For the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, light layers you can add or remove, and clothes you can move in. You will spend a few hours on your feet, ride in open-air trams, and step between hot sunshine and cool air-conditioned sound stages, so comfort beats fashion every time. Here is a practical guide from a family that lives 7.4 miles from the studio gates.
Shoes: the one thing not to compromise on
A studio tour is a lot of walking on pavement, concrete and sometimes uneven surfaces, with plenty of standing in lines and on sets. Choose broken-in sneakers, cushioned walking shoes or sturdy flat sandals with good support. Skip new shoes, heels and anything that gives you blisters. If you wear sandals, make sure they stay on securely; wide open-toed styles are fine in Southern California warmth but offer little protection if someone steps on your foot in a crowd.
Children are especially likely to tire quickly. Shoes that are easy to pull on and off and already comfortable mean fewer complaints at the end of the day. Pack a pair of spare socks if you are the kind of person who likes a fresh pair halfway through.
Dress in layers for Los Angeles weather
Southern California weather is generous but changeable. Mornings can be cool and grey, afternoons bright and warm, and evenings cool again. Layers solve all of it.
- Base: a breathable t-shirt or light top that works on its own when the sun is out.
- Mid-layer: a light cardigan, hoodie or overshirt you can tie around your waist or put in a bag.
- Bottoms: jeans, shorts, leggings or relaxed trousers. Pick fabric that does not trap heat, and avoid anything restrictive if you will be climbing in and out of trams or sitting for long stretches.
- Outer layer: a light jacket for cool days. Heavy coats are rarely needed in Los Angeles, but a windbreaker is handy.
Sound stages and indoor exhibits are often air-conditioned, which can feel chilly when you have been outside in the sun. That swing between hot and cool is exactly why a light layer is worth carrying. Always check the forecast the day before, and since we cannot promise conditions on any given day, plan for a range.
Sun protection
You will spend part of the day outdoors, and Los Angeles sun is strong even on cooler days. Wear sunscreen before you leave the house, bring a hat or cap, and pack sunglasses. A small tube of sunscreen in your bag lets you reapply after lunch. Light-coloured, loose clothing helps you stay comfortable, and a lightweight long-sleeved shirt can be both sun protection and a warm layer.
What to carry, and what to leave at home
Studios usually have rules about bags, and those rules can change, so check the official Warner Bros. Studio Tour website before your visit for the current policy on bag size, outside food and drink, and photography. As a general approach, travel light.
- A small bag or backpack with a phone charger or power bank.
- A refillable water bottle if permitted, and a snack for children.
- Sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses.
- A light layer for air conditioning.
- Your tickets or booking confirmation on your phone, plus a photo ID if you are an adult.
Leave bulky items, large camera kits and anything valuable in your accommodation. The fewer things you carry, the more you can enjoy the day.
What not to wear
A few simple things are worth avoiding. Do not wear shoes you have never walked in. Skip very long skirts or anything that could catch while you are getting in and out of vehicles. Be thoughtful about clothing with large offensive slogans, which studios often ask visitors to avoid. Avoid heavy fabrics in warm months, and avoid loose accessories that you might lose on a tram. Large hats can block the view of the people behind you, so a cap often works better than a wide brim in a crowd.
Tips for families with children
Dress children in clothes they can run in and layers you can easily remove. Bring a hat for every child, a spare top in case of spills, and snacks. If you have a young child who might tire, a lightweight stroller can help, but check the studio's rules first. Our guide to things to do near Universal Studios with kids has more ideas for keeping little ones happy across a long day.
Dressing for different seasons
In the warmer months, favour breathable cotton or linen, shorts or a light skirt, a cap, and a water bottle you refill whenever you can. Sunscreen matters most then, and so does a cooler layer for indoor areas. In the cooler months, think jeans, a long-sleeved top and a light jacket, with a scarf or extra layer for the evening. Rain is rare but possible in winter, so a packable rain jacket is smarter than an umbrella that you will have to carry through crowds. Whatever the season, dress for a long day outside first and a short stretch of air-conditioning second.
It also helps to think about photos. Many visitors take pictures on sets and in front of famous props, so wear something you feel good in, but never at the expense of comfort. Solid colours and simple layers photograph well and are easy to mix and match.
Plan the rest of your day around it
A studio tour is a half-day or more, so think about what comes before and after. Wear something you will be happy to be in at dinner too, or bring a small change of top. Many of our guests plan one big outing a day and then come back to relax. The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is 7.4 miles from us, Universal Studios Hollywood is 4.9 miles, Griffith Park is 11 miles and the Hollywood Sign is 7.2 miles away, so you can combine sights without crossing the whole city. You may also like our guides to things to do near Universal Studios California and things to do in the San Fernando Valley.
A quiet base near the studios
If you are visiting from out of town, staying close to the studios makes the day easier. The Enchanted Manor Inn sits at 5235 Goodland Avenue in Valley Village, a quiet cul-de-sac minutes from the 101 and 405 and easy from Burbank and LAX airports. It is a private guest house on our storybook grounds, with a full kitchen, a living room with a fireplace, an octagonal breakfast room, air conditioning, laundry, and use of a saltwater grotto pool with three waterfalls and a Jacuzzi. After a day on your feet, a soak in the Jacuzzi (open 9am to 11pm) is hard to beat. Malaya G. wrote, "My kids didn't want to get out of the pool. They loved the secret room behind the book case."
Rates are $575 a night Monday to Thursday and $595 Friday to Sunday with a two-night minimum, plus $50 per extra guest over two per night, a $185 cleaning fee, a $190 admin fee and a refundable $300 deposit. Check-in is after 3pm, check-out is 11am, and guests must be 21 or older. Full details are on our vacation rental page, and you can read more in our guide to a vacation rental near Universal Studios Hollywood.
Ask about your dates
Planning a studio trip and want a quiet place to stay? Text or call Georgia at (213) 999-3050 or email stuntlady@me.com to check availability. We also host birthdays, reunions and other celebrations on the grounds, so if your group is travelling for an event, ask us about that as well.
Frequently asked questions
What shoes should I wear to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour?
Wear broken-in, comfortable closed-toe walking shoes or supportive sandals. You will be on your feet for hours, so avoid heels and brand-new shoes.
Should I bring a jacket to the studio tour?
Yes, bring a light layer. Indoor areas and sound stages can be air-conditioned and feel cool after time in the sun.
How far is The Enchanted Manor from the Warner Bros. Studio Tour?
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour is 7.4 miles from our door in Valley Village. Universal Studios Hollywood is 4.9 miles away.
Is there a place to relax after a long day of sightseeing?
Guests of The Enchanted Manor Inn can use our saltwater grotto pool with three waterfalls and a Jacuzzi that is open 9am to 11pm.
