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Hollywood Studio Tours

Which are the best.

hollywood film set tours

This post covers the most enjoyable movie studio tours in and around Hollywood.

With so many historic studios in the area, it might be difficult to pick just one to visit.

Taking a studio tour is one of the top things to do in LA .

  • Studio Tours
  • Celebrity Homes Tours
  • Ways to Save on Tours
  • LA TV Show Tickets
  • Things To Do in Hollywood
  • Tips from Locals and Travelers

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

STUDIO TOURS

Interestingly enough, there are quite a few differences between the tours offered at each studio, and that should make it easier to figure out which tour best fits your expectations.

Ticket prices vary from $62 per person to literally thousands of dollars.

However, 3 of the tours, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Universal Studios are included for free or at a lower cost in several tourist attraction passes. 

It's also worth noting that the length of these tours can run from roughly an hour to almost a week.

With all of that said, let's start talking about what each movie studio offers with their tours.

  • Warner Bros.
  • Sony Pictures
  • Universal Studios
  • Paramount Pictures
  • Adventures by Disney: Disney Backstage

At the bottom of this post , we share some thoughts and opinions from members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook.

Our group comprises roughly 9,000 locals (like our tour guides), tourists, returning visitors, and newbies to LA.

You don't need to be a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR

Below is a summary of our post on Warner Brothers Studio tours , where we also provide tips on planning your trip.

If you're in the market for a somewhat normal tour on the backlot, this might be one of your best bets.

In addition to seeing movie sets and sound stages from some of the most notable movies in film history, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a few specific activities.

hollywood film set tours

  While on this movie studio tour, you'll be able to re-create a famous scene from the hit television show Friends , climb aboard Harry Potter 's broomstick, and even create your own Batmobile.

Warner Bros. even offers an interactive sound stage that explores the entire process of making a film from start to finish.

At three hours in length, this tour is probably the longest duration of all of the options in Hollywood.

  • $70/adult | $60/child
  • Availability: Thursday - Monday
  • Hours: Every half hour from 9 am - 3:30 pm
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Available in both English and Spanish
  • Click here for more information .

TIP: This tour is included for free with the purchase of the Go City Los Angeles Explorer Tourist Pass .

You can also combine this tour with the Universal Studios tour using the combo deal below!

hollywood film set tours

With an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars , it's fair to say that this Hollywood studio tour is very well rated ( read reviews here ).

Some guests have gone so far as to suggest that this trip is worth every single penny.

Visitors were typically very happy with their tour guides, referring to them as both friendly and informative. 

SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

This might be the most affordable movie studio tour in Hollywood, and it's also one of the most historic. Do note, that is is a walking tour.

While on this tour, you'll see the sound stages where they recorded classics such as The Wizard of Oz and superhero flicks like Spider-man .

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to see where Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are recorded.

Although they don't make any promises, there's always a chance that you'll run into someone famous on this active studio back lot!

They also offer a premium tour which includes transportation via golf cart, access to the Sony Museum, a free souvenir photo, a complimentary beverage, and lower prices at the Sony Studio Store.

Tickets 

  • $55 per person | $150 for the Premium tour
  • Availability: Monday – Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm
  • Duration: 2 hours

Tip: Admission is usually included for free with the purchase of at least one Los Angeles tourist pass .

With an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, it's clear that this is a pretty popular Hollywood studio tour.

Customers really appreciated the opportunity to see several historic filming locations and learn a lot about the process of making a movie.

Although some reviewers were unhappy that this is a walking tour, others simply appreciated the opportunity to see where film history was made.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TOUR

This is where things get interesting, as Universal Studios has essentially made their tour one of the services offered at their amusement park.

In other words, you need to buy a ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood in order to experience this studio tour.

Clocking in at only one hour in length, this is definitely the shortest studio tour available. Check out this video of Stephen Spielberg giving a tour of the site.

In addition to seeing the back lot, you'll also experience attractions such as the Jaws ride, King Kong 360 in 3D, Bates Motel and Fast & The Furious : Supercharged.

Although it will cost more to take this tour, it's worth noting that your ticket lasts all day and guarantees access to all of the rides. 

  • $119-$139/adult | $109-$129/child
  • Availability: Daily from 8 am - 6 pm
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Click here for ticket information .

TIP:   Universal Studios Hollywood is included for free with the purchase of a tourist pass. Read about all the opportunities for deals in our full post .

Despite the higher price tag, this movie studio tour has still received quite excellent ratings ( read reviews here ). The overall Universal Studios Hollywood experience has a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars .

A few visitors have even suggested that this trip around the studio is worth the price of admission.

Although most customers feel that the ticket price is a bit high, even the critics can't deny that they had a blast. 

PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

Unlike the other movie studios, Paramount Pictures offers three different studio tours.

The main tour is 2 hours long and covers quite a lot of ground on the backlot.

However, if you want to experience more, their VIP tour lasts for 4 ½ hours and includes access to several additional areas.

The VIP tour also provides a gourmet lunch at a unique location in the studio.

Alternatively, you can also choose a 2 ½ hour night tour that reveals a lot of historic locations such as notable theaters and original film vaults.

No matter which option you choose, you'll learn a lot about the history of Paramount.

  • $65 for the studio tour | $215 for the VIP tour
  • Availability of Studio tour: Mon-Fri, every half hour from 9 AM - 3:30 PM
  • Availability of VIP tour: Mon, Wed, Fri at 9:30 AM
  • Duration of Studio tour: 2 hours
  • Duration of VIP tour: 4 ½ hours
  • Click here for additional information .

Reviews for the Paramount Pictures Studio tours are very positive, averaging a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. 

Some visitors referred to the excursion as a movie buff's dream, while others were just impressed with how much they learned and discovered.

Some reviewers indicated that Paramount alters the tour slightly depending on the season, ensuring a nice variety of topics and locations to cover no matter when you decide to buy a ticket.

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY: DISNEY BACKSTAGE

You had to figure that Disney was going to be a little more expensive, but the actual cost of this week-long experience might shock you.

To be fair, the package includes meals and accommodation at both the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

This Disney backstage adventure includes a tour of the Walt Disney Studios & Archives, an Imagineering tour, a Hollywood walking tour, and a tour of the Jim Henson Company.

Most of these tours are only available via this week-long package. The entire itinerary takes six days to complete, and it will keep you busy with plenty of fun activities from start to finish. 

  • $4,999 for Adults | $4,749 for Children
  • Availability: 2-4 times per month
  • Duration: 6 days
  • Hotel accommodation included
  • 11 Meals included
  • VIP Disneyland ticket included

As you can probably imagine, the testimonials for this experience are quite positive ( read reviews here ).

Some guests even noted that they made friends with their tour guides and continue to stay in touch with them to this very day.

Additionally, customers also appreciated the opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes areas that bring the history of Walt Disney to life.

One visitor even suggested that this trip allowed them to become kids again as they explored secret and wonderful locations at the happiest place on earth.

COMBO DEALS

If you're looking for a better price on these tours and other activities in Hollywood, you might want to consider one of the following combo packages.

Studios like Warner Bros. and Universal often work with tour companies to provide their services at lower prices.

There are several options to mull over, and almost all of them provide additional tours and services.

If you plan on spending more than one day in Hollywood, these combo deals are definitely worth a look.

GO CITY LOS ANGELES ALL-INCLUSIVE PASS

There's a reason that this is one of the premier attraction passes in Los Angeles.

In addition to offering access to a variety of notable locations, they also provide admission to some studio tours.

In particular, you can enjoy the Universal Studios tour, the Warner Bros. Studio tour and (sometimes) the Sony Pictures Studio tour with one version of this pass or another.

The Warner Bros. Studio tour is currently only offered with their Explorer Pass, and you'll need to purchase at least a 3-Day All-Inclusive pass to get admission to the Universal Studios tour .

Given that this tourist pass also supplies tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm, it's fair to say that the Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass could be a real bargain.

  • $109 for 1-day pass
  • $164 for 2-day pass
  • $284 for 3-day pass
  • $344 for 4-day pass
  • $374 for 5-day pass
  • $434 for 7-day pass
  • $99 for 2 choices
  • $119 for 3 choices
  • $144 for 4 choices
  • $154 for 5 choices
  • $189 for 7 choices
  • This attraction pass is available every day of the week
  • Includes up to 3 movie studio tours

Read our post comparing the different tourist attraction passes available in Los Angeles.

TRANSPORTATION COMBO PACKAGES

If you're looking for transportation to and from each movie studio tour, the following services are available.

The advantage of these combo deals is that you won't have to pay for parking, gas, or car rental in order to visit each location.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included with each package.

Take your time and enjoy the studio tour without having to worry about anything else!

  • Not currently available as of January 2024

Universal Studio Tours Sign

CELEBRITY HOMES TOUR COMBO PACKAGES

These combo deals provide both a celebrity home tour and a movie studio tour.

Each option includes transportation not only around Hollywood but also to and from the studios.

While some of these services use a mini-bus, others drive you around town in a luxury sedan or an SUV.

Each company offers both hotel pickup and drop-off.

Expect these outings to last for between 6-8 hours on average.

  • Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Movie Star Homes Tour (Starline Tours) - $119/Adults | $99/Children
  • Alternatively, we offer our own self-guided celebrity homes tour .

This might be a good way to save even more money if you don't mind doing a bit of driving around Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we provide the details of what each tour offers, costs, and other information, here you can see what members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook have to say.

There are plenty of fans of the Warner Brothers tour.

hollywood film set tours

And some enjoyed Paramount as well.

hollywood film set tours

If you have to choose only one, between Warners or Paramount, these members’ insight may help.

hollywood film set tours

Universal Studios received mixed reviews. Some people felt it was a waste of time and money.

hollywood film set tours

On the other hand, Issa had a fantastic time, so much so that she wrote a very long post detailing her time there and how to make the most of your visit.

hollywood film set tours

Take a look at our Los Angeles Travel Tips group for more recommendations, opinions and advice.

You don't need to join to read comments, but if you do join you can post a question regarding the studios!

los angeles travel tips

RELATED POSTS

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  • TV Show Tapings in LA
  • Things to Do in Hollywood

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The 5 Best Studio Tours in Hollywood [2024 Reviews]

Hollywood - where dreams are made and stars are born.

The Land of Dreams, Hollywood has been attracting fame-seekers from all over the world for over a hundred years know. Just one of the neighborhood in Los Angeles once, it became the US film industry headquarters in the early 1900’s.

Nowadays, Hollywood sign attracts not only young actors, directors, writers, and musicians, but also tourists from all around the globe.

Crossroads of the World, the Walk of Fame, the Wax Museum, the Universal Studios, and the Warner Brothers Studio – you won’t get bored in this part of the City of Angels, that’s for sure. And here is our list of best Hollywood tours, which, we promise, you’ll find absolutely amazing!

The 5 Best Hollywood Studio Tours

  • Universal Studios Hollywood and Movie Stars’ Homes Tour
  • Movie Star Homes and Warner Bros Studio Tour
  • Private Tour: Hollywood Highlights or Celebrity Homes of Beverly Hills
  • Universal Studios Hollywood with Transport
  • Hollywood Grand City Tour

Best Hollywood Studio Tours

Best hollywood studio tours reviews, #1 universal studios hollywood and movie stars’ homes tour.

  • Departure Point: Tour departs from Grauman’s Chinese Theatre OR selected hotels in the Los Angeles areas. Pickup is NOT available from Anaheim.
  • Departure Time: 9:30am. Hotel pickups commence prior to this time, you must contact the local service provider to verify your exact pickup time.
  • Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Includes: Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, Movie Stars’ Homes Tour, Driver/guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected).

This full-day tour is a great Universal Studios backlot tour, as well as one of the best celebrity home tours in Hollywood. You’ll get an exclusive opportunity to witness the stars’ way of life: where they live, where they shop, where they eat and hang out.

Some of the world’s most renowned celebrities own houses in the secluded streets of Beverly Hills. You will see the mansions of Diana Ross, Nicolas Cage, Steve Martin, Barbara Streisand, Richard Gere, Peter Falk, Tori Spelling, Harrison Ford, Phil Collins, Michael Douglas, Eddie Murphy, and many, many other superstars, famous all over the globe.

Other exclusive sights, which you will see on the tour, are famous Rodeo Drive, Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, the Sunset Strip, the mansion of Marilyn Monroe, as well as widely known “Pink Palace”. And, of course, the tour can’t miss worldwide-known Hollywood sign, one of the most recognizable sights in LA.

In the Universal Studios, you’ll get an exquisite chance to literarily go behind the scenes of the most popular Hollywood movies. Thrilling rides, attractions, and shows will put you inside some of the world’s most successful movies. This is about to become an experience, which you won’t forget soon.

Tour Information & Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, #2 movie star homes and warner bros studio tour.

  • Departure Point: Starline Terminal. Select hotel pick-ups available.
  • Departure Time: 9:30 AM and 12:15 PM.
  • Duration: 6 hours (approx.)
  • Includes: Narration by a professional driver/guide, entrance to the Warner Bros. Museum and the Transportation Museum, hotel pickup and drop-off (morning tour only).

Go behind the scenes of famous movies on this Warner Brothers Studio tour. Get ready to explore the backlot, where such shows as Batman, Friends, and The Big Bang Theory were brought to life. You’ll get exclusive access to original props, cars, costumes, and sets of your favorite movies and TV shows, created by Warner Brothers.

Explore the amazing world of J.K. Rowling on The Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts exhibit. Visit Stage 48, an interactive sound stage, where characters’ voices and other sounds come alive.

Sit on the famous couch from Central Perk café, feel yourself a hobbit at special effect table, or fly over Hogwarts on a broomstick. This Warner Bros Studio tour is about to become one of the most memorable moments of your visit to LA.

After the Warner Bros tour, you’ll head to the palm-lined streets of Beverly Hills and Bel-Air. You will see houses belonging to Tom Cruise, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna, Halle Berry, David and Victoria Beckham, Frank Sinatra, Richard Gere, and dozens of other world-famous celebrities.

Then cruise the Sunset Strip, enjoying the view of the renowned Hollywood sign, the Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive, and Beverly Wilshire Hotel.

Take numerous stories from one of the best tours in Hollywood back home. You’ll definitely have something to tell your friends and family.

#3  Private Tour: Hollywood Highlights or Celebrity Homes of Beverly Hills

  • Departure Point: Your hotel in Los Angeles
  • Departure Time: Please advise your preferred departure time in the Special Requirements field when booking
  • Duration: 2 hours (approx.)
  • Includes: Narration by a professional private guide, transport by air-conditioned private vehicle, bottled water and snacks, hotel pickup and drop-off

If you prefer undivided attention from a professional friendly guide, take this 2-hour private tour. One of the best tours of Hollywood, it offers two options: take a look at celebrity houses or explore Hollywood itself, while sitting in a comfortable private vehicle, enjoying interesting narration and some fresh snacks. The driver will pick you up at your hotel, so you don’t have to worry about transportation.

If you pick the great Hollywood homes tour, the driver will take you to Beverly Hills and Bel-Air neighborhoods, situated just across the Sunset Boulevard.

See the mansions of Michael Jackson, Johnny Depp, Madonna, Tom Cruise, Marilyn Monroe, Jennifer Aniston, Leonardo DiCaprio, and many other famed superstars. Get a pick at the life of rich and famous.

Or get to know the history and the presence of Hollywood itself. Walk along Hollywood Boulevard and take pictures among the stars on the Walk of Fame. See the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre, home to the Academy Awards, Chateau Marmont, and the Sunset Strip.

No matter, what option you choose, we’re sure you won’t get bored on one of the best Hollywood car tours.

#4 Universal Studios Hollywood with Transport

  • Departure Point: Select hotels and some locations in Anaheim.
  • Departure Time: 7:45am – Mid-June to Labor Day, 8:45am – September to Mid-June
  • Duration: 12 hours (approx.)
  • Includes: Admission to Universal Studios Hollywood, round-trip transportation from designated pickup locations

Enjoy a full day of fun on this Universal Studios tour! Explore the movie sets and experience some of the most thrilling rides in your lifetime.

Come face-to face with scary monsters in the House of Horrors, enjoy some heart-pounding rides in the amusement park, and go inside some of the world’s most famed movies, such as Jurassic Park, Revenge of the Mummy, and King Kong. Go behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows on one of the best Hollywood studio tours!

Rides available include, among others, The 3D Transformers Ride, the Simpsons Ride, and the Water World. Don’t miss a visit to the Special Effects Stage, where you will find out, how your favorite blockbuster movies were made. Learn about stop motion, CGI, motion capture, 3D technology, and other making off secrets and technologies.

This tour is truly a great family getaway and one of the best Hollywood tours for kids!

#5 Hollywood Grand City Tour

  • Departure Point: Local Operator Office
  • Departure Time: 9:30 am and 12:00 pm
  • Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Includes: All taxes, fees and handling charges, driver/guide, local and professional guide, hotel pickup and drop-off (Please contact supplier for exact time and location offered), free hotel pickup and drop-off in Hollywood, West Hollywood and North Hollywood ONLY, open top bus is a single level air-conditioned bus, no restroom, or Wi-Fi.

Feel the essence of Hollywood on one of the best Hollywood bus tours. You will visit some of the most significant landmarks, related to movie making, hear stories from celebrities’ lives, see the locations, where popular movies were filmed, learn about the history of the neighborhood and its culture. Get to know the real Hollywood, both past and present, on this exciting trip.

Best tour of Los Angeles and Hollywood, it offers the opportunity to stroll along the Walk of Fame and find your favored celebrity’s star. Look for your star’s footprints at the TCL Chinese Theater.

Visit Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Capital Record, Hard Rock Café, the Dolby Theater, the home of the Oscar, and the fascinating Egyptian Theater, as well as numerous other attractions spotted along the Hollywood Boulevard.

After that, you will head to Griffith Park, for the amazing views and memorable pictures, taken right in front of the famous Hollywood sign. You trip to LA definitely won’t be complete without this experience.

Then, cruise through Beverly Hills and Bel-Air for some celebrity houses eye picking, visit the Sunset Strip night clubs, and scroll down the US most expensive shopping street – Rodeo Drive.

Your Guide to Visiting Hollywood

Airports & Entry

Planning Tips

Restaurants & Eating Out

Nightlife & Entertainment

Getting Around

Accommodations

Attractions

If you are coming to Los Angeles by plane, you will probably land at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Although, the Bob Hope Airport (BUR), situated in Burbank, is closer to Hollywood itself.

The shuttle service from LAX is operated by LAXFlyAway and costs $8 per person per ride. The shuttle bus stops on the west side of Vine Street, half a block away to the south from Hollywood Boulevard.

If you come to Bob Hope Airport, you can take a metro shuttle to North Hollywood station, where you should change to the Red line and ride into Hollywood.

Keep in mind, taxis can be quite expensive and you might have to wait in a long line, in order to get one.

Other airports, available around the city, are Long Beach Airport (LGB), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and John Wayne Airport (SNA). While private planes, mostly, come to Santa Monica (SMO), Van Nuys (VNY), or Hawthorne (HHR).

Consider your plans for Los Angeles promptly, when packing your luggage. Are you going to visit a theater performance, have a picnic, spend days on the beach, or go sightseeing from sunrise until the sunset? Are there any theme parks on your itinerary? Or, maybe, you wish to go hiking in one of the parks?

Make a list of the things you might need, not to forget anything. Swimsuit, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential if you are coming during the summer season. For a long day of sightseeing, pack snickers, slippers, or any other shoes you find comfortable. If you are going hiking, good hiking boots are obligatory. And for a fancy event, such as theater performance or a dinner in a top-end restaurant, don’t forget a nice evening gown.

If Hollywood is even missing something, it is definitely not the number of facilities for eating out. Cafes, bars, and restaurants range from cheap fast food cafes to luxury restaurants, popular with most famous celebrities.

If you are on a low budget, try Ponchik Factory, Roro’s Chicken, Tacos El Gavilan, Skooby’s, La Monarca Bakery & Café, Running Goose, Musso and Frank Grill, Cheebo, Palms Thai Restaurant, or one of the numerous other bistros and cafes all around Hollywood.

However, if you are looking for something unique and elegant, you should head to Yamashiro, Japanese restaurant, which offers great vies of the city, as well as cozy gardens and tasty food. And, just across from the Chinese Theater, you’ll find ceFiore, fine place with Italian desserts, non-fat frozen yoghurt, and yogurt smoothies.

For drinks, try Roosevelt Hotel Lounge, The Well, Velvet Margarita Cantina, or Power House. And if you are a non-alcohol enthusiast or just thirsty for some juice, head to The Juice Fountain, which offers a variety of delicious fresh juices.

As well as with eating facilities, there is no lack of night entertainment in the city, which never sleeps. The number of theaters and nightclubs is exquisite, and New York City is, probably, the only place, which can compete with it.

For cultural evening out, you can choose one of the following options: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Palladium, Fonda Theater, Ford Theater, Pantages Theater, or Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre.

During the summer season, every Saturday at 7 pm, Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts Cemetery Movie Screenings, where the Cinespia film society shows old movies. Keep in mind, the crowds can be huge, so arrive prior to the gate opening, if you want a good spot. The same rule applies to tickets, which should be purchased in advance.

Most people bring picnic food with them and enjoy the outdoor movie theater, as well as DJ music playing, while having a nice dinner. But keep in mind, no spirits are allowed, only beer and wine.

The Mulholland Drive offers great views of Los Angeles and San Fernando Valley, both at night and during the daytime, so don’t miss the opportunity. And as for night clubs, head to Sunset Strip, where you’ll find most popular night facilities and disco bars.

Hollywood is situated between Melrose Avenue on the south, the Hollywood Hills on the north, the 101 freeway on the east, and West Hollywood on the west. Two main streets are Hollywood Bouleward and Sunset Boulevard, which are both walkable, as well as the rest of Hollywood most interesting areas.

Hollywood offers a wide range of accommodations for every budget and demand. The antique Roosevelt Hotel, The Beverly Wilshire, filmed in Pretty Woman, and Kimpton Everly Hollywood are some of the upscale choices the city offers.

The range of standard motel chains is also wide, including such as Motel 6, Travelodge, and Best Western. The choice of hostels is acceptable too, including such facilities as USA Hostels Hollywood, Republic Inn, Melrose Hostel, and Orange Drive Hostel.

Hollywood Heights Hotel, Saharan Motor Hotel, Hollywood Le Bon Hotel, as well as Dunes Inn and Trylon Hotel are considered budget accommodations. And there are, of course, numerous apartments available for rent in Hollywood, as well as mansions and bungalows, so why not consider this type of accommodation, rather than a hotel?

The City of Angels enjoys mild Mediterranean climate throughout the year. Summer season is warm, rarely hot, but tends to bring the sadly-famous dirty smog. Although the quality of air has improved over the years, the problem still exists. During August and September, which tend to be the hottest months of the year, the average day temperature gets as high as 28 o C (83 o F), while nights are cooler and bring temperatures such as 17 o C (63 o F). Winters in Los Angeles are mild and rainy. The daytime temperature rarely goes lower, than 20 o C (68 o F), although nights can be as cold as 9 o C (49 o F).

Springs bring both sunny and rainy days, and often, Los Angeles experiences “May Gray” and “June Gloom”, along with the rest of Southern California. Those are marine effects, which bring fog and clouds. Therefore, spring months are not the best time for a beach vacation. Falls are mostly warm and dry, causing frequent wildfires, so be careful if you are going wild during this season. Ocean temperature throughout the year varies from 14 o C (58 o F) in January to 20 o C (68 o F) in August. It’s not warm enough for swimming, but is great for surfing and sailing.

The well-known Santa Ana winds usually come during autumn and winter, although can occur any other time of the year as well. During these periods, hot dry winds blow from the desert to the coast, making weather hot and dry, unlikely the typical climate conditions in the area. Powerful ones can even create a high fire danger, by raising the air temperature quite significantly.

There is no lack of places to see in Hollywood. You can choose the best Hollywood tour from our list above or explore them on your own. If you are into film industry, don’t miss most world famous studios, such as Universal Studios, Warner Brothers Studios, Walt Disney Studios, Paramount Pictures, and CBS Television City. Of course, the Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign are must-visit. And don’t forget about Grauman’s Chinese Theater or the Dolby Theater.

If you are a museum enthusiast or the weather is not suitable for walking outside, try some of Los Angeles Museums. In fact, you might find Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Getty Center, and the Natural History Museum quite interesting. While Long Beach hosts one of the world’s largest and most spectacular aquariums – Aquarium of the Pacific – situated just across the harbor from the historic Queen Mary ship.

And for a spectacular scenery, head to one of the following places: Griffith Park, Mullholland Drive, or Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook – they all offer fantastic views of the city and valley laying under.

Tour Guides

The Universal Studios Hollywood and Movie Stars’ Homes Tour is our top pick based on the sites seen and value.

Richard Moore

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Back to the Movies

We Explore and Rank the Best Studio Tours in Hollywood

Finding the best studio tours in Hollywood is tricky.

Because there are so many of them!

When visiting Los Angeles there really isn’t anything better for a film lover to do than to visit one of the infamous studio tours. But which studio do you visit?

With such a wide range of options, we have done the hard work for you and have ranked the best to worst Hollywood studio tours.

The Best Studio Tours in Hollywood

best studio tours in hollywood

With the list below being my own personal opinion, you may have different choices and tastes.

Consider this a guide for your next Los Angeles adventure.

1. Warner Brothers Studio Tour

WB Studio Tour

Situated in Burbank the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is simply the best.

Mixing film education with an absolutely incredible tour it is above and beyond what you’d expect a studio tour to be.

Get ready, this one is a MUST VISIT!

Warner Brothers actually offer the most in terms of range when it comes to the tours. There are three options to choose from!

Warner Brothers Standard tour

Central Perk Warner Bros Studio Tour

Hop on board the open-sided vehicle and head into one of the most iconic movie studios in Hollywood.

Every single tour is different from the last but what you can expect is to visit various backlots and sound stages of various productions and it’s a guarantee you’ll visit such classic sets as The Big Bang Theory and the iconic Central Perk from Friends.

You’ll also explore the DC Universe exhibit in addition to a wizarding world exhibit in the Warner Bros museum where you can look around at your own leisure at all the movie props and costumes.

On the tour, you’ll also be taken into Stage 48 where you’ll step into an immersive world of seeing a movie go from script to screen.

From pre to post-production you can see how a movie is pieced together and the interactive elements are sure to keep you engaged from start to finish.

This added touch to an already perfect tour shows just how much the public and their entertainment means to Warner Bros.

Warner Brothers Classic tour

Warner Bros Classic Tour

This is the only tour on the list that I haven’t personally experienced but I imagine it’s very similar to the structure of the normal tour.

As you drive around the back lot a tour guide will guide you through the studio tour themed to classic movies and TV shows rather than modern ones.

The perfect gift for the older generation or even the younger soul who appreciates the good classics. The modern  Stage 48 is also included as part of the tour but the classics tour also includes a tour of The Prop House.

I’d personally want to go on the classics tour JUST to see The Prop House.

That really should be included on the normal tour too!

Warner Brothers Deluxe tour

Deluxe Tour Warner Bros Studio Tour

The Warner Bros Deluxe Tour is without a doubt the best Hollywood experience I had at a studio. The deluxe tour is the ultimate experience.

If you’re travelling to Los Angeles to do movie tours and have the cash to splash this is one experience that you’ll never forget.

This 5-hour in-depth tour takes you through the whole studio. In and out of live sets and the two times I did the deluxe tour I actually spotted a celebrity.

The studio is a live working studio so on any tour you can expect to spot a known talent at any given moment.

With the deluxe tour, you get to eat in the fine dining room. An exclusive dining experience where studio execs, talent and more all gather to have meetings over a nice spot of lunch prepared by an executive chef.

Warner Bros Commisionary Dining Room

The food was outstanding and we saw so many big named talent in there it was unbelievable.

Naturally, you really shouldn’t approach them but we did have the studio executive approach our tour to say hello so you just never know who you may meet during your very own tour.

The day starts off with a complimentary drink and breakfast and then into a private screening room for a little introduction to the studio.

The 5 hours fly by from exploring the museum to seeing the Batmobile collection. As well as the costume department (only available on the deluxe tour) you also explore the props department.

Warner Bros Tour Comparison Chart

Warner Bros Studio Tour Compare Tours

Out of the best studio tours in Hollywood. No, THE best studio tour in Hollywood! Warner Brothers will always be number one for me! 

I had so much of a great time on the tour that when I flew back over to LA a few months later and I did it all again and it was completely different.

That’s the magic of these tours. No two days are the same!

Book A Warner Bros Studio Tour Here

2. Universal Studios Tour

universal studios tour

The second place on our best studio tours in Hollywood list is Universal Studios.

Universal Studios combines a studio with a theme park in this incredibly exciting experience. Here we have two options to choose from. A standard tour and a VIP experience.

Standard tour (Inclusive of park entry price)

Universal Studios Tour Review

This 60-minute experience will take you through four acres of the historic studio lot.

Jump into your Universal tram and explore some large construction sets whilst being narrated by the one and only Jimmy Fallon.

This is a tour like no other as your tram actually becomes part of various interactions including a subway earthquake scene, a 4D experience and some epic special effects set pieces that showcase various effects used in movies.

Drive past such iconic structures as Bates Motel and step into the grand finale of Fast & Furious Supercharged.

The standard tour is a thrill ride mixed with information about the studio itself. Whilst a fun ride it’s not very informative.

If you want an informative tour then Warner Bros are the clear winners here.

If you want some extra fun on your tour you can’t go wrong with Universal.

Once the tour has finished you’re free to explore what the rest of the theme park has to offer.

Universal Studios VIP Experience – Price – $299 per person

WIZARDING WORLD OF HARRY POTTER

It’s a tough choice between this VIP experience and the Warner Brothers one.

As stated above if you want a more informative and deeper look into how a studio works then Warner Brothers are unrivalled but if you want an epic VIP tour and THEN access to a theme park thereafter then Universal is the way to go.

The VIP Universal experience is a full-day experience.

Arrive at Universal Studios, flash the VIP pass and enjoy your own valet parking.

Upon entering into a private VIP building you are served breakfast as you await your call time before setting off in a VIP tram with comfy leather seats and complimentary drinks as you drive around set.

Whilst the normal tram tour just drives on by the VIP tour park up, get off as you tour sound stages and movie sets from the biggest shows and films ever created.

Visit the prop department and more as you can take a sneak peek behind the scenes.

Sean Evans Back to the Future Universal Studios Hollywood

Feel Like A Star

Universal doesn’t usually have as much going on compared to Warner Brothers when it comes to activity on the production lot, as a result, the two times I visited the studio section was rather empty but maybe I just attended on a quiet day. Unfortunately we didn’t see any stars this time around.

Your personal tour guide takes you throughout the studio and you enjoy a lovely gourmet meal in a private dining room.

Once you’ve had your food the real fun begins.

Your tour guide will personally walk you to the front of every single ride in the park and you will get front row seats at every show in the park with your VIP badge.

Universal Studios VIP Experience Best Studio Tours in Hollywood

You can ride the rides as many times as you want once the tour is open and your VIP badge will shoot you to the front of the queue every single time.

With such rides as the brand new Jurassic World water ride and the new Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey expansion, you’ll really feel like a star with the Universal Studios VIP pass.

I think I went on The Mummy rollercoaster 12 times in a row and kept walking past people who had been queuing for over 30 minutes.

Ignore the envious looks and just have yourself a wonderful time!

Book A Universal Studios Tour Here

3. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Third on our list is Paramount Pictures who offer two tours, a standard tour, and a VIP tour.

Standard Tour – Price $60

Sean Evans Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

This 2-hour cart tour takes you on a little journey around the studio as you visit infamous locations like the Bronson Gate, the prop house and more.

For me, the Paramount tour was quite dull. With Paramount being a much smaller studio the driving areas are narrow and limited.

Most of the tour involved parking up somewhere and being spoken to.

As much as it was interesting to hear about the studio we were usually parked up next to a brick wall, an iconic brick wall but a brick wall nonetheless.

I was a little bored throughout the tour until we ran into Ken Jeong (Hangover) who was on the lot filming and Kevin Hart was also filming a show as our tour was taking place.

This made the tour worth every penny as we were right next to these Hollywood giants and seeing them at work.

If I hadn’t have seen these two I would have had a very poor experience. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.

There was nothing to keep me hooked and it felt as though we were being taken around an office building rather than an iconic studio.

There was sadly no magic or effort made from the studio to cater for their tour guests.

VIP Tour – Price $189

Paramount Pictures VIP Best Studio Tours in Hollywood

This 4 and a half hour tour gives you VIP access to archives and backlot production facilities. The VIP upgrade is 100 times better than that of the rather dull standard tour!

You are taken around the inner workings of the studio and not just the brick walls that make up the studio and get hands-on with props and speak to members of staff working on various movies.

You are physically introduced to people within the studio and this could include stars.

For dinner, you will enjoy a gourmet lunch in a private production dining room and this exclusivity makes for all the more enjoyable experience.

Seriously, forget the standard tour. I felt as though I had wasted my money. Take the leap and bump yourselves up to the VIP tour. You won’t regret it!

Instead of seeing Kevin Hart and Ken Jeong there was more chance of meeting them and getting photos with them if I had taken the VIP tour.

I’m still kicking myself even now!

Book A Paramount Studio Tour Here

4. Sony Pictures Studio Tour – $50

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

Step back in time, walk through those iconic gates and enjoy this 2-hour walking tour.

Sony only offers a standard tour, there are no VIP upgrades available.

Take a look at sound stages, sets including Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. The sony tour just lets you walk around a visually stunning studio in the glorious LA sunshine.

With various picture opportunities (including the Breaking Bad RV and ECTO-1 from Ghostbusters ) I can’t really pick out a highlight of the tour.

The tour office houses some iconic Sony movie props and that was before the tour even started and free to view for any member of the public.

The best bit of the tour was the museum which was free to explore.

Sean Evans Sony Pictures Best Studio Tours in Hollywood

Instead of going through movie history, the majority of the tour is looking at TV game shows that I couldn’t care less about.

If you’re a TV gameshow fanatic then Sony Pictures is for you.

If you love your movies then look elsewhere.

A tour guide pointing to a car park and saying this is where we shot a scene from The Holiday starring Cameron wasn’t my idea of informative, immersive or interesting.

Easy the worst tour on the list and the price reflects that.

Sony Pictures Best Studio Tours in Hollywood

To be honest even the $50 they do charge seems overpriced. Very much so.

The best part about the tour was the mini-museum that was located within the reception building and that’s free!

The standard tour at Warner Brothers is only $60 and the experience there is much more involved and interesting.

Book A Sony Pictures Tour Here

Sean Evans Best Studio Tours in Hollywood

As far as the best studio tours in Hollywood goes the clear winner here is Warner Brothers. They have the full package for an all-round studio tour experience.

Universal could easily be a number one but for me as a studio experience, you want to go to Warner Brothers.

With Universal Studios being more of a theme park it dampens the studio experience somewhat. You’re on the tour aching to get inside the park properly and jump on the rides!

It doesn’t feel as detailed or as movie focused. It’s very much more family targeted.

The tram is a theme park-style experience not an informative tour, it was very commercialized. Which is fine. But for a genuine studio tour, Warners takes the crown every single day of the week.

I absolutely recommend the VIP upgrades on all of the studio tours. You will absolutely regret it and at no point did I feel short-changed on any of them.

You get the full experience and some great photos to remember it by.

Create some memories and who knows, you might just meet a celebrity along the way!

Thanks for checking out our Best Studio Tours in Hollywood post!

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Owner of Back to the Movies and Born in Stoke on Trent Sean Evans set up this website to talk about films the way you'd talk to your friends about them. No critics, just fans.

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2 thoughts on “ we explore and rank the best studio tours in hollywood ”.

Thank you so much. This was such an informative and helpful review of the studios. Exactly what i was looking for. Thanks

Thank you Michael, this is an old article but the general premise remains the same and WB is still miles ahead in terms of tour quality.

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Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You?

Posted on Published: June 29, 2019  - Last updated: February 26, 2024

Categories North America , California , Travel

There are four major Hollywood studio tours that you can go on in and around Los Angeles : Warners Bros., Sony, Paramount, and Universal Studio Tours.

It’s really not necessary to do all of them , especially on the same trip. There’s quite a bit of overlap between each studio tour, and the ticket prices can really add up.

Throughout my visits to California, I’ve managed to visit all 4 Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles (and some more than once!).

Here’s my in-depth reviews of all the major Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles. This is what to expect from each one so you can decide which is the best studio tour in los Angeles for you!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Which Hollywood Studio Tour Should You Visit? | #hollywoodstudiotours #californiaactivity #warnerbrotherstudiotour #sonystudiotour #paramountstudiotour #universalstudio

Why Should You Go On A Hollywood Studio Tour?

Hollywood Studio Tours in Los Angeles are a great way to gain an “ all-access” pass to the biggest backstage lots in California .

They give you a chance to go behind the scenes on some of your favourite movies and TV shows.

You’ll get to see the sets and props, and learn about the magic of making movies. And, if you’re lucky, you might get the chance to either see a live film set or a celebrity at work . 

Let’s just say, visit a movie set is a quintessential Los Angeles activity … p.s. see my L.A. guide here .

warner-brothers-tramwarner-brothers-tram

Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You ?

The best Hollywood studio tour for you will depend on three main factors :

  • Your favourite films and TV shows

The studio tours vary in budget and tour length. The price ranges between $55 to $110 / ticket . And the tour can last anywhere between one to three hours .

But your favourite movies and TV shows are the most important factor when deciding which studio tour in Los Angeles to go to. If you haven’t watched anything the studio has produced, you’ll be less interested in what you’re seeing and learning about.

Best Studio Tours In LA: Overview

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My  digital travel planner template  has everything you need to plan your vacation: research templates, travel planner itinerary, travel budget templates…etc. . You can print it out or use it digitally on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Sound Stage Paramount Pictures

Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

Universal Studios is a bit of a unique studio tour in Los Angeles. The studio tour can only be accessed if you buy a ticket to the entire theme park .

This also puts the studio tour at a much higher price point compared to the others around Los Angles. But, on the other hand, it is an ENTIRE day of activities instead of a few hours.

The tour itself is only 60 minutes but there are no shortage of other rides and shows to see once you’re in the park.

Quick Information & Links

Total Time : 1 hour (not including wait time in line) Admission : $109 -$119* (includes access to the entire park, price varies depending on the season) Book Tickets for Universal Studios Hollywood . Parking : Starts at $32* (General Parking)

*Updated January 2024

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Movies Referred To/ Filmed Here:

You should check out this Hollywood studio tour if you’re a fan of…

  • Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  • Jurassic Park
  • Fast and the Furious
  • Jordan Peele’s horror epic, NOPE

Pros Of The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

You are on the LARGEST film and TV studio in Hollywood and the world! You get to drive by some of the most iconic sets in all movie history.

You drive-by the sound stages, new and old sets.

But this is still a ride in a theme park so they’ve added some more ride-like adventure elements to make things more exciting, unlike any other Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles.

filming-dr-seuss-scene-universal-studios-hollywood-studio-tour

At times you feel like you’re in the movie rather than just seeing where one was filmed!

And it’s not all for show either, they do still use these sets to film. In fact, this was the only Hollywood studio tour where I caught a live taping , so it’s still possible to see!

One thing’s certain though, you won’t be bored for a second on this tour even if you don’t happen to see an active film set during your tour. 

P.S. Make the most of your time at Universal Studios and book an Express Line ticket through Viator here . It gives you one-time express access to each ride, show, and attraction at the park !

Cons Of The Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour

It’s the least personal studio tour in Los Angeles. You’re on a tram the entire time for 60 minutes straight, with about 30 other people!

As I said, this tour is sometimes more of a ride than a studio tour (so it’s both a pro and a con!).

At times, the tour felt very streamlined , because most of it is. You still have a guide, but he’s following a script on a set path so it’s the same tour every time (unlike the others which have a bit more variance based on your guide).

The tram is on a set course and there are timed animatronics and effects throughout the tour.

universal-studios-tram

Value For Money – Movie Location Los Angeles

I will admit, you get pretty good value for your money with your tickets to Universal studios. But that’s only if you wanted to visit the theme park.

If you were already planning on visiting Universal Studios Hollywood, then the studio tour is a must-do ride! 

But if you don’t like theme parks, and your only interest is the Hollywood studio tour, I wouldn’t recommend paying for the entire theme park just for the tour.

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Logistics: What To Know Before You Go

A tram leaves about every 30 minutes for the Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour so the line builds up pretty quickly. I’d prioritize this as one of your first rides of the day.

As I said, don’t expect reality with this one, they do show you real sets but it’s also still a ride. So you’ll get a lot of gimmicky routines created specifically for this tour. 

Also, some advance warning, you might get wet at certain points during the ride. If you’d prefer to not get wet, try to sit in the middle of the row.

Book Universal Studio Tours Tickets In Advance Through Viator

Book General Admission tickets →

Book Skip the Line Express Tickets →

Book the VIP Experience on Viator (giving your exclusive access to off-limits areas of the park) →

For more Los Angeles organized tours from Viator, click here .

hollywood film set tours

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Warner Bros. Studio is actually in Burbank California , but it’s close enough to Los Angeles.

Warner Bros. studio tour takes you on a tram around different parts of the studio, with only around 12 guests at a time on the tour.

So unlike Universal Studios Hollywood studio tour, it’s a lot more personal and you’re only on the tram to get from place to place (because their lot is HUGE!).

You drive by sound stages and countless outdoor sets. But you’ll get off and walk around a bit, even walking in some sets if you’re lucky. So you should be prepared for some walking on this studio tour in Los Angeles!

Total Time : ~3 hours (1 hour guided, 2 hours unguided). Leaves every 30 minutes from 9:30 to 3:30 Admission : 70$* Parking : 15$* Website

warner brothers studio tour

What Was Filmed Here (Sets You Might See!)

Check out this Hollywood studio tour if you’re a fan of…

  • Harry Potter
  • Gilmore Girls
  • Back to the Future
  • The Big Bang Theory
  • Pretty Little Liars

warner-brothers-studio-tour-water-tower

So Much More Than A Studio Tour

Over the years, the Warner Bros. studio tour has grown. It’s no longer just a backlot tour, now, that’s just one part of it…

Museums, Props, Sets, & Photo Ops At Warner Bros. Studio

Tickets to the Warner Bros. studio tour also includes interactive museums where you’ll want to take all the pictures you can!

You can interact with different sets from your favourite movies and TV sets, like Friends, the Big Bang Theory and Harry Potter! on the magic of movies, costume

There’s also an entire exhibit on the DC universe with all superheroe and villain props. They have Aquaman’s lair, Wonder Woman’s study, Superman’s office, and the Batman’s bat cave.

And finally they have an in-depth exhibit on all things filmmaking. Staring with the writing process and finishing with the special effects of movie making.

Book Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tickets With Viator

General Admission tickets →

central-perk-friends-set-warner-bros-studio-tour

Pros Of The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

They are constantly updating the Warner Bros. studio tour – that means you can even go back the next time you’re in Los Angeles, I’ve already gone back twice!

There was some over lap with the sets and information, but very little. A lot had been updated and added to the tour. And I’ve already noticed that they’ve added a lot more content since I’ve gone!

Also, the guided portion of the tour will rarely be the same. For starters, where you go will all depend on what they’re filming at the time. So not only can it change over the years, but it can change within the hour!

It’s also a very personal tour with only being 12 people on the tram. You can also all your questions about movie magic!

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Cons Of The Warner Bros. Studio Tour

With all the new additions to the tour every year, I’ve noticed the guided portion has become less and less…

The guided tour portion is only hour , and then two hours are a self guided tour through the museums.

But it’s the guided portion of the tour that’s always fresh and what brings me back! I’m a bit disappointed that the museums seem to have taken over the tour now, making the tour a bit more gimmicky and less about touring real sets and sound stages…

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Perspective-Warner-Brothers-Studio-Tour

Bring government I.D. when you visit, and make sure to arrive early!

You have to go through security and there might be a lineup. They suggest arriving 30 minutes in advance.

Don’t worry about getting lost on your way to the studios (if you’re driving there)! I followed the instructions we were given on how to get to the visitor’s centre, but my GPS brought me to the wrong gate. No need to panic if this happens to you too! The patrol was very understanding (I’m sure this happens all the time) and told us exactly where to go.

If you’re driving, there’s a parking lot across the street from the visitor’s centre (paid, of course). The studio is in a pretty secluded area, but there’s a Starbucks in the visitor’s centre .

You can book Warner Brothers Studio tour tickets in advance on Viator here .

shameless-screenwriting-process

Paramount Pictures Hollywood Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures is really interesting because it’s the last Hollywood studio still in Hollywood (well in Los Angeles). 

So it’s only about a 15-minute drive from Hollywood Blvd. FYI, Warner is in Burbank, and Sony is in Culver City.

It was very similar to Warner Bros. Hollywood studio tour in terms of the scale of the studio. They have several sound stages, a water tank, and a totally customizable New York set.

Like the other Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles, there’s a museum portion of the tour with props. Paramount Pictures one had a lot of “ unwanted ” props (those that could only be used once for the film they were designed for).

There was A LOT of props from the Transformers franchise, but there were also Star Trek, Gladiator, and Dream Girls props.

Time : 2 hours * They leave every 30 minutes from 9:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. Admission : 65$* Parking : $22 – (used to be cash only)* Website

hollywood film set tours

What Was/ Is Filmed Here

  • The Godfather
  • OG King Kong (In Set 19)
  • Breakfast at Tiffanys
  • Forrest Gump

on-the-lot-paramount-pictures-studio-tour

Pros Of Paramount Pictures Studio Tour In Los Angeles

The best part about the Paramount Pictures Hollywood studio tour tour was the small size of the group. There’s a max of 7 people on the tour (you’re in an 8 seater golf cart).

The tour also provided earphones to be able to perfectly hear your tour guide at all times, so they didn’t have to shout at you! There can be a lot going on on sets with a lot of noises, so the earphones were definitely appreciated.

I also liked that they provided visuals for what you were looking at during the tour. Our tour guide carried around an iPad showing examples of what a specific set was used for over the years. So instead of looking at a giant green screen, they showed us how that green screen was used in different films.

hollywood film set tours

Cons Of Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Paramount Pictures studio tour taught me a few things about Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles…

First, the quality of the tour really depends on your tour guide – they can make or break your visit. And unfortunately, you won’t really know who you’re going to get beforehand.

Unfortunately for me, my tour guide at Paramount Pictures wasn’t the best. There’s so much history to this Hollywood studio that I ended up lost most of the time because I didn’t know who or what he was referring to, I guess the references were also a bit ahead of my time…

Paramount Studio tour also really showed me how important it is to have seen (or at least heard of) the films or shows the studio produced. 

So if you’re a fan of classics like I Love Lucy, Alfred Hitchcock, or the original King Kong then Paramount Pictures studio tour is a must for you!

For me, Paramount Pictures studio tour was a bit of a mixed bag. I really see the potential of this tour though, but I think you have to be a really big movie buff to enjoy Paramount Pictures studio tour.

paramount-picutres-gates

The visitor parking is across the street from the main gates. Be wary of the address on Google Maps, it brought me to the wrong gate.

When I visited, parking was cash only, so it’s always good to be prepared. There’s an ATM you can use at the end of the tour if you need (apparently no one does cash back in the area…).

Like the other tours, you have to show I.D. and go through security, so they ask you to arrive 30 minutes before your tour . But, in case there’s no wait at all, there’s a mini-exhibit you can visit to pass the time before your tour starts. 

Make sure to bring water and food, there’s really not much in the area. But drinks aren’t allowed on the tour itself, so leave it in the car!

Costumes Paramount Studio Tour

SONY Studio Hollywood Tour

SONY Hollywood studio tour ended up being my favourite studio tour . We were only about 5 people on this tour, so it was very personal. But I don’t know if this was the max, or that fewer people happened to sign up for it.  

I know online there are 25 spots per time slot. I don’t know if that’s the typical tour size on a busier day, or if they would always split you up into smaller groups once you get there.

There are famous cars on display from movies and shows (like Breaking Bad and Ghostbusters). They also have a prop museum at the start of the tour. There’s even an Oscar and an Emmy award you can see (and even hold!). 

Time : 2 hours * Leaves 4 times a day: 9:30, 10:30, 1:30 and 2:30. Admission : 55$* Parking : Free Valet Website

What Was Filmed Here

  • Breaking Bad
  • Wheel of Fortune
  • Ghostbusters
  • The Goldbergs

sony pictures studio tour

Pros Of The SONY Studio Tour

SONY is a MUCH smaller studio than the other three Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles. That means you don’t even need a tram to get around, we walked everywhere (so you should also be prepared to walk!). This made it easier to take appreciate it all and take pictures!

I also absolutely loved our tour guide, he was by far my favourite out of all the ones we had on any tour. It didn’t seem like he simply memorized a script. It was as if he lived and breathed SONY and films in general. I would’ve believed it if he’d told us he grew up on set.

We also got the chance to walk on to a sound stage from one of my favourite TV Shows – The Goldbergs. And our guide brought us onto a working foley stage (where they create extra sounds for movies). 

If a sound or foley stage isn’t available to see, you are guaranteed to see either the Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy set . They film on opposite days, so you’ll always be able to see one of them.

But the best perk of all is… You get your picture taken on the set of either Jeopardy or Wheel of Fortune, which they’ll print out and give to you as a souvenir… FREE OF CHARGE! ! Seriously when is anything ever free these days…

Cars Sony PicturesTour

Cons Of The SONY Hollywood Studio Tour

As I mentioned, there’s no tram for the SONY Hollywood studio tour. Although the studio isn’t as large as the others, you have to be prepared to walk quite a bit.

Another sort of pro and con is that it’s 80 % outdoors . So you really want to go when it’s decent weather. And be prepared to be in the sun!

ocean av long beach california

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Props Sony Studio Tour

Value For Money – Hollywood Studio Tours In Los Angeles

I think you get a lot of value for your money at SONY studio tour. It’s the cheapest out of any of the Hollywood studio tours in Los Angeles and they give you some nice freebies (like parking and a photo souvenir!).

The scale of the studio might be smaller than the other three major studios, but there’s still a lot to see. And despite the lack of big blockbuster sets, they make up for it in different ways (like seeing the inside of a game show set, and a foley stage).

Like Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures studio tours, they ask that you arrive 30 minutes early to go through security. 

If you drive there, they offer FREE valet parking in the Overland lot. 

The studio is very much out of the way, so plan your meals and snacks in advance. All they had at the studio was a vending machine .

Don’t expect to see large outdoor sets like from Warner Bros. or Paramount, SONY is a lot smaller, so most of their sets are on sound stages. So if you’re interested in the big New York outdoor sets, SONY isn’t for you!

sony-studio-tour

Overview, What’s The Best Studio Tour In Los Angeles?

Like I said before, Universal Studios is the most expensive, but you do get an entire days worth of activities. But if your intent is to learn about movie magic, the other three are better choices. 

If you have time for more than one, you don’t need to see both Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures. There’s quite a bit of overlap between the two. Instead, choose one of those, and then either Universal or SONY as your second option.

Jeopardy Set Sony Studio Tour

P.S. Need A Place To Stay In L.A.? Hotel Recommendations

Finding a place to stay in Los Angeles can be quite overwhelming – it’s HUGE!

I stayed at the Sofitel and would highly recommend it. It was in a safe area, and across the street from the Beverly Hills mall (which proved to be very convenient). It was also within walking distance to some local restaurants you need to try – like the Kings Road Cafe! See room rates & availability here .

If you want to stay on the beach outside of the city life instead, we stayed at The Georgian in Santa Monica and couldn’t recommend it enough! It’s only about a 25 minute drive from the city. This was a beautiful art deco hotel that is begging you to go there! It’s a minutes walk to the beach, Santa Monica Pier, and the Third Street Promenade. See room rates & availability here .

For more accommodation options in Los Angeles, click here . Interested in longer stays in L.A. check out Plum Guide here .

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Last update on 2024-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Tuesday 26th of September 2023

You've gotten me excited about my next trip to Los Angeles. I've done the Universal tour and the Warner Bros tour, so I may do what you suggested and do Paramount and Sony next.

You're right about Universal's tour being more of a ride from what I remember. However, it was cool to see sets from The Good Place, Jaws, and Psycho. Being on the tram the whole time was a little different, and my experience was a bit thrown off because I hadn't expected Universal, CA to have such similar rides to Universal, FL, and I loved how Universal, FL made it really seem like you were on a set walking through various cities. Definitely not the same as CA. I think I was there for about 2 hours and was done. The weather was weird where it was kindof warm at first, but then turned super cold while I was in line for a ride, so I was done sooner than I expected.

I absolutely loved the Warner Bros tour. The guide was super nice and knowledgeable. I almost died when I saw the Gilmore Girl house and Luke's Diner. Of course I took pictures at the Central Perk. To me, the prop museum was a tad boring, but still overall decent. The tour was partially walking and partially riding. There were so many moments where I was like...."this looks familiar" and had to think of where the set had been used. Super cool. I highly recommend it.

Wednesday 27th of September 2023

That's awesome!! Definitely I enjoyed that the Warners brothers was mixed with walking and a tram ride you were able to get so much further that way - and the lot is HUGE! It really is cool seeing sets from your favourite TV shows and movies! I really liked the SONY tour but it was definitely a lot smaller than Warner bros!

Sunday 19th of February 2023

Hi Meghan, great article. Easy to read and allowed me to choose the studio we should visit in the short time we will be in L.A. Thanks you.

Monday 20th of February 2023

That's awesome to hear! Glad I could help :D :D

How To Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation | Afternoon Tea Reads

Thursday 1st of October 2020

[…] sure which one to visit? Read my overall review of each studio tour to help you […]

Monday 1st of July 2019

Wow what a great list of tours to choose from! I personally don't like these types of things however I think your post will be super useful for those who do!

Thanks! I hope it will be :)

I’ve done the Universal tour but it was like 20 yrs ago! I really want to go back and do all these studio tours. I’m film mad me 😃💕

Oh wow, you really should I'm sure a lot has changed since then. It's a movie geeks dream :)

Today's Park Hours 09:00 AM - 07:00 PM

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  • Movie Lovers

The Ultimate Hollywood Movie Experience

The ultimate Hollywood movie experience awaits at Universal Studios Hollywood™ – the premier destination for movie fans.

Go behind-the-scenes where movies are made and where Hollywood’s biggest stars work daily. Take the world famous Studio Tour for a fresh, behind-the-scenes look at moviemaking secrets and to experience the largest street movie set in Hollywood history. Plus, blockbuster movies come to life in all the heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions a movie fan can handle -featuring an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a working movie studio.

Universal Studios Hollywood™ is the premier destination for movie fans.

Rides and Attractions

Revenge of the mummy - the ride.

If you dare, face heart-pounding special effects and unexpected twists at every turn as you escape the Mummy’s revenge in life-like horror.

Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™

Soar above Hogwarts™ and the castle grounds on the groundbreaking ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™ (must be 48" tall to ride).

The Studio Tour - featuring Fast & Furious - Supercharged

Take a ride on the world-famous Studio Tour with its grand finale, Fast & Furious - Supercharged.

Head to the Lower Lot and become immersed in the epic thrill ride Transformers™: The Ride-3D (must be 40" tall to ride).

The Universal Studio Store offers a selection of adult and children’s apparel, accessories, as well as toys and souvenirs of all of your favorite characters and attractions in the Park.

From Chocolate Frogs™ at Honeydukes™ to wands at Ollivanders™, the streets of Hogsmeade will bring the world of Harry Potter™ to life.

Jurassic Outfitters

Jurassic Outfitters is your destination for all your Jurassic Park and Jurassic World movie-themed products and dinosaur apparel, toys, and souvenirs.

Entertainment

Experience WaterWorld – Universal Studios #1 rated show. Join an adventure that surges to life with jumping jet-skiers, perilous plunges, firefights and massive explosions!

Cheer on the colourful procession of students from the legendary wizarding schools of Hogwarts™, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang as they lead the excitement for the Triwizard Tournament.

Character Sightings

While visiting, ask any Park employee about character appearance times and locations.

Raptor Encounter

With a reputation as the most intelligent dinosaur in Jurassic World™, these raptors are just as curious to meet you as you are to meet them.

This rustic tavern is the place to go in Hogsmeade™ for good food, friendly conversation, and a Butterbeer™. Take a seat and have your fill of tasty British fare including the 'Great Feast Platter.

California Style Personal Pizzas & Gourmet Burgers, Roasted Chicken with potatoes and veggies, Freshly made signature salads & World famous Turkey Legs!

Hollywood & Dine

Dine on some of Hollywood’s best entrees.

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Guide to Los Angeles' Studio Tours

 Universal Studios

Going on a studio tour in Los Angeles is a great way to get a behind-the-scenes look at some of your favorite TV and movie sets. As a tourgoer, you'll get to see some of the most iconic backdrops in town, from Monica's apartment on "Friends" to the RV from "Breaking Bad"—but access is limited and be aware that your favorite movie scenes might actually be just a bunch of warehouses full of lights, cables, and set pieces.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Warner Bros.' studio tour in Burbank entails both walking and riding in a cart around to working sets (although rarely are there any actors around). It's the most expensive of the studio tours, but that's because it's a bigger studio and it's also home to some of the most familiar stages like "Friends," "Big Bang Theory," the Harry Potter series, and more. There's even a working Central Perk Café on-site. The regular tour takes three hours and there's also a deluxe version that takes six hours.

Paramount Studio Tour

TripSavvy / Kayte Deioma

Two-hour cart tours of the studio behind the famous Paramount Arches are offered several times a day. Here, you'll see the Bronson Gate, the New York Street Backlot (which is designed to look like NYC), and the Prop Warehouse. You might recognize things from "Forrest Gump" and "I Love Lucy." The VIP Paramount Studio Tour includes a gourmet lunch and talks with archivists and last four hours, 30 minutes long.

Sony Pictures Studios Tour

Michael Kovac / Getty Images

The two-hour guided walking tour of Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City includes photo opportunities on the "Jeopardy" set and in front of the mobile meth lab from "Breaking Bad." Tours are offered four times a day Monday through Friday, but they can get very busy—probably because this is one of the cheapest studio tours in town—so it's recommended to make a reservation beforehand.

Universal Studios Tour

Universal Studios Tours are unique in that they're actually part of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park . You'll have to pay theme park prices to take the tram tour, which includes special effects sets so you get to experience earthquakes, floods, car crashes, "King Kong" in 3D, and a "Fast and the Furious" simulation along the way. You'll also get to see outdoor backlot sets that have been used in TV shows and famous movies like "Psycho" and "War of the Worlds." The route is ever-changing depending on which sets are in use.

Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio & Museum

Rick R.1 / Flickr / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio in Newhall, north of Los Angeles, is a working set for everything from westerns to war movies. Its museum houses nine decades of movie memorabilia, including the famous "Dukes of Hazard" car. Tours of the 22-acre lot are only available for groups, but if you come in April, you might be able to attend the annual Cowboy Festival  (that is if it doesn't get relocated due to filming).

Paramount Ranch

Patrick Slaven / Flickr CC By-NC 2.0

In addition to the Paramount Studio Tour, you can also visit Paramount Ranch , located in the Santa Monica Mountains. This old western movie set was built back in 1927 and operated for 25 years. After that, it changed hands numerous times, until the National Park Service finally took it over. It is still available for use as a film set or for weddings, but it's open to the public, so you can sometimes watch filming from afar. The ranch is a hub for surrounding hiking and equestrian trails. Best of all, it's free to visit. 

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19 Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles, California at Night

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Universal Studios Hollywood Visitors Guide

16 Best Things to Do in Hollywood

Planning a Trip to Universal Studios Hollywood

The Paramount Studio Tour in Hollywood

Hotels in Los Angeles - Guide to Finding the Best Place to Stay

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

How to Visit Los Angeles Without a Car

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The 16 Coolest Bookstores In Los Angeles

Our Favorite 15 Rainy Day Activities in Los Angeles

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hollywood film set tours

• Hollywood’s original and most

  beloved Movie Studio, up-close!

• Discover the Studio's rich history at

  the new Tour Center and

  Prop Warehouse

• Explore iconic filming locations:

  New York Backlot, Bronson Gate,

  Soundstages, and more

• Walk among Industry Talent,

  Producers, and Crew that call

  Paramount home

• 2 hours, daily

• True, behind-the-scenes,

  "insider" experience

• Exclusive VIP Studio access to

  Paramount's Archives and Backlot

• Meet Archivists and Backlot

  Tradesmen as they share

  their craft

• Private gourmet breakfast, lunch, or

  afternoon hors d’oeuvres in a

  unique Studio location

• 4 ½ hours, weekdays

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Explore over a century of Hollywood history and witness

more in the making. During your visit, you’ll see where some

of the most celebrated motion pictures and TV shows are made.

You'll arrive a welcomed guest and leave a true industry insider.

hollywood film set tours

• An intimate look behind Paramount's

  iconic gates

• Discover the Studio's rich history and

  explore iconic filming locations at the

  Tour Center, Prop Warehouse,

  and more!

• 3 hours, weekdays

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The 8 Best Hollywood Tours

See celebrity homes, top attractions and fun sights on these engaging tours of one of LA's hottest neighborhoods.

Rodeo Drive under a shining sun, Beverly Hills. California, USA

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Hollywood's glitz, glamour and celebrities have always held a fascination for travelers. Tourists journey to Los Angeles from all over the world to catch a glimpse of the city's famous residents or scope out iconic filming locations. For a behind-the-scenes peek at Hollywood's unknown tales and secrets, enlist the help of a local by signing up for a guided tour. Researching both expert opinion and traveler sentiment, U.S. News selected the best Hollywood tours.

Big Bus Tours Los Angeles – TMZ Celebrity Tour

Price: From $47.20 for adults; from $39.20 with kids Duration: 2 hours

TMZ, known for its celebrity news-fueled television show and website, operates this bus tour that takes travelers through Hollywood in the hopes of seeing their favorite celebrities. During the two-hour trip, TMZ guides will take you to celebrity hangouts in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills the Sunset Strip and more. The guides even bring video cameras in case a passing celebrity is willing to give an interview. Many patrons say the tour is fun, even without seeing any stars, and applaud the entertaining guides.

Tours run multiple times daily. Children younger than 2 are not permitted.

Check prices & availability on:

Ultimate Hollywood Tours – Celebrity Homes Tour: The Real Hollywood Experience

Price: From $44 for adults; from $34 for kids Duration: 2 hours

Keep your eyes peeled for Hollywood A-listers on this two-hour open-top bus tour, which promises to drive by dozens of celebrity homes. The bus will also cruise down Rodeo Drive and pass by the Hollywood Walk of Fame landmark and the Dolby Theatre, among other celebrity haunts. Visitors appreciate the guides' sense of humor and knowledge. They also say this is an excellent way to see the major attractions in Hollywood in a short amount of time.

The tours depart multiple times daily. There is a booking fee added to the tour price. If you're hoping to see even more of Los Angeles, consider the company's 5.5-hour excursion that includes an hourlong stop in Santa Monica.

The Real Los Angeles Tours – The Real Hollywood Tour

Price: From $40 Duration: 2 hours

During this historic walking tour, travelers will learn why Hollywood – once a farming town – was selected by movie industry pioneers in the early 20th century. The two-hour tour also stops at unique sights, such as the oldest house in Hollywood. But major attractions aren't forgotten either: You can expect to see the Capitol Records Building, the Dolby Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, among other sights. Reviewers enjoy the informative guides, and even locals say they discover things they never knew about the city.

Tours are offered daily at 10 a.m. There is a 5% booking fee when purchasing tickets. You can also opt to combine this tour with the company's Central Downtown LA tour for a comprehensive, three-hour historical overview of the city.

Open Bus Tours – Movie Star Home Tour

Price: From $35 Duration: 2 hours

Admire the mansions of Hollywood's rich and famous as you wind through LA's posh neighborhoods on this two-hour, open-air bus tour. Then, pass by iconic sights, such as the Hollywood sign and Mulholland Drive, before cruising along Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip and other well-known Hollywood locales. Most reviewers give the tour high marks, applauding the amusing and informative guides.

Tours are available Thursday through Monday; they depart every two hours between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. each operating day. Private tours are also an option.

Bikes and Hikes LA – Hollywood Sign Hike

Price: From $29 Duration: 2.5 hours

For a unique and sunshine-filled Hollywood tour, opt for this 2.5-hour hike to the Hollywood sign. Highlights include a view of Griffith Observatory, panoramic views from Mount Hollywood and local guides who also double as actors and comedians. Along the 4-mile round-trip hike, you might even see local celebrities walking their dogs. Tour-takers love the views, informative guides and the overall experience.

The company offers both morning and afternoon guided hikes. The exact meeting times vary, depending on the time of the year, but there is typically a morning departure and a late afternoon departure. Bikes and Hikes LA recommends wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and sneakers, and bringing a camera or smartphone for all those Instagram-worthy views. The company also offers three different bike tours around Hollywood and LA.

Hollywood City Tours – The Original Hollywood Tour

Price: From $45 for adults; from $35 for kids Duration: 2 hours

According to travelers, this tour is worthwhile if you're only in Los Angeles for a short amount of time, as you cover a lot of ground in just two hours. You'll cruise along Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip in an open-top bus as your driver (who doubles as your guide) shares interesting tidbits and historical information. Reviewers compliment the personable, entertaining guides, who they say tailor the tour to the group's interests. Along with celebrity homes belonging to A-listers like Katy Perry and Leonardo DiCaprio, you'll also drive past Hollywood landmarks like the Hollywood Bowl, Chateau Marmont and the Pantages Theatre.

Tours operate daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you're hoping to hit all of LA's top sights, consider the company's seven-hour Grand LA Tour.

Access Hollywood Tours – Celebrity Homes & Hollywood Sign Tour

Price: From $39 for adults; from $29 for kids Duration: 2 hours

Reviewers say this Hollywood sightseeing tour is lots of fun thanks to the engaging, personable guides. They also praise the beautiful scenery and report seeing plenty of iconic landmarks and celebrity homes. On this two-hour tour, you'll board an open-top bus in search of celebrity homes belonging to the likes of Mick Jagger and Madonna, as well as Hollywood must-sees like Greystone Mansion, Rodeo Drive, the Sunset Strip and more.

Tours are available Thursday through Tuesday starting at 10:30 a.m. until around 4:30 p.m. Tours may be available daily, depending on the month.

Surf City Tours – The Perfect Los Angeles Tour

Price: From $85 for adults; from $70 for kids Duration: 5.5 hours

See the best of both Hollywood and Los Angeles on this half-day tour. Departing from Santa Monica Pier, the bus tour features several stops, including the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Rodeo Drive and The Original Farmers Market. Along with celebrity homes belonging to stars like Bruno Mars, Al Pacino and Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, you'll cruise past famous music venues, such as The Viper Room and Whisky a Go Go. Reviewers say the tour flies by thanks to the knowledgeable guides, who are well-versed in celebrity culture. Travelers also appreciate the time allotted for each stop and say they captured great photos.

Tours are available at 10 a.m. and noon daily. If you're short on time, consider the company's two-hour Hollywood tour.

You may also be interested in:

  • Best Los Angeles Tours
  • Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
  • Best Los Angeles Hotels
  • Best California Tours
  • Best Places to Visit in California
  • Top Things to Do in California

Tags: Travel , Hollywood , Tours , Vacations , California Vacations , U.S. West Vacations , US Vacations

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1-Hour E-Bike Tour

2-hour e-bike tour, 2-hour experienced e-bike tour, 2-hour novice e-bike tour, 1-hour horseback tour, 2-hour horseback tour, hollywood movie site tour, 2-hour ride along utv tour, jungle expedition tour, jurassic adventure tour, horseback adventure, experience package, utv adventure, kualoa grown tour, aloha aina tour, jurassic valley zipline, mālama experience (care for the land), mlama ina (care for the land), fishpond & ocean voyage tour, secret island beach activities, kualoa half day package, premier hollywood movie site tour, 1-hour utv raptor tour, 2-hour utv raptor tour, exclusive utv raptor tour with lunch, utv raptor adventure package, kayak adventure tour, surf & turf packages, 3 hour private utv ride along tour, 3 hr private utv ride along tour, tour availability for your select dates:, trip information.

hollywood film set tours

Hollywood Movie Sites Tour

Movie sites & ranch tour.

Experience the famous Ka’a’awa Valley, known as Hollywood’s “Hawaii Backlot,” where over 200 Hollywood movies and TV shows have been filmed since the 1950’s. Hop aboard a vintage school bus and see where the Finding ‘Ohana scavenger hunt was filmed, the boneyard from Kong Skull Island, the Jumanji dance-fight area, the ATV hill from Mike & Dave, Godzilla’s massive footprints, and several other filming locations! You will also learn about Hawaiian culture, ranching, farming, diversified agriculture, and stop at a historical WWII army bunker, built entirely into the side of the mountain range. There you’ll find posters, props and memorabilia from movies and tv shows filmed at Kualoa through the years, as well as some cool WWII artifacts and exhibits.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE:

  • Tours goes out rain or shine, and weather can be unpredictable. We recommend checking the weather and bringing appropriate clothing for your comfort.
  • Advanced reservations are recommended as tours may sell out.
  • Seating is available on a first come, first served basis at the tour depot.
  • You can also search for single seats as they may be available on tours the last minute if you are willing to split up.

Hawaii’s Best Movie Tour Featuring Film & TV Locations

90-minute tours, starting at $54.95 adult starting at $39.95 child (3-12).

Pricing per person. Rates subject to 4.712% tax.

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING

This was such a fun experience. I’m going to remember this for the rest of my life. You do get very dusty so wear comfortable clothes and a high collared shirt. The sights the pictures the tour guides everything was perfect and so fun. If you like movies and Jurassic Park you’re going to love this place. I am going to recommend this to everyone I know.

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We did the basic movie tour and loved it

hollywood film set tours

Movie Tour was Great

Myaussielife8, mayamortella, x7756lxsusanb.

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Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites Tour - Visit TV Shows & Hollywood Filming Locations

IMG 3319

Kuala Ranch Movie Tour

2.5 - 9 hour(s) incl. transportation, available daily, pick-up available, not accessible, what to expect, 90-minute standard movie sites & ranch tour.

Price per Adult :

90-minute Standard Movie Sites & Ranch Tour with Transportation from Waikiki

2.5 hour deluxe jurassic adventure movie tour, 2.5 hour deluxe jurassic adventure movie tour with transportation from waikiki.

hollywood film set tours

Check-in at Kualoa Ranch

kualoa movie tour 2

Hop aboard a vintage school bus and see many of the famous and iconic sites at Kualoa such as Jurrasic Park, Jurrasic World, 50 First Dates, Jumanji, Lost, Five-O, Magnum PI, Pearl Harbor, and more! See the boneyard from Kong Skull Island, Godzilla’s massive footprints, and a WWII army bunker.

Transportation add-ons

Pick-up/check-in time & location.

hollywood film set tours

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

hollywood film set tours

Start time :

1

  • Check-in Desk

Important activity information

Restrictions.

  • This activity is not wheelchair accessible.
  • Not recommended for guests with back issues or expecting mothers.
  • Children of all ages can participate in this activity.

Additional notes

  • The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
  • Drinks and meals are available for purchase
  • Tours may go out with multiple vehicles so your party may be split into different vehicles (vehicle capacities may vary)
  • Complimentary parking available.
  • Check in is 45 minutes prior to your tour start time.

Other requirements

  • Participants are required to sign a liability waiver at the time of check-in.
  • Minors are required to have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver.

hollywood film set tours

Pick-up from Waikiki

326611

Please be aware that you will need to wait until the designated check-in time for your tour.

VELTRA_IMG_0272

Check in for your tour 45 minutes before your designated start time.

20191110000023_1971204043_0

After the tour, you will have to wait for the shuttle to depart. Feel free to explore the ranch during this time.

Depart from Kualoa Ranch

hollywood film set tours

  • Grand Islander Bus Depot - First Floor

2

  • Aloha Landing Bus Depot

3

  • Paoakalani Avenue Entrance
  • You must check-in 15 minutes prior to your shuttle pick up. If you miss your shuttle, you will be responsible for securing your own transportation.

hollywood film set tours

Get ready for an adventurous bumpy rainforest trek to visit sets from the famous Hollywood movies, Jurassic Park, Jurassic World and more! Hop on a 16 passenger open-air custom vehicle with panoramic views and see these iconic film sites and perhaps even some dinosaurs in Hakipuu and Kaaawa Valley.

  • Children 3 years old and above can participate in this activity.

Pick-up from Waikiki Hotels

Arrive at Kualoa Ranch

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Overall rating

Very well organized , all personnel very friendly and knowledgeable, very intense and cultural . buffet was great .

We had a very fun time on our tour. Chris, our tour guide was fabulous. We learned so many facts about the filming of some of the movies. It was a very enjoyable experience.

Fun and cool!

Loved the tour and was fun to see where all the movies were shot! Our guide was amazing! Would highly recommend going with your family! We only did the movie tour but there are a lot of other tours that seemed great!

Activity Provider Kualoa Ranch Private Nature Reserve

Activity provider, payment / cancellation policy.

  • Credit card payment

hollywood film set tours

  • Any cancellations made after 15:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
  • Any changes made after 15:00 local time, 3 business days prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount. This includes, but not limited to, change of the activity date/ time, package, the number of participants, etc. No-Show / Late Arrival Policy *Any no-show or late arrival will be subject to full charge.
  • Every 12/25, Every 01/01

Payment Methods

hollywood film set tours

Cancellation Policy

Change policy, is there a place to keep belongings while out on a tour.

Yes, you can rent lockers at Kualoa Ranch (additional charge). Please ask the staff upon check-in.

How far away is this activity from Waikiki?

Kualoa Ranch is located approximately 23 miles away from Waikiki, and depending on traffic, it can take up to an hour to drive there.

How far in advance should I book this activity?

We recommend booking at least 2-3 weeks in advance. If you have very specific schedule requirements and are not flexible, please book sooner. Last minute availability is limited, and walk-ins won't always find seats available.

Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

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hollywood film set tours

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hollywood film set tours

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  1. Warner Bros. Studio Tour

    Best studio tour in Los Angeles. Go behind the scenes at a Hollywood studio. See how movies & TV shows are made at Warner Bros Studio Tour.

  2. 5 Studio Tours in Los Angeles

    They also offer a premium tour which includes transportation via golf cart, access to the Sony Museum, a free souvenir photo, a complimentary beverage, and lower prices at the Sony Studio Store. Tickets. $55 per person | $150 for the Premium tour. Availability: Monday - Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm.

  3. Studio Tour

    Tour the backlots which have been the exterior sets for classic films and TV shows such as East of Eden, My Fair Lady, The Maltese Falcon, and more. Warner Bros. has made some of the most iconic performances in Hollywood history come to life on the studio's 110-acre backlot.

  4. Universal Studios Hollywood

    Discover the magic of movie making on the Studio Tour, the signature attraction of Universal Studios Hollywood. See the sets, props, and effects of your favorite films and TV shows, and experience the thrill of riding along with King Kong, Fast & Furious, and Jaws. Don't miss this unique opportunity to go behind the scenes of Hollywood's most famous studio.

  5. Deluxe Tour

    Enjoy the ultimate Hollywood experience. Designed for our biggest film and TV fans, our six-hour* Deluxe Tour offers an insider's look into the movie-making process. Your Deluxe Tour includes all the elements of the Studio Tour Plus experience, with an additional hour with one of our most knowledgeable guides, for a three-hour guided tour.

  6. Universal Studios Hollywood

    Experience the Studio Tour, the ultimate Hollywood movie adventure. See how movies are made, ride with your favorite characters, and explore iconic sets.

  7. The 5 Best Studio Tours in Hollywood [2024 Reviews]

    The 5 Best Hollywood Studio Tours. Universal Studios Hollywood and Movie Stars' Homes Tour. Movie Star Homes and Warner Bros Studio Tour. Private Tour: Hollywood Highlights or Celebrity Homes of Beverly Hills. Universal Studios Hollywood with Transport.

  8. Tickets Archive

    TCM Classic Films Tour. Take a step back in time to the golden age of Film and TV. DETAILS BOOK NOW. From 160. Studio Tour Plus. Upgrade your visit to our extended tour experience. ... Answer: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is a popular attraction and availability is limited so we recommend buying your tickets as early as possible to avoid ...

  9. The World-Famous Studio Tour, 4K, 2020

    Take a tour of Universal's movie studio! ~Hop~ into our tram as we experience a behind-the-scenes look at movie-making. Explore 4 acres of movie and televisi...

  10. We Explore and Rank the Best Studio Tours in Hollywood

    Consider this a guide for your next Los Angeles adventure. 1. Warner Brothers Studio Tour. Situated in Burbank the Warner Brothers Studio Tour is simply the best. Mixing film education with an absolutely incredible tour it is above and beyond what you'd expect a studio tour to be. Get ready, this one is a MUST VISIT!

  11. Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You?

    Published: June 29, 2019 - Last updated: February 26, 2024. North America, California, Travel. There are four major Hollywood studio tours that you can go on in and around Los Angeles: Warners Bros., Sony, Paramount, and Universal Studio Tours. It's really not necessary to do all of them, especially on the same trip.

  12. Movie Lovers

    Take the world famous Studio Tour for a fresh, behind-the-scenes look at moviemaking secrets and to experience the largest street movie set in Hollywood history. Plus, blockbuster movies come to life in all the heart-pounding rides, shows and attractions a movie fan can handle -featuring an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a working movie ...

  13. Studio Tour

    The Studio Tour contains half of Universal's attractions - such as King Kong 360, Earthquake, JAWS, and Fast and Furious - which make the tour far more interesting and entertaining than one would lead you to believe. Above that, the Studio Tour actually takes you through one of Hollywood's busiest and biggest movie studios.

  14. Guide to Los Angeles' Studio Tours

    Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio in Newhall, north of Los Angeles, is a working set for everything from westerns to war movies. Its museum houses nine decades of movie memorabilia, including the famous "Dukes of Hazard" car. Tours of the 22-acre lot are only available for groups, but if you come in April, you might be able to attend the ...

  15. TCM Classic Films Tour

    A specially trained Tour Guide, with the help of the hosts from Turner Classic Movies, will guide guests through the Studio Tour themed to iconic classic movies and TV shows from the early days of the Studio through the 1970's. While on tour, guests will visit the familiar places and spaces where movie magic has been happening for more than ...

  16. WarnerBros.com

    The incredible new Studio Store provides fans access to exclusive merchandise from their favorite Warner Bros. film and TV titles. "Entertainment is about connecting with fans, and we are thrilled to welcome guests back to the tour after a more than 15-month hiatus," said Danny Kahn, VP and General Manager, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood.

  17. Friends

    The Experience. Studio Tour. TCM Classic Films Tour. Studio Tour Plus. Deluxe Tour. Warner Bros. Studio Store. Friends Boutique & Café. News and Events. Visitor Info.

  18. Paramount Studio Tour

    ACCESSIBILITY and. SPECIAL ASSISTANCE. STUDIO TOURS © 2 024 Paramount Pictures Studio Tour 2 024 Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

  19. Studio Tours

    • Hollywood's original and most beloved Movie Studio, up-close! • Discover the Studio's rich history at the new Tour Center and Prop Warehouse • Explore iconic filming locations: New York Backlot, Bronson Gate, Soundstages, and more • Walk among Industry Talent, Producers, and Crew that call Paramount home • 2 hours, daily • $65

  20. 8 Best Hollywood Tours: Celeb Homes, Movie Sets & More

    The Real Los Angeles Tours - The Real Hollywood Tour. Price: From $40. Duration: 2 hours. During this historic walking tour, travelers will learn why Hollywood - once a farming town - was ...

  21. Oahu Movie Locations

    Our Movie Sites and Ranch Tour will cruise you around in our vintage school bus to see filming locations for Jurassic Park, Godzilla, LOST, Hawaii Five-0, and more. Book here or call (808) 237-7321.

  22. Studio Tour Plus

    Tour the backlots which have been the exterior sets for classic films and TV shows such as East of Eden, My Fair Lady, The Maltese Falcon, and more. Warner Bros. has made some of the most iconic performances in Hollywood history come to life on the studio's 110-acre backlot.

  23. Kualoa Ranch Movie Sites Tour

    Hollywood movie set tours attract thousands of visitors to Kualoa Ranch every year. Don't miss your chance to visit a top Honolulu tourist attraction and see the original Kualoa Ranch Jurassic Park film set. This package is the perfect way to experience Kualoa Ranch even if you do not have a rental car while on Oahu. With pick-up provided from ...