10 best things to do at Universal CityWalk Hollywood. Where to eat, shop and play, plus what’s worth your time.
Start with Voodoo Doughnut or the newly opened Raising Cane’s (December 2025) for food, catch a free show at the 5 Towers Stage, and grab an IMAX showtime at Universal Cinema AMC. You still don’t need a park ticket for CityWalk — but as of June 2026, everyone now passes through a security checkpoint to get in. All 10 picks below are confirmed open as of July 2026.
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Universal CityWalk sits right outside Universal Studios Hollywood and is free to enter without a park ticket — but a few real things have changed since our last update. As of June 24, 2026, CityWalk added a unified security perimeter with metal-detector checkpoints near NBC Sports Grill & Brew and Margaritaville; all guests, ticketed or not, now pass through screening to get in. Two long-running spots closed: iFly indoor skydiving and Mini Monster boba tea are both gone. In their place, Raising Cane’s opened December 11, 2025, and we swapped in the long-standing Margaritaville for a solid dining alternative.
Parking: Universal Studios Hollywood parking (which also covers CityWalk) now runs General $40 before 5pm / $10 after, Preferred $60 before 5pm / $20 after, and Front Gate at a flat $75. Rates shift for special events, so check before you go.
One of the best ways to catch a movie in LA — new releases and IMAX productions with reclining seats and plenty of food options nearby, just steps from the CityWalk entrance.
The Forrest Gump-inspired seafood chain serves up shrimp every way imaginable, surrounded by movie memorabilia and props you won't find anywhere else. A fun, easy pick for families.
High-def screens inside and out make this the go-to CityWalk spot to catch a game with friends, backed by classic game-day food and a long beer list. It's one of the most popular CityWalk restaurants on weekends, so plan ahead.
CityWalk's retail mix runs from mainstream names to niche finds like The Los Angeles Sock Market and Things From Another World, plus themed shops tied to Universal's film franchises. Worth a browse even if you're not buying.
One of the most creative doughnut shops around, with wild flavors, shapes, and the classic voodoo-doll-shaped doughnut. Vegan options are on the menu too, making it an easy stop for the whole family.
Jimmy Buffett's beach-bar concept brought its island vibe to CityWalk with a Buffett-headlined grand opening, and it's stayed a solid pick for tropical drinks, casual food, and live entertainment.
The official Los Angeles Dodgers store, with fan gear you can't find elsewhere and an embroidery station for customizing your own merch. A must for Dodgers fans, bandwagon or not.
CityWalk's central stage has hosted pop-up performances from dancers, singers, and musicians for years — free to watch, different every time, and one of the better date-night or family activities after dark.
One of CityWalk's finer sit-down options for an authentic Italian meal — fettuccine, piccata, pasta, and pizza in a full-service setting if you want a break from theme-park-style dining.
CityWalk's newest arrival: Raising Cane's opened its doors here on December 11, 2025, bringing the chicken-finger chain's cult following right to the plaza. It's already one of the busiest counters on CityWalk, so expect a line at peak hours.
No, CityWalk is free to enter without a park ticket. As of June 2026, though, all visitors pass through a security checkpoint to get in.
iFly indoor skydiving has permanently closed, reportedly tied to the CityWalk security checkpoint overhaul.
General parking is $40 before 5pm and $10 after; Preferred is $60/$20; Front Gate is a flat $75. Rates can rise for special events.
December 11, 2025. It has quickly become one of the busiest counters on CityWalk.