Getting the best view of the Hollywood sign takes some work. Sure, you can see it from the distance from many spots in Los Angeles. But where can you snap that iconic shot that screams, “Look at me! I’m in Hollywood”? My husband Kevin and I have lived in LA for over a decade, yet it wasn’t until recently that we’ve considered hiking to the sign.
But what is the story behind the Hollywood Sign? And why is it there? Of course, Kevin always comes up with plenty of questions to ask! Believe it or not, the original sign didn’t always just say “Hollywood.” When it was originally constructed in 1923, the sign read “Hollywoodland” as part of a real estate branding campaign. Over time, the sign fell into neglect but was eventually saved by a group of LA residents (including the ultimate Playboy himself, Hugh Hefner) in the late 70’s.
Is Hiking Really The Best Way To See The Hollywood Sign?
Sure, we’ve seen the Hollywood Sign while stuck in traffic (and likely cursing out the car in front of us). And we’ve even gone on one of those Hollywood helicopter tours… with a safety record that’s probably questionable at best.
We recently had twins and thought it’s probably a good idea to be a little more responsible. That’s when we decided to tackle the Hollywood Sign by foot. I’d like to say, our true motivation was to get outside to enjoy some exercise and the fresh air. But in reality, hiking puts our baby twins fast asleep. As any parent can tell you, that’s what we live for (the joy of silence!).
Our boy Aidan, completely passed out from the bouncing on our hike. He looks so angelic but roars like a dinosaur when he’s awake.
In this latest post, we’ll share the top 3 hikes to get the best view of the Hollywood Sign. Oh, but maybe most important of all, we’ll tell you where to get the best selfie that screams “I made it… I really made it!”
Best View Of The Hollywood Sign (Without Any Effort)
Enjoying the greenery with the Hollywood Sign in the background at Lake Hollywood Park.
Without a doubt, one of the best views of the Hollywood Sign is at Lake Hollywood Park. This spot is perfect if you’re not much of a walker. Or bringing the family since it has a playground, a picnic area as well as a large grassy area where you can lounge for hours. It’s also popular with LA natives and their dogs. It’s technically not an off-leash park, but you’ll still find plenty of fur babies running free. This is a nice place to snap a picture of the Hollywood Sign without putting up a sweat.
Parking can be tough on the weekend. However, if you visit Lake Hollywood during the week, you’ll find plenty of free parking.
Lake Hollywood Park overlooks the Hollywood Reservoir, an active water reservoir with a 3-mile paved loop. This is a nice hiking spot if you’re up for a stroll without any hills. However, the photo opportunities aren’t nearly as great. Unlike many of the nearby hiking trails, Lake Hollywood Park gives you a view of the Hollywood Sign from below.
An area just above Lake Hollywood Park. This is fantastic spot to get a close-up view of the Hollywood Sign.
Hollywood Sign As Close As it Gets: Check Out Deronda Gate
If you’re visiting LA during the weekday, getting to the Deronda Gate is a breeze. There is street parking all along Durand Drive, just a quick stroll to the pedestrian gate.
Street parking along Duronda Drive. No parking on the weekends, but you’re in the clear on weekdays.
If it’s a weekend, you’ll need to keep your car parked along Lake Hollywood Park. Then, carefully schlep 1 mile up Mulholland Drive towards Deronda Drive. Remember — keep your eyes open for oncoming traffic since there are no sidewalks on this roughly 20 minute stroll. Once you crest the hill, you’ll arrive in a quiet residential neighborhood. It’s such a cute spot and we loved the parking garage painted to look like a library.
Keep heading up the hill. You’ll see traffic cones that make it seem like the road is closed. You can ignore all this. It’s simply to deter looky-loo’s like us. It’s completely legal to walk up here.
You’ll soon come to the first gate, where you’ll be rewarded with an unbelievable vantage point of the Hollywood Sign. You made it!
Look, we’re in Hollywood!
You’ll likely be tempted to stop here. However, we recommend to keep going. Follow the dirt trail — wrapping through the quiet neighborhood towards the yellow Deronda Gate.
Once the trail ends, it wraps to the left where you’ll find a yellow gate. Kevin stopped for a nice little photo opp.
Say cheese Kevin. Could this be the best view of the Hollywood Sign? We really can’t decide.
In less than 2 minutes, you’ll arrive at a clearing where you can find even more photo opportunities. We seriously took about 50 photos up here. But we’ll just narrow it down to one shot!
Wandering around the base of the Hollywood Sign.
In total, this hike takes about 1 to 1.5 hours with all the photo opps along the way if you’re tackling it from Lake Hollywood Park. If you’re visiting during a weekday, you can easily cut this down to 45 minutes since you will just be steps away from the Deronda Gate. Can’t find Deronda Gate on Google Maps? No problem — simply plug in “Mulholland Hwy and Durand Drive” on Google Maps. This will take you to the base of the hike.
Best View Of The Hollywood Sign From A Distance: Griffith Observatory
As I like to joke, our trip to the Griffith Observatory is like a scene out of the movie La La Land — except you know, with twin babies strapped to us and a lot more gear. Kevin is my Ryan Gosling, sweeping me off my feet. And I guess that makes me Emma Stone. I guess I’m fine with that…
The trail, winding through Griffith Park towards the observatory.
One of the best (and most popular) hikes in LA is the Ferndell to the West Observatory Loop Trail. This 2.5 mile hike goes straight up a dirt path taking you to the stunning Griffith Observatory, which had a starring role in La La Land.
This is a double whammy of a hike — allowing you to explore the outside of the observatory (closed during COVID) as well as seeing the Hollywood Sign the entire trek. If you’re feeling ambitious, we recommend extending this hike by walking towards the Griffith Park’s Berlin Forest. This hidden oasis is a quick 10 minute hike from the observatory and a lovely spot to relax under the shade of Pine trees. It is also one of the coolest places to enjoy an unobstructed look at the Hollywood Sign.
Bring a picnic with you. Or simply just enjoy the quiet and solitude. Clearly, that’s what we need the most these days!
Looking for other ideas for fun things to do in ? Be sure to check out these 5 secrets spots in LA you (probably) never knew existed (but should!). Looking for ideas on what to see and do while staying at home during the pandemic? Check out our ideas for the best virtual activities you can do from the safety of your home.
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