The Griffith Observatory: The Best Views of the Hollywood Sign in L.A.
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The famous Hollywood sign – it’s really just letters spelling out the name of a town on the side of a mountain. Nevertheless, due to its’ repeated presence in pop culture, the letters have become symbolic worldwide for the entertainment industry. After moving to Long Beach, it was one of the first tourist sites I checked out in southern California. After just a short time living here, I quickly found out that the beautiful Griffith Observatory, one of the city’s most prominent historic landmarks, is the best place to enjoy the view for free.
As a history and entertainment buff, I was interested in learning more about the sign’s history. I learned that the sign was originally built as an advertisement to sell real estate in an area known as “Hollywoodland.” Today, most of us associate the sign with “the place where dreams can come true.” Sadly, it is also the place “where dreams go to die.”
The sign was originally constructed in 1923 and read “Hollywoodland.” However, the last 4 letters were eventually dropped in the 40’s. The sign underwent several changes over the years before reaching its’ current state. Interestingly, the sign was meant to be temporary. It was never taken down due to the rise of the film industry and its’ recognizable nature worldwide. In 1973, it became an official landmark. Today, it continues to be one of the most recognizable American cultural icons. Almost every tourist who makes their way to L.A. finds this sign one way or another.
Read more about the history of the Hollywood sign via the History Channel.
The most famous letters on a hill
There are lots of towns out West that use Hillside letters, however, none as famous as Hollywood. The humongous 45 foot tall, 30 foot wide letters sit near the summit of Mount Lee in the Santa Monica Mountains. Sure, seeing the famous sign is touristy and some say overrated. However, I thought it was a fun bucket list check off. It’s really something that sets this city apart from all others around the world.
There are numerous places to see the famous letters throughout the city. Many tourists head straight to the Walk of Fame area, or Runyon Canyon, not knowing that the Griffith offers the most stunning views. And if you are willing to walk a bit, it will cost nothing to enjoy the best overlook.
Best views of the iconic sign & city
The Griffith’s observation deck offers grand panoramic views, both day and night. By day, magnificent views of the Hollywood sign greet you, by night dazzling views of the city skyline. I recommend checking it out in both settings if you have the time.
Crowded, congested L.A. looks so beautiful and peaceful from up here! I love the skyline viewpoint up here. It looks fantastic on a rare non smoggy day! Fortunately, I’ve been able to get up here a few times on clear days – one of the benefits of living so close by.
Hiking with a view
When I first visited, I was happy to learn that there are some awesome hiking trails which you can enjoy for free. As an avid explorer, I loved the opportunity to enjoy views of the sign and mountains in a different way. For those up for a challenge, I recommend a moderately difficult hike known as the Mt. Hollywood hike. This hike climbs through the mountains to the top of 1,625-foot Mount Hollywood.
You can get so close to the letters that you will appear to be standing right beneath them in your photos. You can also take all sorts of funny photos where you can make yourself appear to be holding the letters. Bring your camera – there are lots of amazing photo opportunities here! There are several trailheads to start your trek, although the most popular starts from the observatory area.
Asides from the famous sign, there are also excellent views of the city, the surrounding mountains, and the gorgeous observatory itself. On my first visit, I had a lot of fun taking touristy photos with the sign in the background, but on future visits I came to love the mountain scenery. It’s a great workout with great views. Although L.A. itself is so busy and crazy, there really are so many beautiful natural recreation areas like Griffith Park within a short drive from the city.
I find it crazy that you can be in the busting city one minute, and 10 minutes later be surrounded by some of the most incredible scenery in the country. So, do yourself a favor, and complete a hike vs. simply gazing at the sign from the deck like the rest of the tourists. It’s a completely different experience to get out there in the mountains and observe the views in a more magnificent setting.
The observatory itself is pretty interesting too. Best of all, it’s free all the time (except shows). At night, you’ll get a chance to look through a telescope, assuming skies are clear.
History of the Griffith
One cool aspect of this attraction is that it was completed with the stipulation that admission would always be free to the public. Since opening in 1935, more than 1 million tourists have visited, making it the most popular public observatory in the world. Griffith J. Griffith also donated the land around the Observatory to the city as a Christmas gift.
“It must be made a place of recreation and rest for the masses, a resort for the rank and file, for the plain people,” Griffith said on that occasion. “I consider it my obligation to make Los Angeles a happier, cleaner, and finer city. I wish to pay my debt of duty in this way to the community in which I have prospered.”
Griffith J. Griffith
I would say a visit here is a must-do on any visit to L.A., especially for newcomers to the area. There’s just so much to do in one single place here. From taking in the incredible views of the city and the iconic sign of the movie industry, to photography, to mountain hiking, to stargazing…it really is the treasure of Los Angeles.
Interesting tidbits for history buffs
- As I stated earlier, the sign was originally built to advertise real estate in the area. It was only expected to be up for a year!
- Hollywoodland changed to Hollywood in 1949.
- When built in 1923, the sign cost $21,000. This is equal to $293,906.80 today!
- The sign lit up in 1984 to celebrate the Olympics in Los Angeles. This happened again in 2000 to celebrate the new millennium.
- Many pranksters have tampered with the sign over the years. In 1976, an art student and a few of his friends temporarily changed the sign to Hollyweed following the legqalization of marijuana. It was part of a project for his class and he received an A.
- The letters were originally 50 foot tall, but later changed to 45.
- Peg Entwistle, a New York stage actress plunged to her death from the letter H. She was a struggling actress who never received a phone call back. Tabloids named her the “Hollywood Sign Girl.” Legend goes that she received a letter the next day for the lead role in a play about a women committing suicide.
- A list of movies in which the Hollywood sign has appeared. The list is very long. Personally, I think of the shows 90210 and MTV’s The Hills and the movies Mulholland Drive and Scream 3 the most when I think of the famous letters.
Visit HollywoodSign.org, the official website of the sign, for a detailed history.
How to get here
Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027.
Price: Free (shows extra)
Hours: Noon – 10pm (10am on weekends). Closed Monday. Trails are open everyday from 5am-10:30pm.
Parking: Free parking available, although limited and a hilly 1 mile walk is required. The free spaces are near the Greek Theater. You can learn more on the website. There are also pay stations that don’t require a lengthy wait.
