Universal CityWalk
Universal Center Dr (map)
Universal City, CA 91608
(818) 622-9841
CityWalk is the outdoor tourist trap / shopping area attached to Universal Studios, and it contains nearly as much glitz and glamour as the park itself, though on a smaller scale. The place is filled to the brim with stores, restaurants, bars, arcades, vendor booths and entertainment, including the renowned IMAX theater with its 8-story silver screen. Next to the upstairs food court, a large outdoor video screen blasts music videos throughout the day. An outdoor stage frequently hosts live bands, the skydiving simulator uses a wind tunnel to, well, simulate skydiving, and the sizeable Gibson Amphitheater is tucked away amidst the sprawl. Also present is a giant gorilla, a ship’s mast, a NASCAR mounted on a wall, the Incredible Hulk, and of course the giant Stratocaster marking the entrance to the Hard Rock Café – which itself contains a sizeable blast of rock and roll distraction. It is easy to kill most of a day in this haven of neon lights, music, food and temporary tattoos, with everything closing down between 8 p.m. and midnight, depending on the time of year. Entry is free, but plan on paying at least $10 for parking – half of which is given back to you if you’re seeing a movie.
The haiku version:
Within you will find
A barrage of light and sound
Try not to go deaf
Favorites:
- Ben and Jerry’s
- Camacho’s Cantina
- Cinnabon
- Gladstone’s
- Hard Rock Cafe
- Jamba Juice
- Jon Lovitz Comedy Club
- Karl Strauss Brewery
- Loews Theater
- Panda Express
- Puccino Pizzeria
- Saddle Ranch Chop House
- Tony Roma’s
- Versailles Cuban Restaurant
- Wasabi Sushi
- Wolfgang Puck LA Bistro
