Los Angeles: Hollywood Sign Walking Tour & Griffith Park Views

Summary

Walk to the Hollywood Sign for city views, stories and easy laughs

You’ll walk an easy trail through Griffith Park with a local guide, hear quirky stories about the Hollywood Sign’s past, snap photos from secret angles, and catch those famous Los Angeles views stretching all the way to Santa Monica. Expect casual conversation, unexpected quiet moments above the city, and tips you won’t find in any brochure.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the meeting spot because I was distracted by a guy in neon yellow waving at a squirrel—turned out that was our guide, Carlos. He grinned and handed out sunscreen like it was gold dust. I’d expected crowds and chaos, but stepping onto the trail in Griffith Park, it felt weirdly quiet except for someone’s dog barking in the distance and the crunch of gravel under our shoes. The city below looked hazy, almost unreal, like you could just reach down and scoop up a handful of LA if you wanted.

Carlos kept tossing out bits of trivia about the Hollywood Sign—how it used to say “Hollywoodland,” which I never knew—and pointed out Lake Hollywood peeking through the trees. There was this one moment when we rounded a bend and bam, there it was: the sign, huge and white against the blue sky. Everyone went silent for a second. Then some kid asked if any celebrities ever climbed up there (Carlos just laughed). The walk itself is pretty flat—my friend wore sandals (don’t do that)—and we stopped every so often for photos or just to catch our breath. The air smelled faintly dusty, with wildflowers somewhere nearby.

Honestly, I think my favorite part wasn’t even the view or getting close to the sign—it was just hanging back for a minute while everyone lined up for their perfect shot, feeling how big LA is from up here. Carlos gave us tips on where to eat after (“Skip the tourist traps,” he said), and I still have his list scribbled on a napkin. We finished up with people trading phones for group pics—someone tried to teach me how to pose “like an influencer” but I’m hopeless at that stuff.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hollywood Sign Walking Tour Highlights

• Start easy walk to Hollywood Sign
• View Hollywood Sign up close
• See Downtown Los Angeles skyline
• View Lake Hollywood Park
• Walk through Griffith Park
• See Griffith Observatory views
• View Hollywood Reservoir
• Enjoy sweeping views to Pacific Ocean
• Stroll Santa Monica Mountains path
• See sunny Santa Monica coastline
• View Beverly Hills neighborhood

Top questions

How long is the Hollywood Sign walking tour?

The tour lasts about 90 minutes along an easy 1.8-mile (2.9 km) trail.

Is this Hollywood Sign tour suitable for kids or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can join in strollers or carriers; children under 2 are free.

Where does the walking tour start?

You meet your guide outside by the long white gate at the trailhead near Griffith Park.

Is there free parking available for this tour?

Yes, free street parking is available—just follow posted signs carefully.

What should I bring on this day trip to the Hollywood Sign?

You’ll need closed-toe shoes, water (at least 24 oz), camera or phone, and maybe some layers if it’s chilly.

Are pets allowed on this Hollywood Sign walking tour?

Service animals are allowed on this walk through Griffith Park.

Do I need to be fit for this LA sightseeing tour?

The walk is mostly flat and considered easy; suitable for all fitness levels in good health.

What’s included

Your day includes a narrated 90-minute walk led by a CPR-certified local guide (look for that neon vest), plenty of photo stops—including help with TikTok or Instagram shots if you want—free street parking nearby (just double-check those signs), plus expert advice on what else to do in LA before or after your walk.