Seeing the Hollywood sign based on our itinerary

Question

Hello - I'd like some input on the best time to view the Hollywood sign based on our itinerary. My daughter just wants to see it - no hiking or anything like that.

We arrive at LAX around 2 pm and will pick up our rental car. We then have a drive to Exeter.

At the end of our trip we'll be driving down the coast from SF back to LA over a couple of days. I'm not sure exactly where we'll be staying the night before we fly out but we'll need to be at LAX by noon.

Would it be better to try and see the sign on the day we arrive before we leave the area for Exeter or to fit it in on the day we get back into LA at the end of our trip?

Thanks!

Answer

Since your daughter just wants to see the Hollywood sign without hiking, the timing of your visit should prioritize convenience, traffic conditions, and ensuring you have enough daylight for clear views and photos. Both arrival and departure days have pros and cons.

Option 1: Seeing the Sign on Arrival Day

You arrive at LAX around 2 pm, pick up your rental car, and then plan to drive to Exeter. This makes the timing tight for a Hollywood sign visit because:

Traffic from LAX to Hollywood can be heavy in the mid-afternoon.
You’ll likely be pressed for time to make the long drive to Exeter before dark.
Sunlight will still be good for photos in the afternoon, but stress and fatigue from travel might make this less enjoyable.

This option is doable if you are prepared for a brief stop and don’t mind cutting your drive short or leaving slightly later for Exeter, but it may feel rushed.

Option 2: Seeing the Sign on the Return to LA

On your way back from the coast to LA, you have more flexibility with timing. Some advantages include:

You can plan to stay in or near Hollywood or Griffith Park the night before your flight, making it easy to stop for photos without a long detour.
Traffic is generally lighter if you arrive in LA outside of rush hour (aim for late morning or early afternoon stops for sightseeing).
It’s more relaxed—no pressure to start a long drive immediately after seeing the sign.

For a simple view without hiking, consider these accessible options:

Griffith Observatory or Griffith Park Drive: Offers a classic view of the sign from a distance with parking nearby.
Lake Hollywood Park: A safe, flat area where you can get close enough for good photos without a strenuous hike.
Hollywood & Highland Center: Some views from the plaza, though the sign is farther away.

Recommendation

Given your itinerary, it’s generally better to see the Hollywood sign on your return trip to LA rather than on arrival. This allows you to enjoy the view without feeling rushed, avoids peak traffic immediately after landing, and gives you the flexibility to stop briefly at iconic viewpoints. You can incorporate it into your last day or the day before your flight, then head to LAX in the morning with plenty of time for your noon departure.

Seeing the Hollywood sign based on our itinerary

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