The Universal City center point is around the area of Universal Studios Hollywood.
Southern California experiences excellent weather year-round, though the winter months experience the most precipitation. The mercury probably won't fall below 58 degrees between December and February, but you might get rained out if you have outdoor adventures planned. The rest of the year, you can expect highs in the 70s and 80s and lows in the 70s, which can make your vacation comfortable as well as exciting.
Summers experience the most tourist traffic in Universal City, so steer clear between May and August if you don't like to fight crowds or if you're hoping to get the best rate on a hotel room. Other prices can go up during busy tourist months, too, which might break your vacation budget.
The shoulder seasons offer the perfect chance to visit this community. Spring and fall feature beautiful weather, abundant sunshine, almost no chance of rain, and a distinct lack of tourists. Plus, the hotels start lowering their prices because of the decreased demand, so you'll stretch your dollar farther on dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Your best chance to get discounts in Universal City and the surrounding area is to choose a chain hotel. Many, such as Travelodge, Hilton, and Sheraton, offer discounts for AAA and CAA members as well as senior citizens and military personnel. You can also sometimes score a discount if you're a government worker or contractor.
For the best value in the area, choose the Nite Inn, which you'll find in Studio City. It's within walking distance of Universal Studios, which makes it highly convenient, and you get a complimentary breakfast every morning. Other on-site amenities include free wireless internet access, secure parking, and a 24-hour front desk. In your room, you'll find pillowtop mattresses covered with soft linens, refrigerators, microwaves, and flat-screen televisions equipped with premium cable channels. Consider booking the jacuzzi suite to get access to a large whirlpool tub in your room.
You'll also get great value at the Oakwood at Toluca Hills Apartments by Avalon, which is in nearby Los Angeles. The entire venue features fully furnished apartments designed for both short- and long-term visits. You'll get a full kitchen, a flat-screen television with cable service, all of the utensils and products necessary to cook and serve a meal, and comfortable beds. There's a well-equipped business center as well as a fitness center where you can get tips from personal trainers. Plus, you get free wireless internet.
Universal Studios can prove overwhelming for some visitors, especially during the busy summer months, but if you carefully plan your itinerary, you'll have much more fun. Start by purchasing your tickets in advance. You'll probably get a better deal, and you won't have to stand in line when you arrive at the park. You can buy tickets online, and you can often get early admission in return.
To save money, consider bringing your own water and snacks. Vendors in this park can prove pretty pricey, so any attempt to save money will help you stay on budget. Keep granola bars, packages of nuts, or other small treats in your pockets for when you get a hunger pang.
To save time and maximize fun, complete your activities on the lower lot before you head to the upper lot. The StarWay elevators move at a snail's pace, so they take up valuable minutes of your time in the park. If you only have to ride them twice, you'll get to see more of the studios.
You can also improve your timing and experience by purchasing a Front of Line pass, which moves you directly to the head of the line. You can also purchase VIP passes, which allow you to enjoy a private six-hour tour of the lot, a meal at the Moulin Rouge dining room, and several other luxury experiences. Plus, you'll get unlimited access to rides and shows, and you can take a break in the VIP lounge to cool off.
Universal City is one of the most visited destinations in California, and for good reason. You might also take a day trip to Los Angeles if you'd like to see more of this beautiful, upscale region. Now that you're ready for a So-Cal vacation, choose the best hotel for you and your family and start booking all of your reservations.
Below are reviews of the city of Universal City, CA from an actual visitor's perspective.
So much to do and experience for my grandson!
It was fun!
We go to Universal often.
Universal walk very nice and close by. The park lots of fun. Will be back.
Historical places to eat.
We liked City Walk a lot.
Close to Universal Studios park. Close to freeway. Great views.
So much to do in this town. A variety of amazing entertainment options for the whole family.
Very beautiful and convenient!
We could walk easily and safely to the Universal Studios.
Nice!
Nice and clean hotel.
Clean hotel. Lots to do; great food and shopping.
The restaurant options and shopping were great!!
The close proximity to Universal Studios. This is our fourth year coming to Hollywood Horror Nights and staying at a hotel nearby.