Whether you’re an LA native or just visiting the City of Angels for a little while, few destinations are as iconic as Universal Studios. However, as you go into the park, you’ll notice a sprawling lineup of shops, signs, and storefronts just outside the main entrance. This area is known as Universal CityWalk Hollywood, and it’s something of a theme park on its own.
While Universal Studios has all the rides and attractions you could want, CityWalk offers dining, entertainment, and shopping you can’t experience anywhere else. Let’s take a closer look at its history and what it offers to today’s visitors.
A Brief Overview of Universal CityWalk Hollywood
CityWalk opened in May of 1993 to much fanfare and appreciation. Although themed shopping districts are more common today (think Downtown Disney), this was the first of its kind back then. It also helped that that was the same year Jurassic Park came out, both the movie and the Universal Studios ride.
At the time, CityWalk was designed as a blend of LA iconography and Hollywood magic. The neon signs helped give the two-block area a somewhat mystical vibe like you’re touring the glitz and glam of vintage 50’s Hollywood. One of the main attractions was a neon sign of King Kong, which still exists today.
The studio partnered with architect Jon Jerde to combine elements of movie-making, Southern California, and the theme park into a single, open-air experience. The concept was dubbed “revolutionary” at the time, and it’s hard to overstate its impact on the world of theme parks and open-air malls since.
Because the CityWalk experience was so successful, Universal replicated it at Universal Studios Orlando, which opened its own version in 1999. However, because Orlando is much different than LA, that version scaled up the theatrics and magic to compensate for the lack of a Southern California vibe.
Speaking of Universal Studios–when you’re done learning about CityWalk, check out our article about how to become a Universal Studios travel agent and learn how you can get discounts on all your Universal travel, both for yourself and for others!
Top Attractions and Restaurants 2024
Because you have to walk past CityWalk on your way to the park, it makes sense to wander through and see what it has to offer. However, even better, you can explore CityWalk without a park pass, so feel free to come on in anytime.
Although many of the original stores have since vacated, there are plenty of reasons to spend a few hours here. Let’s begin our tour at the front of the strip and make our way to the back.
And if you’re interested in the park itself, read all about our picks for the Best Rides at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Universal Studios Sign
If you’re coming to Universal Studios for the first time, you must stop at the globe sign to get a picture. This iconic metallic statue serves as the perfect backdrop for your vacation photos. Plus, once it gets dark and CityWalk lights up, the scenery is even more spectacular. Just make sure to budget a little bit of time, as there will be a wait, especially after dark.
Universal Studio Store
Part of the theme park experience is buying souvenirs of your favorite characters and rides. Fortunately, Universal also has some incredible merchandise based on the biggest blockbusters of the last 30 years. While the prices are what you would expect for an “official” gift shop, you can buy some incredible pieces during your walk-through.
Popcornopolis
Popcorn has come a long way in the past couple of decades. While you can still enjoy butter and salt, Popcornopolis takes this snack to another level. Most of the treats offered here are sweet, complete with chunks of chocolates and candy mixed with swirls of caramel, chocolate drizzle, and other sugary confections. However, you can also sample some savory popcorn, such as those with cheese or spicy seasonings mixed in.
Dodger’s Clubhouse
Dodger’s fans must make a pilgrimage to the Clubhouse at CityWalk. Not only is this store massive, but it has everything that a fan could want for game day. The sheer volume of Dodger Blue is enough to get your eyes checked when leaving the store, but it’s certainly an experience that puts you right in the middle of the action. The only better option is to catch a game at Dodger Stadium.
Crêpe Café
If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll get more than your fair share of sugar during your Universal CityWalk Hollywood experience. If the sweet popcorn from Popcornopolis wasn’t enough, you can get a decadent crêpe from the Crêpe Café. Since the crepes are made to order right in front of you, you get something of a show to go with your dessert. However, there are also some savory crepe options if you want to lay off the sweets for a little bit.
Super Nintendo World Store
Super Nintendo World is a pretty new attraction at Universal Studios, having opened in February of 2023. To accompany the rides and attractions inside the park, you can visit this officially licensed Nintendo store. Here, you can buy all kinds of items related to your favorite characters, from 8-bit Mario to versions of Bowser and Luigi from the recent film.
Sparky’s Chocolate Shop
We mentioned that you’d get a sugar overload when wandering through CityWalk, and we weren’t kidding. Sparky’s is a vintage chocolatier that sells both candy and mini donuts, so pick your poison and chow down. The vintage vibe extends to the menu, where you can find old-fashioned treats like candied apples and homemade truffles.
NBC Sports Grill and Brew
You don’t have to be a big sports fan to eat or drink at this bar and grill, but it certainly helps. You’ll be able to catch all the highlights during your meal, all thanks to NBC sportscasters and commentators. The menu is diverse and enjoyable, and it’s a great place to hang out with friends. Burgers, wings, and brews are all par for the course.
Bubba Gump Shrimp
When Forrest Gump came out in 1994, no one knew that it would spawn a super-successful restaurant chain. In fact, when Universal CityWalk Hollywood first opened, the movie hadn’t even come out, and the restaurant chain wouldn’t exist until 1996. Today, though, it’s a staple of any major shopping and dining destination, including Santa Monica Pier and GardenWalk outside of Disneyland. As the name suggests, the menu is mostly shrimp and much of the restaurant is awash in props and stills from the movie.
It’s Sugar
If you’re looking to find King Kong in all his neon glory, he’s currently hanging onto the It’s Sugar storefront. This novelty shop has a wide assortment of candies, including those you can’t find anywhere else. In addition to sweet treats, you can buy apparel and other novelty gifts, so it’s perfect for when you want a unique souvenir or gift for that special someone back home.
Universal Cinema
If you’re going to visit a studio, you might as well watch a movie while you’re there. The Universal Cinema elevates the movie-going experience with a state-of-the-art design and super-comfortable seating. If you’re going to watch a blockbuster, you can’t do much better than this.
5 Towers Stage
Because Universal CityWalk Hollywood is an open-air shopping experience, it hosts live events and parties from time to time. The 5 Towers Stage is the best place to catch artists and musicians during these events. However, keep in mind that the crowds surrounding the stage can get pretty intense, so plan accordingly whether you’re staying to watch the performance or trying to get around to get to the next series of stores.
Things From Another World
Comic book movies have dominated the box office for over 20 years, and here’s where you can see them in all their print glory. Things From Another World is a national chain, so it carries the biggest names in comics and nerd culture. No matter what you’re a fan of, you can likely find some content or products related to it in this store.
The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium
Have you had enough sugar yet? Actually, we recommend holding off on your sugar binge until you visit Toothsome because it has some of the best decadent treats we’ve ever seen. The shakes are as stunning as they are delicious, and the whole place is decked out in a 19th-century Steampunk aesthetic. Also, although it’s called a Chocolate Emporium, Toothsome has meals in addition to desserts. So, you can enjoy lunch or dinner while basking in the glow of a steampunk automaton.
Pink’s Hot Dog
Pink’s is an LA institution, so if you can’t make it to one of their locations outside of Universal Studios, you should plan to grab a dog while you’re here at CityWalk. Because only hot dogs are on the menu, Pink’s makes sure to craft them with as many toppings and flavor combinations as possible. From the OG Chili Cheese Dog to the SHAQ Dog, you can explore a wide variety of tastes between a hot dog bun. You can even get a combination hot dog and cheeseburger if you’re feeling extra adventurous.
Voodoo Doughnuts
This doughnut chain has spawned from a literal hole-in-the-wall joint from Portland, Oregon, to become a national treasure. Its pink color scheme blends perfectly with Pink’s next door, so you can grab a dog in one hand and a doughnut in the other. The selection of doughnuts varies from one week to the next, but you can’t go wrong with the original Voodoo Doughnut, which is a cream-filled doughnut voodoo doll. It’s up to you how much you want to torture him before ending its misery by eating the entire thing.
Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville
Last (but certainly not least), is the Margaritaville hanging out on the edge of CityWalk. When you’re ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy some tropical beach vibes, you can come here and spend as long as you want. The drinks are tasty, the food is incredible, and the atmosphere is about as laid-back as you could imagine. It’s so beachy that a Hawaiian shirt and flip-flops may spontaneously appear on your body, along with a straw hat.
FAQs About Universal CityWalk Hollywood
If you haven’t been to CityWalk before, you’re in for a world-class dining and shopping experience. However, it’s good to know as much about it as possible before visiting, so let’s break down some frequently-asked questions.
Do you need a pass to Universal Studios to go to Citywalk?
No, CityWalk is free for everyone. Because it is outside the entrance to the park, you do not need a pass to Universal Studios to enter.
What is the parking like at Citywalk?
Universal Studios has several massive parking decks, which you can use to access CityWalk. If you’re coming toward the end of the day, you can usually park pretty close to CityWalk, as most of the park guests will have left already.
Does Universal Citywalk get crowded?
Yes, the entire area can get crowded, although that depends on the weather and time of day. Generally, Fridays and Saturdays are the busiest time for CityWalk, but it can get fairly crowded on most evenings.
How Becoming a Boardwalk Travel Agent Helps You Book Universal Vacations
Although CityWalk is not exclusively part of Universal Studios, it adds to the mystique and allure of the theme park. As a travel agent, you can start booking Universal vacations for yourself, your family, and your close friends. Best of all, you can make money and access special discounts and perks that are only available to agents.
But how does it all work exactly, and is it worth signing up? The short answer is yes, and here’s what you need to do:
- Step One: Sign Up at Boardwalk Travel Agency – When creating an account, you only need to pay a one-time membership fee. Other travel agencies charge a monthly or annual fee to use their software and support services, but your fee covers you for life.
- Step Two: Go Through Training – The training is available online, so you can go at your own pace. You can focus exclusively on Universal vacations, or you can expand to include other theme parks like Disneyland Resort (and Walt Disney World) or book vacations for a wide range of hotels and resorts worldwide.
- Step Three: Start Booking – We recommend booking friends and family first so you can get some experience without any added pressure. From there, you can start promoting yourself as an official freelance travel agent. Boardwalk Travel pays up to 70 percent commission rates, so there’s a lot of earning potential.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up to become a Boardwalk Travel Agent and explore Universal Studios as soon as possible!
