How To Get To Hollywood Sign By Car
The name “Hollywood” comes from the Spanish word for olive tree, which is why some say that the neighborhood was originally known as Olvera Village. It was not until the 1920s when famous movie stars would vacation here that it got its current moniker.
Getting into the Hollywood Hills via car can be tricky because of the narrow roads and steep inclines. There are however, several ways to get there if you know what routes to take!
This article will talk about some easy to access places in the hills and how to get to the iconic sign easily. If you want even more tips, check out our list of fun things to do in Los Angeles with kids. We have also done an article talking about all the cool sites in the area while exploring beyond just the Hollywood Hills.
Research your insurance policy
It’s important to make sure you have adequate coverage before trying to access the Hollywood sign from within California. Many people don’t realize that most car policies only cover you for damage or injury caused by another driver, not your own negligence.
In fact, some policies exclude coverage if you cause property damage yourself like when you run a red light and hit a parked vehicle. If this is the case, then clearly staying in our home state isn’t an ideal option.
Fortunately, there are ways to get professional level movie making equipment insured so that anyone can enjoy creating their next blockbuster. Here at The Movie Muse we offer both camera and sound equipment as well as cars and vans which meet the requirements of “mobile production vehicles.
Stay calm and be aware of your surroundings
While traveling to the Hollywood sign is not difficult, staying level-headed and alert for potential issues can sometimes make a big difference in how you experience the trip.
Anytime you are out in the world with nature as your backdrop, there is always a chance something unexpected will occur. You never know when a bear or other animal may decide to wander onto the road next to you, or if a large crowd could gather around outside, making it hard to exit the area.
Knowing what to do before, during and after the ride gives you more time to focus on having fun instead of being too stressed out.
Dress in layers
This is your safety net. A layer is one piece of clothing that you have with you at all times. You never know when or if you will be able to access dry clothes, so having a layer is important.
Many people start working early in the morning and then need to run out for an event or job around town, so being prepared is very helpful.
Sleeping bags are a great way to dress up your wardrobe. They are unique pieces that add some style to your collection! If you’re looking to level-up your layering game, try shopping online sites like Amazon to find ones that are budget friendly but stylish enough for frequent use.
We love buying new things, especially when it comes to fashion. But before you spend any money, make sure you have what you need first!
General rules: always carry an extra shirt (never too many!), dark pants, and shoes. Having these items in hand can help you feel more relaxed and ready to take on the world.
Bring sunglasses and a hat
The best way to see this iconic landmark is in early spring or late autumn, when there are no clouds in the sky. If you do not like warm weather, then these times of year are better because it is still winter!
In summer, even with shades and a cap, your face will probably be sunburned and wet from all the water that comes off the top of the sign. In fact, some people cannot see the famous white letters due to glare.
If you’re visiting at one of these two times of the year, make sure to bring along some form of protection - sunscreen, hat, and/or glasses. You should also know how much sunlight exposure is safe for your skin and if you should use an extra protective layer such as hats or gloves. Check out our tips here but remember, everyone has different levels of sensitivity so test before going in.
Plan your route to the sign
The best way to get to the Hollywood Sign is via the Highway 101 tunnel, which connects you directly to I-5. This makes for an easy trip as there is very little traffic in that area!
If you are coming from west of LA or north of Santa Monica, then take Sunset Boulevard instead. It’s much shorter but takes longer than taking 101 through the tunnel. Your destination will be just as beautiful regardless of which option you choose!
We recommend trying to leave early so you have time to make it to the studio entrance before the tour begins. You can also try to visit right around lunchtime since many people do not eat until 2PM.
Pick the right time to visit
The best way to get to the Hollywood sign is via the road route, however, you must know when to come! If you are visiting in winter or spring, then unfortunately, this trip will be canceled due to there being no clear views of the iconic landmark.
In summertime, the weather can pose a problem as well. Due to strong winds and heavy rain chances are high that you will not get to see the famous signage. This could also mean very few people at the park which would make it tough to take pictures.
If you do decide to travel during these times, make sure to bring an umbrella or other form of protection from the elements. Luckily for you, we have gathered some information about how to get to the Hollywood sign easily without taking too much effort.
Take your camera
While most people know that taking pictures of the Hollywood sign is totally allowed, some do not realize how expensive it can be. Taking professional quality photos typically costs at least $100 per photo if you are buying new equipment.
If you would like to take more than just casual photos of the famous landmark though, then investing in good photography equipment is necessary. There are many budget friendly options for capturing beautiful images, but nothing compares to owning at least one decent sized DSLR.
These cameras have an internal flash which helps eliminate having to use additional photogenic light sources or using off-the-shelf picture editing software to create natural looking lighting.
Cost of tickets to visit the Hollywood Sign
Visiting the Hollywood sign is not free! The cost for a tour varies depending on how you want to experience it. Some offer early entry or entrance times, while others charge per car.
Most tours will have you enter at least an hour before opening so that people can arrive and join your tour later if they’d like. This way, you get to spend more time with everyone including taking breaks together.
Some give you access to the fully-functioning part of the site earlier in order to take pictures or do some exploring before letting the general public in. This helps you both enjoy the trip more since you’re not waiting around for other people.