If you have never been to Southern California, then this a must-see stop. The Universal Studio Tour is unlike any tour you have ever been on, because it is an interactive experience. You won’t just sit in a tour bus and see things go by; your video guide will be Jimmy Fallon, and you’ll feel like you’re actually in the movie. This tour is held on the iconic Universal Studios lot, which covers four acres and more than 13 city blocks, so there’s plenty of time for lots of action.
Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA, USA +1
After the tour, since you’re in that part of the city, you must give the Universal CityWalk a try. It is the perfect spot to get your fill of fan memorabilia, as well as sample some great food. One of the best Hard Rock Cafés is located there, as well as tons of cool shops that are all related to classic television and film. It’s perfect for any movie buffs who are looking to swat up on more trivia.
Universal CityWalk, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA, USA +1
Universal Studios water show © Jishu Thomas/Flickr
Pinz bowling alley is not your typical bowling experience. For one, it has a design and layout that makes it the perfect destination to go when you’re looking for a relaxed place to enjoy with friends and family. Also, it’s another great place to head to if you’re a TV buff, since this alley has been seen in shows like Modern Family, Storage Wars, and Botched.
Pinz Bowling, 12655 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA, USA +1
PINZ Bowling Lanes | Courtesy of PINZ Entertainment Center
The Dinner Detective puts a mysterious twist on the old ‘dinner and a movie’ date by putting the entertainment right in the midst of your dining experience. The key is to try and solve a hilarious murder case while you’re eating your dinner. However, the ‘killer’ could be sitting with you, and you could even become the prime suspect. Dinner Detective likes to hide non-costumed actors among the crowd, providing a much more interactive and suspenseful event for diners.
, USA +1
Courtesy of Dinner Detective
If you’re into old Hollywood art, and you should be, then this is the perfect spot. The gallery boasts the best collection of Hollywood historic photos. From pictures of classic filmmakers to recognizable cityscapes, this is a great piece of history to look into. You can also buy art from here at relatively low prices. It’s the best place to pick up original photos to take home.
Décor Art Galleries, 12149 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA, USA +1 818 755 0755
Whenever people mention Studio City, Ventura Boulevard is usually the place they think of. That’s because it is the heart of the city, and the place to find all the best local goods and hangouts. Firefly is one of the best restaurants in Studio City, and that’s because of its beautiful décor and friendly staff. It is a modern place with some of the best options for classic American cuisine.
The city of Los Angeles boasts a lot of great bars and places for awesome night life experiences, but none can compare to the legendary Laurel Tavern. It’s a great location to hang out with friends, or just to drop by and meet some new people, especially if you consider yourself a connoisseur of spirits.
Laurel Tavern, 11938 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA, USA +1
Bar Sign © Jeremy Brooks/Flickr
Studio City has a ton of great parks, but North Valleyheart Riverwalk beats others hands down when it comes to environmental friendliness. This is one of the few places in LA where you can see great strides being taken to achieve a greener community, plus there’s a great trail to follow for exploring the area.
North Valleyheart Riverwalk, Valleyheart Dr, Los Angeles, CA, USA