What to do and see at Universal Studios in LA

There are so many things to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles. So, it’s better that you start early—especially when you have kids in tow. One day wasn’t even enough for someone like me who traveled solo. Maybe it was just me who took time to everything I saw or the fact that I didn’t really plan my day on what to do and see there.

What to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

If I had kids with me, it could have been different. There were so many things to do and see in such a short time. At the end of the day, I was soooooo exhausted that I decided to go back to my hostel to take a shower and rest—because I had other plans before midnight: hit the LA nighlife.

WHAT TO DO AND SEE AT
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS IN LOS ANGELES

The things below are what I did for the whole day. The events are not in particular order. 

1. Pose before you enter this gate. There’s the iconic revolving globe that bears the name of the entertainment capital of the world. 

Universal Studios Gate in Los Angeles.

2. After you enter the turnstile, admire these statues of filmakers doing their thing, “Lights! Camera! Action!”

“Lights! Camera! Action!”

3. Stroll the European Boulevard.

What to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

4. Sit outside at one of those cafes while people-watching.

What to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

5. Don’t miss the rides. Who would miss the The Simpsons Ride? 

What to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

6. The Mummy Ride was an adventure in itself.

What to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

7. And oh boy! The Transformer Ride was wicked cool.

This is a real Transformer walking / passing by—on its way for a shoot.

8. These minions are ready to pose with you before (or after) you take your Despicable Me Ride! 

Despicable Me Minions / What to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

9. Fancy some dinosaurs? Enter the Jurassic Park and cover yourself. You’re gonna get wet!

10. It’s fun inside this partyland! At least for the kids (at heart)! 🙂 

What to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

11. Whatever displays you see on the street, stop and read. This motorcycle was used in Brad Pitt’s [easyazon_link asin=”B002T9H2LA” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”pridecostume-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”yes”]INGLORIOUS BASTERDS[/easyazon_link].

What to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

12. And this car was used in Police Academy movies. 

Police Academy car on display at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

13. Never miss the live, action-packed performance of the [easyazon_link asin=”B002LFAHBE” locale=”US” new_window=”yes” nofollow=”default” tag=”pridecostume-20″ add_to_cart=”default” cloaking=”default” localization=”default” popups=”yes”]Waterworld[/easyazon_link]. Check the performance times right after you enter the gate. Ask for the brochure. Hint: Do not sit on the first rows if you don’t wanna get wet. 🙂

What to do and see at Universal Studios in LA.

14. Watch the Universal Studios Parade and see your favorite TV characters. Like, Sponge Bob Square Pants. 

Sponge Bob Square pants at Universal Studios Parade.

15. Shrek will give you a high five there! 

Shrek at the Universal Studios Parade.

16. Mickey and Minnie Mouse will be delighted to see you. 

17. Joker is all smiles at everyone he sees!

Joker at the Universal Studios (Los Angeles) Parade.

18.  Marilyn Monroe is alive and drives a cadillac! 

19. And oh, the Animal Actors are so adorable on stage! 

Animal Actors at Hollywood Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

20. You’ll find familiar animals you see in movies. Like this owl, Olympus, from Harry Potter. 

Olympus is the owl from Harry Potter movies.

21. If you’re an old soul, the Blues Brothers are ready to entertain you while waiting for other family members frolicking in the rides. 

Things to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

22. Because you’re in Universal Studios, watch and learn Movie Magic. 

Movie Magic at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

You will learn how movies are made with special effects. 

Movie Magic at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

See the difference between the people you see on stage and the ones you see on screen? 

23. Art is everywhere, too! 

What to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

24. Remember this trio from Apollo 13? And yes, that’s the Apollo 13 they used in the movie. 

What to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

25. KINGKONG is hungry! Or ready to photobomb you should you take a picture below him. 🙂 

What to do and see at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

26. At the end of the day, when you’re tired and hungry and thristy, check out Hard Rock Cafe. If you don’t have a budget for that, just look up to that reaaallllllllyyyyyy huge guitar! 🙂 

Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Studios in Los Angeles.

27. AND MOST OF ALL, do not skip the Universal Studios Tour. Why? See this post on why you shouldn’t skip it. 

Here’s my tip when visiting Hollywood
Universal Studios in Los Angeles: 

1. Buy your ticket online. It’s a bit cheaper.

2. Plan ahead. If you plan to watch live performances (I recommend the Waterworld and Movie Magic), make sure to know when and where.

3. Bring extra shirt/s. You might get wet when watching Waterworld or doing the Jurassic Park ride.

4. Join the Universal Studios Tour first trip in the morning. As soon as you enter the gate, ask and head right away to where the tour is. The first trip in the morning is almost empty. No long lines.

5. Go there early. You know what they say, “Early bird catches the worm.”