Best Places To View The Hollywood Sign Throughout LA
The iconic Hollywood sign - once known as an advertisement for the Hollywoodland housing development, is a prime location for hikers, photographers, and those people simply drawn to the magic of Tinsel Town. Since it was first built in 1923, it's drawn dreamers, drifters, outdoor enthusiasts, and tourists by the millions. Located on Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills, there's many great spots to enjoy viewing the sign, from close-up or from a more discreet distance.
Mt. Hollywood Trail
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688
www.modernhiker.com
The Mt. Hollywood Trail starts in Griffith Park, and the three mile loop hike starts right at the Griffith Observatory parking lot. Legal and free parking are a major plus of this route, but be warned: the parking lot fills up quickly on weekends. The trail is relatively easy, and affords a stellar view from the side and below the sign. It's hugely popular, and well worth the effort!
Canyon Boulevard Trail
3200 Canyon Dr
Hollywood, CA 90068
(323) 666-5046
Slightly more challenging than the Mt. Hollywood Trail is the Canyon Boulevard Trail, which includes a bonus. What's the bonus? With the Hollywood Sign view, you'll also get a side-trip to the Bat Cave. This is the original, 60s TV series Batcave, also known as Bronson Caves. A small parking lot is located near the trailhead and there's also a dirt parking lot for vehicle overflow. Great views include a vast panorama of the city skyline, and the ability to view it all from behind the Hollywood Sign itself.
Venue
Cahuenga Peak Hike
Tree of Life Trail
Los Angeles, CA 90068
www.address.com
The Cahuenga Peak/Tree of Life hike is a trail designed for hikers capable of going the 6.5 mile distance over some fairly rugged terrain. Traversing a recent addition to Griffith Park, there are great views of the San Fernando Valley and the Hollywood Reservoir along this route. Also located along this trail is the Wisdom Tree, an icon in itself.
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>Hollywood & Highland
6801 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 817-0200
www.hollywoodandhighland.com
For those who long to see the Hollywood Sign without taking a hike, there's the Hollywood & Highland shopping center. Visitors can view the sign clearly, if from a distance, on the second level of the mall. The shopping center is also home to a variety of eateries and shops, and the Dolby Theater, the home of the Academy Awards. There's plenty of parking in a reasonably priced pay lot, too.
Venue
Hollywood Bowl Overlook
7036 Mulholland Drive
Hollywood, CA 90068
The Hollywood Bowl Overlook is located on Mulholland Drive, and is a great stopping point when on a drive along the wonderfully curved highway itself. From here, there's a crisp and picture perfect view of the Hollywood Sign, just a few steps from the parking lot. One caveat: the lot fills up and viewers from this spot may need to wait for a space. There's an historic plaque located here, too.
Griffith Observatory
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4688
www.griffithobservatory.org
While several trails to the sign also originate at the Observatory, those less inclined to hike can simply park at and visit Griffith Observatory itself. There are great city and Hollywood Sign views from this spot, which is also a fine location to take in a planetarium show or look through a telescope at twilight. The view of the Hollywood Sign is somewhat diminutive, but nonetheless sweet.