Sometimes you will see it when you least expect it, and other times it will remain part of the silent backdrop without your knowledge. Near the northwest corner of the park is the Warner Brothers Studio, where, if you are a fan of the big screen (and who isnt? The Griffith Observatory also has great views of the city of Hollywood. If you do want to head up for a view of the sign, try and double up with one of the popular seasonal events at Barnsdall, including Friday night wine tastings on the Hollyhock lawn and Saturday night outdoor movies. Theres a walking trail running parallel to the road. Note that the Deronda Drive pedestrian gate entrance to Griffith Park is locked between sunset and sunrise. A post shared by Erwin Chin (@erwin_chin_yk), Distance: 6 miles | Elevation gain: 875 feet | Difficulty: ModerateTrailhead: Wonder View Drive & Lake Hollywood Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068Trail Guide. Take the escalators up to the third and fourth levels and walk to the observation decks. Visit iconic sites filled with celebrity . The dog park offers great parking space and a beautiful Hollywood Sign perspective. Too Expensive? 619 ratings The experts at LAist and LAist recommend this place "It's one of the best letters to see there!! It is also an easy place to catch the Hollywood sign. So no shame in wanting a photo with it! Eventually, youll be able to cut through to Mulholland Highway, which is about the closest you can get to the front of the sign. Head up North Beachwood Drive, and grab great shots along the way between Scenic Avenue and Glen Oak Avenue. Operating out of Van Nuys Airport in the San Fernando Valley, With a colorful rooftop bar flanked by a gaggle of spindly palm trees, there are few more decadent spots to view the iconic sign than. If you have a group of people or want more affordable housing browse VRBO. For the Cahuenga Peak Trail, use the free street parking on Lake Hollywood Drive before walking up Wonder View Drive to find the trailhead behind the yellow gate. Insurance | Lastly, be sure to visit California with travel insurance. Drive to the Mulholland Dam to get your shot! Location: N Gower St. and Franklin Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90068. Its a challenging hike, with an elevation change of 875 feet, but the payoff of seeing the sign at this height is worth it. This is a great spot to see Los Angeles at night when the city lights up. First, you dont need to hike. Crowds of hikers, already climbing up and down the hill, made us feel like we were searching for the best Hollywood Sign photo destinations somewhere near the intersection of Hollywood and Highland, not Griffith Park. 10 Tips For The Best Views Of The Hollywood Sign Lee, youll need to hike a short way up through Griffith Park. Want to go further? Hollywood and Highland, on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue in Hollywood, combines views of the Hollywood Sign with the glamour and fun of Hollywood itself. Mimi founded The Atlas Heart to share her love for her home state of California and the outdoors. Fundraising efforts led by Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner in 1978 led to a complete rebuild of the sign, and recognition of its cultural significance to the city. (323) 913 4688. The main Observatory hike leads to a popular spot, and a 3-mile loop can be accessed from Vermont Canyon Road. Although the shortest route, its also the most challenging with two peaks to scale. If theres one symbol of Los Angeles, itd probably be the Hollywood sign. Sit outside for a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, take a long hike up Runyon Canyon or walk up the stairs to the top level of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and you will have a great view of the iconic symbol. Hikers should be safety-minded, stay on marked trails and not go off-roading to see the sign. Secondly, parking is difficult in the narrow, winding streets in the Hollywood hills. Want a touch of French Riviera glamour to go with your view of the sign? Perched high on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the art deco, The Hollywood Sign is visible from the observatorys western flank, and its one of the finest spots in the city to take a photo or simply gaze. Privacy Policy. There are several ways of viewing the famous sign across the city, and these are some of the best spots. An entertainment complex housing everything from alluring cosmetics shops to a vast six-screen IMAX cinema, Ovation Hollywood has plenty to keep visitors occupied for an entire day (or week, perhaps). After living in Los Angeles for more than a decade, I knew exactly where to find the best Hollywood Sign photo spots, but had never really ventured there. Parking is not too much of an issue at Lake Hollywood Park, just steer clear of peoples driveways. Beginners are welcome on the two-hour evening or day tours, which take riders along the trails through Griffith Park below the Hollywood Sign. Lake Hollywood Park is a scenic, grassy area below the Hollywood Sign that offers a great view of the letters. Canyon Lake Drive offers some great photographic angles. For the more adventurous, the 3-mile out-and-back Cahuenga Peak Trail takes you to the highest point in the park; you can gauge your progress by keeping an eye on the signs nearby radio towers that are ever-visible. You have three popular Hollywood sign trail to choose from at Griffith Park: Brush Canyon Trail, Hollyridge Trail, and Wonder View Trail all of which offer excellent views of the sign. Looking out beyond the casting couch, you'll see the Hollywood Sign, another icon of Hollywood's long-lasting allure. Even after the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce removed the Landduring a 1949 restorationof the sign, its become the true emblem of the Hollywood mystique. At one point, an arsonist torched it. You can find interesting views of the Hollywood Sign right in the heart of Hollywood itself at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. Use an escalator to get to the third and fourth levels for the picture perfect views. Accommodation | California has a great range of options, from luxury hotels to family friendly vacation rentals. Best Place to See the Hollywood Sign Close-Up - Without Hiking Best place to see Hollywood Sign - Tripadvisor At the time, the sign spelled out HOLLYWOODLAND to promote the housing development and flashed in segments: HOLLY, WOOD and LAND lit up individually and then the full sign as a whole. Head up Mt. Get a quote for your trip here. You cant get close enough to touch the Hollywood Sign without risking arrest. Earlier this year, though, we decided to get to the famous attraction as close as possible. Residents here toleratetourists coming through the areaon a regular basis to take photographs. Hollywood Trail and the Brush Canyon Trail via Canyon Drive are both considered moderately challenging hikes, and are both roughly the same length (5.3, 6 miles respectively; the Mt. Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027. 9 little-known ways to see the Hollywood sign - Los Angeles Times The iconic Hollywood sign turns 100 this year. Originally erected in 1923 to promote a housing development called Hollywoodland, the enormous signwhich lost its last four letters in 1949 and got a massive makeover in 1978 (spearheaded by the late Hugh Hefner of Playboy fame)now acts like a towering beacon for anyone who dreams of being in the movies. Maybe they were hiking next to me, but I was more focused on the splendid views of the Hollywood Sign in the distance. The Mount Hollywood Trail has two versions. Hollywood is home to legendary views, international cuisine, and exceptional hospitality. First published on November 26, 2013 / 11:00 AM. The paved road to the sign, Mt. Ovation at Hollywood and Highland. Some of the best views of the Hollywood Sign can be found from neighborhood streets, parks, and lakes around the city. 6555 Hollywood Blvd Back Of The Building Parking Lot Entrance, Los Angeles, CA 90028-6218. Lee will get you geographically close to the sign, youll be getting the backside of the famous letters. I did this many years ago and getting that photo was the highlight of the tour for me! Weve found the best ways to get to the top to take that perfect picture. My biggest tip is thisdont try to drive straight to the Hollywood Sign. After another half-mile, youll come to Dantes View, a good opportunity to catch your breath while admiring the views across the city. Originally, the letters were put up by a real estate developer. Flights | California has two main hubs San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in the north, and Los Angeles International (LAX) in the south. Lee. Bring exact change. It is surprising how many Angelenos are still looking for fun places to spot the city's iconic sign.The original sign, funded by Los Angeles Times publisher Henry Chandler, read "Hollywoodland," and it debuted in 1923 on top of Mount Lee. In addition to the great views of the Hollywood Sign, you can grab a snack to sit down for a delightful dinner. These are a few of my favorites. The Best Places to See & Photograph the Hollywood Sign In addition to the great Hollywood Sign views, visitors can tour the exceptional Griffith Observatory. Did you know Griffith Park is 5x the size of Central Park? Learn how your comment data is processed. In reality, youll be some distance away, though youre able to achieve different distance shots with the hills and homes in the foreground. Here are all the best places in LA that will have you perfectly lined up for an Insta worthy shot of the famous white letters. From here board the DASH Observatory shuttle operating 7 days a week ( beginning 3/21/17) to the front lawn of The Griffith Observatory for views of The Hollywood Sign. Its a little cheesy, but tours of the stars homes usually include a quick photo stop in front of the Hollywood Sign. The shorter version is about three miles total and begins at the north end of the Griffith Observatory parking lot. One looks down over the hazy skyscrapers of Downtown LA, while the other looks directly at the Hollywood Sign. Make sure to apply sunscreen, wear comfortable sneakers and bring an insulated water bottle to stay hydrated! Then at Deronda Gate you can hike the 1 mile path to the top of Mt. Drive down South Windsor Boulevard for a quintessential California photo, where you can frame the Hollywood Sign between two rows of palm trees. Your email address will not be published. The view isnt obstructed by powerlines or other detractions, and this is a great location for selfies. 8 Best Hollywood Sign Photo Spots in Los Angeles Lake Hollywood Park: Best place to see Hollywood Sign - See 406 traveler reviews, 268 candid photos, and great deals for Los Angeles, CA, at Tripadvisor. There are several viewpoints along the way, but the most famous is the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook. After Griffith Observatory, this is my second favorite spot to photograph the Hollywood Sign. To reach Mulholland Dam, you will have to put your hiking shoes on. Griffith Observatory is an iconic Los Angeles landmark in its own right, and worth visiting for its planetarium, exhibits, and special events. Many visitors and residents consider a visit to the Hollywood Sign a must-do experience. Although the sign itself is a bit far, other advantages of the place outweigh this shortcoming. Also, the letters themselves are sectioned off and tightly monitored. 8Many Angelenos travel along Mulholland Drive on a daily basis to traverse the city, but it is probable that many do not know the official name for the perfect viewing spot here - the "Hollywood Bowl Overlook." Location: 3160 Canyon Lake Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068. Erected as a giant housing development billboard in the 20s, the Hollywood Sign has a lot of history. Best Places to See the Hollywood Sign On a clear day, the Hollywood Sign is visible all across the Los Angeles Basin, including from Downtown high-rise buildings, and even from Signal Hill, almost 30 miles south (through the coin telescopes at least). Standing behind the 45-foot white letters is undoubtably a dream come true for the majority of the picture-thirsty visitors. The trail ends behind the Hollywood Sign for a unique perspective. Chrystal Baker is a freelance food and events contributor for, Please enter valid email address to continue. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. You can find more information about the history of the sign on the Hollywood Sign Trust website. Snap a picture in the parking lot, take a peek through the telescopes for a better view, then head inside to view the exhibits. Settle into one of their large lounge sofas and order a signature cocktail while taking in the all-encompassing panorama. Hollywood Sign (Los Angeles) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Levels three and four have public observation areas. 490. As always, smog is a problem in the Hollywood area. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Credit: @lcarlo5. Sunset Ranch Hollywood is the only horse ranch in greater Los Angeles, and their guided trails offer a unique way to view the Hollywood Sign. Take the Metro Red Line at Hollywood and Highland to the Griffith Observatory stop. (323) 817-0220www.hollywoodandhighland.com. For more information about your privacy and protection, please review our full. Lee Drive, is off-limits to cars. Unlike other hikes, you don't have to park in a residential neighborhood or walk through a gated community. They then donated it to Griffith Park for all Los Angelinos to enjoy. Enjoy the View of the Hollywood Sign From These 10 Best Locations (2023) This is an Hollywood Sign hike and can be done in an hour and half both ways. The residents of Beachwood Canyon in the Hollywood Hills are begrudgingly accustomed to tourists and locals snaking through the winding streets to park and then hike up the mountainside for a quick snap of the camera. One of the most popular and accessible Hollywood Sign viewpoints in Los Angeles. Visitors can peek at the Hollywood Sign while also scanning the Walk of Fame for their favorite celebrity-or see if the famous handprints at the TCL Grauman's Chinese Theater . I wore this bodysuit, some comfy straight leg jeans and white sneakers for our day around the Hollywood Hills. The Mt. Los Angeles: Viewing the HOLLYWOOD sign - Tripadvisor Continue with Recommended Cookies. Or, to get a little closer to the sign, walk up Mulholland Highway until it turns to dirt. Griffith Park Observatory is a prime place for viewing the Hollywood sign. You can access another trail with great views from this path too: the Hollyridge Trail. Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler wanted to market his newest upscale neighborhood, Hollywoodland, and thought giant white letters on top of Mount Lee would shout louder than any regular billboard. The famous letters are protected 24/7 by security to deter vandalism. In 2010, the land was once again slated for residential development. Distance: 3miles | Elevation gain: 1171 feet | Difficulty: ModerateTrailhead: End of Canyon Dr.Trail Guide. Youll wind through the twisty residential road on Mulholland Drive, one of the most scenic roads that runs along the Los Angeles hills. Go to Hollywood Boulevard and youll findthis center hubbringing you shopping, dining, and entertainment at every turn. He gathered together singers, actors, celebrities and the Hollywood elite at the Playboy Mansion for a lavish fundraiser to save the Hollywood sign. Another great photo spot of the Hollywood sign is nearby, at Hollywood Reservoir. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Lake Hollywood Park at the intersection of Canyon Lake Drive and Mulholland Highway has become a Hollywood sign hot spot over the . Today, the 45 foot sign is in its best condition ever, just waiting to be the background star of your Instagram shot. From Mulholland Dam. Its green cypress trees and central water fountain add plenty of character, while live DJs bring a bouncing soundtrack to weekends, and the panoramic views over Hollywood Hills and Downtown L.A. shimmer as evening falls. Dash to See The Sign. Behind the theater is a shopping and entertainment complex where you can grab a bite to eat.. and take a cute tourist photo with the Hollywood Sign in the northeast corner. Those of you visiting the Los Angeles or Hollywood area need to capture at least a few Hollywood sign pics. My favorite view of the Hollywood Sign also includes the beautiful Griffith Observatory, which involves no hiking at all. Theres no parking lot here, but street parking is available. Its a clear, open grassy space with perfect views of the mountains and white letters. There is an area for a handful of cars to park, and from there it is just a short walk up the path to view the sign. If you have limited time in Los Angeles, the best place to see the Hollywood sign is from Hollywood & Highland. The Hollywood Sign is visible from the observatorys western flank, and its one of the finest spots in the city to take a photo or simply gaze. Theyll let you pay just $2 for parking for up to 2 hours, which is a steal compared to the average LA parking lot rates! Apparently the Griffith Observatory, one of the most convenient Hollywood Sign photo spots, was not what the girl had expected. Enjoy the best views in town from the air in a private helicopter tour. Nearby, about 2 miles east of Hollywood and Highland, theres a local insider spot for the best view. Manage Settings Funny enough, the sign wasnt always a symbol of the city. 11 Secret Spots to Take *Iconic* Photos of the Hollywood Sign After you visit Griffith Observatory, drive for roughly 30 minutes down the hill and around the mountain bend. Join Roads and Destinations' mailing list and get new blog updates, upcoming events, and exclusive travel resourses. Lees summit, where you can look directly down at the Hollywood Sign. But its prime location at Hollywood and Highland means Ovation is well placed for great views of the Hollywood Sign, and its designers made sure there are multiple areas throughout the structure dedicated to visible vistas of the famous white letters. South Windsor Boulevard between 4th and 5th Streets will surprise you with the epic palm tree lined street with the Hollywood Sign in the background. Location: Beachwood and Glen Holly intersection, Los Angeles, CA 90068. Here, youll find a parking lot and outstanding panoramic views of the sign. Los Angeles, CA 90028 Lee, which will place you behind the sign! How far is the hike to the Hollywood Sign? Beachwood Canyon Just a short walk up the main trail opens a beautiful view of the favorite sign. If you enter the reservoir from Weidlake Drive, youll find a small dirt parking lot. Success! I can unsubscribe any time using the unsubscribe link at the end of all emails.