Hollywood Sign
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (213) 469-8311
Editorial Review for Hollywood Sign – by Peter Geiberger
The Background
The 50-foot-tall sign was born in 1923 as an oversized ad for the new Hollywoodland housing development. The "land" suffix disappeared early on (it's unclear as to how), leaving the sign as it's recognized today. Once covered Vegas-style with 4,000 lightbulbs, the sign has stood for nearly eight decades, becoming one of the most cherished and endearing landmarks in America. In addition to at least three face-lifts, the sign has endured controversy (a disillusioned actress jumped to her death from atop the "H"), neglect (deteriorating and fallen letters) and vandalism (a pro-marijuana group altered the sign to "Hollyweed").
The Appeal
Nobody visits Los Angeles without snapping the Hollywood sign. While you can't physically reach the sign anymore because it's fenced off, a drive into the Hollywood Hills and a little patience behind the wheel will get you close enough to pose for the requisite snapshot.
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Insider Tips
Know Before You GoWant to get a nice view without having to schlep up to the sign? Go to the top level of the Hollywood and Highland Retail Center to snap some choice shots on a clear day.
User Reviews for Hollywood Sign
08/25/2002 Posted by boco244
3rd street promenade is fun - shopping at midnight appeals to people for some reason. The Pier and Venice should be seen, but to appeal to EVERYONE, not just art buffs (Getty) and nature lovers (Huntington), seeing THE SIGN is a requisite. The Hills are awesome to drive through, the houses eclectic, and views tremendous and in the end, seeing the sign is something worth traveling all the way to Los Angeles.
Pros: free, famous, fantastic
Cons: cannot touch it
08/20/2002 Posted by tvds21
There is no way to hike up to the front of the sign. The only way is to go walking up by the rear of Mt Lee. To do so, you have to drive to the end of Beachwood Drive. Once you get to the Hollywoodland entrance, keep going... The street will get narrow. You begin to feel that you are going the wrong way, but that´s the path... Reaching the end of the asphalt, you´re going to find a gate where you have to park. Beyond that it´s not private property, but it feels like it, since it´s all so quiet and the suspicion that someone is watching you... just keep on walking. You are going to hike around Mt Lee by this trail... Then you finally reach the top, where a fence protects the Sign, along with surveillance cameras... Very good view of LA and SF valley.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful
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