Hollywood’s iconic palm trees, sun-soaked beaches, and legendary film industry make Los Angeles a dream destination for movie lovers. One of the best ways to experience the magic is by taking a Hollywood studio tour, where you can go behind the scenes to see how blockbuster movies and hit TV shows are made. From world-famous backlots to working soundstages, these tours offer a chance to step into real filming locations—and maybe even spot a celebrity. With several major studios offering unique experiences, from horror-themed adventures to historic deep dives, this guide will help you choose the best Los Angeles studio tour for your interests and make the most of your Hollywood visit.
Universal Studio Tour, Hollywood
Located in Universal City, Universal Studios is more like a theme park that includes a studio tour. They have rides and tons of characters making appearances so if you have little kids, they will love seeing the Minions, Gru and the girls. Adults and kids can get a picture with one of the Simpsons. I just want to go one time and see how many selfies I can take with people dressed up like other people. Universal also has the epic Jaws experience along with the new Jurassic Park, the Village from Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch who stole Christmas and of course Hogsworth! they also provide stunt shows. Don’t miss the one where they light a real person on fire! You can spend the whole day here.
Additional Noteworthy Filming at Universal Studios
Apollo 13
Back to the Future
Creature from the Black Lagoon
Jaws
Jurassic Park
Psycho
When Harry met Sally
I work in Burbank where the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is located so have been on this tour many times. Warner Bros is a working lot so while you’re on the tour, depending upon the day, they may be conducting filming. Warner Bros. is about to enter their second century of producing shows and today mostly television shows are filmed here. Some of their past hits include Big Bang Theory where you can actually take photos of yourself on set also Friends was filmed here. You can sit on the Central Perk couch or do a mini-scene with your friends. They just moved the Friends fountain on to the lot. No, it’s not really in New York. It was filmed on Warner Bros. Ranch close to the studio. At Warner Bros. you ride a tram that will take you to different locations including some of the sound stages. Currently, Ellen, Lucifer and Young Sheldon is filmed here. You can also see various versions of the Batmobile and visit some of the props from Harry Potter, Wonder Woman and Agua Man. During the holidays, the Gilmore Girls set is open and decorated for Christmas. Warner Bros. will open their new tour center this Spring.
Additional Noteworthy Filming at Warner Bros. Studios
ER
Dunkirk
Shameless
The West Win
Hart of Dixie
Greatest Showman
Ghostbusters
La La Land
Casablanca
Paramount Studios is located in Hollywood and is the only remaining major studio actually located there. Their tour is a more intimate studio tour and you walk through some of the more than 30 sound stages on the lot. I like it because they talk more about the movie business and you can ask a ton of questions. If you Love Lucy, then this the tour for you. In the mid-60’s Paramount purchased the Desilu television studios. The lot also backs up to Hollywood Cemetery and during Halloween, you can take a spooky tour that includes visiting the Cemetery. You can get your picture with Oscar and reminisce about some of the classic filming that was conducted here like Psycho, Blue Hawaii, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Apocalypse Now. Currently, Grace and Frankie is filmed here and we got to go on the set. Other currently-filmed favorites include This is Us, American Horror Story and NCIS Los Angeles.
Additional Noteworthy Filming at Paramount Studios
Glee
Star Trek-Various episodes
Cheers
Forrest Gump
Little House on the Prairie
The Andy Griffith Show
Ghost
Hogan’s Heroes
Bonus Section
If you go to Paramount, stop by the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Many famous people are buried there including Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Mickey Rooney, Tyrone Power, Douglas Fairbanks, Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone, Chris Cornell. It’s worth the trip. My favorites include Rudolph Valentino and Mel Blanc.
In Burbank, after the Warner Bros. tour, stop by the Smoke House for lunch or dinner. It’s old a reflection of old Hollywood and been open since 1946. Many stars have hung out here. When George Clooney filmed ER, he used to come over after filming and named his production company after the restaurant. It’s also fabled that Jay Leno use to park his motorcycle at the front door after the Tonight Show filming.