Make no plans and see what you discover in the acres of fun and exciting environments at Universal CityWalk, from shopping to movies to delectable food and drinks. Cap off a great day at the park—which is open 365 days a year—or just spend another great night in Los Angeles here.
How to Get to Universal CityWalk
You can’t really miss it—walking routes from Universal Studios Hollywood’s main parking structures take you right through CityWalk. Plus, there’s no admission, so you can visit CityWalk even if you don’t have tickets to the theme park. Don’t miss the dancing water fountain display at its center, designed by the same folks who created the Bellagio fountains in Las Vegas. And keep an eye out for the camera crews and hosts of the TV show Access, who regularly film segments around the theme park and CityWalk.
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What Are Universal CityWalk’s Hours?
Universal CityWalk Hollywood is open daily, with hours running 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, extending to 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Keep in mind that individual restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues within CityWalk may keep their own slightly different hours, so it's worth checking specific venues if you're planning around a particular dinner reservation or late-night activity.
Is Universal CityWalk Free?
Yes, but visitors do have to pay for parking. General Parking runs about $32 before 5 p.m., dropping to just $10 after 5 p.m.—making an evening visit for dinner or a movie noticeably cheaper. If you're catching a film here, parking drops to just $5 with a same-day ticket to Universal Cinema. Preferred and valet options are also available for those who want to park closer to the entrance, typically running $45–$60 depending on the day and time. (These are approximate; rates can fluctuate with demand and special events.)
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Universal Cinema and Shopping at Universal CityWalk
Not surprisingly, movies are well represented here: Grab one of the plush recliner seats at Universal Cinema, an 18-screen multiplex featuring RGB laser projection, plus a seven-story IMAX theater with laser technology projecting films six stories high.
Shop 'til you drop at the more than 30 specialty stores that line the plazas and walkways, including the NBA Store, Line Friends Square, and the Universal Studios Store. Harry Potter fans won't want to miss the Universal Studios Store—it's packed with merchandise, including interactive wands, from the franchise—while sports fans can round the bases at the Dodgers Clubhouse shop.
Beyond shopping and movies, CityWalk's entertainment lineup includes iFLY indoor skydiving, Escapology's themed escape rooms, live street performers scattered throughout the promenade, and the LED-lit 5 Towers stage, which regularly hosts live music and DJ performances, to name just a few.
Where to Eat at Universal CityWalk
You won’t go hungry here. Choose from the outposts of Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, Vivo Italian Kitchen, and LudoBird—home of the zesty fried chicken sandwiches by chef Ludo Lefebvre. Or have a sweet treat while perusing the super-cute merchandise at Hello® Kitty and Friends Cafe and Sanrio Smile Shop.
Don't miss the whimsical milkshakes and chocolates at Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, which also serves a full all-day menu. CityWalk is also home to some notable transplants from outside the Golden State, such as Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville and the first California branch of Portland’s Voodoo Doughnut.
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Know Before You Go: Security Check at CityWalk
Guests entering CityWalk are now required to walk through one of three new security screening checkpoints with metal detectors and bag checks. Once through the initial screening, guests can move freely between CityWalk and Universal Studios without additional screening.
