You’ve seen it in a thousand movies. You’ve probably seen it on a million Instagram stories. But honestly, if you just type "Hollywood Sign" into your GPS and hit go, you’re likely going to end up stuck in a narrow, winding residential street with a very frustrated homeowner glaring at you.
Finding a solid hollywood sign location map that actually works is harder than it should be. Why? Because the sign isn't an "address." It’s a massive landmark perched on Mount Lee in Griffith Park, and the city of Los Angeles has spent decades trying to keep tourists from clogging up the quiet neighborhoods nearby.
If you want to actually see the thing without getting a parking ticket or wandering aimlessly, you need a plan.
The GPS Trap and Where the Sign Actually Is
Basically, the Hollywood Sign sits at coordinates 34°8′2.62″N 118°19′17.73″W. That doesn't help much when you're behind the wheel. Most people make the mistake of navigating to "Hollywood Sign," which often leads them to Beachwood Canyon. While the view from the bottom of Beachwood is iconic, the road eventually hits a gate. You can't drive to the letters. You can't even touch them.
The sign is protected by a razor-wire fence, motion sensors, and 24/7 surveillance by the LAPD. If you try to hop the fence, you’re not getting a cool photo; you’re getting a ride in a police cruiser.
Instead of searching for the sign itself, you should be looking for specific "access points" or "viewpoints." Depending on whether you want to hike, take a quick selfie, or see it from a distance while eating a taco, your destination changes completely.
The Lazy Man’s View: No Hiking Required
Not everyone wants to sweat through their shirt just for a photo. I get it. If you’re looking for the easiest way to see those nine white letters, here is the real deal.
Lake Hollywood Park (3160 Canyon Lake Dr)
This is the gold standard for a reason. It’s a big grassy field where dogs run around, and the sign looks absolutely massive right above you. You just park on the street (watch the signs!) and walk onto the grass. It’s head-on, unobstructed, and perfect for that "I'm in LA" photo.
Ovation Hollywood (Formerly Hollywood & Highland)
If you're already doing the Walk of Fame thing, head to the third-floor bridges at this shopping complex. They literally built the walkways to frame the sign. It’s far away, sure, but it’s free and you don't have to deal with mountain roads.
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Griffith Observatory (2800 E Observatory Rd)
This is the classic view. You get the sign to your right and the entire LA basin to your left. The downside? Parking is a nightmare. It costs about $10 an hour in 2026, and the lot fills up by 10:00 AM.
Pro Tip: Take the DASH Observatory bus from the Vermont/Sunset Metro station. It’s a couple of bucks and saves you the "I'm going to scream" feeling of looking for a parking spot for 45 minutes.
The Best Hiking Trails for Your Hollywood Sign Location Map
If you actually want to get behind the sign—and yes, you can stand on the ridge directly above the letters—you have to work for it. There are three main routes, and they vary wildly in difficulty.
1. The Easy Route: Mt. Hollywood Trail
This starts right at the Griffith Observatory parking lot. It’s about 5.3 miles round trip, but the elevation gain is pretty mellow. You aren't going to the Sign itself, but you’re getting a spectacular side-angle view. It’s great for people who want the "hiking in California" vibe without feeling like they’re in a survival movie.
2. The Direct Route: Brush Canyon Trail
Start at the end of Canyon Drive. There’s a small parking lot and plenty of street parking lower down. This trail is roughly 6 miles out-and-back. It’s a wide, dirt fire road. It’s dusty. It’s hot. There is zero shade. But it leads you directly to the back of the sign. You’ll eventually hit a paved road (Mt. Lee Drive) that takes you to the summit.
3. The "I Hate My Knees" Route: Cahuenga Peak
This is the rugged one. You start near Lake Hollywood Drive on the Wonder View Trail. It’s steep. It’s rocky. You’ll pass the "Wisdom Tree" (the only tree in the area that survived a 2007 fire). From there, you ridge-walk over to the back of the Hollywood Sign. It’s only about 3 miles, but it feels like ten.
What Most Maps Don't Tell You
The Hollywood Sign isn't lit up at night. Seriously. Since 1933, the lights have been off (except for a few very special occasions like the Millennium or the 100th anniversary). If you hike up there at 8:00 PM, you’re just going to see a dark hillside and maybe some coyotes.
Also, the "Hollywoodland" history is actually kinda wild. It was originally just a temporary real estate billboard built in 1923. It was supposed to stay up for 18 months. Instead, it became the symbol of a global industry. The "LAND" part was dropped in 1949 during a renovation because the sign had become such a wreck that the 'H' had actually fallen over.
Parking and Local Rules in 2026
The neighbors in Beachwood Canyon and the Hollywood Hills are tired. They’ve dealt with decades of people blocking their driveways. Because of this, the city is very aggressive with towing.
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- Check the Curb: Red means no. Green means limited time. No color? Read the sign anyway.
- Turn Your Wheels: It’s a law in California to turn your wheels toward the curb on hills. If you don't, you'll get a ticket.
- Don't Trust Waze: Navigation apps often try to send you through "secret" neighborhood gates that are actually closed to the public or restricted. Stick to the official park entrances like Canyon Drive or Vermont Avenue.
How to Plan Your Visit
If you really want to nail this, do it on a Tuesday morning. The marine layer (that thick morning fog) usually clears by 11:00 AM, giving you blue skies and a crisp view of the letters.
- Download an offline map. Cell service in the canyons is hit or miss.
- Bring more water than you think. People underestimate the LA sun every single day.
- Set your GPS to "Lake Hollywood Park" for the best "front" view.
- Set your GPS to "Canyon Drive" if you want to hike to the "back" view.
The view from the top of Mount Lee is one of the few things in LA that actually lives up to the hype. You can see the Pacific Ocean, the skyscrapers of Downtown, and the San Fernando Valley all at once. Just remember: stay on the trail, respect the locals, and don't expect the letters to be glowing when the sun goes down.
To get the most out of your trip, check the official Griffith Park website for any sudden trail closures due to fire risk before you head out. Once you're there, follow the brown signs marked "Griffith Park" instead of following a random trail that looks like a shortcut—it usually isn't.