Out in L.A.: Top Hollywood Sign Visitor Information & Tips From a Los Angeles Travel Agency
Seeing the Hollywood Sign for the first time is a core memory for any traveler in Los Angeles. It’s more than just nine giant letters on a hill; it’s a symbol of dreams, movies, and the golden age of Hollywood.
But as a top travel agency in Los Angeles, we know that getting that perfect view can be confusing. Can you hike to it? Is there parking nearby? Where are the best photo spots? Is there an entrance fee?
Questions like these are why we’ve put together this handy little guide. Consider it an overview of all the Hollywood Sign visitor information you need to know to make your visit as iconic as the landmark itself.
TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to the Hollywood Sign
Need an even shorter overview? Here are the basics:
You cannot touch the Hollywood Sign, as it's fenced off and heavily monitored for security. The best ways to see it are from designated viewing spots like Griffith Observatory and Lake Hollywood Park or by hiking one of the official trails in Griffith Park.
The Brush Canyon Trail is a popular, moderately challenging hike that offers fantastic views and takes you to a viewpoint behind the iconic letters.
The Essential Hollywood Sign Visitor Information
Before you grab your camera and head for the hills, it’s important to understand a few key things about the sign. Knowing the rules and a bit of history will make your experience much more enjoyable.
As your expert guides, we’ve put together the most important facts to help you plan.
The First Thing to Know: Can You Touch the Hollywood Sign?
Let’s clear this up right away: No, you absolutely cannot touch or get right next to the Hollywood Sign. This is the most important piece of Hollywood Sign visitor information to remember.
The sign is located in a restricted area on Mt. Lee and is protected by fencing and a state-of-the-art security system with 24/7 monitoring and police patrols. Attempting to get too close is considered trespassing and can lead to your arrest.
So, for your safety and to help preserve this landmark, please admire it from the designated safe and legal viewing areas.
A fun fact we love sharing with our clients: The sign didn't always say "Hollywood." When it was first erected in 1923, it was an advertisement for a housing development and read "HOLLYWOODLAND". Each of the massive letters stands an impressive 45 feet tall, making it a true giant of the city.
Also, keep in mind that the sign is not lit at night, so all your viewing and hiking should be planned for daylight hours.
Navigating the details of an L.A. trip, from the Hollywood Sign to the beaches of Malibu, can be a full-time job. If you want a perfectly tailored experience without the stress, our team can build you one of our custom travel itineraries.
The Best Photo Ops: Where to See the Sign Without Hiking
You don’t need to break a sweat to get a fantastic photo of the Hollywood Sign. Los Angeles has several incredible viewpoints that are easily accessible by car or public transit. Here are a few of our agency's top recommendations.
Griffith Observatory
Many consider this is the best all-in-one spot. The views of the Hollywood Sign from the terraces of the Griffith Observatory are simply breathtaking, giving you that classic postcard shot. You also get a stunning panoramic view of the entire Los Angeles basin.
Plus, the observatory itself is a world-class attraction, and parking is free.
Lake Hollywood Park
For a closer, more intimate view of the sign, head to Lake Hollywood Park. This grassy park is a favorite among locals and offers a fantastic, unobstructed view from below. It’s the perfect place for a picnic with the sign as your backdrop. Street parking is available but can be limited, so it's best to go on a weekday if possible.
Ovation Hollywood (formerly Hollywood & Highland)
If you're already exploring the heart of Hollywood, you don't have to go far for a great view. The Ovation Hollywood shopping center was cleverly designed with public observation decks specifically for viewing the sign. It’s a convenient option if you’re also visiting the Walk of Fame or the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Sunset Ranch Hollywood
For a truly unique and memorable experience, why not see the sign on horseback?
Sunset Ranch Hollywood offers guided tours that wind through the hills of Griffith Park, providing spectacular views of the sign along the way. It’s an amazing way to see the landscape and feel like a real cowboy in the middle of L.A.
Getting There with Public Transit
You don't necessarily need a car to get to a great viewing spot. The city of Los Angeles runs a convenient bus service called the
DASH Observatory Bus, which takes you directly to the Griffith Observatory seven days a week. This is a fantastic, stress-free option that lets you avoid the hassle of finding parking, which can be challenging on busy weekends.
You can find more information about schedules and stops on the LADOT transit website.
For the Adventurous: Hiking to the Hollywood Sign
If you're up for an adventure, hiking in Griffith Park is the most rewarding way to see the sign. The trails get you closer than any car can and offer incredible views you won’t see from anywhere else.
This is the kind of experience we love to build into our adventure travel packages for active travelers.
The ultimate goal for most hikers is to reach the viewpoint on the summit of Mt. Lee, which places you directly behind and above the giant letters. This is the closest you can legally get to the sign and offers an unforgettable perspective.
Essential Hiking Prep
Before you hit the trails, preparation is key. The Southern California sun is strong, and the terrain can be rugged.
Footwear: Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with good grip.
Water: Bring plenty of water, at least one liter per person is recommended. There are no fountains on the trails.
Sun Protection: Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are non-negotiable.
Layers: The weather can change, so a light jacket or sweatshirt is a good idea.
Trail Hours: Remember that all authorized trails in Griffith Park are only open from sunrise to sunset.
Top Hiking Trails (A Trail for Every Skill Level)
Griffith Park has a network of trails, but these are the best routes for seeing the sign.
Brush Canyon Trail (6 miles round trip): This is one of the most popular trails for a reason. Starting from Canyon Drive, this moderately challenging hike takes you right up to the back of the sign.
Mt. Hollywood Trail (5.3-mile loop): This trail offers fantastic 360-degree views. It begins near the Griffith Observatory parking lot and is a great option if you want to combine a hike with a visit to the observatory.
Cahuenga Peak Trail (3 miles round trip): For a more strenuous workout, this trail is a great choice. It takes you to the highest point in Griffith Park and offers a unique perspective from behind the sign.
Burbank Peak Trail (Wisdom Tree Hike) (3 miles round trip): Considered the most challenging of these trails, this route rewards hikers with a visit to a lone, iconic pine tree known as the Wisdom Tree before continuing on to the back of the Hollywood Sign.
Your Questions Answered by Your Go-To Travel Agency in Los Angeles
We want to make sure your visit is perfect. Here are some quick answers to the most common questions about the Hollywood Sign.
Q: What's the closest you can legally get to the sign? A: The closest legal access is the viewpoint on the summit of Mt. Lee, located behind and above the sign, which is accessible via the park's hiking trails.
Q: Is the Hollywood Sign lit up at night? A: No, the sign is not lit at night. All viewing and hiking should be done during daylight hours for the best visibility and safety.
Q: How much does it cost to see the Hollywood Sign? A: It's completely free! All the public parks, viewpoints, and hiking trails that offer views of the sign do not charge an admission fee.
Q: Is it safe to hike to the Hollywood Sign? A: Yes, it is safe as long as you are prepared and follow park rules. The most important safety tips are to stay on authorized trails, bring enough water, and be aware of the weather and potential fire danger, especially during hot, dry months.
Let's Plan Your Hollywood Sign Adventure
A trip to see the Hollywood Sign is an essential part of any Los Angeles vacation. Whether you choose to admire it from a distance or embark on an adventurous hike, it’s an experience you’ll never forget. Now that you have all the insider Hollywood Sign visitor information, you can plan your visit with confidence.
Weaving this iconic stop into a broader, perfectly paced L.A. itinerary is what we do best. If you’re ready to see the sign and everything else this amazing city has to offer without the stress of planning it all yourself, we’re here to help.
Contact our team at Travel Savvy and let's start building your dream California vacation today!