Sony Pictures Studio Tour
Sony Pictures Studio Tour
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Full view
About
Step back into a legendary time on the Sony Pictures Studio tour! Walk through the famed gates and you’re behind the scenes at one of the most historic and exciting studio lots in the world. Our two-hour guided walking tour will give you the real experience of a working studio. Visit soundstages once home to iconic films like “The Wizard of Oz,” “Men in Black” and “Spider-Man.” Swing by smash-hit games shows “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” You might even catch a glimpse of the Barbra Streisand Scoring stage or a set from the hit comedy, “The Goldbergs.” Keep your eyes open... You never know what – or who – will be around the next corner. TOUR DETAILS -Tours run Monday through Friday -Reservations are required -Children age 12 and up are welcome -Guests under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult on the tour -$55 per person -Free parking in the Overland Parking structure at 3990 Overland Ave Culver City, CA 90232 -For more information, call (310) 244-TOUR (8687)
Culver City, California
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023
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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.
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4.0
475 reviews
Excellent
196
Very good
124
Average
70
Poor
45
Terrible
40
EmptyCanvas
Tampa, Florida54 contributions
Mar 2022
For the price, time and ease of getting in and out, this is an excellent tour. For $50 you get 2 hours of unique family entertainment with hands-on exposure to real TV/Movie sets. Yes, other studio tours are longer with more things to see, but they are also more expensive and take up a lot more of your day. If you are staying near Culver City, this is a no brainer.
Pros: Very easy to get in and out of the studio. Parking lot is right at the entrance and the tour starts a few steps from where you park your car. It’s very organic as you walk around with a tour guide that just looks around for something cool to see. For example, we went during a Goldbergs hiatus so we got to walk into the set … literally inside the kitchen, dining room, bedrooms. Museum is cool and we walked into the Jeopardy set as well. Our tour guide was lots of fun.
Cons: Not as spectacular or as large as the Warner Brothers tour, but this is a different, more low-key experience.
Pros: Very easy to get in and out of the studio. Parking lot is right at the entrance and the tour starts a few steps from where you park your car. It’s very organic as you walk around with a tour guide that just looks around for something cool to see. For example, we went during a Goldbergs hiatus so we got to walk into the set … literally inside the kitchen, dining room, bedrooms. Museum is cool and we walked into the Jeopardy set as well. Our tour guide was lots of fun.
Cons: Not as spectacular or as large as the Warner Brothers tour, but this is a different, more low-key experience.
Written March 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SuperDuper Coach
Mitcham, Australia184 contributions
Mar 2022
The tour is ok, but I wouldn’t suggest it is any better than that. I think the Warner Brothers tour is superior.
The tour is a walking tour around their stage lot. Our guide was knowledgeable and tried to be entertaining, however I think the structure of the tour is the problem.
The tour began with 15 minutes of free time in their small museum of props from some of their movies and TV shows. Then we were forced to watch a 15 minute movie that briefly describes the history of Columbia pictures and the purchase of them by Sony, together with the purchase of the old MGM lot (which is where Sony is now located). Then we spent 30+ minutes walking around the outside of their sound stages (not inside) hearing about what movies and shows were made in each one; then we walked through a sound stage (in this case it contained the sets for ‘the goldbergs’), then we went through stage 1 which is the score studio (where the orchestral pieces and other music for movies are recorded), then we walked past the ghostbusters cars, then were sent to the gift shop for 10 minutes, and then finally walked into the set of Jeopardy before being dismissed.
Other studio tours take you into their backlots, where you see streets and houses and town squares etc where movies and tv are made, and they take you on to more working sets. I felt much of the Sony tour is filler, with only the score stage and jeopardy set really that interesting. Maybe the set of ‘the goldbergs’ is interesting if you know that show. For the price I don’t think it is great value, it is really only about 45 minutes of worthwhile tour.
The tour is a walking tour around their stage lot. Our guide was knowledgeable and tried to be entertaining, however I think the structure of the tour is the problem.
The tour began with 15 minutes of free time in their small museum of props from some of their movies and TV shows. Then we were forced to watch a 15 minute movie that briefly describes the history of Columbia pictures and the purchase of them by Sony, together with the purchase of the old MGM lot (which is where Sony is now located). Then we spent 30+ minutes walking around the outside of their sound stages (not inside) hearing about what movies and shows were made in each one; then we walked through a sound stage (in this case it contained the sets for ‘the goldbergs’), then we went through stage 1 which is the score studio (where the orchestral pieces and other music for movies are recorded), then we walked past the ghostbusters cars, then were sent to the gift shop for 10 minutes, and then finally walked into the set of Jeopardy before being dismissed.
Other studio tours take you into their backlots, where you see streets and houses and town squares etc where movies and tv are made, and they take you on to more working sets. I felt much of the Sony tour is filler, with only the score stage and jeopardy set really that interesting. Maybe the set of ‘the goldbergs’ is interesting if you know that show. For the price I don’t think it is great value, it is really only about 45 minutes of worthwhile tour.
Written March 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary M
Sydney, Australia275 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Your experience will begin in the Sony Museum, filled with actual props and artifacts from some of our most iconic productions. You have the opportunity for a photo op with a real Oscar and Emmy.
Our guide was amazing, Keith Coogan the grandson of the late great Jackie Coogan (Uncle Fester) was a wealth of knowledge and no stranger to the movie industry himself.
Keith did the voice of Young Tod for the charming animated Disney picture "The Fox and the Hound." He has also starred "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" and was impressive as Jonathan "Snuffy" Bradberry in "Toy Soldiers."
If you love the movies then this is a must-see.
Our guide was amazing, Keith Coogan the grandson of the late great Jackie Coogan (Uncle Fester) was a wealth of knowledge and no stranger to the movie industry himself.
Keith did the voice of Young Tod for the charming animated Disney picture "The Fox and the Hound." He has also starred "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead" and was impressive as Jonathan "Snuffy" Bradberry in "Toy Soldiers."
If you love the movies then this is a must-see.
Written May 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Makayla Muscat
Sydney, Australia355 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
The tour begins with a visit to the Sony Museum, to take a look at sets and props from iconic television and films, from Seinfeld to Spiderman.
There is even the opportunity to take a photo with a real Oscar and Emmy Award before departing on a buggy to explore the studio backlot with your guide.
Our guide Keith Coogan, grandson of Jackie Coogan - the world's first child film star - had a wealth of knowledge to share.
Keith is also no stranger to the film industry, and is highly regarded for his roles in "The Fox and the Hound" and "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead".
There was ample opportunity to learn, hear stories, see movie cars, and walk through sound studios and televisions sets. Walking through the set of iconic game show "Wheel of Fortune" was a highlight.
The complimentary printed photos are also a fun memento to take home.
If you are a film enthusiast, this private tour is for you.
There is even the opportunity to take a photo with a real Oscar and Emmy Award before departing on a buggy to explore the studio backlot with your guide.
Our guide Keith Coogan, grandson of Jackie Coogan - the world's first child film star - had a wealth of knowledge to share.
Keith is also no stranger to the film industry, and is highly regarded for his roles in "The Fox and the Hound" and "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead".
There was ample opportunity to learn, hear stories, see movie cars, and walk through sound studios and televisions sets. Walking through the set of iconic game show "Wheel of Fortune" was a highlight.
The complimentary printed photos are also a fun memento to take home.
If you are a film enthusiast, this private tour is for you.
Written January 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sconsaul
Portland, OR52 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Our tour guide, Chloe, was very knowledgable and thorough. The 2 hour tour takes you around the massive campus and makes stops at the Museum, shop and whatever filming stages are available. I highly recommend visiting in the off season, when they're on break from filming as you'll see a lot more. The intro video is extremely well done and there a ton of history that you'll enjoy.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
16willbarnes
Bristol, UK19 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Our tour guide Arabella was fantastic, she was very knowledgeable and full of energy, she really brought everything to life. It's great value for money, you get to see a lot, including some really cool sets, props and costumes. Would highly recommend. Thank you Arabella!
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kas7686
Seattle, WA21 contributions
Feb 2020
Highly recommend this tour if you're interested in the actual details of how movies are made - the whole process. Our tour guide, Keith, was excellent and had an amazing knowledge of the the lot and the history. We got to visit several different stages, including the Jeopardy set, and saw some great movie memorabilia. An excellent tour, especially for the price as compared to other studio tours.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tanyadev
20 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Cost is around $50 and lasts 2 hours . Only open on weekdays. This is well balanced tour with sites, memorabilia, and history. It is a bit of walking but you see a lot including Seinfeld set, a TV game show, a current sitcom and some other recognizable areas.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debra-Lynne T
Los Angeles, CA385 contributions
Sep 2022
Our group of four loved our Sony Pictures VIP Studio Tour! We were enraptured by Keith, our enthusiastic guide, who shared many stories and insights with us. He had a significant acting background and shared a perspective that went beyond a typical studio tour. We enjoyed the full experience and were especially mesmerized by the Goldbergs set. We had seen a number of sets over the years but none this elaborate. The lunch in the Sony dining room was delicious. The salmon was beautifully prepared and the wine was the perfect complement. We would definitely recommend the VIP tour option because we were cared for so well.
Written September 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lb33wonka
Redondo Beach, CA1,992 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
We have done all the studio tours and this one is our least favorite. I’ll explain and not upset we did it just compared to the others it wasn’t great. It costs as much as the other tours and you don’t see as much. It’s all walking so if you’re with someone with walking issues or is elderly this would be another reason to skip. On this tour you don’t see sets really. You go to jeopardy and Wheel sets but they are covered and hard to see. You pass a lot of sound stages but don’t go in them. Have no idea why you can’t allow people inside the sound stages. Also the prop area was cool but we felt rushed. My suggestion is to do this one of you have already experienced all the others first.
Written February 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zbethnj
Norristown, PA78 contributions
How strict are they with the 12 year age limit? Why is there an age limit?
Shannon
Lindsay, Canada115 contributions
Interested in doing this tour, where is the best place to park and how much is parking? Thanks :)
David W
Hayward, CA39 contributions
Pull right into the studio main entrance where you will stop at the gate, let the guard know you are there for the tour, and they will direct you to the parking structure to your right, where you will pull up to the valet parking attendant. If I recall correctly, cost of parking was included, but I did tip the valet. To your left as you enter the garage is a booth where you will check-in for the tour.
Charlotte L
Lichfield, UK135 contributions
I have LA Go Card and have enailed 3 times to try and make a booking but i have had no reply. We are in the UK and dont want to wait untill we are there to try and make a booking incase they are booked up. Hoping for some advice please, thanks
Danielle R
Leicester, UK949 contributions
We used Go LA cards when we went over from the UK. We rang ahead and booked on a mobile. Only on it for a few minutes so it didn’t cost much to ring. You’ll need to have all go LA card numbers handy as they take these as a reservation and you’ll get a confirmation email. If you go on the smart destinations website, you can download an information pack on all the attractions included on the go LA card, which tells you which one needs to be booked in advance as well as the phone numbers for the attractions. I hope this helps!
Cristina G
Rio de Janeiro, RJ17 contributions
É possível visitar o set da série Brooklyn nine-nine
b0raas
Portland, OR89 contributions
I don't think so because Brooklyn Nine-Nine is filmed at CBS studios in Studio City.
Paul K
1 contribution
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Raykidz
Campbellville205 contributions
WE did a walk up and while they cannot sell you or process your Go Card to give you the ticket at their booth, they put us through to a phone number who could process us immediately and we went on the next tour. So answer is, sort of - and it depends on availability. There doesn't seem to be a many fully booked tours at Sony verses other studios.
s0apviv0r
Calgary36 contributions
Is the Sony Pictures Museum part of the tour? Is there a time limit there? Can you just go to the museum and not the tour?
AlanChua33
Singapore, Singapore427 contributions
Yes the Sony museum is part of the guided tour. Maybe u can email Sony pictures to ask for more details.
Jordan W
1 contribution
If you attended a taping of "Wheel of Fortune" were you able to do the studio tour as well? If so, how long was the taping of Wheel of Fortune?
Maryann B
Redondo Beach, CA36 contributions
I'm sorry but I just saw your question..I did not attend a taping so I'm of no help here. The tour is not all that long but check just so you can do both if interested