Universal CityWalk
Universal City, CA
Free entry (activities extra)
By Simir Shah
★★★★★4.6(71,437 Google reviews)
What parents say
AI summary of 5 Google reviews — not a first-hand visit. How we write these
Reviewers report no charge to enter, with a security screening at the entrance that they say makes the crowds feel manageable. Shops open late in the morning, so an early visit means closed doors. Live music most evenings and plenty to eat. It stays busy, so keep hold of small children.
Lively three-block pedestrian promenade designed by architect Jon Jerde, opened in 1993 alongside Universal Studios Hollywood. It's grown to more than 30 restaurants, a large multiplex, and dozens of shops — an easy add-on before or after the theme park next door.
Plan your visit to Universal CityWalk
Researched from the venue and public sources, not a first-hand visit. How we write these
- How long to spend
- Most families spend 30 minutes to two hours, depending on whether it is a quick treat stop or dinner plus shopping or a movie.
- Best time to go
- It works best as an after-park dinner or dessert stop, or as a relaxed first evening for families staying nearby. Expect bigger evening crowds on fall nights when Halloween Horror Nights runs next door.
- Parking & getting there
- CityWalk shares Universal's parking structures, with a reduced rate in the evening, a discount with a Universal Cinema ticket, and validated valet for CityWalk restaurants. You can also take the Metro B Line to Universal City/Studio City and ride the free shuttle up the hill.
- Best ages
- No ticket is needed to walk in. Tweens and teens usually get the most out of it, with shops, the Universal Cinema AMC with IMAX, Escapology escape rooms and iFLY indoor skydiving (flyers must be at least 3); younger kids enjoy the treats and the lights.
- Food
- There are more than 30 places to eat, from Toothsome Chocolate Emporium's over-the-top milkshakes and Voodoo Doughnut to Slice House pizza. Picking two or three options ahead of time helps with tired, hungry kids.
- What to bring
- Comfortable shoes and a stroller for little ones, since the walk from the parking structures to the far end of CityWalk feels long after a park day.
- Rain or heat plan
- Much of CityWalk is open-air, so on a rainy or very hot day head into the Universal Cinema, Escapology or iFLY, or settle in at a sit-down restaurant.
Common questions
Do you need a ticket to go to Universal CityWalk?
No. CityWalk is a free-to-enter dining, shopping and entertainment district outside the theme park gates; you only pay for parking and whatever you buy.
Is Universal CityWalk good for kids?
It is best as an add-on before or after the theme park or a movie. Older kids and teens enjoy the shops, escape rooms and iFLY, while younger kids mainly enjoy the treats.
How do you save on parking at Universal CityWalk?
Parking is cheaper in the evening, a Universal Cinema ticket earns a parking discount, and CityWalk restaurants validate valet. Taking the Metro B Line and the free shuttle avoids parking entirely.
Good for
- Ages 10+
- Stroller-friendly
- Food on-site
Happening near here
- Bob's Big Boy Classic Car ShowBurbank · 2 mi · Fridays 4–10pmFree
- Peter and the Wolf Free Children's ConcertBurbank · 2 miFree
- Melrose Trading PostLos Angeles · 4 mi · Sun 9am–5pm
- Día de los Muertos at Hollywood ForeverLos Angeles · 4 mi
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608, USA
Hours via Google — confirm before a special trip.
Map
What visitors say
- Muhammad Fahmy★★★★★
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is a fantastic destination, even if you're not visiting the theme park. The atmosphere is lively and full of energy, with a great mix of restaurants, shops, live entertainment, and attractions. There are plenty of dining options for every taste, unique stores to explore, and it's a great place to spend an evening walking around, listening to music, and enjoying the vibrant Hollywood vibe. Everything is clean, well maintained, and easy to navigate. Whether you're grabbing dinner, shopping, or just soaking in the atmosphere before or after Universal Studios, CityWalk is definitely worth a visit. It's a fun experience for families, couples, and anyone looking for a great night out in Los Angeles.
2 months ago
- Sarah Monroe★★★★★
Universal CityWalk is such a fun area to walk around, especially if you’re visiting Universal but don’t necessarily want to buy a park ticket. It’s completely free to enter, which is awesome, and there are tons of shops and places to eat. There’s a great variety of stores from fun souvenir spots to bigger retail stores and it’s a cool atmosphere overall with music playing and lots of energy. Even early in the morning there was a lot of foot traffic, so it definitely stays busy. The only downside during our visit was that quite a few stores I wanted to go into were still closed since it was early. So if you’re hoping to shop, it’s probably better to go later in the day. Overall, it’s a fun place to hang out, grab food, and explore — especially if you’re in the area but not going into the park. Today a high school band was playing live on the stage from Illinois.
7 months ago
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