Which Hollywood Film Studios Offer Tours?
One of the highlights of a trip to Los Angeles is often a tour of at least one of the Hollywood film studios. A studio tour offers the chance to see the backlots and soundstages where many of your favorite movies and TV shows were filmed. Additionally, studio tours often include exhibits of costumes, props, and vehicles which were used in famous productions. Here are some of the main studios which offer tours:
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: Visiting Warner Bros. Studios can be an exciting and memorable experience, especially for movie buffs and fans of popular TV shows. Some well-known productions that were filmed at Warner Bros. Studios include ”The Matrix” film series, ”The Lord of the Rings”, and ”The Hobbit”.
There are a number of versions of the Warner Bros. Tour, including one that is oriented around classic films. The tours also come in varying lengths ranging from two hours to four hours, and some of the tours include a meal.
3400 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, CA 91505
Universal Studios Hollywood: A visit to Universal Studios Hollywood offers a diverse range of entertainment options for guests of all ages. There’s not only the studio tour to enjoy, but also the adjacent amusement park. The cost of visiting the studios is conveniently included in the price of the amusement park ticket. Here are some of the key attractions at Universal Studios Hollywood:
The studio tour takes visitors behind the scenes of a working movie studio. It includes visits to famous film sets, soundstages, and backlot locations where iconic movies and TV shows were filmed.
The theme park rides and attractions are based on popular movies and TV shows. Some of these are “Jurassic World—The Ride,” “Transformers: The Ride-3D,” “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” and “The Simpsons Ride,” among others.
Universal Studios Hollywood also offers live shows and performances, including stunt shows, character meet-and-greets, and other interactive experiences featuring beloved Universal Studios characters.
There’s a variety of dining and shopping options at Universal Studios Hollywood which includes snack bars offering quick bites to themed restaurants. Additionally, there are various shops selling merchandise, souvenirs, and collectibles related to popular movies and characters.
Whether you’re a fan of blockbuster films, thrilling rides, or immersive experiences, Universal Studios Hollywood offers a diverse array of attractions and entertainment options that cater to a wide range of interests. If it’s all too much for a one-day visit, there are also several hotels near Universal Studios which make it easy to stay for multiple days.
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Paramount Pictures Studio Tour: Paramount Pictures is unique amongst the major Hollywood studios in that it’s the only one that is geographically located in Hollywood, as well as being the only one from which the Hollywood sign is visible. At 100 years old, Paramount is also the oldest Hollywood studio. They offer guided tours of their studio lot, including visits to soundstages, backlots, and other famous production locations.
A tour of Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood provides visitors with an exclusive look into the rich history and behind-the-scenes magic of one of the oldest and most iconic film studios in the United States. While the specifics of the tour may vary, here are some typical highlights that you can expect to see:
The historic studio lot has been the filming location for countless classic and contemporary movies, TV shows, and productions. The tour often includes visits to active soundstages, where guests can get an up-close look at the production process and potentially witness filming in progress. In addition, there’s the backlot area where many exterior scenes for various movies and TV shows are filmed. Some of these are recreated streetscapes and urban environments, including a reproduction of New York City.
Some of Paramount’s tour packages also include the prop warehouse and the archive museum. The prop warehouse features an extensive collection of props and set pieces used in past and present productions. The archive museum houses a collection of historical artifacts, costumes, and memorabilia from the studio’s extensive cinematic legacy.
Paramount has historical landmarks that include its famous gates. Visitors can also learn about the history of the studio and its significant contributions to the film industry, including its role in the development of Hollywood as a global entertainment hub.
If you’re interested in classic Hollywood, you might also enjoy a side trip to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, which immediately borders Paramount Studios to the north. This is where many Hollywood legends have their final resting place, including Rudolph Valentino and Cecil B. DeMille.
The Paramount Studios Tour offers a unique opportunity for visitors to gain insights into the world of filmmaking, production processes, and the legacy of one of the most influential studios in Hollywood history.
5555 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90038
It is advisable to check the official websites of these studios for the most up-to-date information on tour availability, scheduling, and any potential changes to their tour offerings. The websites will also give information on any rules for taking the tours, for instance, some studios don’t allow the guests to take videos of the tours.