The city of Los Angeles continues the celebrations for the centennial of the “Hollywood sign”, the city’s most recognizable symbol, and offers a multitude of outdoor activities and experiences that offer panoramic views of the famous sign.
Over the past century, the sign and its surroundings have been given special protection and have been preserved from developers and decay. The non-profit organization Hollywood Sign Trustcreated to preserve this cultural and historical monument for future generations, notably ensured that the nearly 14-meter-high letters were refreshed before the brand’s centenary.
The OT of Los Angeles proposes to take advantage of the wide open spaces of the city around the striking views of the Hollywood Sign. From hiking and horseback riding to trails and city parks, here are some of the best ways to experience the site
HIKING AND PARKS :
Among the best places to see the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Park offers several hiking trails on Mount Hollywood, many of which start directly from the iconic Griffith Observatory. The Cahuenga Peak Trail is one of the most popular. This is a strenuous hike that gives you a unique view of downtown Los Angeles from behind the sign.
Home to the Batcave from the 60s Batman TV series, Bronson Canyon also offers a selection of hikes and different viewpoints to admire the sign.
For those who prefer walks or picnics to hikes, the reservoir of the Lake Hollywood Park offers a direct view of the sign and is accessible by car and on foot.
Finally, Runyon Canyonone of the city’s most popular places to see and be seen, offers far-reaching and spectacular views of the sign, especially from the top of the park.
GUIDED TOURS
Bikes and Hikes is an excellent Los Angeles outdoor tour company. She offers two different tours to the Hollywood Sign that explain the unique history of the area. The Original Hollywood Sign Tour is an easy, 90-minute walk through Griffith Park and under the sign, while the Original Hollywood Sign Hik takes a slightly steeper path behind the Hollywood sign to approach icon in two and a half hours.
For a unique LA experience, guided horseback riding tours at Sunset Ranch Hollywood offer spectacular views of the sign, day or night.
The Hollywood Tours sign one hour tour Starline Towers also commute through the back roads of Hollywood Hills, with views of Lake Hollywood, downtown Los Angeles and the glamorous Hollywood Boulevard.
HELICOPTER EXPERIENCES
There are several options to experience the Hollywood Sign from the sky.
Departing from Van Nuys airport, Group 3 Aviation offers a 35-minute excursion, Hooray for Hollywood Tour, which will take you over the sign and the Hollywood Hills.
Based at Hollywood Burbank Airport, it is Orbic Air which offers the closest views of the Hollywood sign with its ten-minute ride, which includes bird’s-eye views of Universal Studios Hollywood and the Griffith Observatory.
From Long Beach Queen Mary Heliport, IEX Helicopters also takes its passengers up close for an incredible view of the Hollywood sign, flying over the landmarks of the coast to the skyscrapers of downtown Los Angeles.
The VIP tour of Star Helicopterslasting one hour, takes off from Hawthorne Municipal Airport and includes a flyover of the Hollywood sign as well as panoramic views from the South Bay to the Valley.
