Believing that filmmaking is itself a bona fide attraction, Universal Studios began offering tours to the public in 1964. Today, Universal is more than just one of the largest movie studios in the world — it’s also one of the largest theme parks. By integrating shows and rides with behind-the-scenes presentations on moviemaking, Universal gives those outside the biz a peak at Hollywood movie magic. The theme park’s main attraction is the Studio Tour, a nearly one-hour guided tram ride around Universal’s 420 acres. The tour makes its way to stars’ dressing rooms and production offices before visiting the sets of some of Hollywood’s biggest blockbusters including Back to the Future, Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb, Jurassic Park III, The Grinch and War of the Worlds.
Additional attractions include a virtual roller coaster based on the popular animated series The Simpsons, fleeing from dinosaurs on Jurassic Park: The Ride, and a high-tech cyberwar show inspired by Terminator 2.Avoid visiting the park on weekends and school vacations. It’s also best to avoid the summer season if possible due to the soaring temperatures in the San Fernando Valley. One-day park admissions, which can be purchased either online or at the park’s front gates, are priced at $68. Also available for sale both online and in-person are Front of the Line Passes for $95, which are highly recommended if you’re visiting the park during the peak season: why wait an hour in line for a five-minute ride? Another fantastic option is the VIP Experience package priced at $200. This special package includes six hours of movie-making immersion, an exclusive guided tour of Universal Studios, and behind-the-scenes visits to closed television and movie sets. See www.universalstudioshollywood.com.
For those who still can’t get enough of Hollywood’s mystique, head to Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street — site of the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. Search for your favourite actor’s star along 18 city blocks. (Psst, former Mr Universe, Terminator and current California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s star can be found at 6764 Hollywood Boulevard.) While you’re in the neighbourhood, another must-see attraction is Grauman’s Chinese Theatre (www.manntheatres.com/chinese). Opened in 1927, the theatre’s entrance boasts over 200 hand- and footprints belonging to the Hollywood elite.
To cap off your Hollywood adventures, take a hike along the Brush Canyon Trail in Griffith Park to the iconic 50ft-high ‘Hollywood’ sign. Made of white sheet metal, the sign has come to symbolise the movie industry and the city itself. If a five-mile round-trip hike isn’t your style, the best view from down below is at the corner of Sunset Boulevard and Bronson Avenue.