Universal Studios CityWalk Hollywood
This outdoor entertainment and shopping center is part of Universal Studios Hollywood. However, unlike the theme park, you do not need a ticket to visit the CityWalk. Some of the highlights of this location include Voodoo Donuts, indoor skydiving, free concerts & more!
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While I do enjoy my time at the CityWalk it is not a must-visit while you’re in LA. If you plan to go to Universal Studios Hollywood or attend a tv show taping it makes perfect sense to check this area out as well. Or if you’re staying nearby it can be a good option for some entertainment.
Getting to the CityWalk
You can park in one of the many structures. There are three ways that you can potentially get discounts to park here. If you attend a taping of a show that tapes at Universal Studios you should receive an email with a free parking pass. After the taping, you can enjoy the CityWalk or the theme park. Interested in seeing a movie at the AMC Universal Cinema? Give your parking receipt to the box office staff and they will reimburse you $28 so you will only pay $5 for parking. Anyone who parks after 5 pm gets a discounted rate of $10. You can also take the metro though this is my least favorite way to arrive.
Universal Studios Hollywood CityWalk Restaurants
There is a good variety of places to eat from cheap to expensive. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company, Hard Rock Cafe, and Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville would be my recommendations. Though to be honest most of LA has much better restaurants than what you’ll find here. Voodoo Donuts and Pink’s Hot Dogs are two of the most popular quick eats though you’ll find lines at Mini Monster too. I love getting the strawberry lemonade from Mini Monster. If you’re visiting around your birthday be sure to join the Jamba Juice rewards program for a free drink.
Other Things to See and Do at The Universal Studios CityWalk Hollywood
There are some fun photo ops at the CityWalk and the big angel wings are the most popular spot!
For thrill-seekers, iFLY Hollywood might be the best experience. It is an indoor skydiving experience that I have always wanted to check out. I have been skydiving but I am still interested in this. It looks very exciting. If you check in on Yelp you can get a free photo!
Little kids love running through the dancing waters in front of Abercrombie & Fitch. You can see this location at the end of the movie Neighbors with Zac Efron working here.
5 Towers Stage
I have been to both TV show tapings and concerts at the 5 Towers Stage. It is located outside of the AMC Cinemas. Events at the stage are always free but in some cases, you will need to sign a waiver to enter. Throughout the year there are typically a few free concerts with up-and-coming bands.
Filming at CityWalk
Shopping
If you are a big fan of Universal properties but cannot make it into the park some of the stores have the merchandise that you might be after. The Universal Store has pink donuts from the Simpsons, Harry Potter items, and more!
Interested in visiting the theme park? Check out this post for my Universal Studios Hollywood Tips & Tricks.
