Best Views in Los Angeles — Scenic Viewpoints You Cannot Miss

Griffith Observatory and the Griffith Park trails

The Griffith J. Griffith Observatory (1935) is the landmark building on the south slope of Mount Hollywood, with the clearest and most accessible view of the Hollywood Sign. The Hollywood Sign itself is best viewed from the Cedar Grove picnic area (0.5km south of the observatory) and from the Mt. Hollywood trail (5km round trip to the summit, the sign is directly in front of you). The Griffith Park Observatory trail is the most popular hike in LA: 2.5km to the summit, rewarded with views of the entire LA basin from Malibu to Downtown.

Mulholland Drive: the 34km scenic road

Mulholland Drive (34km from the Valley to the ocean) is the iconic Los Angeles road: the mountain ridge road that gives you the view of the entire city. The key stops: Mulholland Drive overlook at Laurel Canyon (the city panorama), Cedar Springs (the view from the other side of the ridge), and Franklin Canyon (the trailhead for the Rocky stairs). Drive east to west (from the Valley to the ocean) for the best views. Avoid at night: the road is narrow and the curves are sharp.

Malibu and Point Dume

Point Dume State Beach (Malibu) is a 190-foot promontory with views in three directions: Santa Monica Bay, the Pacific, and the Malibu coastline. The Point Dume trail (2km loop) goes to the cliff top. The beach below is one of the best in Malibu for swimming. Zuma Beach (adjacent) is the widest and most popular. TheRV resort at Point Dume: a famous location from multiple Hollywood films. Sunset here is the Malibu essential experience.

El Matador Beach and the PCH coves

El Matador Beach (Malibu, off PCH at Las Flores Canyon Road) is the most dramatic beach in Los Angeles: sea stacks, caves, and rock arches on a 300-meter beach. Access is via a steep staircase, which keeps it less crowded than the other Malibu beaches. The PCH driving route from Santa Monica to Malibu (30km, one hour with stops) is the classic LA coastal drive. The key stops: Malibu Farm (lunch), Corner Camera (the most photographed spot on PCH), and Zuma Beach (afternoon).

Echo Park Lake (free)

Echo Park Lake (10 acres, free, 24 hours) is the most centrally located green space in Los Angeles and one of the most beloved by locals. The lotus flowers in summer (June–September) are the main attraction — the pink blooms cover the lake surface. The pedalo boats (S$12/hour) give you the closest view of the lotus and the skyline. The Red Paddle café on the south shore has coffee and the best view of downtown LA from the water. Combined with dinner in Echo Park at Ta-eung (Korean) or Wooden Spoon (Thai).