Universal CityWalk

The Basics

The Universal CityWalk sits adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood, so chances are you’ll end up here at some point if Universal is on your Los Angeles agenda. Some sightseeing tours of Hollywood also stop at CityWalk, including the Blue Route of the Los Angeles double-decker hop-on hop-off bus (along with the Chinese Theater and Hollywood Bowl).

Things to Know Before You Go

• Universal CityWalk is an excellent spot to grab a bite or do some shopping after a day at the park.

• Plan to spend a couple of hours exploring the area, more if you plan to include some of the attractions.

• Entrance to Universal CityWalk is free, but many attractions require separate admission.

• CityWalk is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs can be rented in the valet area.

How to Get There

Universal CityWalk is located just outside the gate of Universal Studios in Universal City, west of Griffith Park. To get there, take the Hollywood Freeway and get off at either the Universal Center Drive or Lankershim Boulevard exits.

When to Get There

Businesses within Universal CityWalk maintain their own hours of operation, but many open and close about an hour after Universal Studios. Most travelers visit in the evening hours when the area is at its liveliest.

Indoor Skydiving at Universal CityWalk

One of the most popular activities at CityWalk is iFLY Hollywood, an indoor vertical wind tunnel where thrill-seekers can experience the sensation of skydiving without the risks or expense. A typical experience includes two 60-second “jumps” into artificial winds blowing up to 175 mph (282 kph).

Can you visit Universal CityWalk without a ticket?

Yes, you can visit Universal CityWalk without a ticket. Universal CityWalk is an entertainment and retail district next to Universal Studios Hollywood that serves as a public entrance to the theme park. There's no admission, but you need tickets to see a movie or catch a skydiving flight at iFly Hollywood.

What can you do at Universal CityWalk?

There's plenty to do at Universal CityWalk, an entertainment and retail district next to Universal Studios Hollywood—you can shop, see a movie, go to a concert, grab a bite or dine at a restaurant, catch an indoor skydiving flight at iFly Hollywood, and hang by the dancing water fountain display.

Are there movie character encounters at Universal CityWalk?

While there are sometimes in-costume character sightings at retail stores at Universal CityWalk, such as the Bride of Frankenstein, E.T., and the Minions, most of them are saved for Universal Studios Hollywood. Inside the theme park, you can encounter Optimus Prime, the Simpsons, Shrek, Curious George, Scooby-Doo, and others.

Is Universal CityWalk worth visiting?

Yes, Universal CityWalk is worth visiting, especially en route to Universal Studios. The entertainment and retail district serves as a public entrance to the theme park and is free to visit—it's also a great place to have a meal, see a movie, or catch an indoor skydiving flight at iFly Hollywood.

How much are Universal CityWalk tickets?

Universal CityWalk has no admission—you don't need tickets to access the pedestrian-only entertainment and retail district. However, you must pay for parking, movie theater tickets, and indoor skydiving flights at iFly Hollywood. Tickets to Universal Studios cost between US$109 for general admission and US$379 for VIP experiences.

Is there free parking at Universal CityWalk?

No, parking at CityWalk Universal isn't free. The pedestrian-only entertainment and retail district serves as an informal entrance through the parking lots to Universal Studios Hollywood—daily parking costs between US$10 to US$70, with discounts for visitors who purchase movie theater tickets or eat at a CityWalk restaurant.

Ways to explore

The Universal CityWalk sits adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood, so chances are you’ll end up here by nightfall if the theme park is on your Los Angeles agenda. It’s a great spot to wind down and grab some food while still keeping the fun going, especially for the adults in your crew.

Some sightseeing tours of Hollywood also stop at CityWalk, like the Los Angeles double-decker hop-on hop-off bus—which also stops at local landmarks like the Chinese Theater and Hollywood Bowl.

Accessibility

Universal is accessibility-friendly, with paved, flat walks, accessible entrances, and more.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, camera, wallet, light jacket

What to wear

Comfortable shoes for walking/standing, casual wear

Not allowed

Smoking, drones, glass containers, bags with wheels

Amenities

Restrooms, Wi-Fi, visitor services, ATMs

Address 

Universal CityWalk can be found at 100 Universal City Plaza in Universal City, directly adjacent to Universal Studios Hollywood. There are tons of ways to get there, including via a city tour or rideshare services.

Driving

Universal Studios has its own exit on the 101 Freeway, and it’s about 20 minutes from Los Angeles. Parking is US$40/day or US$10 for valet with validation for the first 3.5 hours from select CityWalk venues.

Public transportation

Take the Metro Red Line to Universal City Station. There, you can hop on a free shuttle up the hill to get right into CityWalk.

Best times to visit

Late afternoons offer a nice, relaxed atmosphere before the dinner crowds hit, though evenings bring the most energy, buzz, and parking discounts—it’s only US$10 after 5pm.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends. If you like bustle, Fridays and Saturdays feature more entertainment and later nights.

Best months to visit

Summer brings heat and crowds, so anytime from September to May is lovely.

Special events

The holidays are extra fun at Universal CityWalk, with great decor and lights. Plus, Universal Studios runs extravagant holiday events, like Grinchmas.