Neon Nights and Anniversary Delights: Universal Hollywood CityWalk Turns 30!

If you grew up in Los Angeles, you probably remember the momentous day when CityWalk opened at Universal Studios Hollywood, but can you believe it’s been 30 years? It’s true. Universal CityWalk Hollywood opened in 1993, so let’s take a trip in our DeLorean time machine to reminisce about the entertainment complex that literally paved the way for the Downtown Disney District, Santa Monica Place, and so many other themed entertainment malls. And let’s see what CityWalk has planned to celebrate the big 3-0.

When CityWalk debuted in May 1993, on a hilltop near Universal Studios Hollywood, the entertainment, shopping, and dining complex was described as “revolutionary,” not only for presenting unique immersive experiences (remember Wizardz Magic Dinner Theatre?) but by honoring the cultural diversity of its home town with nods to architecture from across Los Angeles. Plus, of course, it’s iconic King Kong.

CityWalk also featured 28 historic neon signs installed by the Museum of Neon Art (MONA), including the sign from Conde’s restaurant in Gardena, where brothers Ben and Raymond switched off as cook and maître d’ and had their neon sign changed each time to the face of whichever brother was meeting the public.

At the time, The L.A. Times reported, “CityWalk is a two-block gallery of the city’s cultural iconology, from UCLA’s Royce Hall to the now almost vanished ‘googie architecture’ of the ‘50s drive-in,” reporter Doug Smith wrote. “It was the best of L.A. on display, looking great the L.A way – with a lot help from make-believe.”

CityWalk History

In a statement about the 30^th anniversary, Universal Hollywood said:

Thirty years ago, Universal Studios collaborated with visionary architect Jon Jerde to mastermind the quintessential urban California street, set amid a theme park and a working movie and television studio and sandwiched between towering palm trees and asphalt. The result became globally known as Universal CityWalk Hollywood, a dynamic, open-air destination that redefined and reimagined contemporary shopping, dining, and entertainment in Southern California.

And let’s all take a moment to thank CityWalk for providing much-needed Wizarding World magic while Universal Studios Hollywood was closed in 2020. A temporary counter-service location was created to serve Butterbeer and Chocolate Frogs while Hogsmeade Village was inaccessible to guests.

However, long before Harry Potter took up residence inside Universal Studios Hollywood, there was Wizardz at CityWalk:

Fun  Facts: CityWalk’s central plaza is topped by a 170-foot radial trellis designed and built by Pearce Structures, who also constructed the Biosphere 2 earth science research facility in Arizona. The courtyard’s kid-favorite “leaping fountain” was created by WET Designs, the same company that designed the Fountain of Nations at Epcot and the famous dancing fountains at the Bellagio in Las Vegas.

CityWalk Hollywood Dining

CityWalk features about 30 dining options, both table- and quick-service, including Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, VIVO Italian Kitchen, Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, NBC Sports Grill & Bar, Buca di Beppo, Johnny Rockets (which began in 1986 on L.A.’s Melrose Avenue, by the way), L.A. icon Pink’s Hot Dogs, Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. (of “Forrest Gump” fame), and the newest addition, The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen, which opened in January 2023.

Toothsome Chocolate Emporium at Universal Studios Hollywood Is a Sweet Surprise!

The district can also lay claim to the only California location of Portland, Oregon-based Voodoo Doughnut, and it’s a common sight to see people carrying the bakery’s signature pink boxes. 

CityWalk 30th Anniversary Food

In honor of CityWalk’s 30^th anniversary, limited-time food and beverages are available at the following locations through Aug. 31, 2023: 

VIVO Italian Kitchen – Tre Carne Calzone with Crescenza cheese, mozzarella, pepperoni, Italian sausage, prosciutto, grana Padano, and marinara

NBC Sports Grill & Bar – Bases Loaded Cheeseburger with a triple stacked patty, American cheese, caramelized onions, 1000 island, tomato, and butter lettuce on a toasted brioche

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville – Key Lime Pie Margarita (tequila, condensed milk, lime juice, and triple sec); Orange Cream Breeze (tequila, condensed milk, orange juice, and orange Curacao); and Blue Lagoon (tequila, pineapple juice, and blue Curacao)

Antojitos Cocina Mexicana – Pineapple Mezcal Mule (mezcal, pineapple juice and puree, simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger beer); Cucumber Aloe Tequila Mule (tequila, aloe liquor, simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger beer); Jamaica Honey Mule (bourbon, Jamaica honey, simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger beer); and Spicy Tamarind Mule (spicy tamarind vodka, tamarind puree, simple syrup, lime juice, and ginger beer)

Voodoo Doughnut – Golden Ring Doughnut, a glazed old-fashioned doughnut with a lemon jelly ring and a drizzle of vanilla frosting

The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen – Rocket Pop Milkshake from The Dessert Foundry with vanilla ice cream, buttercream frosting, blue raspberry and strawberry syrups, red/white/blue sprinkles, whipped topping, and a Bomb Pop popsicle

Take Note: Valet Parking is available to diners at CityWalk’s full-service restaurants with validation (including The Dessert Foundry at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium & Savory Feast Kitchen). Valet parking is $10 for up to 2.5 hours and $15 for 2.5-3.5 hours (the cost increases after 3.5 hours). 

CityWalk Hollywood Shopping

Shopping has always been central to the CityWalk experience, and 30 years later, that’s still the case. Popular retail locations include Billabong, Hot Topic, Sephora, and Abercrombie & Fitch, plus the Dodger’s Clubhouse Store, The Raider Image, UNIVERS pop culture store, the recently opened Karma & Luck, and an outside-the-park Super Nintendo World store for items from Universal Studios Hollywood’s newest land.

In addition to the Super Nintendo World store, the theme park operates a Universal Studio Store in CityWalk, which will feature fun retro merch for the anniversary.

Fun Fact: Things From Another World comic shop is the only remaining opening-day retailer.

Movie Magic

The movie theater at Universal CityWalk Hollywood actually predates the district as the then-Cineplex Odeon (and since 2006 operated by AMC) originally opened in 1987.

In 2000, the Universal Cinema AMC received a significant expansion – and later a multi-million-dollar renovation – so, today, the 18-screen luxe movie complex at CityWalk includes an IMAX theatre, a Director’s Lounge cocktail venue, and the most advanced sound and video technology, encouraging moviegoers to “see movies where movies are made.”

Universal Cinema moviegoers can take advantage of $5 parking by purchasing general parking ($30 before 5 p.m. and $10 after 5 p.m.) and a movie ticket (restrictions apply).

CityWalk 30^th-Anniversary Celebration

As part of its milestone celebration, Universal CityWalk Hollywood will offer a special multi-media presentation enhanced by laser projections and smoke effects.

The nostalgic “moment” will capture the district’s 30-year evolution from construction to modern day and will be presented nightly on the big screen at 5 Towers through Aug. 31, 2023, at 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 9:55 p.m., and 10:30 p.m. Guest DJs will also take the 5 Towers stage on Friday and Saturday nights.

You can read our latest Universal Studios Hollywood update here:

Universal Studios Hollywood Update – New Ride Announcement, Summer Scares, Huge Crowds!

And the upcoming Halloween Horror Nights lineup: 

Horror & Humor: Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights 2023!

Let’s Hear From You!

Do you remember when CityWalk opened at Universal Studios Hollywood? What’s your favorite former and/or current shopping or dining experience in the district? CityWalk is constantly evolving, what would you like to see added in the future? Let us know in the comments below!