Hollywood Sign
Hollywood Sign
4
About
Perched atop Mount Lee, this global symbol of Hollywood glamour measures 450 feet in length with mammoth white letters, each standing 45 feet high, spelling out the name of the city. There is no access to The Hollywood Sign as it sits on restricted property however; there are several scenic view points which provide great photo opportunities . 1) Hollywood and Highland. Farther away but easy , especially if you are already in Hollywood. 2) The Griffith Observatory. Take the Metro Red Line at Hollywood and Highland to the Griffith Observatory stop. 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. 3) The Sign is best viewed from the interior of Griffith Park. Trail signs will guide you to these sites. Please stay on the designated trails and enjoy the great views of The Hollywood Sign !
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Top ways to experience Hollywood Sign
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Neighbourhood: Central L.A
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- SydneySaint Louis, Missouri211 contributionsHike to the Hollywood SignThe Hollywood Sign is one of the most iconic landmarks in LA, so everyone has to take pictures with the sign at the very least. However, I recommend hiking to the top - there are great places to stop along the way for close up pictures with the sign, and then at the top, you can take pictures of the back. Tip: you will cross through residential streets to get there, but don't be alarmed, that is the trail! Just don't ignore any private property signs.Visited July 2022Written 7 March 2023
- Housam ElkouteiniDenver, Colorado1,501 contributionsMake sure to take the right pathChecked on google maps a hike to reach the sign but we ended up in the back of the sign you can check the photos to know what I mean! Although we were literally next to the sign I mean closer that the path that takes you to the front. Anyway it was a nice and fun hike that took us 2 hours in totalVisited May 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 25 May 2023
- Wanderer3033972 contributionsThe hike to the Hollywood sign was great and exhaustingWe enjoyed our tour. We book the first walking tour of the day but we're unable to get to the tour on time but the tour company was very accommodating. They allowed us to join the next tour. The guide was great very funny and knowledgeable.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 4 June 2023
- BobiTychynskiShimodaOakville, Canada338 contributionsIt’s a sig.nThe sign was worth seeing for me just to say I saw it . It is what it is. The important things to know: there is some parking up toward the observatory — about $10. We drove in from San Diego on our way to San Simeon… the drive through Hollywood to the sign was absolutely lovely as was the drive back down and towards our next stop.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 June 2023
- P&K USADurham, North Carolina297 contributionsHooray for Hollywood2023 marked the 100th anniversary of the famous HOLLYWOOD sign, so we couldn’t not visit on such a special occasion while we were in town. An early morning Uber from our hotel cost only $9 and we tucked in to our breakfast burritos at Lake Hollywood Park with the sign looking down on us from up high. We knew to arrive early to give us a head start on the summer heat. In fact, we’d diligently researched the hike route to Mount Lee online before arriving to ensure we didn’t encroach on the residents’ private property and we knew to lower our voices when in the vicinity of the plush houses on the hill. We encountered only one resident, an older gent, who was out for a walk up to the sign. We had a quick chat and he told us he hiked 10 miles routes several times a week. When asked if he enjoyed living in Hollywood he advised that he’d been here 25 years and the cheapest houses were $1.5 million. We told him we could dream and he encouraged us to keep going to the top. Shortly later, we reached the Mount Lee peak at 1,708 feet at 9.34 a.m., just over 90 mins since we left our starting point. We leisurely took in the incredible views of Downtown LA and Burbank and we were up there for nearly an hour. Thankfully there was a lovely breeze to cool us down, as the hike up made us hot and sweaty (in fact we had sizzled in the sun). The Hollywood Reservoir looked impressive, but the highlight of course was seeing the rear of the Hollywood sign! The journey down was a lot easier, as expected; we were buoyed by the brilliant time we’d had and strutted down with a spring in our steps. We encountered more people on the way down than on the way up, and we smiled at them all knowing they were in for a treat at the top of Mt. Lee! 👣 Distance walked = 4.81 miles 💦 Water consumed = 1 litre each 🥵 Temperature = 73 degrees Fahrenheit 📸 Photos taken = 294+Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 31 July 2023
- Patricia R1 contributionVisit to Hollywood sign tour trailWe went on this tour at 9am with a wonderful, physically fit tour guide named Noelle. She was very thorough in giving us all the background about the houses & the history behind the famous Hollywood sign. She made sure that everyone on the tour got as many lovely photographs as they wanted once we got to the top. She advised us of many other things we could do while visiting the Los Angeles & Hollywood area. All in all the tour was enjoyable but be sure to wear comfortable shoes and it will challenge you a bit with the uphill areas. Loved itVisited August 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 10 August 2023
- Vanessa5 contributionsIconic!You don’t need to hike up to it if you don’t want to. Plenty of places to park outside of Lake Hollywood Park on the road (if you get there early). It’s pretty obvious where to stand because the grass has gone in that patch, however go for a little stroll around the park as there are some other vantage points which I found slightly better. Most people go into the park and head to the left but if you go straight on, there’s also a good place to stand as well. We went to Griffith Observatory afterwards and went on quite the winding route which was awesome but not if you’re not an experienced driver as it can be a little dicey.Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 August 2023
- WaddlerYork, United Kingdom10,072 contributionsIconicFor such an iconic sight, it isn't easy to see. A lot of the tours on the Boulevard promise Hollywood Sign views, but this is a very distant view from Mulholland Drive on the other side of the freeway. If you want to take a tour you need to do one specifically going to the sign at Lake Hollywood Park or else slightly further up the hill. Driving, there are parking spots at Lake Hollywood Park and this is the easiest way to get a relatively close view, though parking may be full. We had an uber drop us here and also further up the hill whilst we did a 5 minute walk to a viewpoint and the uber waited for us (you need to be dropped at the junction of Mulholland Hwy and Ledgewood Drive and then walk up Mulholland Hwy which turns unpaved and scrubby for 5 minutes). The latter is a much closer and up-front view of the sign, although the foreground is a bit scrubby and indeed had construction works whilst we were there. The foreground in the Lake Hollywood Park is more pleasant and you can still see the sign reasonably closely.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 6 September 2023
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4.0
7,727 reviews
Excellent
2,983
Very good
2,610
Average
1,699
Poor
316
Terrible
120
Anu
Fremont, CA1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Friends
Fantastic hike to Hollywood sign; thanks to our tour guide-Noelle. I highly recommend her. Worth the time spent walking to the sign.
Written 30 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louise D
5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We did this through Bikes & Hikes. Mark was fantastic, really knowledgeable & an excellent guide. Great to get close to the sign for photos, Mark happy to take pics for people which was lovely.
Written 4 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr Javed Rasheed
Kurnool, India2,685 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Visited this place on the 17th of May 2023. The Hollywood Sign is an American landmark and cultural icon overlooking Hollywood, Los Angeles, California. Originally the Hollywoodland Sign, it is situated on Mount Lee, in the Beachwood Canyon area of the Santa Monica Mountains. Since its installation on a hill overlooking Los Angeles in 1923, the Hollywood sign has served as a billboard for a real estate development, a backdrop for countless films and television shows, and a decaying reminder of silver screen excess. We visited it in the evening before dusk and found a few people trying to take photos. There is a professional photographer too who helps you take if you want to be clicked. A few vendors selling their eatables and those couples who have come for hiking. A visit here was really worth it !
Dr. Javed Rasheed
Dr. Javed Rasheed
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Craig D
Missouri City, MO604 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
We did the 3 mile trail starting at 3200 Canyon Dr where there's free parking. It's a quick elevation so you can get out of breath at the start. It levels out about halfway then elevates again the last mile. The back of sign surrounded by a chain link fence is interesting. On the way down we took the detour which yields a good view of the front of the sign. That adds about 1/2 mile. The reason for 4 instead of 5 stars was because of horse manure on manyh parts of the trail.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Simon
3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
Had a fantastic time going up to the Hollywood sign. J.B explained everything, took pictures, and had a lot of fun climbing to the sign. I would recommend this tour to everyone.
Written 15 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ellise L
Stamford, CT4 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Who Wants To Go Hollywood Sign The Best Experience The Best Exclusive Complete Completed Completely Good Feel Good Feeling Yes It Is I See You and Me Yes
Written 7 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cdanzer1
Oswego, NY2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Very hard to get there, park your car on the side of the road, and walk about 2 miles to get one glimpse of it.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Waddler
York, UK10,072 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
For such an iconic sight, it isn't easy to see. A lot of the tours on the Boulevard promise Hollywood Sign views, but this is a very distant view from Mulholland Drive on the other side of the freeway. If you want to take a tour you need to do one specifically going to the sign at Lake Hollywood Park or else slightly further up the hill.
Driving, there are parking spots at Lake Hollywood Park and this is the easiest way to get a relatively close view, though parking may be full.
We had an uber drop us here and also further up the hill whilst we did a 5 minute walk to a viewpoint and the uber waited for us (you need to be dropped at the junction of Mulholland Hwy and Ledgewood Drive and then walk up Mulholland Hwy which turns unpaved and scrubby for 5 minutes).
The latter is a much closer and up-front view of the sign, although the foreground is a bit scrubby and indeed had construction works whilst we were there. The foreground in the Lake Hollywood Park is more pleasant and you can still see the sign reasonably closely.
Driving, there are parking spots at Lake Hollywood Park and this is the easiest way to get a relatively close view, though parking may be full.
We had an uber drop us here and also further up the hill whilst we did a 5 minute walk to a viewpoint and the uber waited for us (you need to be dropped at the junction of Mulholland Hwy and Ledgewood Drive and then walk up Mulholland Hwy which turns unpaved and scrubby for 5 minutes).
The latter is a much closer and up-front view of the sign, although the foreground is a bit scrubby and indeed had construction works whilst we were there. The foreground in the Lake Hollywood Park is more pleasant and you can still see the sign reasonably closely.
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa
5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
You don’t need to hike up to it if you don’t want to. Plenty of places to park outside of Lake Hollywood Park on the road (if you get there early).
It’s pretty obvious where to stand because the grass has gone in that patch, however go for a little stroll around the park as there are some other vantage points which I found slightly better.
Most people go into the park and head to the left but if you go straight on, there’s also a good place to stand as well.
We went to Griffith Observatory afterwards and went on quite the winding route which was awesome but not if you’re not an experienced driver as it can be a little dicey.
It’s pretty obvious where to stand because the grass has gone in that patch, however go for a little stroll around the park as there are some other vantage points which I found slightly better.
Most people go into the park and head to the left but if you go straight on, there’s also a good place to stand as well.
We went to Griffith Observatory afterwards and went on quite the winding route which was awesome but not if you’re not an experienced driver as it can be a little dicey.
Written 26 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia R
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Friends
We went on this tour at 9am with a wonderful, physically fit tour guide named Noelle. She was very thorough in giving us all the background about the houses & the history behind the famous Hollywood sign. She made sure that everyone on the tour got as many lovely photographs as they wanted once we got to the top. She advised us of many other things we could do while visiting the Los Angeles & Hollywood area. All in all the tour was enjoyable but be sure to wear comfortable shoes and it will challenge you a bit with the uphill areas. Loved it
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina M
Warwickshire, UK4 contributions
Do you need to book a tour guide to see the Hollywood Sign? I have been told not to take a car as it gets very busy. I hear there is a bus. Where do you get the bus from?
Thor77777777
Trondheim, Norway67 contributions
You may take Uber. Hiking from Griffith takes 50-70 minutes.
Federica F
1 contribution
Ciao..qualcuno mi può consigliare il percorso migliore per arrivare dietro la Hollywood Sigh? Perché ho visto che parecchie strade sono chiuse! Meglio dal Griffith Park o dal Lake Hollywood Park? Grazie!
25sara
Anguillara Veneta, Italy330 contributions
Puoi provare dal Griffith, comunque è una bella scarpinata.
Guardando su internet prima di partire in molti scrivevano che ormai è molto difficile arrivarci.
Noi ci siamo accontentati, per modo di dire, della splendida vista che si ha dall’osservatroio!
Lovely times V
Buenos Aires, Argentina74 contributions
Hola! El tour que realizaste hasta el cartel lo pudiste comprar por la web de starline? Muchas gracias!!
Jorge Pacheco
Aguascalientes, Mexico66 contributions
Hola! Podrás llegar hasta cierto punto! Solo a un parque es lo más cercano, el acceso al letrero como tal ya no es posible por ningún lado a menos que vivas a los al rededores! Esto pasa por las personas que viven ahà ya no quieren más turistas cerca de sus casas! Podrás disfrutarlo desde el parque!
Rodrigo Soberanis Prado
Valladolid, Mexico284 contributions
Is it safe to walk up there ? And how long it takes to get there ?
Simon Fruean
Samoa52 contributions
Yes it Safe. From the Griffith Observatory it will take you 50 minutes to hike up to the sign. Easy
Suveccha H
Dhaka City, Bangladesh9 contributions
Has anyone used guide or tour company to hike Hollywood Sign?
Cecily B
Largo, Florida, United States100 contributions
Not needed. The path is big enough and open enough to see where your going
Natalie
Central Coast, Australia238 contributions
I want to hike BEHIND the Hollywood Sign :) If I’m catching an Uber there or decide to rent a car and drive myself- what location should I be typing into Uber or the GPS for parking/drop off? Thanks! :)
That One Traveler
Destin, FL254 contributions
Look up "How do you hike behind the Hollywood Sign" on Google. The first entry that should pop up will be from a website called The Hollywood Sign. Click on the website, and it will tell you everything, about how far you can go, what security is there, and it will even give you three hiking levels; easy, medium, and hard. I would post the link, but TripAdvisor doesn't allow it. Hope this helps!
Natalie
Central Coast, Australia238 contributions
I want to hike BEHIND the Hollywood Sign :) If I’m catching an Uber there or decide to rent a car and drive myself- what location should I be typing into Uber or the GPS for parking/drop off? Thanks! :)
Cecily B
Largo, Florida, United States100 contributions
If you go to the observatory you can walk back down to the path to start your hike. Depending on what time of day you can actually park right near that path. If the lot is full you’ll have to park on the street leading to the observatory and walk up.
mo kandola
Wolverhampton, UK1 contribution
Where did you take you picture of the Hollywood sign
Kathakali_12
Kingston upon thames, United Kingdom78 contributions
From Madame Tussauds at Hollywood/ Highland. Go up the external stairs, perhaps you will be allowed to get to Level 5.
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Claim your listingHOLLYWOOD SIGN: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Hollywood Sign
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Hollywood Sign:
- The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles (From €18.24)
- Griffith Observatory Hike: An LA Tour through the Hollywood Hills (From €26.44)
- 2-Hour Hollywood Bus Tour (From €41.85)
- Hollywood Sign Hiking Tour to Griffith Observatory (From €35.56)
- Shared 3 Hours Los Angeles VIP Tour (From €42.63)
- Hotels near Hollywood Sign:
- (0.53 km) Hollywood Hills Luxury Sanctuary
- (3.47 km) The Prospect Hollywood
- (3.46 km) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Hollywood Walk of Fame, an IHG Hotel
- (2.77 km) The Tangerine
- (3.54 km) Sheraton Universal Hotel
- Restaurants near Hollywood Sign:
- (2.93 km) Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- (2.21 km) The Smoke House
- (4.38 km) Porto's Bakery and Cafe
- (2.77 km) Don Cuco
- (3.29 km) Bea Bea's
- Attractions near Hollywood Sign:
- (0.49 km) Hollywood Hikes
- (0.49 km) Glitterati Tours
- (0.69 km) Sunset Ranch Hollywood
- (1.04 km) Guia Turismo Los Angeles
- (0.85 km) Lake Hollywood Park