The Hollywood Sign is one of the most famous landmarks in the world! Whether you want to hike up for an up-close view, take a guided tour, or find the best photo spots, hereβs your complete guide to visiting the Hollywood Sign.
π Where is the Hollywood Sign?
π Located in the Hollywood Hills, inside Griffith Park, Los Angeles, CA.
π« You CANNOT drive directly to the sign β The closest access is via hiking trails or guided tours.
π How to Get to the Hollywood Sign Area:
- Metro: π B Line (Red) to Hollywood/Western, then take a rideshare to Griffith Park.
- Bus: π Metro Bus Dash Observatory Shuttle to Griffith Observatory.
- Taxi/Uber/Lyft: Enter “Hollywood Sign Hiking Trailhead” for drop-off points.
πΆ Hollywood Sign Tour Options
1οΈβ£ Guided Hiking Tours πΆββοΈ
π
Time: 2 – 3 hours
π° Price: ~$25 – $50
β Includes:
β A guided hike through Griffith Park.
β History of the Hollywood Sign & Hollywoodβs past.
β Best photo spots from different angles.
π Recommended Tour Companies:
β GetYourGuide
β Viator
β LA Hiking Tours
2οΈβ£ Hollywood Sign & Celebrity Homes Tour π
π
Time: 2 – 3 hours
π° Price: ~$50 – $100
β Includes:
β Drive past celebrity mansions & famous filming locations.
β Photo stops near the Hollywood Sign.
β Possible Griffith Observatory visit (depending on tour).
π Best Tour Companies:
β Starline Tours β Includes Hollywood Boulevard & celebrity homes.
β TMZ Celebrity Tour β Pop-culture focus with Hollywood history.
3οΈβ£ Self-Guided Hollywood Sign Hike (FREE!)
π
Time: 1.5 – 3 hours (round trip)
π° Price: FREE!
β Best Trails:
π₯Ύ 1. Best View from Below: Lake Hollywood Park (Easy)
π Distance: 5 min walk from parking
π Best for: Quick & easy photos
π₯Ύ 2. Closest Hike to the Sign: Hollywood Sign via Mt. Lee Trail (Moderate)
π Distance: ~6 miles round trip (~2.5-3 hours)
π Best for: Getting BEHIND the sign
π₯Ύ 3. Best Overall Experience: Griffith Observatory to Hollywood Sign (Difficult)
π Distance: ~8 miles round trip (~4 hours)
π Best for: Scenic city views & full LA skyline
π Tip: Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes!
πΈ Best Photo Spots for the Hollywood Sign
π· Lake Hollywood Park β Best street-level view of the sign.
π· Griffith Observatory β Distant but panoramic views of LA & the sign.
π· Mulholland Drive Overlook β Quick stop with Hollywood skyline views.
π· Behind the Sign (Mt. Lee) β Closest view, but requires a hike.
π Tip: Sunset or sunrise gives the best lighting for photos!
π° How Much Does a Hollywood Sign Tour Cost?
Tour Type | Price Range |
---|---|
Guided Hiking Tour | $25 β $50 |
Hollywood Sign & Celebrity Homes Tour | $50 β $100 |
Self-Guided Hike | FREE! |
π Best Time to Visit the Hollywood Sign
β Morning (7 AM – 10 AM) β Cooler weather, fewer crowds.
β Sunset (5 PM – 7 PM in summer, 4 PM – 6 PM in winter) β Best for amazing photos.
π« Avoid midday (12 PM – 3 PM) β Can get hot & crowded!
β³ Average Visit Duration: 2 – 4 hours
π₯ Tips for the Best Hollywood Sign Experience
β
Start early β Parking is limited & it gets hot later in the day.
β
Bring water & sunscreen β No shade on the trails!
β
Use a map/GPS β Some trails have confusing signs.
β
Check weather & air quality β Smog or haze can block views.
β
Respect the area β No drones allowed near the sign.
β Hollywood Sign Tour FAQ
1οΈβ£ Can I drive to the Hollywood Sign?
π« No, there is no direct road access. You must hike or take a guided tour.
2οΈβ£ Whatβs the easiest way to see the Hollywood Sign without hiking?
π Best no-hike views:
β Lake Hollywood Park β Best close-up street view.
β Mulholland Drive Overlook β A great quick photo stop.
3οΈβ£ How long does it take to hike to the Hollywood Sign?
β³ 1.5 – 3 hours (round trip), depending on the trail.
4οΈβ£ Is it safe to hike to the Hollywood Sign alone?
β
Yes, but go during the day & stay on marked trails.
π Griffith Park Rangers patrol the area regularly.
5οΈβ£ Whatβs the best Hollywood Sign tour for families?
π Best family-friendly tour: Hollywood Sign Tour via Griffith Park (~2-hour guided walk).
π Can I go behind the Hollywood Sign?
β Yes! The Mt. Lee Trail takes you to the back of the sign for stunning city views.
Still Have Questions?
Need help booking a tour, finding parking, or choosing a hiking trail? Let me know! ππβ¨
π Hollywood Sign Tour β FAQ
Got questions about visiting the Hollywood Sign? Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions!
1οΈβ£ Can I drive to the Hollywood Sign?
π« No, you cannot drive directly to the sign. The closest access is via hiking trails or guided tours.
π Best No-Hike Viewpoints:
β Lake Hollywood Park β Closest street-level view.
β Mulholland Drive Overlook β Great for quick photos.
β Griffith Observatory β Distant but panoramic views.
2οΈβ£ How long does it take to hike to the Hollywood Sign?
β³ 1.5 – 3 hours (round trip), depending on the trail:
π₯Ύ Easy: Lake Hollywood Park β 5-minute walk from parking.
π₯Ύ Moderate: Hollyridge Trail / Brush Canyon β ~6 miles round trip (~2.5-3 hours).
π₯Ύ Difficult: Griffith Observatory to Hollywood Sign β ~8 miles round trip (~4 hours).
π Tip: Bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes!
3οΈβ£ Whatβs the easiest way to see the Hollywood Sign without hiking?
β
Best No-Hike Viewpoints:
π Lake Hollywood Park β Closest view with easy access.
π Mulholland Drive Overlook β Quick stop for a skyline photo.
π Griffith Observatory β Beautiful city views with the sign in the background.
π Tip: For a close-up without hiking, take a Hollywood Sign Tour by bus!
4οΈβ£ What are the best Hollywood Sign tours?
π Guided Hiking Tours ($25 – $50) β Learn history & take epic photos.
π Hollywood Sign & Celebrity Homes Tours ($50 – $100) β See the sign + A-list neighborhoods.
π Bus Tours ($50 – $75) β Drive to scenic viewpoints without hiking.
π Book tours at:
β GetYourGuide
β Viator
β Starline Tours
5οΈβ£ What is the best time to visit the Hollywood Sign?
β Morning (7 AM – 10 AM) β Cool weather, fewer crowds.
β Sunset (5 PM – 7 PM in summer, 4 PM – 6 PM in winter) β Best for stunning photos.
π« Avoid midday (12 PM – 3 PM) β It gets hot & crowded!
6οΈβ£ Is hiking to the Hollywood Sign safe?
β Yes! But stay on marked trails and bring plenty of water.
π Safety Tips:
β Hike with a friend or group.
β No bathrooms or water stations on the trails β bring your own.
β Park legally β Towing is common in restricted areas.
7οΈβ£ Can I go behind the Hollywood Sign?
β Yes! The Mt. Lee Trail takes you behind the sign for an epic view of Los Angeles.
π Tip: This is the only legal way to get close to the sign!
8οΈβ£ Are there bathrooms or food near the Hollywood Sign?
π« No! There are no restrooms, food, or water stations on the trails.
π Tip: Stop at Griffith Observatory or a nearby cafΓ© before you start your hike!
9οΈβ£ What should I bring for a Hollywood Sign hike?
β Water bottle (at least 1 liter per person).
β Sunscreen & sunglasses β No shade on the trails!
β Comfortable hiking shoes β Trails can be rocky.
β Camera/phone β Youβll want to take lots of pictures!
π Can I fly a drone at the Hollywood Sign?
π« No. Drones are banned in Griffith Park & near the sign.
π Tip: Use high ground viewpoints for aerial-style photos instead!
Still Have Questions?
Need help choosing a hiking trail, booking a tour, or finding parking? Let me know! ππβ¨
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