Best Places to View the Hollywood Sign

July 8, 2022
Best Places to View Hollywood Sign - Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign is Hollywood’s most iconic landmark. Many visitors and residents consider a visit to the Hollywood Sign a must-do experience.

Explore the Best Places to View the Hollywood Sign

There are several great places where you can safely see the Hollywood Sign. Visit Ovation Hollywood’s observation decks to see the sign between a shopping and dining excursion. Or, head to the world-famous Griffith Observatory to see the sign during the day and the stars at night.

To combine views with exercise, go on an authorized hiking trail. If you go hiking, dress for the weather and make sure to take plenty of drinking water. Hikers should be safety-minded, stay on marked trails and not go off-roading to see the sign.

Hollywood and Highland

Hollywood & Highland

The corner of Hollywood and Highland has it all. You can see the fabulous Hollywood Sign, do some shopping, visit the Walk of Fame, and visit the Chinese Theater. The Chinese Theater hosts movie premiers and is frequented by celebrities. Check out the Dolby Theater and take a behind-the-scenes tour.

Ovation Hollywood has observation decks at the back of the courtyard. On level two, you can dine at the California Pizza Kitchen’s outdoor dining area and see the sign while you eat. Levels three and four have public observation areas. From the observation decks, you can see the entire sign. The view isn’t obstructed by powerlines or other detractions, and this is a great location for selfies.

In addition to the great views of the Hollywood Sign, you can grab a snack to sit down for a delightful dinner.

The Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is another great location to see the Hollywood Sign. Head to the west side of the perimeter to get an unobstructed view. The Griffith Observatory also has great views of the city of Hollywood.

In addition to the great Hollywood Sign views, visitors can tour the exceptional Griffith Observatory. The observatory has public telescopes available to view planets and stars at night.

Hiking to the Hollywood Sign

Mount Hollywood Trail

The Mount Hollywood Trail has two versions. The shorter version is about three miles total and begins at the north end of the Griffith Observatory parking lot. The Berlin Forest is half a mile into the hike and features a shady grove of pine trees, tables, and benches. You can see the Hollywood Sign through the trees.

As you can continue, you can take a side trip to Captain’s Roost rest stop or the Dante’s View garden. These locations are a great stop to rest and enjoy the shade. Finally, continue another quarter of a mile to the Mt. Hollywood summit. From this 1,625-foot high vantage point, you can see the Hollywood Sign.

Brush Canyon Trail

Hiking the Sign - Behind the Sign

The six-and-a-half-mile Brush Canyon Trail is located inside Griffith Park. You can park at the trailhead on Canyon Drive. The trail has a side trip to Bronson Caves, featured in the 1960’s Batman TV show at the Bat Cave. Bronson Caves are one of our favorite Hollywood hidden gems.

This trail will take about three hours to walk and offers great city views and wildlife viewing opportunities. The trail ends behind the Hollywood Sign for a unique perspective.

The Cahuenga Peak Trail

The Cahuenga Peak Trail is more challenging. It is part of Griffith Park and begins on the Aileen Getty Ridge Trail. This trail features views of the back of the Hollywood Sign.

Experience the Best of Hollywood

Hollywood is home to legendary views, international cuisine, and exceptional hospitality. Bring the whole family and stay at a dog-friendly hotel in Hollywood, CA.