The best way to see the Hollywood sign (no hiking)?

Question

We are going to rent a car for a day and see some sights and spots in LA. Originally we planned to drive to Griffith Observatory to see the Hollywood Sign (and see the view generally) but due to timetable we will do it next time.

So other than that which would be easiest (and maybe fastest) way to see the Hollywood Sign? We are planning to drive to BH and Hollywood during the day/early afternoon so it would be easy to drive to some location to see it while there. I read that Hollywood Bowl Overlook is closed now, is it? How about Hollywood Lake Park? Thanks already beforehand for the tips.

And then how long does it take to drive from Hollywood to Malibu? Saturday is the day. Approximately.

Thanks!

Answer

If you are not planning to hike but still want a clear and reliable view of the Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles has several easy drive-up options. Because you’ll be in Beverly Hills and Hollywood during the day, it’s very convenient to add one or two of these viewpoints with minimal detouring. Some overlooks are temporarily restricted, but there are still excellent alternatives.

Below are the easiest, quickest, and most visitor-friendly places to view the Hollywood Sign without hiking:

Lake Hollywood Park – The best no-hike viewpoint. You park along the residential road and walk just a few steps to a grassy park with a great close-up view. It’s almost always open, safe, and simple. Weekends can be busy but manageable. This is the classic “easy option.”
Hollywood & Highland / Ovation Hollywood Mall – If you’re already in Hollywood, go to Level 3 or 4 of the complex. The terraces have excellent framed views of the sign. This is the easiest of all because you park in a huge garage and walk a few steps. Great if you want a quick stop.
Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlooks (open segments) – Some pullouts along Mulholland remain accessible even if the Hollywood Bowl Overlook section is closed. These stops give beautiful panoramic views of both the city and the sign. Just follow signs for “Scenic Overlook” on Mulholland after you drive above Universal City.
Beachwood Canyon (no access to the old trailhead, but still great angles) – You can drive up toward Beachwood Canyon and find several spots with excellent street-view angles of the sign. Stay respectful—this is a residential neighborhood—park only where allowed.
Barnsdall Art Park (when open) – A lesser-known viewpoint with a straight-on angle of the sign. Parking is simple, and the hill is easy to walk around. Not as close as Lake Hollywood Park but still a convenient no-hike stop.

A few notes on the places you asked about specifically:

Hollywood Bowl Overlook – It temporarily closes at times for safety or traffic conditions and sometimes during events. If your trip is soon, assume it may be closed and don’t rely on it.
Lake Hollywood Park – Yes, this remains one of the most dependable viewpoints. No hiking required, easy to reach by car, though narrow streets require slow driving.

Regarding your second question—driving from Hollywood to Malibu on a Saturday—the timing can vary a lot based on events, beach traffic, and weather. But here are realistic, practical estimates:

To Malibu (Malibu Pier or central Malibu): 45–75 minutes. Expect closer to an hour on a Saturday afternoon.
To eastern Malibu (Topanga / Las Flores): 35–55 minutes.
To Malibu via Sunset Blvd (scenic option): 45–70 minutes. Traffic is slower but pretty—this is the nicest route if you're not in a rush.
To Malibu via the 10 → PCH (fastest option): About 40–60 minutes depending on beach traffic near Santa Monica.

For the smoothest trip, try leaving Hollywood for Malibu earlier in the day (around 11am–12pm). Later afternoon traffic along the coast, especially on warm weekends, often slows significantly.

The best way to see the Hollywood sign (no hiking)?

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