Paramount Pictures Studio
5555 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90038
Operating from its sizable lot on Melrose Avenue since 1926, Paramount Pictures Studio is a symbol of the golden age of cinema and the only major film studio still running in Hollywood proper. It’s also one of a handful of LA studios offering guided tours, affording you a look past the palm tree–lined gates to its 65 acres (26 hectares) of soundstages, backlots, and other facilities where movies and TV series are made.
The Basics
A majority of visitors to Paramount opt for a behind-the-scenes tour for a closer look at the movie-making process. Choose from three different options, each including a step back in Hollywood history at the Tour Center and Prop Warehouse; visits to filming locations like the New York backlot, Bronson Gate, and various soundstages; and a chance to spot celebrities, producers, and crew at work. VIP tours unlock the Paramount backlot, archives, and special-effects studios, while after-dark tours give insight into Hollywood’s often scandalous history. The studio is a stop on the red route of the Los Angeles hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
Paramount Pictures Studio is a must-visit for TV and movie buffs.
Photo IDs are required for all visitors over the age of 18.
A studio tour can last anywhere from two to 4.5 hours, depending on the option chosen.
While Paramount does take walk-ups, advanced booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, especially for after-dark tours.
How to Get There
The most hassle-free way to get to the home of Paramount Pictures Studio (and avoid driving in LA traffic) is to book a guided tour or ride the hop-on hop-off bus. Those who wish to visit independently can take the Melrose Avenue exit from the 101 Freeway or the La Brea Avenue exit from the 10 Freeway and park at a lot on the corner of Melrose and Windsor.
When to Get There
Paramount Pictures Studio offers basic tours every half hour throughout the day. VIP tours occur twice daily on weekdays, while after-dark tours take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled tour.
What’s Filming at Paramount Pictures Studio
As a major studio in Hollywood, there’s almost always something being filmed at Paramount . During a Paramount Pictures Studio tour, you might get lucky and spot talent from TV shows likeThe Blacklist,Dr. Phil, orThis Is Us, as well as any number of movies in production. Past hits have includedTitanic,Forrest Gump,Star Trek, andTransformers: Revenge of the Fallen.
Ways to explore
Most visitors to Paramount Pictures Studio opt for a behind-the-scenes tour for a closer look at Hollywood history and the moviemaking process. Book in advance and choose from three different tour options, each including visits to key locations such as the prop warehouse and New York City backlot, plus the chance to spot celebrities, producers, and crew at work.
To see more of LA, stop by Paramount Pictures while on a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, or combine your studio visit with a celebrity homes tour or Hollywood walking tour for film buffs.
Accessibility
Paramount Pictures Studio tours are wheelchair accessible—just bring your own mobility device and contact the studio at least 24 hours in advance to make arrangements.
Age limits
Studio tours are only available for visitors ages 10 and older.
What to pack
Be prepared to present a photo ID upon arrival, and bring your camera for pictures of the studio’s realistic city backlots.
What to wear
Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes—studio tours take place both indoors and outdoors and have you explore on foot and from a cart.
Not allowed
Videography, non-service animals
Amenities
Luggage storage, restrooms, gift shop
Address
Paramount Pictures Studio is located in Hollywood, and you’ll find the tour entrance on Melrose Avenue. The most hassle-free way to get there (and avoid navigating LA traffic) is to book a guided tour or ride the hop-on hop-off bus, but you can also drive or use public transportation.
Driving
Exit on Melrose Avenue from the 101 Freeway or La Brea Avenue from the 10 Freeway, and park in the studio’s Lot A (for a fee) at the intersection of Melrose and Windsor.
Public transportation
The Hollywood/Wilshire DASH bus stops right outside of Paramount Pictures Studio, as does the 10/48 Metro bus.
Best times to visit
Studio tours run every half hour from morning to afternoon. Go at midday to avoid the morning rush hour, and plan to arrive 30 minutes before the start time.
Best days to visit
While the Studio tour operates daily, the Premier and VIP tours don’t run on the weekend. To see the working Paramount Pictures Studio abuzz with activity, go on a weekday.
Best months to visit
You can visit Paramount year-round, but for the best weather and fewer crowds on your indoor-outdoor tour, plan your trip for March–May or September–November.
Special events
NONE
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!