School trips to Los Angeles
Go behind the scenes of the world's entertainment capital.
Some destinations are famous for what you can see. Los Angeles is famous for what happens behind the scenes.
But Los Angeles is more than an entertainment capital. It's a city built on creativity, ambition and innovation. Whether exploring the Getty Center, taking in the views from Griffith Observatory or walking along Venice Beach, students experience a destination that has helped shape global culture for generations.
What to expect on a school trip to Los Angeles with NST
Los Angeles gives students access to an industry they've spent their lives watching.
Film studios, production facilities and industry-led workshops offer a genuine behind-the-scenes look at how ideas become films, television programmes and digital content.
This isn't just about seeing Hollywood. It's about understanding how the industry works. From screenwriting and editing to production, sound and performance, students can experience the creative process first-hand while exploring the city that helped build modern entertainment.
What are the highlights of a school trip to Los Angeles?
Los Angeles offers unique access to the creative industries.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour – explore working studio facilities and follow the journey from script to screen.
- Universal Studios Hollywood – go behind the scenes at one of the world's most famous studios.
- Sony Pictures Studio – discover how film and television productions are created.
- The Grammy Museum – explore the history, creativity and technology behind modern music.
- And more... Hollywood Boulevard, the Getty Center, Griffith Observatory and Venice Beach.
Why book your school trip to Los Angeles with NST?
A trip like this deserves more than an off-the-shelf itinerary. For many groups, Los Angeles is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's a significant investment, which is why having the right travel partner matters.
We've helped schools get the most from this destination for years. With expert guidance, responsive support and 24-hour assistance while you're away, you'll have experienced people behind you every step of the journey.
Browse our most popular Los Angeles school trips
Why choose NST?
Here's why thousands of teachers choose NST each year...
- Unrivalled school trip knowledge
Your dedicated Tour Co-ordinator will use their trip planning knowledge and expertise to create a tailor-made, curriculum-linked itinerary to meet your group’s exact needs.
- Making it easier for you
Your own trip organiser, travel app, free classroom packs and trip promo resources.
- Free group leader inspection visits
Visit your chosen destination free of charge and plan with confidence.
- Value for money, always
We work hard to make every penny count.
- Over 55 years’ experience
With NST you can rest assured that your group is in safe hands.
- Aligned to your learning outcomes
Every trip can be built around your specific goals — from the latest GCSE and A level curriculum requirements to particular themes, interests or visits you want to focus on.
- Risk assessment guidance
Clear, practical support to help you manage group safety including our free guide.
- Offsetting carbon emissions
Through our partnership with Carbon Footprint, we're committed to offset one tonne of CO2 emissions, and plant a tree on school grounds in the UK, for every trip booked.
Los Angeles trip highlights - our groups love...
VIP Warner Bros Studio Tour
Step aboard a VIP cart and enjoy this truly fascinating behind-the-scenes visit led by a knowledgeable guide. See external sets from TV shows and movies, such as Spiderman. Venture onto the popular The Big Bang Theory sitcom set and learn how it is created. Take a peek behind-the-scenes in ‘The Mill’ where sets are constructed. Find out about sound effect creation and see props and costumes up close. We highly recommend this visit, and can organise customised tours to your exact preferences. Stage 48: Script to Screen – opened in July 2015 following a major expansion, this is an innovative new addition to the Studio Tour. Your students will have the unique opportunity to explore the full film and television production process – from the earliest scripts and casting sessions to the final touches in post-production and the glory of awards season, each component is represented step-by-step throughout the purpose-built soundstage.
Universal studios & studio Tour
Thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk. Universal Studios Hollywood is a unique experience. Go behind-the-scenes on the legendary Studio Tour to explore Hollywood’s most famous backlot in the world’s largest working movie studio. Visit 13 city blocks on four acres of historic studio lot in the largest set construction project in studio history, built with creative consultation from Steven Spielberg himself. Then face heartpounding rides and shows that put you inside some of the world’s biggest movies.
Sony Pictures Studio
This walking tour provides a realistic, day-to-day perspective of how the industry works. You’ll walk around famous film sets and learn how ‘Foley Artists’ produce sound effects. See backdrops being created and learn how they are used. Step inside the Jeopardy game show set. You might even stumble upon a stunt man in action!
Paramount Studio Tours
Take a guided tour of Paramount Studios’ backlot, by tram and on foot. The tour takes a full two hours, and merely scratches the surface of the numerous buildings and sound stages that make up this 62-acre sprawling studio.
New York Film Academy Workshops
Experience the most intensive filmmaking workshops at New York Film Academy. Our students often choose to learn digital filmmaking, producing, screenwriting, 3D Animation and much more from some of the best in the world.
Grammy Museum
A self-guided museum tour immerses students in a cutting-edge experience – complete with interactive exhibits, films and artefacts designed to explore the historical, cultural and social context of music. Upon entering the museum, students are engaged as they learn about the creative process and the art and technology of recorded sound. Workshops are also available.
The Getty Center
This free museum presents changing exhibitions from its collection of drawings, manuscripts and photographs against a backdrop of dramatic architecture and tranquil gardens, with breathtaking views.
Hollywood Boulevard
Dolby Theatre Tour -The ‘Home of the Academy Awards®’! See an Oscar® statuette, and find out where your favourite celebrities sat during this year’s ceremony.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre - You will be taken inside this historic theatre and will learn about its history and the premieres that have been held here.
Walk of Fame -Visit this world famous sidewalk that’s paved with thousands of stars, handprints and footprints.
Los Angeles trip experts
Hundreds of groups travel with NST to Los Angeles every year, and members of our team regularly visit to Los Angeles to really get to know the ins-and-outs of the area, from logistics and visits to our range of student-friendly accommodation.
Your dedicated Tour Co-ordinator will use their knowledge of Los Angeles to create an itinerary that’s tailor-made, perfectly timed and meets your exact school travel needs. They’ll be able to share their first-hand experience, suggest options you might not have considered and give you insight into the feedback other teachers have given us too.
Thinking about taking your students to Los Angeles? Get in touch with our team of travel experts today on 0845 293 7970 to talk through your options.
