Discover LA’s Best Views: A Journey Through the City’s Most Spectacular Vistas
Los Angeles is a city of endless panoramas and Instagrammable views. From rugged natural landscapes to glitzy urban skylines, LA offers countless vantage points to take in the city’s beauty. For those looking to explore LA’s scenic sights, here are 11 of the best views that capture the essence of this vibrant metropolis.
Kick off your journey at the top of LA’s civic centerpiece, City Hall. Take the elevator to the observation deck for a 360° view of downtown’s sleek skyscrapers juxtaposed against the sprawl of the city. The sight of endless urbanity in every direction is a perfect introduction to Los Angeles’ sheer scale.
Trade skyscrapers for nature’s wonders at Griffith Park. Make your way to the Griffith Observatory where you can gaze upon iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign and on clear days, even the Pacific Ocean glistening in the distance. With hiking trails and driving routes, Griffith Park is the ultimate urban oasis.
For more dazzling cityscapes, head to The Getty Center in the Santa Monica Mountains. Designed by architect Richard Meier, the white metal pavilions house amazing art and architecture. Outside, gardens overflow with vivid floral arrangements. And the views of the skyline, all the way to the ocean’s horizon, are simply stunning.
No LA scenic tour is complete without seeing the world-famous Hollywood Sign. While Runyon Canyon offers many vantage points, the lush park itself is worth exploring. Wind your way through trails leading to picture-perfect views of the sign and the Sunset Strip.
Work your way up the Culver City Stairs to reach the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook for more sweeping vistas of the LA basin. From mountains to sea, the panoramic views depict the diversity of the city’s sun-drenched landscapes.
Trade hills for surf at the Santa Monica Pier, where the Ferris wheel lights up at sunset against a backdrop of deep blue. Snap photos on the beach with the iconic pier pilings in frame, evoking the essence of LA’s laidback coastal culture.
In contrast to the beaches, Echo Park Lake offers a tranquil downtown oasis. Take in the small island, fountain, and paddle boats, all set before Downtown LA’s imposing skyscrapers. It’s the ultimate juxtaposition of city and nature.
For pure natural splendor, Topanga State Park showcases 60,000 acres of unspoiled coastal terrain. With the right trailhead, take in sweeping views of the rugged Santa Monicas sweeping down to the Pacific.
Further south, Palos Verdes Peninsula impresses with dramatic cliffs and secluded coves. Take in the natural beauty contrasted with urban views across the ports of LA and Long Beach.
No LA tour is complete without experiencing an iconic concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Before the show, take in stunning views of the amphitheater and classic Hollywood Sign from the overlook above.
Looking for more hidden gems? Discover Lake Hollywood with its serene reservoir and unobstructed views of the Hollywood Sign without the crowds. It’s a favorite spot for photographers at sunrise or sunset.
Finish your tour with amazing night views of the Downtown LA skyline glittering after dark. Head to Elysian Park’s Angels Point for a breathtaking perspective of Dodger Stadium nestled amid the ever-changing cityscape.
With endless diversity, Los Angeles impresses at every turn. Discover epic sunsets, urban jungles, beaches, and natural wonders as you journey through LA’s iconic views and make picture-perfect memories. Let these spectacular vistas inspire your own explorations of this dynamic city.
TL:DR
Los Angeles is a city of endless panoramas and Instagrammable views. From rugged natural landscapes to glitzy urban skylines, LA offers countless vantage points to take in the city’s beauty. For those looking to explore LA’s scenic sights, here are 11 of the best views that capture the essence of this vibrant metropolis:
- Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck
360° views of downtown’s sleek skyscrapers and urban sprawl from the civic centerpiece. Located at 200 N Spring St, accessible via the lobby.
- Griffith Observatory, Griffith Park
Iconic views of the Hollywood Sign, cityscape, and on clear days, the Pacific Ocean. Located at 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, accessible via trails or car.
- The Getty Center, Santa Monica Mountains
Sweeping cityscapes with gardens and architecture designed by Richard Meier. Located at 1200 Getty Center Dr, reachable by tram from the parking area.
- Runyon Canyon Park, Hollywood
Trails leading to views of the Hollywood Sign, cityscape, and Sunset Strip. Main entrance at 2000 N Fuller Ave in the heart of Hollywood.
- Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, Culver City
Panoramic views from the mountains to the sea after climbing the Culver City Stairs. Located at 6300 Hetzler Rd.
- Santa Monica Pier
Sunset views of the pier pilings, Ferris wheel, and Pacific coastline. Located at the end of Colorado Ave in Santa Monica.
- Echo Park Lake
Downtown LA skyscrapers contrasted with the tranquil lake and nature. Situated at 751 Echo Park Ave.
- Topanga State Park
60,000 acres of unspoiled coastal terrain in the Santa Monicas sweeping to the Pacific. Accessed from Topanga Canyon Blvd.
- Palos Verdes Peninsula
Rugged cliffs and secluded coves with views across LA and Long Beach harbors. Explored via Palos Verdes Dr.
- Hollywood Bowl Overlook
Views of the amphitheater and Hollywood Sign. Located at 7036 Mulholland Dr, above the Hollywood Bowl.
- Lake Hollywood
Serene reservoir with unobstructed views of the Hollywood Sign. Accessed via Lake Hollywood Dr.
- Angels Point, Elysian Park
Night views of the Downtown LA skyline and Dodgers Stadium. Located at Angels Point Rd in Elysian Park.