Planning a trip to Universal Studios Hollywood? The theme park can easily fill an entire day, but one of the biggest advantages of visiting is its location in the San Fernando Valley, with many of Los Angeles’s most popular attractions within a manageable drive. From Hollywood landmarks and scenic viewpoints to museums, family attractions, shopping districts, and outdoor escapes, there are plenty of places to visit near Universal Studios Los Angeles.
Whether you’re traveling with children, visiting Los Angeles for a weekend, or looking for something to do before or after your Universal Studios day, this guide covers some of the best nearby destinations and explains what makes each one worth visiting.
Why Explore Beyond Universal Studios Hollywood?
Universal Studios Hollywood is one of Los Angeles’s major attractions, but staying around the theme park for your entire trip means missing many of the experiences that make the city distinctive. The surrounding area provides convenient access to Hollywood, Griffith Park, museums, shopping areas, restaurants, and famous viewpoints.
Instead of treating Universal Studios as your only destination, consider building a flexible Los Angeles itinerary around it. You can spend one day at the theme park and use another day to explore Hollywood, downtown attractions, or outdoor spaces.
If you’re planning a wider U.S. trip, our guide to safest places to visit in the US can also help you compare other destinations to add to your itinerary.
1. Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most recognizable attractions in Los Angeles and a natural addition to a Universal Studios trip. The famous sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard feature thousands of stars honoring figures from the entertainment industry.
Visitors can walk along Hollywood Boulevard, look for favorite stars, explore nearby attractions, and enjoy the energetic atmosphere of central Hollywood. It is particularly convenient for travelers who want to combine several classic Los Angeles experiences in a single outing.
Allow extra time if you plan to explore the surrounding shops, restaurants, theaters, and entertainment venues rather than simply walking along the sidewalk.
2. TCL Chinese Theatre
Located along Hollywood Boulevard, TCL Chinese Theatre is another iconic stop for visitors interested in Los Angeles movie history. The theater is famous for its historic exterior and the handprints and footprints of Hollywood stars preserved in the forecourt.
It works especially well as part of a Hollywood sightseeing route because it is close to the Walk of Fame and other attractions. Visitors can combine the theater with several nearby stops rather than making a separate trip.
3. Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is one of the most photographed landmarks in Los Angeles. Although visitors cannot simply walk up to the sign itself, there are several viewpoints and hiking routes in the surrounding hills that provide impressive perspectives.
If you’re looking for a more active experience, consider exploring trails in the Hollywood Hills. For a relaxed visit, choose a recognized viewpoint and combine the experience with other Hollywood attractions.
The sign is particularly attractive around sunrise or later in the afternoon when the surrounding landscape can provide excellent photography opportunities.
4. Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is one of the best places to combine city views, science, architecture, and outdoor exploration. Located on the southern slopes of Mount Hollywood, the observatory provides expansive views across Los Angeles and toward the Hollywood Sign.
The observatory’s exhibits make it more than a viewpoint. Families and curious travelers can explore astronomy-related displays before heading outside to enjoy the surrounding scenery.
For travelers who want to explore more outdoor destinations across the United States, our guide to tropical places in the US to visit offers ideas for a very different type of American getaway.
5. Griffith Park
Griffith Park is an excellent choice when you need a break from crowded attractions. One of the largest urban parks in the country, it offers hiking opportunities, viewpoints, open spaces, and access to several well-known Los Angeles attractions.
You can create a short outdoor stop or spend several hours exploring the park. Families, photographers, hikers, and travelers looking for city views can all find something worthwhile here.
If you’re planning a broader nature-focused trip, you may also enjoy our guide to the best nature places to visit in the world.
6. Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is a practical option for families visiting Universal Studios with children. The zoo features a variety of animals and provides an opportunity to spend several hours outdoors.
It can be especially useful for families who want to balance theme-park entertainment with an educational experience. Because the zoo is located within Griffith Park, it can also be combined with other attractions in the same general area.
If you’re traveling with children elsewhere in the country, our guide to the best places to visit in San Francisco with kids provides another family-friendly destination guide.
7. Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon Park is worth considering if you want a short hiking experience with a distinctly Los Angeles setting. The trails provide opportunities for exercise, fresh air, and views over parts of the city.
The terrain can be steep in places, so choose a route that matches your fitness level and allow enough time for water, breaks, and changing weather conditions.
For travelers who enjoy combining urban sightseeing with outdoor adventures, this is a useful alternative to spending every hour around major tourist attractions.
8. The Getty Center
The Getty Center is one of Los Angeles’s leading cultural attractions. Its galleries, architecture, gardens, and elevated views make it a strong choice for visitors who want something beyond theme parks and Hollywood entertainment.
Art enthusiasts can spend several hours exploring the collections, while visitors primarily interested in architecture and scenery can enjoy the buildings and outdoor areas.
Because the Getty Center can require more travel time than attractions immediately around Hollywood, consider grouping it with other West Los Angeles activities rather than trying to fit too many distant stops into one day.
9. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, commonly known as LACMA, is another major destination for travelers interested in art and culture. Its extensive collections cover different periods, regions, and artistic traditions.
LACMA is best suited to visitors who want a slower-paced cultural experience. If you’re traveling with people who have different interests, the surrounding area also provides opportunities for dining and additional sightseeing.
10. The Grove and Original Farmers Market
If shopping and food are part of your Los Angeles plans, The Grove and the Original Farmers Market make a convenient combination. The area provides restaurants, shops, outdoor spaces, and a relaxed atmosphere that works well after a busy day of sightseeing.
The Farmers Market is particularly useful for travelers who want a casual meal with a variety of choices. The Grove, meanwhile, offers a more polished shopping and entertainment environment.
Travelers interested in short city escapes can also explore our guide to the best places to visit for a short break.
11. Hollywood Museum
For visitors fascinated by movies and television, the Hollywood Museum offers a deeper look at entertainment history. Its exhibits focus on memorabilia, costumes, props, and other pieces connected to Hollywood productions.
It can be a particularly good follow-up to Universal Studios because it provides a different perspective on the entertainment industry. Instead of experiencing movies through rides and attractions, visitors can explore their history through exhibits and artifacts.
12. Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard is one of Los Angeles’s most famous streets and passes through several distinctive areas of the city. Depending on your interests, you can explore entertainment venues, restaurants, shopping areas, and neighborhoods along the route.
Rather than treating Sunset Boulevard as a single attraction, think of it as a sightseeing corridor that can connect different parts of your itinerary.
13. Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is another popular addition to a Los Angeles itinerary. Visitors can explore Rodeo Drive, walk through attractive streets, browse luxury stores, and experience one of the city’s best-known upscale neighborhoods.
It is a good choice for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with shopping and dining. A visit can also complement a Hollywood-focused day by showing another side of the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
14. Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles is farther from Universal Studios than Hollywood and Griffith Park, but it can be worthwhile if your trip includes enough time to explore the wider city.
Downtown offers museums, historic architecture, restaurants, cultural attractions, sports venues, and distinct neighborhoods. Because the area contains many different experiences, it is better approached as a half-day or full-day destination rather than a quick stop.
If you are interested in exploring more major U.S. cities, our guide to the most visited places in Los Angeles, California can help you build a broader sightseeing plan.
15. Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a stronger choice for travelers who have an extra day and want to experience the Los Angeles coastline. The area is known for its beach, pedestrian-friendly areas, restaurants, shopping, and the Santa Monica Pier.
It is not the closest attraction to Universal Studios, so it should not normally be squeezed into a short itinerary immediately after a full day at the theme park. Instead, reserve a separate portion of your trip for the coast.
For travelers considering destinations beyond California, our guide to the best places to visit in Oregon provides another West Coast travel option.
16. Malibu
Malibu offers a very different experience from Hollywood and Universal Studios. Its coastline, beaches, scenic roads, and relaxed atmosphere make it attractive to visitors who want more natural scenery.
A Malibu outing is best planned as a dedicated coastal excursion. Depending on your schedule, you can combine beach time with scenic viewpoints, lunch, and other attractions along the coast.
17. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is another distinctive Los Angeles destination. The area is known for its beachfront atmosphere, boardwalk, street performers, shops, restaurants, and eclectic local culture.
It is particularly appealing to travelers who want a more casual and energetic coastal experience than some of the city’s upscale neighborhoods.
18. Warner Bros. Studio Area
The Burbank area surrounding Universal Studios is closely connected with Los Angeles’s entertainment industry. Travelers interested in film and television can explore other entertainment-related attractions and studio experiences in the broader area.
If you’re particularly interested in how entertainment has influenced travel and culture, you may also enjoy this look at Sleeping Beauty’s 65th anniversary and Disney’s classic film history.
How to Plan a Day Around Universal Studios Hollywood
The best itinerary depends on how much time you have. Trying to visit every attraction in one day can leave you spending more time in traffic than enjoying Los Angeles.
One-Day Visit
If Universal Studios is the main purpose of your trip, dedicate most of the day to the theme park. Add only a nearby evening activity, such as Hollywood Boulevard or a relaxed dinner.
Two-Day Visit
Spend one full day at Universal Studios and use the second day for Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park, Hollywood, and another attraction that matches your interests.
Three-Day Visit
With three days, you can divide the trip into a theme-park day, a Hollywood and cultural attractions day, and a coastal or broader Los Angeles sightseeing day.
If your overall trip includes several American destinations, you can also use our guide to places to visit in the US in fall to identify seasonal travel ideas.
Best Places Near Universal Studios Los Angeles for Different Travelers
| Traveler Type | Recommended Places |
|---|---|
| Families | Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory |
| Movie Fans | Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Museum |
| Hikers | Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon, Hollywood Hills |
| Art Lovers | The Getty Center, LACMA |
| Shoppers | The Grove, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive |
| Beach Lovers | Santa Monica, Malibu, Venice Beach |
| First-Time Visitors | Hollywood, Griffith Observatory, The Grove |
Tips for Visiting Attractions Near Universal Studios
- Plan by geographic area: Group attractions that are close to each other to reduce unnecessary driving.
- Allow for Los Angeles traffic: Travel times can vary significantly depending on the time and day.
- Start early: Popular attractions can become busier later in the day.
- Check operating details: Museums, attractions, and special exhibits can have different schedules.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Many Los Angeles attractions involve considerable walking.
- Keep your itinerary flexible: A shorter list of well-planned stops is usually better than trying to see everything.
- Consider the season: Outdoor activities are generally easier to enjoy when temperatures are comfortable.
For travelers planning trips across the country, our guide to top places to visit outside the US can also help when you are ready to extend your journey internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places to visit near Universal Studios Los Angeles?
Some of the best options include Hollywood Boulevard, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo, Runyon Canyon, The Getty Center, LACMA, The Grove, and the Original Farmers Market.
What can I do near Universal Studios Hollywood with kids?
Families can consider Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Observatory, and The Grove. These options provide a mix of outdoor activities, educational experiences, food, and entertainment.
How far is Hollywood from Universal Studios?
Hollywood is relatively close to Universal Studios compared with many other Los Angeles destinations, making it practical to combine the two on the same trip. Actual driving time varies considerably with traffic.
Is Griffith Observatory worth visiting after Universal Studios?
Yes, especially if you enjoy city views, science, photography, and outdoor scenery. However, after a full day at Universal Studios, you may prefer to visit Griffith Observatory on a separate day rather than adding too many activities.
What are good places to visit near Universal Studios for couples?
Couples may enjoy Hollywood, the Getty Center, Beverly Hills, The Grove, Santa Monica, Malibu, or an evening exploring restaurants and entertainment around Los Angeles.
Can I visit Universal Studios and other Los Angeles attractions in one day?
It is possible, but trying to combine Universal Studios with several major attractions can make the day rushed. For the best experience, dedicate a full day to Universal Studios and use additional days for sightseeing.
Final Thoughts
There are far more places to visit near Universal Studios Los Angeles than the theme park itself. Hollywood landmarks, Griffith Park, museums, shopping districts, family attractions, and coastal destinations give travelers plenty of ways to build a well-rounded Los Angeles itinerary.
The key is to plan according to location and available time. For a short visit, focus on Universal Studios, Hollywood, and Griffith Park. With more time, add museums, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Malibu, or other parts of Los Angeles.
And if you’re using Los Angeles as just one stop on a larger U.S. journey, explore our guides to the best places to visit in the South USA and the best fall places to visit in Illinois for additional destination ideas.
