sony pictures studio tour la

Social Links

STUDIO TOURS

Sony Pictures Studios Tour

Take the Sony Pictures Studios Tour and step back into a legendary time. Located on one of the world's most famous studio lots, our walking tour gives you a rare glimpse of old Hollywood's glory days and an insider's view of a state-of-the-art motion picture studio.

Not only is this the studio where the Yellow Brick Road once wound through Munchkin Land, it is also the place where the agents from "Men In Black" battled aliens from outer space and Spider-Man catapulted from skyscraper to skyscraper. Our dynamic studio tour guides will shed light on the film and television production process by taking you to various soundstages and by sharing tales of days gone by. You may even have the chance to visit the sets of the hit game shows "Jeopardy!" or "Wheel of Fortune."

Filled with movie, television and commercial productions on any given day, you never know what- or who- will be just around the corner!

For more information or to make reservations, please call  310-244-TOUR (8687)  or purchase tickets online at:  http://www.sonypicturesstudiostours.com .

© 2024 Sony Pictures Digital Productions Inc.   All rights reserved

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Sony Pictures Studio Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Sony Pictures Studios Tour

Betsy Malloy Photography

Back in the early days of movie-making, MGM Studios made its home in Culver City, producing legendary films like The Wizard of Oz , National Velvet and Singin' in the Rain . They produced as many as 52 films a year on two lots near Jefferson Avenue and Overland.

Over the years, the studio had many owners, but the most recent act of the old film giant's Culver City studio began in 1989 when Sony bought Columbia Pictures and formed Sony Pictures Entertainment. 

Sony poured hundreds of millions into renovating the buildings and facilities, eventually naming their venture Sony Pictures Studios. Today, the studio mostly records television shows, but you can still visit the lot for a dose of movie history.

Sony Studios has a fascinating history and you may enjoy the real working studio atmosphere better than the theme park-style studio tour at Universal. However, their tour goes to fewer parts of the studio than Warner Bros or Paramount, and it involves a lot of walking.

Tips for Enjoying the Sony Pictures Studios Tour

Have the right expectations so that you won't be disappointed. You probably won't see a big-name movie star. In fact, you'll be lucky to see a minor one. And you definitely won't get to watch a movie being made. What you will see is the inside of a working film studio, your experience based on the day's activities.

If you're a big fan of the Wizard of Oz , don't expect to see much. While the film was done on no less than six stages, none of them contains a shred of the old sets and even if you get inside, it will look more or less like a large warehouse.

• To improve the chances of having a great tour, avoid the summer and end-of-year holidays when many shows are not working.
• If you're visiting several Hollywood attractions on the same day, you can save money on the Sony Tour if you  buy a GoCard online in advance. You can also use the card to tour Warner Bros. Studios.
• You'll walk 1.5 to 2 miles on your tour, much of it outdoors. You'll also climb a few steps to get into the game show sets.
• Dress for the weather and be aware that a cloudy morning in Culver City often becomes a very hot, sunny day a few hours later.
• If you have small children under the age of 12, this is not the tour for them and children aged 12- 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
• Sony checks ID for anyone who's old enough to have one, so everyone should bring theirs.
• Sony says on their website that no cell phones, video or sound recording is allowed during the tour - and they mean it. But don't leave your camera at home because of it. You can take pictures in the lobby and at selected spots if allowed by your tour guide.
• They ask you to arrive at least thirty minutes before your tour time, which will give you just enough time to look around the mini-museum in the lobby before your tour starts.

Sony Pictures Studio Tour Options

Sony gives several tours daily, Monday through Friday only ( check current hours ). They also give twilight tours on summer Thursdays. However, the studio doesn't work on weekends and they don't give tours, either. Reservations are required. You can  buy your tickets online . 

If you're willing to pay the price, you can try their VIP Lunch Tour, a three-hour tour that avoids the walking. Instead, you travel by golf cart, eat a meal at the Commissary and get into the Sony museum

Tour offerings change frequently. Check the Sony Studio Tour website for current information.

What Happens on the Sony Pictures Studio Tour

The tour leaves from the Sony Pictures Productions office building. While you're waiting, someone will take your photo in front of a green screen to create a souvenir photo you'll pick up at the end. The tour starts with a 15-minute film montage about the studio history.

Highlights of the tour:

• The studio's Oscars collection is on display in the headquarters lobby.
• Depending on production schedules, you may visit the sets for Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. One of these is almost always open, and sometimes both are.
• You'll also visit a few sound stages. Which ones depend on what's going on and what your tour guide can get you into.
• Near the end of the tour, you'll get a chance to visit the gift shop. If you're in the market for mugs, t-shirts, hats and the like, you'll find some here that you can't get anywhere else.

About the Game Shows

The long-running game shows "Jeopardy!" and "Wheel of Fortune" are both produced at Sony Studios. When they're making new episodes, they shoot six of them per day, three in the morning and three in the afternoon. When they are shooting, the studio tour can't get inside their set. However, the two shows work on alternating schedules, so one set is usually open on every tour. 

If you have your heart set on visiting a specific show's set, take a tour on a day when they're not working. Do your homework to find out when that is.  Check the Jeopardy website  and the Wheel of Fortune website for their schedule by beginning the process of getting tickets to be in their studio audience. 

If you want to see how the game show is done from end to end, choose a day when they are working and use these tips to get tickets to be in their studio audience . It's also possible to make a day of it at Sony, being in the audience for half a day and touring the studio, too. 

Getting There

10202 West Washington Blvd Culver City, CA Sony Pictures Studio Tour website

In the past, guests met at the headquarters at Sony Pictures Plaza, but now you should enter the Overland gate on Overland Ave between Culver and Washington Blvd instead. Valet parking is free. 

Sony Studios is in Culver City, southeast of the intersection of Washington and Culver. Visit the Sony website to see a map and get directions. 

As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with a complimentary tour for the purpose of reviewing the Sony Studio Tour. While it has not influenced this review, Tripsavvy.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest.

Guide to Los Angeles' Studio Tours

What to See and Do on Hollywood Boulevard

20 Best Things to Do in London When It Rains

The Best Mid-Century Modern Sites in Palm Springs, California

How to Get Into a Studio Audience in LA and Hollywood

Tips for Being a Smart Universal Studios Hollywood Visitor

Top 14 Things to Do In LA’s Culver City Neighborhood

19 Fun Things to Do in Los Angeles, California at Night

16 Best Things to Do in Hollywood

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood

Hollywood & Highland Center

The Paramount Studio Tour in Hollywood

Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Know Before You Go

18 Best Things to Do in San Francisco at Night

How to Get TV Show Tickets in Los Angeles

Where to Go on a Family Vacation in 2019

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

Review Highlights

“ We walked around the studio, and got to see the sets of Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, and The Goldbergs . ” in 7 reviews

“ We went to sets for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy which is neat, especially if you watch the shows. ” in 16 reviews

“ While we were in California for vacation, we toured Sony, Warner Bros . ” in 4 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

10202 W Washington Blvd

Culver City, CA 90232

You Might Also Consider

Five Star Limousine of LA

Chris D. said "I've tried a few luxury car services over the years, but Five Star stands out enough to deserve a review. They're the real deal in getting you where you need to go, but with a level of style and comfort that's hard to find these…" read more

LA Private Car Service

2.1 miles away from Sony Pictures Studio Tour

Kristina G. said "I had made a reservation online after finding their yelp. I needed a SUV to pick up me and my family to go to the airport super early in the morning. I had called them couple times to ask questions and every representative I talked…" read more

LAX VIP Transport

Benita S. said "My family and I used LAX VIP Transport car service for our transportation need to go to Santa Barbara. Our driver arrived on time and was very professional. We booked the SUV to go on a wine tour and the car was super clean and…" read more

in Limos, Town Car Service

Ask the Community

Ask a question

I am planning to take my son on this tour for his birthday this coming January. He is a huge Spider-Man fan. Since Sony has the movie rights for Spider-Man, will this tour be worth it?

When I took the tour back in 2015 we were not shown anything from Spider-Man. The only backlot I know of used for Spider-Man is at WB but even then it's such small moments that it isn't worth the tour just for that. But if he likes other super hero… more

Recommended Reviews

• 1 star rating Not good
• 2 star rating Could’ve been better
• 3 star rating OK
• 4 star rating Good
• 5 star rating Great

Select your rating

Overall rating

The Sony Pictures Studio Tour was a lot of fun. I got to see a lot of memorabilia from Spider-Man & Breaking Bad as well as other movies and shows. The whole tour did take a couple of hours but you lose track of time. I would honestly recommend.

Our tour guide was nice but I had high expectations for the Premier tour. We saw a sound stage, a foley room, and the set for a tv show. Compared to the other studio tours in town this one was just ok

My first time doing the Sony Pictures Studio Tour. I don't recommend it for the following reasons: not very organized, they make walk around the studio instead of using a car. They have a host who walk you around. Our host seemed always in a hurry. The don't let you go into a lot of the stages and the one they take you too are really not that interesting. I'm a big Breaking Bad fan, and they have the van and mr. White's can on lot, but they barely gave us any time to see it. Free valet parking. At the end of the tour they take you to the gift shop store and give you only 10 minutes to shop and leave and the guide will be there watching you until you finish. The tour is about 2 hours and you can bring your own water or buy from a vending machine in the parking lot. Bring water because once the tour start they will not give you water or allow you to buy it and since the majority of the tour is outside and on foot, you will get thirsty. In comparison to the Warner Brothers Studio tour, the WB tour is more fan and you get to see more interesting movie memorabilia.

See all photos from Rami H. for Sony Pictures Studio Tour

Great tour. Lots of tv and movie history took place at this site. Guide (Keith Coogan) was great, knowledgable and entertaining.

Great Tour. Saw and learned a ton. Was amazed to see the sound studios and set of wheel of fortune.

This is great for hardcore movie historians. This is not for families looking for amusement rides or child entertainment. We did the VIP Tour which I believe is worth it, very personalized experience based on what is available to see the day of. You will learn some very interesting facts regarding the studio lot history and great anecdotes from shows that have and are being filmed here. It's a rather small movie lot compared to other movie studios but the content and history is here. We got to walk onto tv show sets learn a lot about movie soundstages, follies and recoding technologies. We weren't able to go inside the sound recording studios on our day. With our VIP tour we got to have lunch on the "executive" side of the in house restaurant. The menu was limited but it was delicious. It was so cool to sit amongst the people who make movies and shows happen. This is a real working studio and the vibes are very Hollywood. I would recommend it to anyone who loves Hollywood history, not for kids Under 12 they will get bored in my opinion. 3 hour tour is fun!

See all photos from Edgar D. for Sony Pictures Studio Tour

Hello--wanted to let you know how disappointed we were in our studio tour yesterday. We went back and forth about which one was the best and based on the description on website we chose Sony. It did not match up at all to our experience. For $50 each (there were 4 of us) for a 2 hour tour, we started by browsing props and costumes mostly from Spider-Man films (and oh yeah, a replica of the Seinfeld set...)on our own for probably 15 or 20 minutes, then went to a "screening room" to see a promotional film that wasted more time. When we finally headed out to the lot, we saw empty sound stages and closed doors. A trapdoor that was purportedly used in Wizard of Oz was a far cry from seeing a piece of the actual yellow brick road (mentioned on your site). There were a few vehicles from random films and TV shows but nothing notable. The only aspect I enjoyed was seeing the old architecture from the MGM era and frankly there wasn't much focus on that. Not too exciting or even interesting to see the empty Jeopardy set covered in tarps. All told, we would have been better off using the $ to go to the Academy Museum (and would still be $100 richer ) or frankly anything else. Shame on Sony for milking tourists--we were had!

Sam Lopez gave an incredible tour today. She was full of fun facts and great energy. Sam made the Entertainment Tour special and worth participating!

Short cute tour.... I purchased a Groupon for LA pass and Sony Pictures Studio Tour was one of the attractions. I've called in advanced and reserved a tour for my extended family of eight. The receptionist took our Groupon codes over the phone and our information and indicated that we'll need to sign a waiver for kids to be admitted on the tour. Apparently, there may be some inappropriate features for kids. I have two kids ages 12 and 9 and was completely fine with this so I had said we'll sign the waiver upon arrival. With that said, our reservation was booked. On the day of arrival, my husband received a phone call (while we were parking our vehicle in their parking deck) that they do not honor Groupon tickets for the kids and that we needed to pay. I was utterly upset at that moment because this was not mentioned when we had booked the reservation. If I had know that there's an additional fee, I would have opt to visit the Warner Bros. studio tour instead. Long story short, after complaints and demanding to speak to general manager, they "decided" not to charge us. Honestly, the money is one small thing. It's the expectancy from their staff who where not properly trained and should have told us initially when our reservation was made. I tried not to let the incident ruin tour. Overall, it was a short tour but we were able to see some backstage, tv show screen settings, and where wheel of fortune is filmed, sound room. The tour was about 80 minutes long and this includes the stop into the gift shop.

See all photos from Annabelle L. for Sony Pictures Studio Tour

We have been on all the major studios tours. Sony was our favorite. The tour includes actual sets of current shows and props from popular shows. We had the awesome fortune of having Keith Coogan (don't tell Mom the babysitter's dead, adventures in babysitting, etc) host the tour.

4 other reviews that are not currently recommended

Stay Classy Transportation of San Diego

Diane F. said "We recently took a trip and wanted to have a limo provide door to door service. I've tried a couple in the past and didn't have good experiences as both companies were not at the airport when we were waiting for our ride home and…" read more

in Airport Shuttles, Town Car Service

Star Helicopters

Star Helicopters is Los Angeles's most convenient Helicopter Company for Charters, Tours, Aerial Photography, Plane Spotting, and Helicopter Flight Training since 2009. The only Helicopter Tour Company based in the Metro Los Angeles… read more

in Private Jet Charter, Flight Instruction, Aerial Tours

Collections Including Sony Pictures Studio Tour

EXPLORE Los Angeles

Adventures in LA

By Michael C.

Fun Things to Do in LA

By Melissa C.

By Steve W.

LA Touristy Areas

By Marlene L.

People Also Viewed

Paramount Studio Tour

Studio Tour

A Day in LA Tours

Ultimate Hollywood Tours

The Movie Guys’ L A Film Locations Tour

Grave Line Tours

Universal Studios Hollywood VIP Experience

Star Track Tours

Hollywood Bus Tours

LA Walking Tours

Best of Culver City

Things to do in Culver City

People found Sony Pictures Studio Tour by searching for…

Culver City Tours Culver City

Movie Studio Tours Culver City

Night Tours Culver City

Best Activities For Couples in Culver City

Best Factory Tours in Culver City

Best Tourist Attractions in Culver City

Best Warner Bros Studio Store in Culver City

Couple Building Activities in Culver City

Paramount Pictures Studio Tour in Culver City

Fun Activities in Culver City

Fun Activity in Culver City

Wb Tour in Culver City

Browse Nearby

Restaurants

Fun Places for Teens

Gold Panning

Whale Watching

Other Tours Nearby

Find more Tours near Sony Pictures Studio Tour

Related Cost Guides

Town Car Service

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Sony Pictures Studio Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Combined Shape .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} .st0{fill-rule:evenodd;clip-rule:evenodd;fill:#fff} SMS Main navigation Things to Do Attractions & Tours Arts & Culture Outdoors & Wellness Shopping Budget Family Hidden Gems Luxury Pet-Friendly Eat & Drink Bars Clubs Dine LA Restaurant Week Restaurants Business Spotlight Find Events Itineraries Where to Stay Celebrate LA Heritage AAPI Heritage Black LA Latino Heritage LGBTQ+ Tourist Information Meetings About LA Tourism Travel Trade Membership Business Spotlight Media Research Careers Today's must read Hidden Gems of Los Angeles Log in Search Search Things to Do Attractions & Tours Go Behind the Scenes at the Best Studio Tours in LA by Discover Los Angeles   Mar 6, 2024 The World-Famous Studio Tour at Universal Studios Hollywood  |  Photo:  Yuri Hasegawa Share Been There Login Register My Next Trip Login Register Studio Tours Television & Motion Picture Studios Arts and Culture From classic films to current hit TV shows, Los Angeles is home to the studios that produce much of what you see on the small and large screen. Book a studio tour to get a behind-the-scenes peek at sets and props, learn Jeopardy -worthy trivia, and maybe even see some of your favorite stars in action.

Paramount Pictures Studio Tour

Founded in May 1912, Paramount Pictures Studio (5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles 90038) is the longest operating studio in Hollywood. Cecil B. DeMille, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Marlene Dietrich, Mae West, Gary Cooper, the Marx Brothers, and Elvis Presley have all filmed at the iconic studio lot. Paramount Studios is also home to an elaborate New York Street backlot that can transform into 10 different NYC neighborhoods — making a visit to Paramount the fastest and cheapest way to travel across the country!

The Studio Tour  features a 2-hour guided cart tour of iconic filming locations and the Prop Warehouse - along the way your guide will provide insight into the studio’s rich history. The VIP Tour  is a 4.5-hour cart tour that includes VIP access to the archives, backlots and production facilities; a gourmet catered lunch (morning tours) or champagne & hors d’oeuvres in the Prop Warehouse (afternoon tours); complimentary parking and a personalized souvenir photo.

Where to eat nearby: Osteria La Buca (5210 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles 90038)

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

At Sony Pictures (10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City 90232), a two-hour walking tour ($50) will provide you with a glimpse of the soundstages where The Wizard of Oz, Men in Black and Spider-Man were filmed; and beloved game shows Jeopardy! and  Wheel of Fortune are currently taped.

You may also get to a chance to see the Barbara Streisand Scoring Stage or the set of the ABC comedy The Goldbergs . The lot is also home to a studio museum and is the permanent home of the Breaking Bad RV . The Sony Pictures Studio lot took over what used to be MGM, and many of the buildings still boast the same Art Deco styling that dates back to the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Available Monday-Friday at 11:00 a.m., the 3-hour VIP Tour ($200) includes Sony Museum access, three-course prix fixe lunch, souvenir photo, and an employee's discount at the Sony Studio Store.

Where to eat nearby: Ms Chi Cafe , 3829 Main St., Culver City 90232

Discover LA Newsletter

• Skip to main content
• Skip to secondary menu
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

The GPS Guide

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

The Sony Pictures Studio Tour is a must-see experience for movie buffs and anybody interested in Hollywood’s behind-the-scenes magic. The tour, located in Culver City, Los Angeles, California, takes tourists through the renowned studio, which has created some of the most memorable films and TV shows in history.

Address: 3990 Overland Ave, Culver City, CA 90232, USA

The trip includes:

One of the tour’s highlights is the opportunity to see the famed Sony Pictures movie lot, where some of the biggest blockbusters in history were shot. Visitors can also learn about the various steps of film production, from script to screen, and witness firsthand how Hollywood magic is made. The guides, enthusiastic and informed about the studio’s history, share entertaining tales and behind-the-scenes stories that give guests a view into filmmaking.

• Traveling around soundstages.
• Seeing the sets of major TV shows.
• Studying the award-winning movie props and costumes.

Concerning The Sony Pictures Studios Tour

Sony Pictures Studios offers visitors a daily two-hour tour of its studios and grounds. A competent guide leads the four daily weekday tours. The Sony tour takes tourists over 12 to the legendary arenas where films like The Wizard of Oz and Men in Black were conceived visually and in post-production. 

Indulge in the best things to do in Los Angeles to create lasting holiday memories

Each tour includes a look at soundstages and post-production facilities, illuminating how our favorite television series and films are created. Furthermore, as an active recording venue, guests will likely meet staff in front and behind the camera while making their circuits.

Why is a Visit to the Sony Pictures Studios a Must?

There are numerous benefits to taking the Sony Pictures Studios Tour instead of or in addition to other Hollywood studio tours. First, the legend of the Sony stages and lots cannot be duplicated since the frequent change of hands mirrored the evolution of Hollywood itself. Second, because Sony is an active television recording facility, visitors can watch production at a different pace than movie studios.

This, along with the California sun and expert guides, provides visitors to southern California with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn directly about the acts and talent they enjoy from this and previous eras.

Schedule & Tickets for the Sony Pictures Studios Tour

The Sony Pictures Studios Daily Tour lasts two hours and is available Monday through Friday. They begin at 9:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., with additional excursions available during peak season. Reservations are necessary and can be obtained via the website. You must be at least 12 years old to participate in the tour. The tour costs $50 and includes a guided tour and parking at the Overland Parking Garage.

VIP Lunch Tours take three hours and begin at 11:00 a.m. every day from Monday to Friday. The maximum number of visitors allowed per group is five. The tour costs $175 and includes admission to the Sony Museum, a Virtual Reality experience inside the museum, and a three-course lunch with the guide, who will tell you intriguing facts and tales about the film studios, actors, and films created. There is also parking at the Overland Parking Garage, a souvenir photo, and a discount at the Sony Studios store.

Directions And Location

Sony Pictures Studios can be found at 10202 West Washington Boulevard in Culver City, California. As is typically the case in Los Angeles, driving to the movie studios is the most convenient option. You can park at the Overland Parking Garage, which is located on Overland Avenue right after the Overland Gate entry.

Exit the 405 Freeway south at Washington/Culver Boulevard, turn left onto Sawtelle Boulevard, go into Culver Boulevard, and finally leave onto Overland Avenue. Enter Overland Gate by turning right. Exit the 405 Freeway north at Culver Boulevard and turn right, left onto Overland Avenue, and right at the Overland Gate. If you’re driving south on I-10 from Santa Monica, exit at Overland Avenue and turn left. Continue south on Overland until you reach Washington Boulevard. Enter the Overland Gate on the left.

You can also take public transit as follows:

You can take Bus 733 or 33 from Santa Monica or Venice to the Venice/Overland stop. Sony Pictures Studios is only a 10-minute walk away. You can also take the Metro Expo Line to the Palms Station. Please remember that you will need to walk for at least 25 minutes.

Go on the Metro Expo Line from the heart of Los Angeles and get off at Palms Station.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the Sony Pictures Studios Tour

• Set realistic expectations to avoid disappointment. You’re unlikely to witness a big-name movie celebrity. You’ll be lucky to see even a minor one. And you won’t be able to see a movie being made. You will see the inside of a working film studio, with your experience tailored to the day’s events.
• Only expect to see a little if you’re a big admirer of the Wizard of Oz. While the film was shot on six different stages, none contain any remnants of the previous sets, and even if you go inside, it will look like a vast warehouse.
• To increase your chances of having a successful tour, avoid the summer and end-of-year holidays, when many shows are closed.
• Suppose you’re visiting many Hollywood attractions on the same day. In that case, you can save money on the Sony Tour by purchasing a GoCard in advance online. The card can also be used to tour Warner Bros. Studios.
• Your tour will last 1.5 to 2 miles, most of it spent outside. You’ll also have to climb a few steps to reach the game show sets.
• Remember that even a cloudy day in Culver City can suddenly become hot; therefore, dress accordingly.
• This tour is unsuitable for tiny children under 12, and an adult must accompany children between 12 and 17.
• Sony checks ID for anyone of legal drinking age, so everyone should bring theirs.

Sony states on their website that cell phones, video, or sound recording are not permitted throughout the tour – and they mean it. However, don’t leave your camera at home as a result. If your tour leader allows it, you may photograph in the lobby and at specific locations. They ask that you arrive at least thirty minutes before your tour appointment, giving you enough time to stroll around the foyer mini-museum before your tour begins.

What Happens During the Studio Tour at Sony Pictures?

The tour begins at the Sony Pictures Productions office. While you wait, someone will photograph you in front of a green screen to make a souvenir snapshot you will receive at the end. The tour begins with a 15-minute film montage about the studio’s history.

Tour highlights include:

• The Oscars collection of the studio is on exhibit in the lobby.
• You can visit the Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune sets depending on the production schedule. One of these is almost always open, and both are on occasion.
• You’ll also get to see a few sound stages. Which ones you choose are determined by what’s going on and what your tour guide can get you into.
• You’ll have the opportunity to explore the gift shop near the end of the trip. If you’re looking for mugs, t-shirts, or hats, you’ll find things here that you won’t find anywhere else.

FAQs About Sony Pictures Studio Tour In Los Angeles

1.) what exactly is a sony pictures studio tour.

The Sony Pictures Studio Tour is a guided walking tour of Culver City’s historic Sony Pictures Studios site. The time brings tourists behind the scenes of their favorite movies and television shows.

2.) How long will the tour last?

The tour lasts about two hours.

3.) What is the price?

The trip now costs $55 per person for adults, $45 for seniors (65 and up), and $40 for children (ages 12 and under).

4.) When is the tour going to be available?

The tour is available Monday through Friday, with different tour times depending on the season.

5.) Am I permitted to take photographs or videos during the tour?

While photography and video recording are prohibited during the tour, there are authorized photo stops.

6.) Can persons with impairments participate in the tour?

The tour is wheelchair-accessible, and people with disabilities can request additional accommodations. It is best to contact the trip operator before making any necessary arrangements.

7.) Are food and beverages permitted on the tour?

Food and beverages are not permitted on the tour. However there is a cafe on the grounds where guests can buy snacks and refreshments.

8.) Am I permitted to see specific sets or sound stages?

Specific sets and sound stages are subject to availability. However, the tour frequently includes stops at numerous noteworthy spots on the property.

9.) Is there an age restriction for the tour?

Although there is no minimum age restriction, the tour is intended for those aged 12 and over.

10.) Do you offer any discounts?

Discounts for groups of 15 or more individuals may be available. For further information, it is best to contact the tour operator.

We are familiar with the sense of not having enough time to plan your route, reserve a hotel, or look for tourist attractions, local businesses, or undiscovered local gems. The theGPSGuide staff is prepared to help you in this situation so that you can be inspired to travel more without worrying about those things.

• Lewa Wilderness Camp
• San Juan Islands kayak Camping
• Navy Moms Boot Camp
• Great Lakes Music Camp
• Summer Camp Melbourne FL

Sony Pictures Studio Tour

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR (Culver City) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Sony Pictures Studios / MGM Studios

Sony Pictures (aka Columbia Tristar) has created an excellent website as a celebration of it’s history and a resource to find out more about Sony / Columbia / MGM history, and the movie business in general.

Check out the  Sony Pictures Museum  at  http://www.sonypicturesmuseum.com/

Address:  10202 West Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

There are some companies resident on the Sony lot;

• J.C. Backings  make highly detailed scenic backings (to be positioned outside set windows on soundstages to make it look like a real building)
• Happy Madison  is the production company owned and run by Adam Sandler. He drives a Cadillac Escalade golf cart around the lot. As well as production offices, there’s also a Happy Madison Baseball Court on the lot for relaxation. The company is named after two of Sandler’s successes Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison.

Sony Pictures VIP Tour

The Sony tour is entirely on foot, and takes you from the Sony Pictures Plaza building through the gates of the former MGM Culver City lot, past the Thalberg building and in amongst the soundstages. Unfortunately photography is limited once you get into the bulk of the studio, but there’s still lots to see, and very informative and enthusiastic guides. Although many MGM and Columbia movies are mentioned, the emphasis is very much on the current owners of the studio and their recent redevelopment of the studio. Columbia and MGM history is of course mentioned, but there’s so much to get through, a 2 hour tour can barely scratch the surface. Where possible, guests are taken into the studios where game shows Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! are taped, along with at least one other soundstage visit. Other visits  may  include a New York Street backlot set behind Stage 12, a Foley Stage and the Barbra Streisand Scoring Stage, when there is no production work taking place in those areas.

• Official Sony Pictures Studio Tour website

More information

• Buildings on the Sony Lot
• MGM Backlot
• Soundstages
• Post Production Facilities
• History of the site  (including MGM, Columbia, Sony)
• Movies and TV Shows shot at Sony Pictures / MGM

This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience and analyze the use of the website. Learn More

Hollywood Studio Tours

Which are the best.

This post covers the most enjoyable movie studio tours in and around Hollywood.

With so many historic studios in the area, it might be difficult to pick just one to visit.

Taking a studio tour is one of the top things to do in LA .

• Studio Tours
• Celebrity Homes Tours
• Ways to Save on Tours
• LA TV Show Tickets
• Things To Do in Hollywood
• Tips from Locals and Travelers

Disclosure:  While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the  full text .

STUDIO TOURS

Interestingly enough, there are quite a few differences between the tours offered at each studio, and that should make it easier to figure out which tour best fits your expectations.

Ticket prices vary from $62 per person to literally thousands of dollars.

However, 3 of the tours, Warner Bros., Sony Pictures, and Universal Studios are included for free or at a lower cost in several tourist attraction passes. 

It's also worth noting that the length of these tours can run from roughly an hour to almost a week.

With all of that said, let's start talking about what each movie studio offers with their tours.

• Warner Bros.
• Sony Pictures
• Universal Studios
• Paramount Pictures
• Adventures by Disney: Disney Backstage

At the bottom of this post , we share some thoughts and opinions from members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook.

Our group comprises roughly 9,000 locals (like our tour guides), tourists, returning visitors, and newbies to LA.

You don't need to be a member to read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR

Below is a summary of our post on Warner Brothers Studio tours , where we also provide tips on planning your trip.

If you're in the market for a somewhat normal tour on the backlot, this might be one of your best bets.

In addition to seeing movie sets and sound stages from some of the most notable movies in film history, you'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a few specific activities.

  While on this movie studio tour, you'll be able to re-create a famous scene from the hit television show Friends , climb aboard Harry Potter 's broomstick, and even create your own Batmobile.

Warner Bros. even offers an interactive sound stage that explores the entire process of making a film from start to finish.

At three hours in length, this tour is probably the longest duration of all of the options in Hollywood.

• $70/adult | $60/child
• Availability: Thursday - Monday
• Hours: Every half hour from 9 am - 3:30 pm
• Duration: 3 hours
• Available in both English and Spanish
• Click here for more information .

TIP: This tour is included for free with the purchase of the Go City Los Angeles Explorer Tourist Pass .

You can also combine this tour with the Universal Studios tour using the combo deal below!

With an overall score of 4.5 out of 5 stars , it's fair to say that this Hollywood studio tour is very well rated ( read reviews here ).

Some guests have gone so far as to suggest that this trip is worth every single penny.

Visitors were typically very happy with their tour guides, referring to them as both friendly and informative. 

SONY PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

This might be the most affordable movie studio tour in Hollywood, and it's also one of the most historic. Do note, that is is a walking tour.

While on this tour, you'll see the sound stages where they recorded classics such as The Wizard of Oz and superhero flicks like Spider-man .

Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to see where Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are recorded.

Although they don't make any promises, there's always a chance that you'll run into someone famous on this active studio back lot!

They also offer a premium tour which includes transportation via golf cart, access to the Sony Museum, a free souvenir photo, a complimentary beverage, and lower prices at the Sony Studio Store.

Tickets 

• $55 per person | $150 for the Premium tour
• Availability: Monday – Friday at 10:30 am, 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm
• Duration: 2 hours

Tip: Admission is usually included for free with the purchase of at least one Los Angeles tourist pass .

With an overall score of 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, it's clear that this is a pretty popular Hollywood studio tour.

Customers really appreciated the opportunity to see several historic filming locations and learn a lot about the process of making a movie.

Although some reviewers were unhappy that this is a walking tour, others simply appreciated the opportunity to see where film history was made.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS TOUR

This is where things get interesting, as Universal Studios has essentially made their tour one of the services offered at their amusement park.

In other words, you need to buy a ticket for Universal Studios Hollywood in order to experience this studio tour.

Clocking in at only one hour in length, this is definitely the shortest studio tour available. Check out this video of Stephen Spielberg giving a tour of the site.

In addition to seeing the back lot, you'll also experience attractions such as the Jaws ride, King Kong 360 in 3D, Bates Motel and Fast & The Furious : Supercharged.

Although it will cost more to take this tour, it's worth noting that your ticket lasts all day and guarantees access to all of the rides. 

• $119-$139/adult | $109-$129/child
• Availability: Daily from 8 am - 6 pm
• Duration: 1 hour
• Click here for ticket information .

TIP:   Universal Studios Hollywood is included for free with the purchase of a tourist pass. Read about all the opportunities for deals in our full post .

Despite the higher price tag, this movie studio tour has still received quite excellent ratings ( read reviews here ). The overall Universal Studios Hollywood experience has a score of 4.7 out of 5 stars .

A few visitors have even suggested that this trip around the studio is worth the price of admission.

Although most customers feel that the ticket price is a bit high, even the critics can't deny that they had a blast. 

PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO TOUR

Unlike the other movie studios, Paramount Pictures offers three different studio tours.

The main tour is 2 hours long and covers quite a lot of ground on the backlot.

However, if you want to experience more, their VIP tour lasts for 4 ½ hours and includes access to several additional areas.

The VIP tour also provides a gourmet lunch at a unique location in the studio.

Alternatively, you can also choose a 2 ½ hour night tour that reveals a lot of historic locations such as notable theaters and original film vaults.

No matter which option you choose, you'll learn a lot about the history of Paramount.

• $65 for the studio tour | $215 for the VIP tour
• Availability of Studio tour: Mon-Fri, every half hour from 9 AM - 3:30 PM
• Availability of VIP tour: Mon, Wed, Fri at 9:30 AM
• Duration of Studio tour: 2 hours
• Duration of VIP tour: 4 ½ hours
• Click here for additional information .

Reviews for the Paramount Pictures Studio tours are very positive, averaging a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor. 

Some visitors referred to the excursion as a movie buff's dream, while others were just impressed with how much they learned and discovered.

Some reviewers indicated that Paramount alters the tour slightly depending on the season, ensuring a nice variety of topics and locations to cover no matter when you decide to buy a ticket.

ADVENTURES BY DISNEY: DISNEY BACKSTAGE

You had to figure that Disney was going to be a little more expensive, but the actual cost of this week-long experience might shock you.

To be fair, the package includes meals and accommodation at both the Loews Hollywood Hotel and Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa.

This Disney backstage adventure includes a tour of the Walt Disney Studios & Archives, an Imagineering tour, a Hollywood walking tour, and a tour of the Jim Henson Company.

Most of these tours are only available via this week-long package. The entire itinerary takes six days to complete, and it will keep you busy with plenty of fun activities from start to finish. 

• $4,999 for Adults | $4,749 for Children
• Availability: 2-4 times per month
• Duration: 6 days
• Hotel accommodation included
• 11 Meals included
• VIP Disneyland ticket included

As you can probably imagine, the testimonials for this experience are quite positive ( read reviews here ).

Some guests even noted that they made friends with their tour guides and continue to stay in touch with them to this very day.

Additionally, customers also appreciated the opportunity to see some behind-the-scenes areas that bring the history of Walt Disney to life.

One visitor even suggested that this trip allowed them to become kids again as they explored secret and wonderful locations at the happiest place on earth.

COMBO DEALS

If you're looking for a better price on these tours and other activities in Hollywood, you might want to consider one of the following combo packages.

Studios like Warner Bros. and Universal often work with tour companies to provide their services at lower prices.

There are several options to mull over, and almost all of them provide additional tours and services.

If you plan on spending more than one day in Hollywood, these combo deals are definitely worth a look.

GO CITY LOS ANGELES ALL-INCLUSIVE PASS

There's a reason that this is one of the premier attraction passes in Los Angeles.

In addition to offering access to a variety of notable locations, they also provide admission to some studio tours.

In particular, you can enjoy the Universal Studios tour, the Warner Bros. Studio tour and (sometimes) the Sony Pictures Studio tour with one version of this pass or another.

The Warner Bros. Studio tour is currently only offered with their Explorer Pass, and you'll need to purchase at least a 3-Day All-Inclusive pass to get admission to the Universal Studios tour .

Given that this tourist pass also supplies tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain and Knott's Berry Farm, it's fair to say that the Go City Los Angeles All-Inclusive Pass could be a real bargain.

• $109 for 1-day pass
• $164 for 2-day pass
• $284 for 3-day pass
• $344 for 4-day pass
• $374 for 5-day pass
• $434 for 7-day pass
• $99 for 2 choices
• $119 for 3 choices
• $144 for 4 choices
• $154 for 5 choices
• $189 for 7 choices
• This attraction pass is available every day of the week
• Includes up to 3 movie studio tours

Read our post comparing the different tourist attraction passes available in Los Angeles.

TRANSPORTATION COMBO PACKAGES

If you're looking for transportation to and from each movie studio tour, the following services are available.

The advantage of these combo deals is that you won't have to pay for parking, gas, or car rental in order to visit each location.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included with each package.

Take your time and enjoy the studio tour without having to worry about anything else!

• Not currently available as of January 2024

CELEBRITY HOMES TOUR COMBO PACKAGES

These combo deals provide both a celebrity home tour and a movie studio tour.

Each option includes transportation not only around Hollywood but also to and from the studios.

While some of these services use a mini-bus, others drive you around town in a luxury sedan or an SUV.

Each company offers both hotel pickup and drop-off.

Expect these outings to last for between 6-8 hours on average.

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Movie Star Homes Tour (Starline Tours) - $119/Adults | $99/Children
• Alternatively, we offer our own self-guided celebrity homes tour .

This might be a good way to save even more money if you don't mind doing a bit of driving around Hollywood and Beverly Hills.

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

While we provide the details of what each tour offers, costs, and other information, here you can see what members of our Los Angeles Travel Tips group on Facebook have to say.

There are plenty of fans of the Warner Brothers tour.

And some enjoyed Paramount as well.

If you have to choose only one, between Warners or Paramount, these members’ insight may help.

Universal Studios received mixed reviews. Some people felt it was a waste of time and money.

On the other hand, Issa had a fantastic time, so much so that she wrote a very long post detailing her time there and how to make the most of your visit.

Take a look at our Los Angeles Travel Tips group for more recommendations, opinions and advice.

You don't need to join to read comments, but if you do join you can post a question regarding the studios!

RELATED POSTS

• Top Things to Do in LA
• TV Show Tapings in LA
• Things to Do in Hollywood

Choose a Destination... I want them all PLUS general travel tips. Amsterdam Berlin Boston Charleston Chicago Dubai Lisbon London Los Angeles Miami Nashville New York City New Orleans Paris Philadelphia Prague Rome San Francisco Washington DC

About The Author

North America

United kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Home > Road Trip Itineraries > West Coast > California Road Trip Itineraries > California Coast > Los Angeles Travel Guide > Los Angeles Attractions > Movie Studios > Everything You Need to Know About Tours of Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles

Everything You Need to Know About Tours of Sony Pictures Studios in Los Angeles

This site may contain affiliate links. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Over the years, Culver City Studios in Los Angeles has been home to numerous film companies: Triangle Film Corporation, MGM, Columbia Pictures, and since 1990, it has been the location of Sony Pictures. Countless successful films and TV series were made here, such as Ben-Hur , The Mutiny of the Bounty , Grand Hotel , The Wizard of Oz , Singin ‘ in the Rain , and, more recently, Men in Black , Spider-Man , and The Goldbergs .

The large rainbow almost 95 ft tall and 187 ft from end to end welcomes visitors and reminds them that Dorothy and her little dog Toto met the Cowardly Lion, the Tin Man, and the Scarecrow right here and made history. Rainbow , the installation by artist Tony Tasset, is perhaps the most representative icon of these film studios. In fact, the rainbow is visible from miles away.

Location and Directions

The history of sony pictures studios, sony pictures studios tour: schedule and tickets, sony pictures studios or universal studios how to choose, where to stay in the area.

Coming from the 405 Freeway heading south , exit at Washington/Culver Boulevard, turn left onto Sawtelle Boulevard, left onto Culver Boulevard, and left again onto Overland Avenue. Turn right to enter Overland Gate. Coming from the 405 Freeway heading north , exit at Culver Boulevard and turn right onto Culver Boulevard, then left onto Overland Avenue, and finally right at the Overland Gate. If you are coming from Santa Monica on I-10 , exit and turn left onto Overland Avenue, drive south on Overland and pass Washington Boulevard. Turn left and enter the Overland Gate.

You can also take public transportation :

• From Santa Monica and Venice , you can use Bus 733 or 33 and get off at the Venice/Overland stop. You will be only a 10-minute walk from Sony Pictures Studios. You can also use the Metro Expo Line getting off at the Palms Station. Please note that you will have to walk for at least 25 minutes.
• From Downtown Los Angeles , you can use the Metro Expo Line to get off at Palms Station.

In 1924, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer was born from the union of three film companies and the studios in Culver City became MGM Studios. These were golden years for Hollywood and American cinema. After MGM Studios grew and was renovated, it produced 52 films a year and among them, there are successes such as Ben-Hur , Anna Karenina , and the innovative musicals in Technicolor The Wizard of Oz of 1939 and Singin’ in the Rain of 1952. The Wizard of Oz was nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Film (but Gone with the Wind won Best Film that year), and won the Oscar for Best Original Song, Over the Rainbow , and Best Soundtrack.

Despite the many film successes , due to legal and financial crises, MGM Studios was sold in 1969 to Kirk Kerkorian who began dismantling them, auctioning off the most valuable pieces and several movie sets such as Lotto 2, where Singin’ in the Rain , National Velvet , and Gigi were produced.

In the 1990s, Sony Corporation acquired Columbia Pictures Entertainment and MGM’s studios, investing a considerable amount of money in the renovation and restoration of the film studios in Culver City. Thus Sony Pictures Studios was born and today it is open to the public and can be visited daily on tours.

VIP Lunch Tours last three hours and are organized every day from Monday to Friday at 11:00 am. The maximum number of visitors per group is 5 people. The tour costs $175 and includes access to the Sony Museum, a Virtual Reality experience inside the museum, a 3-course lunch with the guide who will talk to you about interesting facts and anecdotes about the film studios, actors, and films produced. Parking in the Overland Parking Garage, a souvenir photo, and a discount at the Sony Studios store are also included.

If you want to save some money, keep in mind that the Daily Tour of Sony Pictures is included in the price of the Go Los Angeles Pass .

Saying what are the best movie studios in Los Angeles  is not easy, also because it is not cheap and time often does not allow you to choose more than one during your vacation in California . Which film studios should you visit? Universal Studios , Warner Bros. Studios , or Paramount Pictures ? What about Sony Pictures Studios?

A visit to Sony Pictures Studios is less glamorous than a visit to Universal Studios and or even Warner Bros. Studios. The standard tour is entirely on foot (remember this if you book a tour in the summer because it could get pretty hot, especially if you choose the afternoon tours).

On the plus side, on a tour at Sony Pictures, you have the opportunity to interact with a guide, be in a small group, and go behind the scenes of one of the longest-lived movie studios in the United States. You’ll have the chance to visit the sets where films such as The Wizard of Oz , Men in Black , and Spider-Man were shot, as well as the house and van of The Goldbergs , and the rooms of historic American quiz shows such as Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune . Since the sets are still in operation today, you might even run into some famous people while on the tour, so keep your eyes open!

Culver City area doesn’t offer a great selection of hotels, so I invite you to read our tips on where to stay in Los Angeles to figure out how to find strategic accommodations to visit the city’s best attractions. Also read our Los Angeles Trip Planner page to get a better idea.

Warning: Operating hours can change and closures for extraordinary events can occur, so we strongly suggest to check the venues official websites.

Flora Lufrano

I am a translator and teacher. I love to travel, meet new people and cultures and never cease to be surprised by the beauty of our planet.

Related posts

Discover the Main Filming Locations of Top Gun and Maverick!

17-Mile Drive: Pebble Beach’s scenic road in California

Pigeon Point Light Station State Park, a fascinating lighthouse on the California Coast

How to Plan a Visit to the Historic Point Arena Lighthouse in Mendocino, California

Leave a comment cancel reply.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

DAILY TOURS

PREMIUM STUDIO TOUR

VIP LUNCH TOURS

TWILIGHT TOURS

GROUP TOURS

THE SONY PICTURES TWILIGHT TOUR  

Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

The Sony Pictures Tour Department is excited to announce the return of its popular Twilight Tour, beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Take a stroll through the studio lot for an entertaining look at the historic stages that once held sets from such memorable films as The Wizard of Oz and Spider-Man and are now home to new and exciting TV and Motion Picture productions. This is a chance to take in the evening beauty of one of the true gems located in the “Heart of Screenland.”

For more information, please call us at 310-244-8687 or email us at

  [email protected].