The Hollywood Sign is a giant white lettered sign set on the Mount Lee ridge in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, and one of the world's most recognizable symbols of the American film industry and the city itself. Erected in 1923 as a real-estate billboard reading 'HOLLYWOODLAND', it lost its 'LAND' in 1949 to become the icon we know today, and it marked its 100th anniversary in 2023. Because you cannot approach or touch the sign itself, which is protected by a high-tech fence and around-the-clock surveillance, in 2026 a visit still means one of two things: photographing it from a scenic viewpoint, or hiking to the Mount Lee summit above and behind it. Seeing the sign is free.
The iconic silhouette of nine letters, each roughly 13.7 m (45 ft) tall, crowning the Mount Lee ridge above the city
The classic view from Griffith Observatory, pairing the sign with the LA skyline and public telescopes
The closest drive-up frontal view from Lake Hollywood Park, no hike required
The panorama from the Mount Lee summit, looking down from behind and above the sign (the closest point you may legally reach)
The history behind the 'HOLLYWOODLAND' real-estate ad and its 1978 and 2012 restorations
Good to know
RulesGetting close to or touching the sign is prohibited. It sits behind a high-tech fence with cameras and motion sensors and is monitored 24/7 by LA Police, Fire, and Park Rangers; trespassing risks citation or arrest. The park and trails are open sunrise to sunset only.
SafetyThe trails cross dry, treeless scrubland with almost no shade. Carry 1-2 L of water, a hat, sunscreen and closed-toe shoes (no sandals), and start early to avoid the heat. Rattlesnakes may appear in warmer months, so stay on the path.
SeasonJuly-September summers are very hot and dry. On late-spring and early-summer mornings the marine layer ('June Gloom') can leave the sign hazy, so aim for early-morning or late-afternoon light for clear photos.
MannersViewpoint areas like Beachwood Canyon and Lake Hollywood are quiet residential neighborhoods. Keep noise down, don't block driveways, and never park in permit-only zones, which are enforced with tickets and towing; use designated lots.
CautionNear Hollywood Boulevard (Ovation Hollywood), costumed characters may demand cash tips after photos, and vendors may push CDs. Decline firmly if you're not interested, and watch for pickpockets in tourist crowds.
SafetyGPS often misdirects visitors to the closed Beachwood gate. Set your destination to a specific viewpoint or trailhead (e.g. 3200 Canyon Dr) instead, and note that rideshare fares near the Observatory can surge at peak times.
MannersTipping is customary in the US. The sign itself is free, but expect to tip roughly 15-20% for taxis, rideshares and restaurants you use along the way.
Practical info
The Metro DASH Observatory bus runs seven days a week to Griffith Observatory, a free viewpoint and the trailhead for the Mt. Hollywood Trail; by car, Lake Hollywood Park offers the closest frontal view. Main hiking starts are Griffith Observatory and the Brush Canyon Trail (3200 Canyon Dr). Viewing is free, but Observatory parking is paid, and park hours (sunrise-sunset), parking rates and the proposed aerial tram plan should all be checked for the latest information before you go.
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