The 7 Best Studio Tours in Los Angeles (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 7 picks

The best studio tours in Los Angeles in 2026 are the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood in Burbank, the Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour, the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour on Melrose and the Sony Pictures Studio Tour in Culver City. The Academy Museum and free tickets to a live TV taping complete a movie-lover's day.

Los Angeles is still a working film and TV town, and four major studios open their lots to visitors. Tours visit sound stages and backlots that are in active use, so the exact route changes from day to day. Bring a photo ID; all of the lots require one.

1. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood — Burbank, San Fernando Valley

The most popular studio tour, with Friends and DC sets.

Best for Movie fans · TV fans

The Warner Bros. tour takes small groups by cart around a working backlot and sound stages, then lets you explore exhibits at your own pace, including the Central Perk set from Friends, DC superhero costumes and a Harry Potter area.

It is the most complete studio tour in LA.

Good to know: Book online and take the earliest slot. Parking is on site.

3400 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505

Google Maps Website

2. Universal Studios Hollywood Studio Tour — Universal City, San Fernando Valley

A tram tour through backlot sets, inside the theme park.

Best for Families · Movie fans

Universal's Studio Tour is a tram ride through the backlot, past sets such as the Bates Motel and the town square from Back to the Future, with effects like King Kong 360 3-D and Fast & Furious.

It is included with theme park admission.

Good to know: Do the tram first thing, before queues grow.

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608

Google Maps Website

3. Paramount Pictures Studio Tour — Hollywood

A walk-and-cart tour of the last major studio still in Hollywood.

Best for Movie fans · History buffs

Paramount is the only major studio still operating in Hollywood, behind its famous Bronson Gate on Melrose. Tours visit the New York Street backlot, sound stages and the prop department.

An after-dark tour includes the Hollywood Forever Cemetery next door.

Good to know: Book online. Parking is in the lot on Gower St.

5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Google Maps Website

4. Sony Pictures Studio Tour — Culver City, Westside

A walking tour of the old MGM lot where The Wizard of Oz was made.

Best for Movie fans

The Sony lot in Culver City was MGM's home in Hollywood's golden age. The walking tour covers sound stages, the history of films like The Wizard of Oz and current shows filmed on the lot.

It is smaller and more relaxed than Warner Bros.

Good to know: Bring ID and wear comfortable shoes; it is a walking tour.

10202 W Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Google Maps Website

5. Academy Museum of Motion Pictures — Miracle Mile, Mid-City & Fairfax

The Academy's museum of film, with Dorothy's ruby slippers.

Best for Movie fans · Families

The Academy Museum tells the story of filmmaking through costumes, props and artwork, including a pair of Dorothy's ruby slippers. The Oscars Experience lets you practice an acceptance speech.

The glass sphere on top holds a terrace with Hollywood Hills views.

Good to know: Book timed tickets online. Pair with LACMA next door.

6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Google Maps Website

6. The Hollywood Museum — Hollywood

Four floors of costumes and props in the old Max Factor building.

Best for Movie fans

The Hollywood Museum fills the historic Max Factor building with costumes, props and memorabilia from a century of films and TV, including Max Factor's makeup rooms.

It is a short walk from the Walk of Fame.

Good to know: Combine with the TCL Chinese Theatre a few blocks away.

1660 N Highland Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Google Maps Website

7. Live TV tapings (1iota) — Various studios

Free tickets to sit in the audience for sitcoms and talk shows.

Best for TV fans

Many sitcoms, game shows and talk shows tape in front of live audiences in LA, and tickets are free. 1iota is one of the main ticketing services and lists shows taping at studios across the city.

Getting a ticket does not guarantee a seat, so arrive at the stated time.

Good to know: Request tickets weeks ahead and check age limits (usually 18+).

Website

Frequently asked questions

Which LA studio tour is best?

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is the most popular, with a guided cart tour plus the Friends Central Perk set and a Harry Potter exhibit. Paramount is the best for classic Hollywood history, and it is the last major studio still in Hollywood.

How long are studio tours in LA?

Most guided tours last two to three hours. Warner Bros. allows extra time afterward for its self-guided exhibits.

Do I need ID for a studio tour?

Yes. All of the studios require a valid government photo ID for adults because they are working lots.

Can kids go on LA studio tours?

Warner Bros. recommends its tour for ages 8 and up, Paramount for ages 10 and up and Sony for ages 12 and up. Universal's tram tour is part of the theme park and fine for all ages. Check current age rules when booking.

How can I be in a TV studio audience?

Free tickets for live sitcom and talk-show tapings are released through services such as 1iota and Audiences Unlimited. Seats are first come, first served, so arrive early.