Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlooks, Los Angeles - aerial view of city buildings during daytime
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Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlooks

4.7
·628 reviews·Los Angeles, United States

Iconic LA drive with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, perfect for sunset and stargazing.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdHigh
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Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlooks, Los Angeles - aerial view of city buildings during daytime

Mulholland Drive Scenic Overlooks

Best Time

Sunset

Golden hour magic

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic LA drive with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, perfect for sunset and stargazing.

4.7
(628 reviews)

"The city stretches into the distance beneath you at this famous roadside viewpoint."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Plan Your Route

Mulholland is long & winding. Check for closures! Start at Cahuenga West for easy access.

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Prime time for views, but expect company. Weekday mornings are quieter.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jerome C. Daniel Overlook

Jerome C. Daniel Overlook

Above the Hollywood Bowl

Jaw-dropping views of the Hollywood Bowl, DTLA, and the Hollywood Hills. Perfect for photos!

Universal City Overlook

Universal City Overlook

7701 Mulholland Drive

Expansive vistas looking out towards the San Fernando Valley and Universal City. Great for sunset.

Nike Missile Control Site LA-96

Nike Missile Control Site LA-96

Western end of Mulholland

Offers amazing views, picnic benches, and bathrooms. A less crowded, scenic spot.

Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Sunset is prime time for those iconic LA views, but expect crowds. Weekday mornings or late evenings offer a more serene experience. Check for road closures due to landslides before you go, as sections can be unpredictable.Reddit

Navigating Mulholland

Mulholland Drive is a long, winding road. Plan your route, as parts can be closed due to landslides.Reddit Consider starting at Cahuenga West for a manageable drive with plenty of pull-offs.Reddit

Best Times

When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
High
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Peaceful city views
Crowd
Low
When
Late evenings
Why
Sparkling city lights
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Our favorite place for a picnic with a view 🌤️🌃 #whattodoinla #thelagirl #viewpoint #sunset #ValentinesDay
@whattodoinla
48.3K likes • 345.4K views

🚗 Plan Your Route

Mulholland is long & winding. Check for closures! Reddit Start at Cahuenga West for easy access. Reddit

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Prime time for views, but expect company. Weekday mornings are quieter. TikTok

6 Beautiful and Scenic Viewpoints and Overlooks in Los Angeles #losangeleslife #losangelescalifornia #socaladventures #scenicview
@livinlosangeles
20.3K likes • 432.2K views
High above the famous Hollywood Bowl amphitheater, the 📍Jerome C. Daniel Overlook offers a jaw-dropping view of not only the Bowl but also downtown Los Angeles (DTLA) and the beautiful Hollywood Hills...
myjourneys.la
0 likes • 1.1K views

🅿️ Parking Precautions

Parking at lookouts after dark can lead to tickets. Park in neighborhoods if visiting late. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Many overlooks have picnic tables. Pack a meal for a memorable experience! TikTokReddit

Enjoy the view! 🌇 The Jerome C. Daniel Overlook, situated at 7036 Mulholland Drive in Hollywood, is a popular scenic viewpoint offering expansive vistas of Los Angeles. Visitors can enjoy panoramic v...
amc1ife
0 likes • 732 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Plan Your Route

Mulholland is long & winding. Check for closures! Reddit Start at Cahuenga West for easy access. Reddit

🌅 Sunset Spectacle

Prime time for views, but expect company. Weekday mornings are quieter. TikTok

🅿️ Parking Precautions

Parking at lookouts after dark can lead to tickets. Park in neighborhoods if visiting late. Reddit

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Many overlooks have picnic tables. Pack a meal for a memorable experience! TikTokReddit

📸 Capture the City

Bring your camera! The panoramic views are incredible, especially at dusk. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.7
(628 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about the breathtaking panoramic views of Los Angeles, especially during sunset and at night when the city lights sparkle. The iconic status of Mulholland Drive, featured in films, adds to its allure. However, some find the drive itself challenging due to winding roads and can be frustrated by unexpected road closures or parking limitations.

"This viewpoint offers stunning views of the LA cityscape. There's relatively ample parking, and it's fun to explore the luxury homes hidden throughout. The road is winding, so caution is advised when driving. The Hollywood sign isn't visible."

Grateful Tears

"Its a "must see" amazing views. The drive to the scenic overlook was a great experience."

Rahul Ravishankar

"We didn’t have great weather so the view was a bit so and so. The views of Los Angeles from up there are rather nice, especially at sunset or night. The road was closed though, so we parked lower down and walked 100m. Feels pretty safe."

R

What People Like

Stunning city views
Iconic film location
Beautiful sunset vistas

What People Dislike

Winding, narrow roads
Road closures
Parking restrictions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Mulholland Drive is a scenic road through the Hollywood Hills. You can access it from various points, including Cahuenga Boulevard, Laurel Canyon, and Coldwater Canyon. Many visitors start at Cahuenga West and drive east for stunning views.Reddit Be aware that sections can close due to landslides, so always check local advisories before your trip.Reddit

For a classic LA experience, drive Mulholland Drive during sunset for breathtaking city lights and golden hour hues.TikTok Many travelers recommend stopping at various overlooks for photos and to soak in the scenery.TikTok If you're a David Lynch fan, the drive itself is iconic.Reddit

While some lookouts officially close at sunset, many are still accessible at night for incredible city light views.Reddit However, parking at these lookouts after dark is often prohibited and can result in tickets.Reddit It's advisable to park in nearby neighborhoods if you plan to stay late.

A popular starting point is right off Cahuenga Boulevard, which offers immediate pull-offs with good views.Reddit You can also access it via Coldwater Canyon or Laurel Canyon, which connect to Mulholland.Reddit

The drive spans a significant length. Popular sections include the area above the Hollywood Bowl (Jerome C. Daniel Overlook) Instagram and the Universal City Overlook.Reddit The western end near the Nike missile site also offers great views.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Mulholland Drive scenic overlooks are public access points and do not require tickets. They are free to visit and enjoy the views.TikTok

Most official overlooks are accessible during daylight hours. While some may technically close at sunset, many visitors report being able to access them at night for city light views.Reddit However, be mindful of parking restrictions after dark.Reddit

There is no entrance fee to drive along Mulholland Drive or to stop at its scenic overlooks. It's a public road and a free attraction for visitors.TikTok

You can drive Mulholland Drive at any time, but access to specific overlooks and parking availability can vary. For the best experience and to avoid parking tickets, visiting during daylight or early evening is recommended.Reddit

No passes or special permits are required to visit the Mulholland Drive scenic overlooks. It's a public road and a free attraction for everyone to enjoy.

📸 📸 Photography

The Jerome C. Daniel Overlook above the Hollywood Bowl offers iconic shots of the amphitheater and the city.Instagram The Universal City Overlook provides sweeping valley views,Reddit and the Nike missile site overlook is great for panoramic vistas.Reddit Sunset and twilight are magical for photography.TikTok

Sunset is incredibly popular for photography, offering the 'golden hour' light and the transition to city lights.TikTok Early mornings provide clear, crisp views with fewer crowds. Twilight, just after sunset, is also spectacular for capturing the illuminated cityscape.TikTok

No special permit is required for personal photography at the public overlooks on Mulholland Drive. However, if you plan on commercial photography or large-scale shoots, it's always best to check with local authorities for any potential regulations.

A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the expansive cityscapes.Instagram A telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on specific landmarks. A tripod is highly recommended for low-light photography, especially during sunset and at night.TikTok

Experiment with different angles to capture the vastness of the city. Consider including the winding road in your foreground for a sense of depth. Don't forget to capture the details, like the iconic Hollywood sign if visible from your vantage point.TikTok

🚇 🚗 Getting Around

The primary way to explore Mulholland Drive is by car. It's a scenic drive with numerous pull-offs and overlooks. Public transportation is not practical for navigating the entire length of the drive and accessing the overlooks.TikTok

Parking can be challenging, especially during peak sunset hours. There are designated pull-offs and small parking areas at some overlooks.Reddit Be aware that parking is often restricted after dark and can lead to tickets.Reddit

While you can technically bike or walk sections, it's not recommended for most visitors due to the winding roads, lack of sidewalks in many areas, and fast-moving traffic. It's best enjoyed by car.TikTok

Yes, Mulholland Drive is prone to closures due to landslides, particularly after heavy rain.Reddit It's crucial to check local traffic reports and Caltrans for any current road closures before you plan your visit, as sections can be impassable.Reddit

The drive can take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on how many stops you make and which sections you cover. Starting at Cahuenga West and driving east is a popular, manageable route.Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Mulholland Drive offers a fantastic opportunity for families to experience the grandeur of Los Angeles from above. The overlooks provide a chance for kids to see the vastness of the city and identify landmarks from a unique perspective. Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities can be limited at some spots. The Jerome C. Daniel Overlook is great for pointing out the Hollywood Bowl, and the Universal City Overlook can spark imagination about the nearby theme park.Reddit Remember to keep a close eye on children, as some overlooks have steep drop-offs. Visiting during daylight hours is generally safer and more manageable with younger children.

❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways

For a romantic outing, a drive along Mulholland Drive at sunset is hard to beat. Pack a picnic basket and find a quiet spot at one of the less crowded overlooks, like the Nike missile control site LA-96, for a memorable evening.Reddit The twinkling city lights create a magical ambiance, perfect for conversation and enjoying each other's company. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience. The drive itself, with its winding roads and stunning views, adds to the adventurous and romantic feel of the outing.

🎬 Film Buffs & David Lynch Fans

Mulholland Drive is a pilgrimage site for fans of David Lynch's iconic film of the same name. Driving the road evokes the mysterious and atmospheric essence of the movie. While the film doesn't pinpoint specific overlooks, the entire drive is imbued with its spirit.Reddit Many fans enjoy cruising the road at night, perhaps stopping at overlooks like the Universal City Overlook or the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook to soak in the moody, cinematic atmosphere that inspired the film.InstagramReddit Be mindful of parking restrictions if you plan to linger after dark.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Mulholland Drive Experience

Mulholland Drive is more than just a road; it's a symbol of Los Angeles glamour and a gateway to breathtaking vistas. This iconic stretch winds through the Santa Monica Mountains, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the sprawling city below. From the glitz of Hollywood to the vastness of the San Fernando Valley, the overlooks provide a unique perspective on the diverse landscape of LA.TikTok Many visitors come specifically to experience the drive that has been featured in countless films and television shows, adding a layer of cinematic nostalgia to the journey.Reddit

When planning your drive, it's essential to be aware of potential road closures. Landslides are a recurring issue, especially after significant rainfall, which can impact accessibility to certain sections.Reddit Checking local traffic updates before you go is highly recommended. For a classic experience, many suggest starting at the eastern end near Cahuenga Boulevard and heading west, allowing you to gradually discover the various scenic pull-offs and viewpoints.Reddit

Beyond the visual spectacle, Mulholland Drive offers opportunities for quiet contemplation and romantic moments. Several overlooks are equipped with picnic benches, making them perfect spots for a leisurely meal with a view.TikTokReddit Whether you're seeking a quick photo opportunity or a leisurely afternoon drive, Mulholland Drive promises a memorable encounter with the beauty of Los Angeles.

Best Overlooks for Sunset and City Lights

The magic of Mulholland Drive truly comes alive during sunset and into the evening. As the sun dips below the horizon, the city transforms into a glittering tapestry of lights, offering a spectacular display that draws photographers and sightseers alike.TikTok The Jerome C. Daniel Overlook, perched above the historic Hollywood Bowl, provides a stunning vantage point to capture both the iconic amphitheater and the distant downtown skyline.Instagram This spot is particularly popular for its sweeping views and is a favorite for those looking for that quintessential LA postcard shot.

Another must-visit for evening views is the Universal City Overlook. Located at 7701 Mulholland Drive, this viewpoint offers expansive vistas looking out towards the San Fernando Valley and the entertainment hub of Universal City.Reddit As darkness falls, the lights of the theme park and surrounding areas create a mesmerizing scene. For a more secluded experience, the Nike missile control site LA-96 at the western end of Mulholland Drive is a hidden gem, offering impressive views and picnic facilities, perfect for a more intimate sunset viewing.Reddit

It's important to note that while these overlooks are breathtaking at night, parking regulations can be strict. Many officially close after dark, and parking tickets have been issued for violations.Reddit Visitors planning to stay late should be aware of these restrictions and consider parking in nearby residential areas if necessary. Despite these considerations, the allure of the illuminated Los Angeles skyline from Mulholland Drive makes it an unforgettable experience.

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