This is a three part series of our trip to Hollywood. Read about the rest of our trip here.

I think it’s imperative to go on at least one studio tour while visiting LA. Unfortunately, a lot of them are not very easy to come by. Paramount is probably the most well-known tour. For awhile I only heard that you had to know somebody or book very early to tour their studio, but now it might be a bit easier.

If you can’t find a way to make it into the coveted Paramount Studios or another grand place like that, visit Universal Studios where not only are you guaranteed a great studio tour, but also some great rides.

Universal Studios is the last place I thought I would end up in Hollywood, considering theme parks are always expensive and we were on a pretty tight budget at that point, but I just couldn’t say no to Ric and the film lover in me.

In a typical Italian town featured in film. Photo by Richard Hackey

It was expensive, $77 per person general admission and an extra $20 each in food and drink by the end of the day.

It was worth it.

We had an amazing day. We visited Jurrasic Park on a ride, we ended up at Moe’s Tavern and we went on the Universal Studios Tour, which took us to the old sets for Jaws, War of the Worlds and even Wysteria Lane, where Desperate Housewives is still being filmed.

Ric channeling Barney Gumble in front of Moe's Tavern. Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

We never waited more than a half hour for a ride and for some rides we didn’t wait at all. Another great thing about Universal is that it’s located at the top of a hill, giving its patrons some great views of LA.

The boat used in the 2005 version of King Kong. It looks really large on camera, but is only small in person. We saw it on the Universal Studios Tour. Photo by Bobbi Lee Hitchon

A day at Universal left us exhausted and poor, so we headed back to our hotel for the day with only half a day left in LA.

Universal Studios is located in Universal City, about a 15-minute drive from Hollywood depending on traffic. The area has its own metro stop called Universal City, from there Universal Studios is only a short walk, but it’s uphill, so take the free shuttle they offer at the bottom of the hill. 

Read about days one and three in Hollywood.