The Top 3 Must-See Scenic Spots in Los Angeles: Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and Santa Monica Pier

Los Angeles captures the imagination like few cities can, blending sun-soaked beaches with mountain vistas and world-famous landmarks that have shaped popular culture for decades. Among the countless attractions scattered across this sprawling metropolis, three destinations stand out as essential experiences that showcase LA's diverse character. The iconic Hollywood Sign represents the entertainment capital's glamorous history and enduring appeal, while Griffith Observatory offers both scientific wonder and breathtaking panoramic views of the entire basin below. Santa Monica Pier brings together vintage Americana with Pacific Ocean beauty, creating a perfect finale to any LA adventure. These three spots don't just offer great photo opportunities – they tell the story of Los Angeles itself, from its rise as the entertainment capital of the world to its position as a cultural melting pot where dreams and reality intersect against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty.

Hollywood Sign

The nine white letters perched on Mount Lee have welcomed visitors and dreamers to Los Angeles since 1923, originally spelling "Hollywoodland" as an advertisement for a housing development. Today, this 45-foot-tall monument serves as the ultimate symbol of the entertainment industry and American ambition.

Getting the perfect view requires some planning, as you cannot actually hike directly to the sign due to security restrictions and protected habitat areas. The Hollywood Sign Viewpoint on Canyon Lake Drive offers the most accessible option, providing clear sightlines without requiring significant physical effort. For those seeking a more rewarding experience, the hike to the Hollywood Sign via the Mount Hollywood Trail delivers spectacular results after a moderate 3-mile trek that gains about 1,000 feet in elevation.

The trailhead begins at the Griffith Observatory parking area, making it easy to combine both attractions in a single visit. Start early in the morning, ideally before 8 AM, to avoid crowds and secure parking. The trail winds through chaparral-covered hillsides, offering increasingly dramatic views of the sign and city below. Bring plenty of water, wear sturdy shoes, and allow 2-3 hours for the round trip.

Photography enthusiasts should consider the lighting carefully – morning provides the best illumination on the sign's face, while golden hour creates stunning atmospheric shots with the letters silhouetted against colorful skies. The nearby Lake Hollywood Reservoir area offers another excellent vantage point that's particularly popular with locals, providing a more intimate setting with the sign reflected in the water during calm conditions.

For those interested in the sign's cultural significance, it has appeared in countless films and represents both the promise and the mythology of Hollywood. The letters have been rebuilt several times, most recently in 1978 through donations from celebrities including Hugh Hefner and Alice Cooper. Each letter weighs approximately 480 pounds and stands 45 feet tall, constructed from steel and concrete for durability against the elements and occasional vandalism attempts.

The area around the sign supports diverse wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and various bird species, making the hike educational as well as scenic. Rangers occasionally offer guided walks that provide deeper insights into both the natural environment and the sign's history. Check the LA Parks and Recreation website for current schedules and any trail closures due to fire danger or maintenance work.

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends, so consider using public transportation or rideshare services to reach the various viewpoints. The Metro Red Line stops at Hollywood/Highland, from where you can catch a bus or continue on foot to several viewing locations.

Griffith Observatory

Perched majestically on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory combines stunning Art Deco architecture with world-class astronomical education and some of the most spectacular views in Los Angeles. Since opening in 1935, this beloved institution has welcomed millions of visitors seeking to explore both the cosmos and the cityscape below.

The observatory's copper-domed structure creates an unmistakable silhouette against the Hollywood Hills, particularly striking when illuminated at night. Inside, the building houses three main telescope domes, a planetarium theater, and extensive exhibits covering space science and astronomy. The Zeiss Telescope in the east dome offers free public viewing sessions every clear night, allowing visitors to observe planets, stars, and other celestial objects through a professional-grade instrument.

Planning your visit requires considering both daytime and nighttime attractions. The building opens Tuesday through Friday at noon and weekends at 10 AM, remaining open until 10 PM most days. Arrive early for weekend visits, as parking fills quickly and the observatory's popularity means crowds throughout the day. The parking is free but limited, so many visitors opt to hike up from the base of Mount Hollywood Drive or use rideshare services.

The Samuel Oschin Planetarium presents multiple shows daily, with tickets costing around $7 for adults. Popular programs include "Centered in the Universe" and seasonal shows highlighting current astronomical events. Purchase tickets immediately upon arrival, as shows frequently sell out, especially during peak tourist seasons and school holidays.

Outside, the observatory's grounds provide multiple terraces and viewing areas offering 360-degree vistas of Los Angeles. The front lawn presents the classic view toward downtown LA's skyline, while the west side provides perfect sightlines to the Hollywood Sign. Sunset visits are particularly magical, as the city lights begin twinkling below while the observatory's architecture glows in the fading daylight.

The hiking trails surrounding the observatory connect to the larger Griffith Park trail system, including routes to Mount Hollywood's summit and the Hollywood Sign viewpoint. The Observatory Trail provides a moderate 1.5-mile loop with interpretive signs explaining local flora and fauna. More ambitious hikers can continue to Mount Hollywood's peak for even more dramatic panoramic views.

Photography opportunities abound both inside and outside the observatory. The building's exterior features classic Art Deco details, while the interior halls showcase beautiful murals and vintage scientific instruments. The terraces offer ideal positions for cityscape photography, particularly during the blue hour when both the sky and city lights create balanced exposure conditions.

Educational programs extend beyond the planetarium shows, with regular lectures, telescope-making workshops, and special events tied to astronomical phenomena like eclipses or meteor showers. The observatory's gift shop stocks high-quality books, star charts, and unique souvenirs related to astronomy and Los Angeles history.

Free WiFi throughout the facility allows visitors to enhance their experience with astronomy apps or share their spectacular photos immediately. The observatory also maintains an excellent website with current sky conditions, upcoming events, and detailed information about exhibits and shows.

Santa Monica Pier

Where Route 66 meets the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Pier represents the quintessential California beach experience, blending nostalgic Americana with modern entertainment and stunning coastal scenery. This historic landmark, extending 1,600 feet into the Pacific, has been welcoming visitors since 1909 and continues to embody the laid-back yet vibrant spirit of Southern California.

The pier's most recognizable feature, the Pacific Wheel, stands 85 feet tall and offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the coastline, Santa Monica Mountains, and downtown Los Angeles skyline on clear days. This solar-powered Ferris wheel creates spectacular light shows after dark, with over 160,000 LED lights creating colorful patterns visible for miles. Rides cost approximately $10 for adults, with combo packages available for multiple attractions.

Pacific Pier, the compact amusement park at the end of the pier, houses the historic carousel that inspired the song "Palisades Park." Hand-carved horses on this 1922 Looff Hippodrome still delight children and adults alike, while the roller coaster provides thrills with ocean views. Game booths line the midway, offering classic carnival games where skilled players can win oversized stuffed animals and quirky prizes.

The pier's dining options range from casual snack bars serving funnel cakes and corn dogs to upscale restaurants with oceanfront patios. Rusty's Surf Ranch provides classic American fare with stunning sunset views, while the various food trucks and vendors offer everything from fresh seafood to international cuisine. The legendary Forrest Gump Bubba Gump Shrimp Company occupies prime real estate with panoramic ocean vistas.

Fishing from the pier remains popular year-round, with rental equipment available and no fishing license required. Seasonal variations bring different species within reach – summer months typically yield mackerel and bass, while winter fishing often produces larger catches including halibut and occasionally yellowtail. Bait shops on the pier provide everything needed for a successful fishing excursion.

The beach adjacent to the pier stretches for miles in both directions, offering opportunities for swimming, volleyball, and people-watching. The Original Muscle Beach, located just south of the pier, continues its tradition as an outdoor gym where bodybuilders and gymnasts perform impressive feats of strength and agility. Equipment is available for public use, maintaining the democratic spirit that made this area famous worldwide.

Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place shopping center sit just blocks inland from the pier, making it easy to combine beach activities with shopping and dining. The Santa Monica Metro Expo Line terminus provides excellent public transportation connections, eliminating parking concerns during busy periods.

Timing visits around sunset creates magical experiences, as the pier's lights reflect off the water while the sky transforms through brilliant colors. Summer evenings often feature live concerts and special events on the pier, while winter visits offer a more peaceful atmosphere with dramatic storm-watching opportunities.

The pier serves as an excellent base for exploring Santa Monica's broader attractions, including the Santa Monica State Beach bike path that extends to Manhattan Beach and beyond. Bike rentals are readily available, allowing visitors to experience the full scope of Los Angeles' coastal beauty while enjoying the fresh ocean breeze and endless entertainment possibilities that make Santa Monica Pier an essential Los Angeles destination.