

The granddaddy of all the studio tours, this six-day/five-night tour is literally a vacation! Guests on the Backstage Magic Tour will get an experience like no other, with private tours of the El Capitan Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Jim Henson Company Studios, and Walt Disney Imagineering. The package also includes VIP Experience tickets to Disneyland and California Adventure, where guests will get behind-the-scenes tours.

Cost : From $3,199. Includes accommodations, ground transportation, theme park tickets, and most meals. No children under 4 permitted.

Looking for more fun things to do with your LA kid? Sign up for the Mommy Nearest newsletter ! 

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Santa Monica Pier

The best Los Angeles tours

Los Angeles tours like bike rides to Santa Monica bakeries and Arts District walks make it easy to see all of the city

Annalise Mantz

When you’re visiting a city as vast as Los Angeles, tours are the best way to explore as many neighborhoods as possible during a short time. Choose a sightseeing tour if you must hit all the big Los Angeles attractions or opt for a food tour to sample the best tacos in Los Angeles . Movie buffs will want to go behind-the-scenes at film studios, and who doesn’t want to feel the sand between your toes on the best beaches in L.A. ? Whatever Los Angeles experience you want to have during your trip, this list of the best Los Angeles tours has something for everyone.

An email you’ll actually love

Best Los Angeles tours

Grand city tour of los angeles.

This five-hour tour might very well be the most efficient way to see all the top L.A. attractions. Kick things off in Downtown with a visit to the Walt Disney Concert Hall before heading west to check out the Griffith Park Observatory and catch your first glimpse of the Hollywood Sign. Next, it’s off to Hollywood Boulevard to experience the Walk of Fame, Dolby Theatre and TCL Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. You’ll drive through Beverly Hills and loop back to the Original Farmers Market, where you’ll have time for lunch before heading back to your hotel. $75

Los Angeles Latin Food and Culture Small Group Walking Tour

Los Angeles Latin Food and Culture Small Group Walking Tour

It’s impossible to separate the culture of the city from the culture of the Latin-American residents who call it home. Venture into East L.A. and Boyle Heights and you’ll find the best tamales, incredible mercados and joyful mariachi bands. This tour uses the Metro Gold Line to hit spots all over East L.A., from the first tortilla factory in the city to a bakery that keeps at-risk youth of the streets. And don’t worry: There will be plenty of tastings along the way. $75

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ Laurie Avocado

Movie Locations Bus Tour

Movie Locations Bus Tour

It’s only fitting that a tour of Los Angeles’s most famous movie locations would depart from TCL Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, a big-screen landmark in its own right. The three-hour tour crisscrosses the city to take you past more than 50 iconic filming locations from movies like The Graduate, Spider-Man and Chinatown . A 65-inch TV on the bus will play relevant clips as you zoom by each spot, in case you need to jog your memory. $60

Photograph:  Courtesy CC/Flickr/ Christian Haugen

Santa Monica Sweet Spots Bike Tour

Santa Monica Sweet Spots Bike Tour

Ice cream and truffles and lemon bars, oh my! Taste test some of Santa Monica’s most popular sweets on this dessert tour by bike. The tastings vary from tour to tour, but favorites include fudge brownies and authentic Mexican pastries. You’ll spy the Third Street Promenade and some of the city’s wealthiest streets as you pedal along. $89

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

See how movie magic happens with a behind-the-scenes tour at Warner Bros. Studios. Film geeks will love the chance to get an inside look at the production process, from the sound stages to the prop department. The tour ends with your chance to try on the Sorting Hat from J.K. Rowling’s beloved Harry Potter franchise and sit on the Central Perk couch where the Friends gang drank so many cups of coffee. $104

Neon Cruise

Neon Cruise

  • Art and design

Talk about Instagram bait. The Museum of Neon Art’s popular Neon Cruise drives you past countless examples of L.A.’s illuminated electric art at night. Feast your eyes on the restored facade of Clifton’s Cafeteria, the marquee of the Los Angeles Theatre, the multicolored sign for the Frolic Room and many more neon novelty pieces. $55

South Bay Brewery Tour

South Bay Brewery Tour

  • Things to do
  • Walks and tours

The craft beer scene in Los Angeles has exploded in recent years, and nowhere is that more apparent than the South Bay. El Segundo, Torrance and Redondo Beach each boast a bevy of popular craft breweries like Smog City Brewing Co., Three Weavers Brewing Co. and Phantom Carriage Brewery. Visit three of the best and enjoy a flight of four testers at each location on a guided LA Beer Hop tour of the area. The best part? Your tour guide serves as an automatic designated driver. $69

Philip Mershon’s Felix in Hollywood Tour

Philip Mershon’s Felix in Hollywood Tour

Forget the star tours and flashy tourist traps: This tour of Hollywood looks past all the superficial attractions to get to the heart of the entertainment industry. Local historian Philip Mershon describes the origin stories of all the major film studios, record companies and television networks with such gusto that you might feel like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s a fascinating journey for anyone interested in the business of Hollywood. $40

Arts District Walking Tour

Arts District Walking Tour

Craft breweries, hip restaurants, art galleries and vibrant murals abound in the Arts District, a neighborhood on the eastern edge of Downtown that’s known for its cool vibe. Spend two hours walking the streets of this trendy nabe to experience the art that made it so famous for yourself. The tour also includes a visit to ArtShare LA, the city’s largest private art warehouse. $22

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ Passion Leica

Los Angeles Taco Tour by Bike

Los Angeles Taco Tour by Bike

If Los Angeles had an official dish, it would be the taco. Locals know that some of the best come from sidewalk stands or taco truck parked outside strip malls. Navigate the streets of Downtown to sample some of the most beloved al pastor and carne asada tacos on this two-hour bike tour. $100

Photograph: Courtesy CC/Flickr/ T.Tseng

Looking for more tours in L.A.?

11 L.A. tours worth going on with a date

11 L.A. tours worth going on with a date

Instead of meeting for drinks or seeing a forgettable movie, take someone special on one of these L.A. tours worth going on with a date.

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The 13 Best Los Angeles Tours

Maximize your time in Los Angeles with the insider tips and historical context provided by the best local tours.

Best Los Angeles Tours

Courtesy of Bikes and Hikes LA

At more than 465 square miles, Los Angeles defies easy exploration. Even those who dream of touring the city's top attractions in a sporty convertible may be discouraged by the city's notorious traffic congestion and tough parking rules. To enjoy that stress-free, laid-back vacation California is famous for, choose an easy, efficient guided tour. Using both traveler sentiment and expert opinion, U.S. News selected some of the top tours in Los Angeles whose entertaining introduction to the city will engage intrepid explorers, first-time visitors and local residents alike.

Bikes and Hikes LA – Hollywood Sign Hike

Price: From $29 Duration: 3 hours

Summit Mount Hollywood on this hiking trip. You'll see Griffith Park and the Forest Lawn Mausoleum as well as the world-famous Hollywood sign and panoramic vistas of the city. Be ready for a workout: You'll hike approximately 4 miles round-trip. Reviewers say the tour is excellent and the guides provide lots of history during the hike.

Tours are offered daily year-round and depart at 8:45 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. The company also offers a shorter version of this hike and several bike tours of LA.

Check prices & availability on:

Open Bus Tours – Movie Star Home Tour

Price: From $35 Duration: 2 hours

Open Bus Tours whisks you through Hollywood and Beverly Hills in an open-top van to show you the places where the rich and famous play. The guide will point out landmarks associated with past and current celebrities, contemporary sports figures and YouTube stars, plus drive past famous movie studios and filming locations, if available. You can snap photos of mansions, the Hollywood sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip, the Dolby Theatre and more. Visitors say they like leaving the LA driving to fun, knowledgeable guides who entertain them with gossip. Others emphasize that this is more of a sightseeing tour and wish that they saw more celebrity homes.

The tours are available from Thursday to Monday; there are four departures each day. The company also offers private tours.

Big Bus Tours Los Angeles – TMZ Celebrity Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $49 Duration: 2 hours

Gossip, secrets and buzz-worthy names are the focus of this popular Hollywood Celebrity Hot Spot Tour from Big Bus Tours Los Angeles and TMZ, the famous celebrity news website. The guided bus outing departs several times daily from Hollywood and makes no stops. Instead, the entertaining guides show video clips, share stories, do giveaways and play games. Recent tour-takers who love celebrity gossip and pop culture offer very positive reviews of the outing, while some complain about not seeing any celebrities during their tour.

Tours depart multiple times daily. TMZ also runs a Hollywood Selfie Tour, which shuttles tourgoers to the best photo spots.

ExperienceFirst – Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour: True Crime, Creepy Tales

Price: Adults from $39; kids from $35 Duration: 2 hours

This ghost tour not only covers paranormal activity in Hollywood, but also delves into LA's crime history. You'll learn about serial killers who traumatized the city as well as the infamous Manson family murders. Among the locations you'll visit are the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel and the Hollywood Pantages Theatre. Reviewers say the tour is excellent and that guides are wonderful storytellers.

Trips depart at 6 p.m. nightly. ExperienceFirst also operates guided hikes to the Hollywood sign, among others.

Best Los Angeles Tours

Courtesy of A Day in LA

A Day in LA Tours – LA City Tour

Price: Adults from $99; kids from $89 Duration: 7.5 hours

Cruise from Venice Beach to Griffith Park and everywhere in between on this tour. Tourgoers will hop on an air-conditioned bus that's equipped with device charging ports and cruise in comfort to areas like Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica. First-time visitors to LA rave about how much you see in one day despite the city's famous traffic. Others appreciate spending about 40 minutes at each attraction so they could explore and take photos.

Trips depart daily around 8 a.m. A Day in LA Tours offers hotel pickup from Los Angeles area hotels for an additional fee. You can also take this tour from Anaheim.

Six Taste – Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour

Price: From $85 Duration: 4 hours

On this Downtown LA walking tour by Six Taste, visitors will sample signature dishes from five eateries while learning more about the history of downtown and the city's diverse cultures. Tastings may include pupusas, pizza, chicken mole and gelato. The company partners with more than 100 restaurants, so these tastings may change. Locals and visitors alike rave about the Six Taste guides and their selection of hard-to-find stands and shops, as well as the delicious food.

Downtown tours run on Saturdays and Sundays only at 11 a.m. The tour is vegetarian friendly. Some dietary accommodations can be made as long as you notify the company at least 72 hours in advance. Other popular Six Taste tours explore Santa Monica and the Arts District.

Malibu Wine Hikes – Malibu Wine Hike & Trail Tour

Price: From $49 Duration: 2 hours

California wine is a must-try for oenophiles, but you won't need to venture to Napa, Sonoma or Santa Barbara to sample some vino. Approximately 30 miles west of LA you'll find Malibu, a well-known beach town and home to Malibu Wine Hikes. On its 2.5-mile wine tour, you'll explore Saddlerock Ranch and its incomparable beauty, including the property's grape vines. Guides will tell you about the varietals the ranch grows and you'll get to taste the wine it produces. Visitors say they had a great time and are particularly wowed by the scenery.

Keep in mind this hike isn't accessible and strollers and wagons are not allowed. Tours depart Wednesday through Monday. Times can vary by day, but you can generally expect tours in the late morning and mid-afternoon. Malibu Wine Hikes also offers a popular tour in a four-wheel drive vehicle.

Sunset Ranch Hollywood – Mulholland Trail Tour

Price: From $75 Duration: 1 hour

Hop on a trusted steed and explore Griffith Park with Sunset Ranch. As you ride through the park, you'll see the Hollywood Sign, the Pacific and LA vistas. Tour-takers say that the guides are friendly and knowledgeable; the ride is a great option for beginners. They also rave about the views from the trail. While children are welcome, they must be at least 8 years old to ride; they company doesn't allow double riders.

You'll want to book your tour online in advance to secure a spot. Tours depart hourly from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you want a longer ride, consider the two-hour Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour.

Best Los Angeles Tours

Courtesy of Architecture Tours L.A.

Architecture Tours L.A. – Silver Lake

Price: From $80 Duration: 2-3 hours

Architecture buffs and design professionals should book ahead for this tour of the Silver Lake neighborhood. For up to three hours, you'll view midcentury modern and contemporary homes by master architects Richard Neutra, Rudolph Schindler, John Lautner and other notables. Architectural historian and author Laura Massino Smith is your expert guide as she chauffeurs you through the neighborhood via van. Tour-takers appreciate Smith's insider access to homes designed by master architects that would otherwise be impossible to find or view up close.

Tours run daily around 10 a.m. and are given by reservation only. You can get tickets by contacting the company directly and you must have at least two people to book. Architecture Tours L.A. hosts a variety of other tours through Los Angeles neighborhoods, such as Hancock Park/Miracle Mile and West Hollywood/Beverly Hills.

Sidewalk Food Tours of Los Angeles – Downtown LA Food Tour

Price: Adults from $89; kids from $75 Duration: 3 hours

This vegetarian-friendly food tour of downtown Los Angeles appeals to travelers interested in the neighborhood's history and ethnically diverse culinary scene. You'll make six food stops that could include doughnuts, French pastry, Mexican tacos and Asian fusion. You'll also walk through Grand Central Market and see sights like the Biltmore Los Angeles, a luxury hotel, and the Million Dollar Theatre. Visitors rave about the knowledgeable guides and appreciate finding restaurants to return to, while locals enjoy learning about downtown and the city's hidden gem restaurants.

Expect to walk or stand the entire tour and bring a full water bottle. Tours run at 11 a.m. Friday through Monday. Many stops can accommodate gluten-free, vegan and dairy-free diets. Sidewalk Food Tours also offers a West Hollywood Food Tour and private food tours.

Surf City Tours – The Perfect Malibu Tour

Price: Adults from $85; kids from $70 Duration: 5.5 hours

See the homes of the rich and famous – with a side of spectacular ocean scenery – during this tour. Surf City Tours whisks you through Malibu to see the homes of celebrities like Lady Gaga and Cher as well as historic sites and filming locations. It also includes an hourlong stop so you can explore the beach on your own. Travelers say the tour is a must-do and appreciate the guides' enthusiasm and historical knowledge.

Tours depart at 9:30 a.m. daily. You must bring a car seat for all children 8 and younger. Tours depart from the company's location in Santa Monica. The company also runs a surfing trip and a Hollywood tour.

Universal Studios Studio Tour

Price: Included with park admission Duration: 1 hour

Movie fans will get a thrill out of Universal Studios' Studio Tour, a theme park attraction that moves tram riders around the studio backlot. Jimmy Fallon serves as your video tour guide who introduces short clips that serve to enhance the narration from your in-person guide. During the tram ride, you'll encounter the Jupiter's Claim set from "Nope," the shark from "Jaws" and other key props. Interactive experiences include watching a 3D King Kong battle a T. rex and racing alongside stars from "The Fast and the Furious" movie franchise. Both experiences are favorites of reviewers who especially enjoy the special effects. Some tour-takers feel that it is more of another theme park ride than a tour.

The backlot tours leave throughout the day. Tours are included with the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park ticket, which starts at $109 per person for one-day general admission. The park offers multiple shows and rides featuring famous animals, cartoon characters and blockbuster hits.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Price: Adults from $70; kids from $60 Duration: 3 hours

Spend time with friends, scientists and wizards during the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. For one hour of the experience, a guide will drive you around the backlots of the studio while they tell you about the company's history and how they produce films and shows. The remainder of the the tour is self-guided. Tour-takers can explore sets from "Friends" and "The Big Bang Theory," see numerous costumes and props (including items from the DC Universe and "Fantastic Beasts") and grab a bite to eat or a souvenir at the cafe and shop. Tourgoers rave about this tour, calling it an absolute must for movie fans.

Tours are available daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. You must select a specific time slot when you book. You can upgrade your experience to a Plus or Deluxe tour, which include longer guided tours and meals.

You may also be interested in:

  • Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
  • Best Los Angeles Hotels
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  • Best California Tours
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Tags: Tours , Los Angeles , Vacations , Travel , California Vacations , US Vacations , U.S. West Vacations

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The Best Hollywood Tours To Take On Your Next Trip To LA

view of Hollywood at sunset

Los Angeles is a popular destination for anyone hoping to hit it big in Hollywood and countless people relocate there every year to follow their dreams. But the home of the rich and famous is also targeted by travelers looking to visit and soak in all Hollywood has to offer temporarily. Millions of people visit here each month and, as such, there are plenty of tours available for those who want to experience as much of the area as they can while learning about film studios, the lives of celebrities, and the long history of Hollywood. 

Because there are so many tours happening in Hollywood, it can be hard for visitors to narrow down their search or choose which experience best suits them and their needs. We've compiled a list of some of the very best tours available in the city and by comparing them with your particular interests and what you expect out of a trip to Hollywood, you should be able to find the perfect match to elevate your Hollywood stay.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour

There are four major Hollywood studios that give popular studio tours, and though they have their similarities, they all have their individual strengths too. Depending on what kind of films and TV shows you are into, you may want to opt for another studio, but the Warner Brothers Studio Tour has a particularly impressive range of productions and franchises that have been released under its studio. Fans of the "Harry Potter" and DC Superheroes franchises as well as the cult classic series "Friends" will enjoy the tour in particular, as those shows and films are the focus of the tour. Warner Brothers Studio not only has props and memorabilia from these popular productions but there are also entire sets for some of these shows.

The Warner Brothers Studio is huge and you could spend all day there, but the tour only last about three hours with one hour guided by a knowledgeable employee and the other two unguided, leaving you free to roam and explore what areas you are most interested in. If you just don't think that's enough time and are particularly interested in how films get made, you can opt for a six-hour tour that includes lunch and a special behind-the-scenes look at how the film magic works. You'll also get to visit the property house, where a massive collection of film props live.

The Perfect Los Angeles Bus Tour by Surf City Tours

If you are looking for a long and in-depth tour of both Hollywood and the surrounding Los Angeles area, then the Perfect Los Angeles Bus Tour should be on your radar. The tour is almost an all-day event, taking about five and a half hours and covering both Hollywood and parts of Los Angeles, starting at Santa Monica Pier. On this tour, you'll take in some of the highlights of other tours and combine them into one extensive overview of the area. For travelers who don't want to commit such a big chunk of time out of their vacation, a shorter version of the tour is offered and focuses just on Hollywood.

While the tour does not do a deep dive into any one area, it does leave tour-goers with an hour at both the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Original Farmer's Market, both locations being a historic part of the area and ripe with shopping opportunities. Participants will also get views of the Hollywood sign and some celebrity homes, giving visitors a well-rounded tourist experience that includes all the iconic LA stops.

Terrors of Tinseltown Tour by US Ghost Adventures

Cities like Salem, Savannah, and New Orleans are famous for ghost tours  and are known as some of the most haunted cities in the country, but Los Angeles has its own fair share of ghosts, too. Hollywood in particular is one pretty haunted district of Los Angeles, and there are even movie sets and films themselves that are said to have been haunted.

If you don't mind being on your feet for over an hour, the Terrors of Tinseltown tour by U.S. Ghost Adventures is a great way to see all of Hollywood's creepiest and most haunted locations. The tour stops at several sites that have been known to have paranormal happenings all in under a mile's worth of street, and some of the spooky sites even have tales of eye-witnesses to really hit home on how Hollywood's past is littered with chilling experiences.

The tour, of course, travels Hollywood Boulevard after the sun has already set, and takes visitors through the stories of some of the most iconically spooky buildings in the area, like TCL Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The haunted destinations seem even more foreboding at night, so this tour is not for the faint of heart.

Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour by Sunset Ranch Hollywood

There are numerous ways to see the famous Hollywood sign that has been documented in countless Hollywood-set films and can be seen from a good portion of the Los Angeles area. While you can certainly take off on foot by yourself and hike one of the many trails that lead to the sign, the Mt. Hollywood Trail Tour by Sunset Ranch offers the opportunity to see the sign via horseback. Not only is this a more relaxing and less exhausting way to see the Hollywood sign than hiking in Los Angeles , but it combines two pretty spectacular experiences into one and allows animal lovers to bond with their chosen steed.

There are actually two ways to see the sign on horseback, one during the day and one at sunset. While both of these tour options offer value to those who love the idea of touring via horse, the time you choose to visit the sign will result in a completely different view. Taking a day tour will give you a clear picture of not only the Hollywood sign but the cityscape below. If you instead opt for a sunset ride up Mt. Hollywood, you'll likely be heading up around golden hour and reaching the sign around sunset. This offers a great window of time to see Hollywood in a beautifully unique way, and you may even be able to catch the cityscape as everyone turns on their lights for nightfall.

True Crime, Creepy Tales by ExperienceFirst California

People love hearing about true crime, as is evident by all the podcasts and docuseries that are consumed regularly by the masses. It only makes sense that Hollywood, with its grisly and somewhat hidden past, would have a tour focused on some of the horrors that have happened there, both infamous and lesser known. The True Crime, Creepy Tales tour from ExperienceFrist California takes participants along Hollywood Boulevard to some well known ghost haunts, but they also focus on the stories of murder and death that have plagued the history of the place.

Tour-goers will learn about the Hollywood Ripper, an aspiring actor who killed two young women in their homes, as well as Charles Manson and his murderous cult. Other highlights of the tour include the Pantages Theater, where a number of ghosts (including Howard Hughes) reportedly hang out, and the Hollywood Sign, which has its fair share of dark tales in its own past.

This two-hour tour begins in the evening and goes past dark, so be prepared to have the cloak of night to aid in creating a spooky environment while learning about some of the most gruesome elements of Hollywood's past. You'll be traversing Hollywood Boulevard by foot for this tour, so be on the lookout for a famous ghost or two as you make your way between destinations.

Old Hollywood Walking Tour by April's Old Hollywood

History buffs and fans of the classic, old-school Hollywood should buckle up, because this one is definitely for you! Hollywood has seen quite a few transformations over the years, but the ghost of the '10s and '20s is one that sticks around because plenty of people still consider it to be the golden age of Hollywood. April's Old Hollywood tour is guided by April herself, who is a Hollywood historian and has been celebrated for her knowledge about the popular destination's times gone by. She also offers virtual tours and a cocktail hour, so you don't even need to physically travel to Hollywood to be transported back to the time of old movie stars.

April takes her tour group on a journey that may only cover five blocks of Hollywood but also transports participants back in time to the very beginning of Tinseltown. A vision of the past, April teaches groups about many of Hollywood's firsts while dressed in vintage fashion. For ultimate fun and to embrace the tour in full, you are more than welcome to dress the part too!

Hollywood Homes Self Drive Tour by Action Tour Guide

If you're the type of film and TV fan who wants to get up close and personal to some of the biggest celebrities who reside in Hollywood, then a celebrity homes tour is something to consider. It's important to remember that celebrities are real people, though, and a constant stream of tour buses gawking at your home may not be the most fun way to live. For that reason, we have included a self-guided Hollywood home tour that is a little more discreet in nature and is hopefully more ethical and respectful to the residents of the area you'll be exploring.

While you won't have the voice of a tour guide blasting over a megaphone to inform you of which house is home to your favorite A-lister or the history of each celebrity home on Rodeo Drive, you will have a more peaceful and low-key tour where you can go at your own pace. The self-guided tour does have information available about each celebrity house, though, so you will not be foregoing a knowledgeable guide by taking your own car.

Keanu Reeves, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Elton John are just a few of the many celebrities whose homes are available to find and see for yourself. If you have your own or a rented vehicle while visiting Los Angeles, this self-driven celebrity tour should be on your radar if you are all interested in seeing where the rich and famous like to rest their heads.

Neon Night Walks by Museum of Neon Art

Los Angeles' Museum of Neon Art in Glendale puts on a night walking tour that takes participants to a number of districts, including Hollywood, in order to admire the architecture and the many neon lights that color the night of Los Angeles. The Neon Night Walks are a more accessible version of the museum's Neon Cruise, which takes place at least twice a month during the summer months. There is also a digital version of the tour for those who want to enjoy the art of neon and its history from the comfort of their own home.

The Neon Night Walks are unlike any other tour in the area, and although it doesn't focus entirely on Hollywood, it is certainly a tour you should take if you are visiting the area. Participants are guided throughout LA to spots where neon is both heavily used and used on historic signs and buildings. A highlight of the tour is Chinatown, where red neon lights are plentiful.

Classic Convertible Tours by Classic Experiences

If you are looking for a private tour that takes in everything Hollywood has to offer with a whole lot of class, seeing the city from the inside of a '70s convertible sure fits the bill. While it's one of the most expensive tours on the list, it might be the most comfortable. Not only will the guide pick you up anywhere in the area to begin your tour, but the drive consists of over three hours of exploring all over the city and seeing popular sights that could not be fit into a walking tour or if you are relying on public transportation during your trip.

Where other tours usually take 15 to 20 people in one booking, a convertible tour is much more intimate with just the guide in the driver's seat and your small party along for the ride. You'll have the freedom to ask as many questions as you want without it hindering the schedule or the other tour-goers' experience and you'll be traveling in style with an air of luxury for at least three hours. The classic convertible tour also sets aside time to have a meal by the ocean or at one of Los Angeles' esteemed cafes. If you're looking for a stress-free tour that allows you to enjoy the day with a few friends or your family, this is a great option to consider.

Free Tours By Foot Hollywood Tour

For travelers who would like to see Hollywood via tour and don't have a huge vacation budget, Free Tours By Foot's Hollywood Tour is a fantastic option, as they have a collection of trusted and affordable tours in many cities throughout the world. While you do still need to book a spot on the tour and it is headed by a knowledgeable guide, the tour is pay-what-you-can or name-your-own-price. If you can afford it, the company suggests that you price the tour on what you think it is worth and based on its value, but it is a great option for travelers who don't have much extra to give.

You'll see and learn about a number of famous Hollywood landmarks on this tour, and the history and beginning of Hollywood is a focus as well, with the Chinese Theater and Capitol Records Building both being prominent landmarks that the tour will cover. Over the course of a couple hours, guests will walk around two miles learning the ins and outs of the district, so participants should have their walking shoes ready.

Hollywood Tour by Bikes and Hikes LA Tours

There is no lack of walking and bus tours in Los Angeles, but even if you are just keeping it to the district of Hollywood, walking can be tedious. Bus tours may not offer the same level of intimacy and detail you may be looking for while exploring Hollywood. If both of these ideas are true for you or if you just like biking, taking an electric bike throughout Hollywood might just allow the perfect tour vibe for you.

While the bike tour only lasts about three hours, participants will travel around 12 miles before the day is done. Seeing this much of the area in so little time makes the Hollywood by Bikes tour ideal for travelers only staying in Los Angeles for a long weekend , or those explorers who want to become familiar with the area quickly.

The tour hits all the typical spots that tourists love to go to in Hollywood like the Walk of Fame, but your guide will also show you filming locations and will take you to the Hollywood Forever cemetery. Once inside the cemetery, you can find some of your favorite dearly departed celebrities, like Judy Garland or Mickey Rooney.

Self-guided tours at the Hollywood Walk of Fame

A lot of Hollywood-centric tours and even tours that include a larger area of Los Angeles will take you to the Hollywood Walk of Fame — it's a vital part of Hollywood and is a huge attraction for good reason. If you are really interested in spending some time here, though, it's worth going on a self-guided tour. The Hollywood Walk of Fame's official website has a directory of where all the stars are, so if you have a list of stars you'd like to visit, you can find them relatively easily. The site also has the history of each specific star, and there are stars on the Walk of Fame that date as far back as 1960.

A lot of people seem to think that to get through all of the stars and enjoy the area naturally, you would need around at least two hours, but could easily spend up to four or five. There are not many Hollywood tours, if any, that would allow for this kind of time. The stars are stretched over 18 city blocks near other points of interest, like iconic theaters, museums, and places to shop. You could spend a good part of a day leisurely exploring the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and it's a great way to explore that part of the district.

How student housing around USC is transforming a historic Black and Latino neighborhood

Brightly colored red and white apartments surrounded by homes, with a city skyline in the distance

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Only a year ago the little gray and yellow house on 35th Place was nestled among similar early 20th century homes interspersed with a few postwar apartments.

Today it is flanked on one side by two four-story buildings and on the other by three buildings under construction.

Scenes like that are playing out on almost every block in the neighborhood west of the USC campus. A building boom is transforming a historic Black and Latino neighborhood into a village of modern student housing, unchecked by planning constraints that were enacted more than a decade ago specifically to hold off such a boom.

Similar development occurs over large portions of South Los Angeles where small firms have learned to max out the area’s underutilized multi-family zones that allow much more density than the single-family zones that are the bedrock of the city’s suburbs.

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But nowhere are the buildings as large, or the transformation occurring faster, than in the mile radius around USC. The drastic change is raising concerns that working-class families are being displaced — either lured by cash offers that aren’t enough to buy housing elsewhere or forced from affordable rentals — to be replaced by a well-to-do transitory population.

“I’m most concerned that new housing is being created for temporary residents at the expense of housing for permanent residents, multi-generational residents, people who are committed to the neighborhood,” said Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson, who is pushing for tighter planning restrictions he hopes will slow the pace.

But the neighborhood immediately west of USC, from Vermont Avenue to Western Avenue, may have crossed the tipping point where it is too late to slow the development.

Two people carrying bags cross a residential street.

“I feel like the horse has left the barn in some ways,” said Cynthia Strathmann, executive director of Strategic Actions for a Just Economy , a nonprofit that researches and promotes housing policies to benefit low-income Angelenos.

“It’s not surprising,” Strathmann said. “SAJE has been talking to USC about development around USC for the last 20 years, sort of knowing that this was coming based on some of the signs we’ve been seeing for a long time.”

The transformation is moving so swiftly that almost any random block has construction in progress on one or two lots, a recently completed building or two and a boarded-up house with a demolition notice posted on a construction fence.

SAJE has surveyed one block of 36th Place three times, in 1999, 2009 and last year, working with students of USC sociology professor Leland Saito .

“Even between 1999 and 2009 you were already seeing this massive displacement of community members,” Strathmann said. Last year’s survey found only one person living on the block who was not a student.

Saito, who lives in a small white house at the corner of 37th Drive and South Catalina Avenue, said he feels caught up in forces beyond his control, as both a victim of the gentrification around him — with his street being overrun by tall buildings—and a gentrifier himself. He bought his house in 2008 on the salary of a university professor.

LOS ANGELES-CA-, 2023: Pedro Villegas, 61, is photographed in his Los Angeles apartment on Vin Scully Avenue where he lives with his family, on April 19, 2023. The residents of two apartment complexes on Vin Scully Avenue have been offered cash for keys and have refused the offer. (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

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A combination of an aging homeowner population and the growing number of university students searching for housing has attracted a handful of determined developers whose agents walk door-to-door soliciting homeowners to sell.

A Neighborhood Stabilization Ordinance adopted in 2008 was designed to preserve the low-density character of the working-class neighborhood in the shadow of L.A. County’s largest private employer.

But loopholes in the planning law have allowed developers to build up to four stories, in most cases by-right, meaning they require no planning review.

“It seems to me they have a room full of people trying to find loopholes in the city’s building permit process,” Harris-Dawson said.

What they found was a way around the limit on habitable rooms. If one is a combination kitchen/living room, the rest can be bedrooms. For students, four small ones will do.

A stroll down one block of 35th Place is like viewing a time lapse of a long-stable neighborhood caught in sudden flux.

After 46 years in his house near Normandie Avenue, Glen Flowers has sold it for $1.1 million and is planning to relocate to his native Belize.

A man in a T-shirt and baseball cap stands in front of an orange and white house.

The house next door, which recently sold, is boarded up and growing waist-high weeds in its front yard. A four-story apartment building towers over Flowers’ back yard.

He stays in touch with some former neighbors who sold out earlier.

“They’ve moved out to the valleys and stuff like that,” he said. “I think there’s only one, two, three, four, five permanents on this block anymore.”

One neighbor sold his home early in the gentrification process for $800,000 and regrets it , he said.

“You know, I talked to him lately. He was sorry, because the money he got for his house, he wasn’t able to buy another house. And he spent that money and he’s in trouble.”

For those remaining, noise, dust and road blockages are common complaints.

Renters, too, find the change unsettling.

Vanisa Vacarro, a renter, said the neighborhood is a predominantly Belizean community . She lives in her apartment with her two young children. She said she’s concerned about increased rent prices but doesn’t feel pressure from her landlord to leave the building.

A woman with two small children stands on a sidewalk.

Vacarro lives in a 1970s two-story apartment. Though she has not seen any indication the owner would sell, she still feels anxious about what would happen if she had to leave.

She recently was able to move into a two-bedroom unit, and she knows she would have to move her two children into a one-bedroom again if she is evicted.

Several homeowners interviewed by The Times were ambivalent on the issue of gentrification, weighing the loss of community against the increase in value and an intangible —their sense of security.

They said that security provided by USC has eliminated gangs, drug sales and other crimes that once plagued the neighborhood.

“We love what USC has done in terms of the development of community, things that were a little different 20, 30, 40 years ago,” said Donald Harrison, who lives in the back house on a lot across the street from Flowers.

“I’m sure it’s mixed emotions for a lot of people,” Harrison said. “For sure, we would all like to say, ‘Oh, the parking is bad.’ Yeah, that’s no different than it was 20 years ago. It was even worse, you know, with the gang violence and the drugs and all the other stuff that came along with it.”

Harrison said he may consider leaving one day, but not while his mother is still in the front house.

A man walks through a partially open driveway gate toward a house beyond.

“She’s 88 now, and we’re trying to let her live her glory days where she wants to live it, you know.”

Stephen Berkeley, a pool table repairman who lives behind his mother-in-law’s house in the middle of the block, also accepts the change as progress.

“I’m for progress, but then sometimes progress overshadows the memories of the neighborhood, you understand what I’m saying?” Berkeley said. “And we’re losing and somebody’s winning.”

Berkeley said his 99-year-old mother-in-law was born in the front house and plans to leave it to her grandchildren. He thinks they’ll sell, but he’s OK with that.

A man standing in front of a gated driveway points with one hand.

“I don’t want to stop anything,” he said.

Besides their disproportionate size, the new buildings rising in the neighborhood are set apart by their bright colors, splashy design features, sophisticated but small gardens and lots of bedrooms.

By stacking buildings two or three deep on a lot, each a duplex with up to three bedrooms, developers can place a dozen or more bedrooms where a modest wood-sided cottage once stood.

What distinguishes the new buildings most, in the eyes of critics, is that, despite the added density, they provide no replacement housing for the residents they displace.

Compared to the boxy, family-oriented duplexes rising in many parts of South Los Angeles, the developers here have created a housing model specifically aimed at students.

The small bedrooms, each with their own bathroom, are leased individually at rates ranging from the low $1,000s to more than $2,000 per bedroom.

They serve a market arising from the steady growth of USC’s enrollment, especially graduate students, coupled with the inability of the university to add more housing on its built-out campus.

The university provides housing for only a small fraction of its nearly 49,000 students. It guarantees housing for first- and second- year undergraduates in 7,200 beds in residence halls and leased off-campus apartments, including the 800-unit University Gateway Apartments on Figueroa Street. An additional 1,300 off-campus units are leased to graduate students and their families.

The private market has stepped into the gap. Over the years, many of the postwar apartment buildings scattered among the predominantly single-family homes west of the campus have entered the student market, advertising their availability with large banners bearing the cardinal and gold school colors.

In 2011, L.A. developer Geoffrey Palmer obtained city approval for Lorenzo, a 914-unit mixed-use development east of the 110 Freeway billed as an upscale student community.

Los Angeles, CA - December 11: University Park on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 in

1. The home of Glen Flowers in the 1300 block of 35th Place which he recently sold to developers is dwarfed by multi-story student-oriented development that is transforming the bungalow neighborhood west of USC. 2. New multi story developments in the 1300 block of 35th Place is changing the neighborhood as developers are building multi-story student-oriented buildings transforming the bungalow neighborhood west of USC. (Al Seib/For The Times)

Since Lorenzo opened, demand has continued to rise as enrollment grew by nearly 11,000, about 70% of whom are graduate students.

The university has no affiliation with private developers but it has acknowledged its role in the off-campus housing by partnering with the website Off Campus Housing 101 where community rentals are listed.

Around 2018, developer interest that was focused on the area immediately west of campus accelerated into a buying spree spreading to Western Avenue.

A Times analysis of L.A. County Assessor records shows that 24 properties were purchased by limited liability corporations that year in the area bounded by Vermont and Western avenues and Jefferson and Exposition boulevards. Purchases by LLCs, a precursor to development, steadily increased in subsequent years, totaling 274 parcels through 2022.

Los Angeles city building records show that 135 permits to construct duplexes and 10 for apartments have been issued in 2018 or later, and 191 demolition permits have been issued, indicating that more is yet to come. Of the new construction permits, 72 are for three-story buildings and 36 for four-story buildings.

Stacks of lumber sit next to a building under construction.

The effect is a dramatic reshaping of the neighborhood.

The Rev. Matt Keadle of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church has seen his congregation get smaller and smaller throughout the years as permanent residents have moved out of the neighborhood.

Keadle said one worshiper had lived in the area for decades before selling her home. She was a director of the church’s preschool and even cooked hot meals for those in need. When she moved out, Keadle said, a big-box building of student apartments replaced her home.

“It was just so emblematic of the change that we’ve seen. Students contribute to the neighborhood in different ways,” he said, “but it’s different from [someone] who has been here for generations.”

Keadle said he, along with other community organizations, have tried to collaborate with private developers in the past. However, the talks have broken down.

“We just couldn’t come to an agreement that we felt like was going to benefit everyone,” Keadle said. “We’ve certainly tried and we will continue to do so.”

Oscar Rodriguez, who enjoys afternoons on the veranda of his Craftsman house surrounded by flowering bougainvillea and manicured vines, jokes that the forlorn gray and yellow house across the street reminds him of the movie “Up,” with a tiny home stuck between massive buildings.

The only longtime neighbor he was close to sold their home recently after 38 years. Maybe one day he’ll do the same, but he still says no to the constant offers.

“Well, I think that I’m kind of settled down here, and I have no need to try to get in another adventure,” he said.

A man with a younger man smiles and waves as he stands in a partially open gate.

The construction on Rodriguez’s block is by-right, meaning it is consistent with the R1.5 zoning. Developers need only go to City Hall to file for a building permit.

The 2008 Neighborhood Preservation Overlay — additional zoning rules imposed on a specific area — imposed additional design standards that are nominally intended to protect the neighborhood’s character. In practice, they don’t.

Records obtained from the city Planning Department show that designs submitted for review are approved without comment.

In a 2020 motion asking the Planning Department for ideas to better protect the neighborhood, Harris-Dawson lamented that “community members and other civic stakeholders are seeking to understand why, despite the implementation of land use controls, there continues to be a loss of affordable housing and an overconcentration of student housing near the University Park/Expo Park community.”

The overlay requires a public hearing and approval by a zoning administrator for any dwelling with five or more habitable rooms per unit. With three or four bedrooms and a common living area, the student model doesn’t reach that standard.

The Harris-Dawson motion would tighten the standard to four habitable rooms. It is currently under review by the city attorney.

The developers who are turning the neighborhood upside down generally keep a low profile. They usually form separate LLCs for each property, masking their identities. A Times analysis of company mailing addresses identified dozens of small operators and 10 firms that owned five or more properties in the neighborhood.

The largest, Tripalink, has projects either completed or in progress on 23 parcels in the 43-block area and owns another 20 parcels. The company runs a shuttle bus service through the neighborhood to take students to campus.

Formed in 2016 by USC graduate Donghao Li, Tripalink now boasts 10,000 units under management including luxury apartments in downtown L.A., Koreatown, Philadelphia, Chicago and Seattle. The company’s website says it specializes in co-living apartments.

Harris-Dawson said his office receives complaints about noisy construction that starts early in the morning and blocks streets and sidewalks.

There are also complaints that developers, including Tripalink, have bought and demolished houses without obtaining city permits, thus avoiding review of rules that seek to preserve neighborhood character.

Li did not respond to multiple requests to speak with The Times.

Recently, an unexpected twist emerged when the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority leased a newly completed triplex west of Exposition Park to house 20 people being removed from street encampments through Mayor Karen Bass’ Inside Safe program.

It turns out that the student model of individual bedrooms with private bathrooms sharing common living areas is also a good match for formerly homeless people, said Kris Freed, whose consulting firm is working to sign up master leases for LAHSA.

People stand outside a three-story building.

Freed, who thinks the building boom may have oversaturated the student market, is negotiating with 12 developers of new buildings.

A potential windfall of badly needed housing for homeless people is viewed favorably by residents, neighborhood advocates and political leaders alike.

“That would be great if they started using it for homeless persons,” said Flowers, the homeowner who just sold out. “The population is growing by the day,”

But that wouldn’t solve the fundamental problem: displacement of longtime residents.

Frustrated by the ineffectiveness of past strategies, Harris-Dawson has introduced a new proposal that would require developers to notify tenants of their legal rights, deny future demolition permits to those found to have infringed tenant rights and give tenants a right to sue over violations of the zoning code.

A hearing before the council Planning and Land Use Management Committee has been postponed several times.

Regardless of the motion’s fate, Strathmann of SAJE thinks a broader approach is needed. Among other things, she said, displaced tenants should have an immediate right of return to housing somewhere else in the neighborhood, and builders should be required to create larger bedrooms.

“How about you replace it with the same size rooms, so families can live there,” she said.

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Los Angeles, CA - December 11: University Park on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023 in Los Angeles, CA. A group tours a new building at 1200 Leighton Ave that has been master-leased by LAHSA on behalf of LA City for Mayor Bass' Inside Safe program. Rapid multi-story student-oriented development is transforming the bungalow neighborhood west of USC. There is focus on two or three blocks between Exposition and Jefferson, Vermont and Western where three-to five-story buildings are recently completed or under construction in an area with long-term residents. The tour of a new building that has been master-leased by LAHSA is part of the gentrification of the neighborhood but also reflects the city's response to the shortage of affordable housing and the value-clash that is the underlying theme of the story. (Al Seib / For the Los Angeles Times)

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best studio tour los angeles area

Los Angeles Times senior writer Doug Smith scouts Los Angeles for the ragged edges where public policy meets real people, combining data analysis and gumshoe reporting to tell L.A. stories through his more than 50 years of experience covering the city.

best studio tour los angeles area

Angie Orellana Hernandez is a 2023-24 reporting fellow at the Los Angeles Times. She previously worked at The Times as an arts and entertainment intern. She graduated from USC, where she studied journalism and Spanish. Prior to joining The Times, she covered entertainment, as well as human interest, legal and crime stories at E! News. Her writing can also be found in USA Today, the Boston Globe, CNN and KCRA3.

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