The Most Wonderful Places for Hollywood Sign Photos (2024)
The Most Wonderful Places for Hollywood Sign Photos (2024)
“S’Wonderful… S’Marvelous” were a few of the lyrics that Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire sung in the classic Hollywood film, Funny Face. While the movie is technically set in Paris, those same lyrics ring true when it comes to all the “s’marvelous” viewpoints of the world-famous Hollywood sign around Los Angeles. See below for my list of The Most Wonderful Places for Hollywood Sign Photos:
hollywood sign photos
Griffith Observatory
Make the most of your time in Los Angeles by combining your views of the Hollywood sign with another major Los Angeles landmark: The Griffith Observatory.
The best views are over on the western side of the Observatory, or your right hand side as you are walking up to the front. There’s a long viewing platform/walkway, so it’s relatively easy to get photos here without other tourists.
For more tips and tricks of how and when to visit this location, read my post: Secrets for Visiting the Beautiful Los Angeles Griffith Observatory
Address: 2800 East Observatory Road
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Cost: Free
Hollywood Sign Photos at Griffith Observatory Shot In Collaboration With: Oliver aus der Mühlen
hollywood sign photos
Barnsdall Art Park
The Barnsdall Art Park is a bit of a two-for-one location as there are two main sections to this park that tend to photograph like completely separate locations.
The first is on the eastern side of the park. This side is set up a bit like a quad in between university buildings, with benches and plenty of trees and green space to sit and read.
However, it’s also an amazing spot for pictures! Grab your Hollywood sign photos from between the old trees for a shot that’s a bit more unique from the typical ones you’d find on Instagram.
The second is just on the other side of the small park, photographing from the grassy knoll. This area is also great for photographing the Griffith Observatory in the hills and for picnicking
Barnsdall Art Park Photography Shot In Collaboration With: Oliver aus der Mühlen
Address: 4800 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Cost: Free
Secret Tip
There’s a parking lot to the left right after driving through the gate, but before leaving your car there, drive up the hill.
There’s more parking at the top, where the actual park and buildings are located!
hollywood sign photos
Lake Hollywood Park
If you want to get up close and personal with the Hollywood sign – without a hike, Lake Hollywood Park is the spot. Located off of Mulholland Blvd near the back of Beachwood Canyon, the park has two great spots for capturing the famous LA landmark.
The first is actually a dirt outcrop just above the park. Walk on the sidewalk up the hill and you’ll see it fairly quickly. This spot does get quite packed though, so if it’s too crowded, there’s also an even better shot you can get in the park itself.
Starting at the Lake Hollywood Park entrance sign, follow the fence that separates the large grassy area from the playground for about 20-30 feet west. From there, you should be able to capture some amazing pictures of the Hollywood sign and all with some beautiful foliage! This picture spot can be hit or miss, depending on how many dog owners and picnicking groups are also in the park, but in my opinion, it provides the best pictures from the park.
Address: 3160 Canyon Lake Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Cost: Free
hollywood sign photos
Hollywood Reservoir
The Hollywood Reservoir, or Lake Hollywood proper, is located just west of Beachwood Canyon and LA’s old “Hollywoodland” neighborhood.
And while it can be reached rather quickly from Lake Hollywood Park, it can also be reached from Burbank just over the hill.
To see the Hollywood sign here, you’ll hike an easy, flat and urban trail around the Reservoir perimeter. In addition to great photos, you’ll also see some beautiful 1920s architecture along this route.
Ahead of exploring, you’ll definitely want to time out your visit. The gates here open daily at 6:30 AM. They are then locked again around sunset.
Directions: Take Barham Boulevard from the 101 freeway and drive north for 1/3 of a mile. Turn right at the light onto Lake Hollywood Drive. Then just take this winding road for about a mile as it takes you up through the hills before descending to the right on the other side. The Hollywood Reservoir will appear on your righthand side as you continue to drive.
Cost: Free
hollywood sign photos
Hollyridge Trail
Looking for a more moderate hike? Hollyridge is a year-round, dog-friendly trail offering up-close views for perfect Hollywood sign photos. No hike in LA will take you directly in front of the Hollywood sign. However, this trail can take you right behind the famous landmark.
Additionally, this trail does see some famous faces from time-to-time. On my first ever time climbing, I even ran into Andy Serkis from The Lord of the Rings! Talk about a precious moment!
Trail Head Address: 3400 N Beachwood Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Trail Map: Here
Cost: Free
Secret Tip
Bring water and a hat on this and any Los Angeles hiking trail! There is typically little-to-no shade.
hollywood sign photos
S Windsor Blvd
Looking for a quick photo stop? Head to Hancock Park’s S Windsor Blvd. Some amazing photos can be taken on this palm-tree lined street, but this spot also has two potential drawbacks:
The first is traffic. This is a busy residential street. I visited over the holidays when most Angelenos are out of town and still couldn’t quite get around the few parked cars and pedestrians. Additionally, if you’re shooting with a tripod, be very careful – you will need to get off the road quite a bit.
The second drawback is that the Hollywood sign is hard to capture without the proper equipment. I helped one couple take a few photos on an iPhone, but even with the 3x camera, the sign was small. I also only had my 135mm lens on me and, while better, the sign still felt quite far. If you’re shooting here, you’ll at least want a 150+mm lens.
Address: 400-498 S Windsor Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90020
Cost: Free
hollywood sign photos
Innsdale Trail & Mt Lee Drive
If you’re looking for that sweet spot in between an easy and a moderate hike, the Innsdale Trail & Mt Lee Drive may just be for you.
This trail takes most hikers just over 2 hours to complete. It’s mostly paved and flat, with the exception of a few steeper climbs.
The trailhead will also typically have plenty of curbside parking available on Innsdale Drive and neighboring streets – just be aware of street signs before leaving your car.
Trail Head Address: 6300 Innsdale Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Trail Map: Here
Cost: Free
Secret Tip
Cut your trail time in half by starting at the Mt. Lee Drive Pedestrian Gate near 3999 Deronda Dr. Just make sure to Uber here as the car-accessible gate is closed to thru traffic and there’s also no available parking nearby.
hollywood sign photos
Bonus: From the Air
Although not an exact location, a helicopter or plane tour over LA will provide you with a truly one-of-a-kind photography experience.
Get away from the crowds and see the Hollywood sign and the rest of the city without any traffic for a change! This is definitely an experience you won’t soon forget.
Tour Operators: Group 3, Orbic Air, Los Angeles Helicopters
Cost: $130pp+
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