Sony Studios Tour in Culver City
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Have you ever stepped foot on a working studio lot in Hollywood, California? It’s a must-do activity when visiting Los Angeles. During your Sony Studios Tour in Culver City, your tour guide will immediately transport you into the iconic films and tv shows you know and love!
Suppose you can relate more to jam-packing an itinerary full of activities over relaxing in your hotel room. In that case, you must add the Sony Studios Tour to your next weekend in Los Angeles itinerary!
Your tour guide will lead you to the sound stages once home to “The Wizard of Oz” movie, inside the game show sets of “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” and so much more! Your inner movie and television lover will geek out!
Want to jump right into what you’ll need for your trip? Here are links to:
Here’s everything you need to know to plan your Sony Studios Tour in Culver City.
Planning Your Sony Studios Tour
Activities are the best part of a vacation! Activities such as excursions, museums, and tours allow you to act like a tourist, learn new things, and see some of the best sights a destination offers!
My preferred speed on a trip is a million miles a minute! I believe in cramming as much as humanly possible into each day. I can rest when I get home. Do you agree?
Plan at least two nights during your weekend getaway to Los Angeles. There are so many things to see and unique places to eat. You’ll want the extra day to explore the city.
At Sony Studios, you are taking a walking tour, so be sure that you wear comfortable shoes. My favorite shoes that I pack on every single trip are the Allbirds Tree Runners or the Allbirds Tree Pipers. Allbirds are perfect for the many steps you’ll take during your tour!
The Sony Studios Tour allows you behind the scenes of one of Hollywood’s most historic places!
Location and Directions
Sony Pictures Studios is on the Westside, 5 miles from LAX Airport and less than 8 miles from Downtown LA. If you’re coming from I-10 Santa Monica or I-405 San Diego, it’s an easy freeway drive.
You’ll report to your Sony Studios Tour inside the gates at the free parking lot. The Overland Parking Structure address is 3990 Overland Ave Culver City, CA 90232. You’ll want to type this address into your favorite map application — it should come right up. My favorite is Google Maps!
Sony Pictures Tour Information
The Sony lot is open for tours Monday through Friday. A reservation is required, so purchase your ticket in advance.
As of this writing, Sony offers four tours per day. The tour times are 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 1:30 pm, and 2:30 pm. I went on a 2:30 pm tour and loved it! During peak seasons, they may add tours, so check their website for all the information.
Be sure to arrive at least 30 minutes early to park, check-in, and get situated while you wait for your tour group to depart.
The History of Studio Studios
The Company’s history goes back to 1918 when two brothers, Harry, and Jack Cohn, partnered with Joe Brandt to produce low-budget short films. Over the years, there have been many changes; in 1924, it became Columbia Pictures; in 1983, TriStar Pictures; and in 1989, Sony Pictures.
This lot in Culver City, California, has been home to classic hit tv shows we grew up loving. Shows like Seinfeld and Breaking Bad, to name a couple.
Today, the Sony Studios lot offers state-of-the-art post-production, impressive sound stages, and screening rooms for Hollywood stars to preview the first rounds of films.
The history in Culver City is awe-inspiring!
Other Hollywood Studio Tours
There are four major Hollywood studios that you can tour. There is Paramount, Sony, Universal Studios, and Warner Brothers. I traveled to the Warner Brothers lot at the beginning of 2020 and highly recommend that tour.
Going on a tour of a Hollywood studio will take at least a couple hours of your day, so it’s best to squeeze in one or two during a weekend getaway to Los Angeles.
I plan to see one lot per trip until all four major ones get checked off my list!
Where to Stay in Culver City
Need the perfect hotel recommendation for your trip? My favorite is The Shay – Destination by Hyatt, located in Culver City. It’s less than 2 miles away from the Sony lot too!
The Shay Hotel is one of Hyatt’s boutique properties with a creative and energizing vibe. There is something for everyone at this property, from the pop-up shops in the lobby to the rooftop pool overlooking Downtown LA.
You have to make time to dine at their restaurant, Etta. Etta serves the most delicious wood-fired food, like pizza and pasta, and has terrific starters!
The Shay is an excellent property for your stay, but the location makes it even more perfect! Not only will you be close to the Sony lot, but there are also many conveniences nearby. Erewhon Market is one of the best grocery stores and is so close you can swing by to grab water bottles and snacks before a day of exploring. Be sure to stop by Salt & Straw at the end of your day for the best ice cream you’ll ever have!
You will love staying at The Shay – Destination by Hyatt!
If you’ve never stepped foot on a working studio lot in Hollywood, California, this may be the perfect next weekend trip! Leave a comment in the comment section below and let me know about your experience on studio lot tours during your time in Los Angeles!
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