Top Photo Spots at Universal Studios Hollywood

Let’s get real: We genuinely love everything about Universal Studios Hollywood, but we’re not not doing it for the ‘gram. After all, we want to share everything we’ve seen (and eaten, and drank, and worn, and ridden, and then eaten some more) with friends, family, and random acquaintances who are still following us on social media for whatever undisclosed reasons. And if we’re raking in the likes while doing it? That’s just icing on the cake. 

In terms of finding the perfect spot to pose for a pic, it’s tough to go wrong anywhere at Universal. But we’ve rounded up the top spots to stop and smile for the camera. Without further ado, here are our picks for top Instagram spots at Universal Studios Hollywood!

Hogwarts Castle

Nothing makes our hearts flutter quite like stepping into Hogsmeade, even for the hundredth time. That’s why posing with Hogwarts Castle is an absolute must for your trip to Universal Studios. To complete the experience, pick up your house robes from Gladrags Wizardwear (Hufflepuff, represent!) and a wand at Ollivanders. Once you’ve snapped your photo, you can journey into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry for Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, where you’ll take to the skies alongside Harry and Ron.  

Universal Studios Hollywood Globe and Arch

It’s a classic for a reason. Before you even step into the park, it’s basically obligatory to snap a photo at the iconic Universal Studios Hollywood entrance. Also, here’s a fun fact for your globe-pic caption: the Universal Hollywood Globe was originally located at the Orlando theme park, and made the cross-country move when the Florida park expanded in 1998.

PRO TIP: After you get your photo, head over to the ticketing kiosks, where you can snag Annual Passes, Universal Express tickets (so worth it on crowded days!) and, if you truly want to feel like a star, VIP Experience is the ultimate way to enjoy the theme park. 

The Lard Lad Donut in Springfield, U.S.A.

No questions asked, you absolutely do need a donut the size of your head. And, d’oh — I mean, duh — you need to document said donut. Stop by Springfield, U.S.A. and enjoy Homer Simpson’s favorite treat, the big pink (or chocolate) Lard Lad Donut! It’s the perfect moment to strike a pose in front of The Simpsons Ride with Krusty the Clown. Keep your eyes open, you might be lucky enough to catch Homer and Bart picture-ready in front of the Kwik-E-Mart.Thank you, come again. 

Raptor Encounter at Jurassic World-The Ride

Ever met a real-life dinosaur? Well, we have, and we’ve got the photos to prove it. Head down to the lower lot and enter Jurassic World. Keep an eye out for the Raptor handlers bringing one of their very own Velociraptors out to meet the public. If you’re brave enough, strike a pose with the apex predator in front of the lush isla nublar backdrop. For those faint of heart, you can also spot a baby Raptor who is definitely Instagram-reel-ready.

The shark from Jaws on the Studio Tour

There are countless Instagram-worthy moments from the World-Famous Studio Tour, where you’ll experience mind-blowing movie magic first-hand. Perhaps the most photogenic, though, is on Amity Island, where Jaws takes place. There, you’ll have a too-close-for-comfort encounter with a certain great white shark of Hollywood fame. (Psst: For the best vantage point of our infamous shark, grab a seat on the right-hand side of the tram. And if you’re looking for the best seats for other awesome experiences on the Studio Tour, we’ve got you covered.)

Pose with your favorite characters

One of our favorite parts of Universal is all the iconic characters you’ll find wandering about the park! Posing with your faves is an absolute must. Take a photo with a Minion outside of Miss Hattie’s Home For Girls before riding on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem; smile with the Scooby-Doo gang in front of the Mystery Machine; or look tough with Optimus Prime, before bracing yourself for Transformers: The Ride 3-D on the lower lot. Wander the upper lot and you’ll catch the likes of Marilyn, Frankenstein’s monster, and Shrek. 

King Kong dangling over CityWalk

With its bright lights, shops and restaurants, CityWalk is over-the-top, making it our very own Times Square in L.A. And also like New York City, King Kong, looms over CityWalk. Well — sort of. Our big, blue ape hovers over diners and shoppers alike, just across from Bubba Gump Shrimp Co, making for an excellent photo centerpiece. This is especially true at night, when our monkey pal is lit up in neon blue. Bonus points: Visit over the holidays to capture King Kong in a Santa hat, dangling mistletoe over CityWalk guests. 

Bonus: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD “Coming Soon” Wall

Please tell us you’re as excited as we are for SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to open? OK, great, we’re on the same page. So excited to see Super Mario in real life in early 2023, that we are out here posing with the “coming soon” wall. From what we have seen at Universal Studios Japan, this experience is sure to be amazing and we are perfecting our Mario Kart maneuvers in preparation.

Did we miss any of your favorite photo spots at Universal Studios Hollywood? Let us know in the comments below or by tagging us in your photos at @unistudios.