It’s summer!  What better way to spend the day than at a theme park?

Except theme parks can get truly expensive!  So what should you do?

Visit Universal Citywalk!

Universal Citywalk is next to Universal Studios.  Entrance to Universal Studios starts at around $100 per person.  Yikes!!!

But Universal Citywalk is absolutely free, except for one caveat – parking.  More about parking in the Bonus Tips at the end of this article.

Here are my top 10 things to do at Universal Citywalk that are free or mostly free.

1.  Take a Selfie with the Spinning Universal Studios Globe

At the entrance to the park is the Universal Studios Globe, slowly spinning over a water fountain.  Head over and take a selfie in front of it.  

But don’t just take a selfie – enjoy the moment!

On a hot day, the spray from the fountain feels incredible – it’s a welcome respite from the punishing sun!

And listen to the people around you.  They’re from all over the world and have come to Universal Citywalk.  You’ll hear lots of different languages, or different accents from other parts of the US.  

But the one thing they all have in common?  They’re as excited to be there as you are.

You and every other tourist is trying to get the same selfie shot.  When I was there, everyone was very friendly.  They’d give me my turn and patiently wait for theirs.  So be respectful and considerate, and you’ll get the perfect selfie.

This is definitely the photo you will want to post on your instagram or FB page.

2.  Walk the Red Carpet

Next to the park entrance is a wide, red carpet that leads to the locked gates into the park.

But this isn’t the entrance for the park guests – they enter on the side through turnstiles.

That means that the red carpet entrance is available to you.  Not to enter – the gate is still locked.  But it’s a red-carpent moment worthy of an Academy Award celebrity.

Def another insta-worthy shot!

3.   Visit the Harry Potter store

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is part of the paid admission to the park.  

But the gift store will make you feel like you’re shopping for your Hogwarts books and robes. 

It’s so much fun!  

Need a wand?  Check.

Looking for some felix felicis potion?  Check.

Need new robes?  House Banners?  Check & check.

There’s the Mirror of Erised – what will you see?

In addition to all the memorabilia – designed to magically separate you from your money – the displays of books & old luggage, potions & candles help you feel like you’re in Diagon Alley.

Music from the movie plays in the background, plunging you further into the Hogwarts vibe.  

This was a lot of fun to experience.

4.  Play in the Water Fountain

One of my favorite parts of Universal Citywalk is the open fountain.

It’s a large square with lights and water spouts recessed into the concrete.  

Water from one (or more) of the spouts shoots into the air at random intervals, dousing anyone standing on or near that spot.

On hot days, you’ll find children running, screaming & playing in the fountain.  It is a joy to see!

Occasionally, you’ll see the big kids (aka adults) playing in the fountains as well.

It’s hilarious to watch people try to run into the water, and try to run away from it.  Endless entertainment!

Personally, I’ve always been the spectator, never a participant, but maybe soon …

5.  Grab a Bite to Eat

What type of food do you like?  There’s going to be a restaurant that has it.

Across from the fountain is one of my favorite places, Johnny Rockets.  It’s a 50s style hamburger joint, with exceptionally good burgers.

Next to Johnny Rockets is Antojitos, an excellent Mexican restaurant.  

Across from that is Bubba Gump, shrimp anyway you want it.

Dongpo has Chinese, Buca di Beppo is family style Italian.

And if you’re on a budget, there’s a food court where you can get Taco Bell, Pink’s Hot Dogs, Panda Express, Habit Burger and more.

And for dessert, you have Cinnabon, or Ben & Jerry’s.

Coming soon is Toothsome Chocolate Emporium.

Trust me, you won’t go hungry.

6.  Capture a Selfie with a Chocolate Voodoo Doll

Voodoo Doughnut could be your choice for dessert.  But the cooler thing to see there is the bigger-than-life chocolate voodoo doll.  

Arms spread wide, gazing at the sky with a wide-open mouth, a blue swirl on his stomach, and a pretzel stuck in his chest instead of a pin, this is another insta-worthy photo op!  

7.  Photograph Yourself with Angel Wings

Across from Voodoo Doughnuts is one of Colette Miller’s Angel Wings paintings.

Colette Miller is a mural artist who started the Global Angel Wings Project in 2012.  For the last 10 years, she has been painting angel wings around Los Angeles and around the world.

And one of these paintings is at Universal City Walk.

The project reminds us that we are the angels of the earth.

Step in-between the larger-than-life angel wings for an unparalleled selfie.  

8.  Catch a Movie at the AMC

The AMC movie theatre is a great place to catch a movie.  

It’s state of the art Dolby, IMAX, with reserved seating and recliner lounges.  

You are watching movies in the lap of luxury and comfort!

9.  Visit Dark Horse Comics

If you love the Marvel or Star Wars Universes, then Dark Horse comics is a must-see store.

There are life-size figures of Batman and Ironman, R2D2 and a storm trooper.

And comics (of course).  

This is a comic book store that would have Leonard, Sheldon, Raj and Howard drooling in envy.

10.  Relax with Cocktails in Margaritaville

It’s always 5:00 o’clock in Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville.

Step into this island paradise for some outstanding drinks.  

They boast over 15 brands of Tequila, 20 brands of draft and bottle beer, white wine, red wine, rose, and non-alcoholic options.

And then there are the specialty drinks, like 

• Havanas and Bananas
• Bahama Mama
• Elderflower Margarita
• One Particular Harbour
• 5 O’Clock Somewhere
• And many more

They also have a full food menu.

11.  Bonus Tips

Tip 1:  Arrive after 5:00pm.  Parking rates go down from $30 to only $10.  It’s a great deal!

Tip 2:  Or park in the Universal City Metro Parking Lot ($3.00 per day), walk across the street and take a shuttle up to Citywalk.

Tip 3:  Wear comfortable shoes!!  You’ll be walking A LOT!

Tip 4:  While you’re frolicking in the fountain, look up.  There’s a hungry dinosaur watching you!

Tip 5:  It can get really crowded.  If the crowds bother you, go up to the less-traveled 2nd level to get around.

Tip 6:  These are my favorite things to do, but they’re certainly not all of the fun things at Universal Citywalk.  Be sure to walk all the way from one end to the other, and drink in all there is to see and do.

Universal Citywalk is a blast. Whether you live in LA or you’re visiting from out of town, it should unquestionably earn a spot on your must-see-and-do list!

Universal Citywalk is located at 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608.