Universal CityWalk Tours

Universal CityWalk showing signage and street scenes as well as a small group of people
Universal CityWalk showing street scenes and signage as well as a large group of people
Universal CityWalk showing signage, rides and a fountain
Universal CityWalk showing rides, signage and a fountain
Universal CityWalk featuring rides and signage as well as a small group of people


During the day and night, places on both sides of this promenade on the way to Universal Studios Hollywood offer shopping, dining and entertainment.

A stroll through Universal CityWalk, leading to and from Universal Studios Hollywood, can extend the fun of a theme park visit, but this three-block dining and entertainment district is worth a trip for its own sake. Over 30 restaurants offer varied options for a quick snack or a filling meal. You’ll find everything from Brazilian steakhouse fare and grilled shrimp to sushi, hot dogs, pretzels and frozen yogurt along CityWalk. 

Satisfy your hunger and wander through the eclectic selection of stores along the promenade where clothing, shoes, accessories, cosmetics and souvenirs are available. At the Universal Studios Store, stock up on Universal logo apparel alongside paraphernalia related to your favorite movie franchises, such as Despicable Me at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

For entertainment, head to the palatial Universal Cinema, with 18 screens and a 7-story IMAX showing the latest blockbusters and occasional independent films. Visit on a Tuesday for a special ticket price for AMC Stubs members. 

In the evening, enjoy music at the Hard Rock Café or dance to dueling pianos at Howl at the Moon, although families should note that alcohol flows freely at this piano bar. 

At iFly, children and adults can experience the thrill of flight through indoor skydiving in a vertical wind tunnel, daily from late morning into the evening. 

Visit Universal CityWalk at night to get the full effect of its electric charm. Bright lights are the perfect backdrop for people-watching and enjoying the atmosphere. Children love to play in the colorful fountain display. During the holiday season, marvel at an enormous decorated Christmas tree that towers over the central plaza.

Take the Metro to the Universal City station and catch a free Universal Studios shuttle bus to Universal CityWalk. The shuttle runs 7 days a week and departs every 10 to 15 minutes, beginning early in the morning and continuing until 2 hours after the theme park closes. For those traveling by car or visiting at other times, ample parking is available for a fee, which is reduced with the purchase of a movie ticket at Universal Cinemas.

Browse tours and tickets to explore Universal CityWalk

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Reviews of Universal CityWalk

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
737
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
488
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
86
3 - Okay 7%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
3
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

This was fun to see - but basically a lot of places to drain your wallet. We only stopped at the sock shop.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Universal Studios Hollywood

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Get the unlimited express pass, no waits. It’s a no brainer

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Hostess at Dongpo was extremely rude when we asked for another area to sit. We were a party of 7 and she tried to make us sit at a table for 4. The restaurant was not busy and there were plenty of open tables. She rolled her eyes and began slamming down plates at another table causing other diners to watch what was unfolding. We thanked her, but she ignored us. Disgusted with her behavior, we walked out and went to another place to eat. Honestly, if it would have been an issue, she could have verbalized it. Most of the people in our group have worked in restaurants and understand the dynamics, so a simple explanation why would have been better than her rudeness.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Shuttle service from 8am to 10 pm.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The motel is by distance about 15 minutes from Universal, but with traffic, double the estimate if you want to arrive right when Universal opens.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Universal CityWalk

Sheraton Universal Hotel

Sheraton Universal Hotel

4 out of 5
333 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA
Sheraton Universal Hotel
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City

Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City

4 out of 5
555 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, CA
Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City
Loews Hollywood Hotel

Loews Hollywood Hotel

4 out of 5
1755 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Tilt Hotel Universal/Hollywood, an Ascend Collection Hotel

Tilt Hotel Universal/Hollywood, an Ascend Collection Hotel

2.5 out of 5
3241 Cahuenga Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
Tilt Hotel Universal/Hollywood, an Ascend Collection Hotel
BLVD Hotel and Studios Universal-Hollywood, an Ascend Collection Hotel

BLVD Hotel and Studios Universal-Hollywood, an Ascend Collection Hotel

3.5 out of 5
10730 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA
BLVD Hotel and Studios Universal-Hollywood, an Ascend Collection Hotel
Nite Inn - Walking Distance to Universal Studios Hollywood

Nite Inn - Walking Distance to Universal Studios Hollywood

2.5 out of 5
10612 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA
Nite Inn - Walking Distance to Universal Studios Hollywood
The Garland

The Garland

4.5 out of 5
4222 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA
The Garland
Bed and Breakfast in Hollywood Hills

Bed and Breakfast in Hollywood Hills

3 out of 5
Los Angeles
Bed and Breakfast in Hollywood Hills
The Tangerine - A Burbank Hotel

The Tangerine - A Burbank Hotel

2.5 out of 5
3901 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA
The Tangerine - A Burbank Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Universal CityWalk

Universal CityWalk offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and activities, making it a must-visit destination. Enjoy thrilling movie nights, explore unique shopping boutiques, and indulge in delicious dining options. With its proximity to Universal Studios, you can also experience the excitement of theme parks, live performances, and more. Whether you're looking for a fun night out or a relaxing getaway, Universal CityWalk has something for everyone.

Shopping

At Universal CityWalk, enjoy shopping at the Hollywood and Vine store, just 4.8km away. Nearby, The Grove and Farmers Market, both 6.4km away, offer a vibrant mix of entertainment and local goods. If you're up for a drive, explore the unique boutiques in the area.

Recreation

Experience relaxation at OC Skin Secrets Day Spa, just 1.6km from Universal CityWalk, offering rejuvenating body treatments in a serene environment. For a lively atmosphere, catch a game at Dodger Stadium or enjoy a concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, both 12.9km away.

Adventure

Experience the thrill at Racer's Edge Indoor Karting, located 6.4km from Universal CityWalk, where you can race against friends in a high-speed karting adventure. For a different kind of excitement, head to Burbank Tennis Center, also 6.4km away, offering energetic tennis matches in a vibrant atmosphere.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Universal CityWalk with a visit to the Dolby Theatre, offering romance and culture. Enjoy family-friendly entertainment at Griffith Observatory, or catch a film at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre, perfect for family outings and romantic evenings alike.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Universal CityWalk

While visiting Universal CityWalk in Universal City, California, immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with attractions like Universal Studios and Universal Hollywood. Explore the bustling streets, enjoy family-friendly experiences, and soak in the local culture. Don’t miss nearby attractions that offer a glimpse into the urban park scene, making for a well-rounded visit packed with excitement and adventure.

  • Universal Studios Hollywood: Experience the magic of movies at this iconic theme park, just 322m from CityWalk. Enjoy thrilling rides, live shows, and behind-the-scenes tours that bring your favorite films to life, making it a perfect destination for families and entertainment seekers alike.
  • Hollywood Walk of Fame: Stroll along this famous street, located 3.2km from CityWalk, and admire over 2,600 brass stars honoring celebrities from film, television, music, and more. The vibrant atmosphere captures the essence of Hollywood and is a must-see for fans of pop culture.
  • Hollywood Bowl: Just 3.2km away, this renowned outdoor amphitheater hosts a variety of concerts and events. With its stunning setting and family-friendly vibe, it's a fantastic spot to enjoy live music under the stars.

Best time to go to Universal CityWalk

The best time to visit Universal CityWalk is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Universal CityWalk

To save on your visit to Universal CityWalk, plan your trip between November and January for lower accommodation prices, avoiding the summer months. Consider staying on a Monday, the least expensive day, and use Expedia to find deals by filtering for eco-friendly hotels and sorting by price. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings, and keep an eye out for flexible booking options and upfront pricing to maximize your budget. For public transport, utilize local buses or the Metro for affordable travel around the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Universal CityWalk are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Universal CityWalk is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Universal CityWalk is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase hotels that are both sustainable and environmentally friendly, currently available for booking. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save on your trip by combining your hotel reservation at Universal CityWalk with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia