Which Is The Best Hollywood Studio Tour For You?
By: Author Meghan Emcee
Posted on Published: June 29, 2019 - Last updated: July 31, 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!
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 .
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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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
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.
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.
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.
You might also be interested in reading…
- How To Plan Your Los Angeles Vacation
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 .
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
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
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 →
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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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 .
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
What Was/ Is Filmed Here
- The Godfather
- OG King Kong (In Set 19)
- Breakfast at Tiffanys
- Forrest Gump
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.
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.
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!
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
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…
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!
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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!
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.
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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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 :)
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Paramount Pictures Studio Tour
Founded in May 1912, Paramount Pictures Studio (5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles 90038) is the longest operating studio in Hollywood. Cecil B. DeMille, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Marlene Dietrich, Mae West, Gary Cooper, the Marx Brothers, and Elvis Presley have all filmed at the iconic studio lot. Paramount Studios is also home to an elaborate New York Street backlot that can transform into 10 different NYC neighborhoods — making a visit to Paramount the fastest and cheapest way to travel across the country!
The Studio Tour features a 2-hour guided cart tour of iconic filming locations and the Prop Warehouse - along the way your guide will provide insight into the studio’s rich history. The VIP Tour is a 4.5-hour cart tour that includes VIP access to the archives, backlots and production facilities; a gourmet catered lunch (morning tours) or champagne & hors d’oeuvres in the Prop Warehouse (afternoon tours); complimentary parking and a personalized souvenir photo.
Where to eat nearby: Osteria La Buca (5210 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90038)
Sony Pictures Studio Tour
At Sony Pictures (10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City 90232), a two-hour walking tour ($50) will provide you with a glimpse of the soundstages where The Wizard of Oz, Men in Black and Spider-Man were filmed; and beloved game shows Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are currently taped.
You may also get to a chance to see the Barbara Streisand Scoring Stage or the set of the ABC comedy The Goldbergs . The lot is also home to a studio museum and is the permanent home of the Breaking Bad RV . The Sony Pictures Studio lot took over what used to be MGM, and many of the buildings still boast the same Art Deco styling that dates back to the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Available Monday-Friday at 11:00 a.m., the 3-hour VIP Tour ($200) includes Sony Museum access, three-course prix fixe lunch, souvenir photo, and an employee's discount at the Sony Studio Store.
Where to eat nearby: Ms Chi Cafe , 3829 Main St., Culver City 90232
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