Cities Near Universal Studios Hollywood | Travel Guide & Tips

by Theme Park Center January 15, 2024

Despite its name, Universal Studios Hollywood isn't actually in Hollywood, California!

In this travel guide, we'll take a look at where exactly Universal Studios Hollywood is located and what cities are nearby.

Topics We'll Cover About Universal Studios Hollywood:

Where Is Universal Studios Hollywood?
What Cities Are Near Universal Studios Hollywood?

Burbank
Glendale
Pasadena
Los Angeles

Directions to Universal Studios Hollywood

Where is Universal Studios Hollywood?

Universal Studios Hollywood is located in Universal City, just north of the city of Los Angeles in the San Fernando Valley.

While it may be named after Hollywood, Universal Studios Hollywood is actually about 5 miles outside of Hollywood proper and about 25 miles from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).

TIP: There are three great hotels in Universal City right next to Universal Studios. We find Universal City is much nicer and accessible to the park, so if you have the opportunity to stay in Universal City when visiting be sure to do so!

Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour Sign

What Cities Are Near Universal Studios Hollywood?

Major cities near Universal Studios Hollywood include Burbank, Glendale, and Pasadena which are all part of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area.

Think of these cities as similar to the burrows (Queens, The Bronx, Brooklyn, etc.) of New York City.

Burbank

Burbank is 5 miles Northeast of Universal Studios Hollywood and a popular suburban area amongst families.

Burbank is also home to The Walt Disney Studios and Warner Brothers Studios. While Hollywood gets all the credit for movie magic, Burbank is where the industry has migrated over the last 30+ years.

With plenty of great restaurants, shopping, and a major airport just 5 miles from the park, Burbank is another great place to stay if you're visiting Universal Studios!

TIP: Don't leave Burbank without a tour of the Warner Brothers Studio or a drive passed the Walt Disney Studios lot!

Glendale

Just under 8 miles to the east of Universal Studios Hollywood, Glendale is another suburban area nestled next to the famous Griffith Park.

While further from Universal Studios, Glendale is very accessible to the Los Angeles Zoo and Griffith Park making it a fun location with great outdoor activities.

Pasadena

15 miles from Universal Studios Hollywood, Pasadena is a bit of a drive, but a beautiful location to stay when visiting the park.

Known most famously for hosting the Rose Bowl, Pasadena is a beautiful city with an old-town vibe and fantastic views of the nearby San Gabriel mountains.

Pasadena has dozens of museums, galleries, and parks which are perfect to visit as a more relaxing activity after a busy day at Universal Studios.

We'd also recommend checking out one of the many historical estates or downtown Pasadena for an afternoon filled with delicious food and drinks.

TIP: If you don't mind the drive, Pasadena is one of our favorite places to stay and a hidden gem right outside of Los Angeles.

Los Angeles

As we mentioned before these cities are all "part of Los Angeles", but very unique and considered urban centers of their own.

But Los Angeles proper is the largest and most sprawling of these areas just south of Universal Studios Hollywood.

Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westside, Santa Monica, and Downtown Los Angeles all make up Los Angeles proper and are the most identifiable areas of Los Angeles.

Of these areas, we'd recommend Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, or Westside.

While they are a long drive to Universal Studios Hollywood, they are typically cleaner and more tourist-friendly than Hollywood or Downtown Los Angeles.

TIP: If it's your first time visiting Los Angeles, we recommend Santa Monica. With its beautiful beaches, iconic dining locations and proximity to Beverly Hills -- Santa Monica is what you probably picture in your head when you hear "Los Angeles".