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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 20 August, 2023
Expert travel writer: Luciana Bellini

The Hollywood Sign has long been a powerful symbol for the global entertainment industry. At 14m high and 110m long, you can’t miss it.

Installed back in 1923 as part of an advertising campaign for a suburban housing development called ‘Hollywoodland’, the sign initially fell into disrepair until a group of celebrities funded its restoration in 1978, minus the ‘land’.

Getting to the foot of the sign itself is no longer possible, thanks to tight security. The best option is therefore to hike the picturesque but little-known Hollyridge Trail up to the summit of Mount Lee, from where you can look down on the sign, just 100ft below where you stand.

You’re rewarded with exceptional views of Hollywood and the LA basin to the south, and the San Fernando Valley to the north.

Alternatives to walking

If you don’t fancy the hike and prefer to view from afar, head instead for the Griffith Park Observatory (worth a visit in its own right). For more details on other viewpoints, see the official Hollywood Sign website.

Logistics

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 8+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

To reach the head of the trail, drive to the end of Beechwood Drive in Hollywood. There’s a dirt car park here, just before the Sunset Ranch horse stables, with the trail marked on the right.

From here the trail climbs paved and dirt tracks, climbing 550ft and 1.5 miles to the summit of Mount Lee. Allow 2-3 hours for a round trip.

For a map and directions, and a detailed description of the trail, see the useful blog Dan’s Hiking Pages.

When to do it

The trail can be hiked all year round, but for the best conditions, go in winter or early spring when the temperatures are moderate and the hillsides are green.

Who to go with: organised tours

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles

Los Angeles

The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles
Start your 2024 by checking off the Hollywood Sign with us! We are the only Award-Winning Tour on the Hollywood Sign! We’ll take you to the front of and behind (to the top) the Hollywood sign for an unforgettable experience! With tons of opportunities for elite Instagram photos, insider Hollywood history, and a local guide who actually works in show business, this hike brags some of the best views in LA. Snag a bird’s eye view of top film studios Disney, Warner Bros., Paramount, Dreamworks, the Hollywood Walk of fame, and more! Your Guide will tell you story after story that will make you forget you're actually walking up a hill.

Price: $18

Min age: 0

Rating 4.96 / 5 [1753 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Los Angeles: The Original Hollywood Sign Hike Walking Tour

Los Angeles

Los Angeles: The Original Hollywood Sign Hike Walking Tour
Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Hollywood Sign with The Original Hollywood Sign Hike from Bikes and Hikes LA, a Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice top outdoor tour provider in LA for 14 years+! Find out why the Los Angeles Times, The Today Show, USA Today, New York Times have all done a Los Angeles Tour with Bikes and Hikes LA! Kick off 2024 with a fun walking tour to the Hollywood Sign as you take in the stunning views of Los Angeles. Get closer to the iconic Hollywood Sign than any other tour can take you as your guide entertains you with Hollywood's fascinating history. Enjoy the outdoors, take epic photos and videos for Instagram and TikTok, and avoid the risk of getting lost as you'll be hiking with a knowledgeable local guide. This a bucket list item and a great way to start your Los Angeles vacation.

Price: $18

Min age: 0

Rating 4.90 / 5 [796 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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30-Minute Private Ferrari Driving Tour To Hollywood Sign

Los Angeles

30-Minute Private Ferrari Driving Tour To Hollywood Sign
Explore the Hollywood attractions behind the wheel of an exotic sports car. Get the unforgettable and unique experience to test drive a Ferrari California on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, along the streets of the City, on a sightseeing tour up to the Hollywood sign viewpoint, and feel the adrenaline of driving such a powerful vehicle! Come back home with plenty of wonderful memories of you and the gorgeous Ferrari.

Price: $139

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [550 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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The Original Hollywood Sign Tour: Easiest Walking Tour to The Hollywood Sign

Los Angeles

The Original Hollywood Sign Tour: Easiest Walking Tour to The Hollywood Sign
Get a head start on your 2024 bucket list with The Hollywood Sign Tour from Bikes and Hikes LA Tours. This walking tour is a quick and easy 90-minute, flat walk that takes you directly below the world's most famous sign, The Hollywood Sign! Once there, your expert guide will help you capture iconic photos to last a lifetime. This Los Angeles tour features the fascinating history of the Hollywood Sign and exposes how LA became the entertainment capital of the world. This Hollywood Sign Tour is perfect for guests looking for sunshine, fresh air, celebrity sightings, LA history, and incredible memories to last a lifetime. Leave LA fulfilled – experience LA culture at its finest from the best local guides on this Los Angeles tour. This bucket list worthy Hollywood tour fits perfectly before or after your day at Universal Studios or Warner Brothers; just a few minutes away from both! This experience is great for all ages - kids, seniors and everyone in between.

Price: $19

Min age: 7

Rating 4.92 / 5 [265 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Hollywood Sign Hiking Tour to Griffith Observatory

Los Angeles

Hollywood Sign Hiking Tour to Griffith Observatory
Take a guided hike in Griffith Park to enjoy the stunning views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory and LA skyline. Throughout the course of the hike we will ascend the equivalent of 15 flights of stairs at a leisurely pace and take frequent stops to admire the views and hear about the history of this beautiful terrain. Often there are film crews shooting scenes along this trail, who knows who we might spot? As we approach the belly of Griffith Observatory, the iconic Hollywood Sign will come into view and provide a spectacular backdrop to your photos that will make you the envy of all your friends. Get close to the REAL stars at Griffith Observatory, LA’s renowned astronomy museum, with its sweeping terraces. You have the option of entering the building (closed Mondays) after the tour or take the short hike back with your guide. Designed by a former Observatory employee, no other tour presents the history, beauty and context of this area quite like we do, come find out why!

Price: $39

Min age: 4

Rating 4.78 / 5 [66 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides

1

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Los Angeles

California, United States of America (USA)

Los Angeles

The bright lights of Tinseltown are home to surfer-filled beaches, glorious mountain hikes, glitz and glamour in spades and year-round sunshine.