From the Hills of the Hollywood Sign to Coastal Views in Los Angeles California
Updated March 18, 2025
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View of the Hollywood Sign
Visiting this iconic stop of the Hollywood Sign while traveling to the west coast was a must on our trip to Los Angeles, California. One of the best stops to see the Hollywood Sign up close is from Lake Hollywood Park. Sitting along the hills, this scenic overlook offers a stunning and unobstructed view of this iconic Los Angeles landmark.
Lake Hollywood Park
Parking was along the street next to Lake Hollywood Park. Once we arrived, we took a short walk to the park where we were greeted with a breathtaking view of the Hollywood Sign sitting high on the hill for all to see.
This area has a large open grassy lawn which provided the perfect spot to sit, relax and take in the scenery. You could easily spread out a blanket in the large grassy area as you eat your lunch while admiring the view of the Hollywood Sign.
You can enjoy people watching, snapping photos of the sign, or playing with your dog or kids on the lawn. There is a small playground specifically designed for kids located right at the entrance, which provides a wonderful opportunity for little ones to have some fun. Additionally, we also noticed several food carts conveniently stationed nearby, offering a variety of delicious snacks for everyone to enjoy while taking in the beautiful view.
Address: 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, California
Cost: FREE
Hours: Sunday to Monday, sunrise to sunset
Amenities: kid friendly park, picnic tables
Pets welcome.
No restrooms at this location.
Travel to Lake Hollywood Park
Our drive to this location took us on a narrow road through a beautiful subdivision. The neighbors were not too happy with me driving my campervan through this narrow area as a few of them gave me dirty looks as we drove by them.
We were traveling on Hollywood Freeway 101 and took an exit onto North Beachwood Drive and then to Ledgewood Drive which was not the best way. On our way out we took Canyon Lake Drive and turned left onto Tahoe Drive which turns into Lake Hollywood Drive, then left on La Suvida Drive, then left again onto Barham Blvd and back to Hollywood Freeway 101 was a much better drive.
Optional hikes
Option 1: There is a beautiful trail that goes around the Hollywood Reservoir. We did not personally hike this 3.3 roundtrip mile trail but from the pictures I have seen it looks beautiful. The path is mostly paved, and part of the view of the lake is from behind a chain link fence. The view will be similar as from Lake Hollywood Park, but it is an excellent way to get some exercise and see the sign from a different viewpoint.
Street Parking for the trail is on Lake Hollywood Drive and then look for gate 2 to start your hike. It will be surrounded by a gate that looks a little intimidating, but this is the starting point. Just check the hours as the gate locks at certain times and you don’t want to get stuck if it locks. Head onto the trail on the left where the small gate is open. You can read the Hiking Guys blog for more details. Viewing the picture below, the blue circle is where you will park, and the blue line is the hiking path. There are port-a-potties along this path.
Option 2: Another public parking lot can be found at the Lake Hollywood Reservoir Trailhead and is at the point of Lake Hollywood Drive and Montlake Drive.
No Animals or motorized vehicles are allowed on this trail.
Hours: vary but typically open at 6:30 am and closes between 5-7:30pm.
**Can you hike up to the Hollywood sign? That is up for debate. I have heard both sides so do your research to know for sure before you go.
Starbucks overlooking the Pacific Ocean
If you enjoy Starbucks, there is one conveniently located about an hour's drive from the iconic Hollywood Sign that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. It was an enjoyable experience to sit outside on the patio and sip our favorite Starbucks beverages while taking in the stunning view before us. The atmosphere was peaceful however, it can get a bit cool there, so it's a good idea to bring a light jacket to keep warm while you relax and enjoy the scenery. Firepits were available to sit by for an added warmth.
Address: 31202 Palos Verde Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Hours: Monday to Thursday 5:30am to 8:30 pm, Friday 6am to 8:30pm, Saturday and Sunday 5:30am to 9pm
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Our quick trip through Los Angeles brought us to two fun locations. Sipping Starbucks as we took in the never-ending views of the Pacific Ocean and taking in the iconic view of the Hollywood Sign at Lake Hollywood Park are two great memories we will have of our trip. Looking for a place to stay while you are traveling? Use trusted sites like booking.com and VRBO to book your next hotel/house stay.
These two simple destinations are a reminder of the diversity of California from the famous Hollywood hills to the beautiful coastal cliffs that surround this state. If you are ever passing through Los Angeles, make sure to add these two stops to your list. These are both quick stops, although you can spend as much or as little time as you want at each location, and fun place to take a picture with the Hollywood Sign in the background.
Enjoy your journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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