Lake Hollywood Park

Situated just below Mount Lee and the iconic Hollywood Sign, Lake Hollywood Park features a playground, a picnic area, and a large grassy area that is popular among local dog owners. While you will often find dogs playing off-leash, you are technically required to have your dog on a leash, otherwise you risk getting slapped with a hefty fine. This is the perfect place to snap a picture of the Hollywood Sign, a landmark that has been around since 1923. It didn’t always say “Hollywood,” however; when the sign was originally erected it said “Hollywoodland” and was part of a real estate campaign. Over time the sign became neglected, and in the early 1970s several of the letters were damaged or fell down Mount Lee. In 1978 several celebrities sponsored individual letters and the sign was rebuilt. It continues to undergo restoration as needed to this day.   

Lake Hollywood Park overlooks Lake Hollywood, also known as Hollywood Reservoir, an active water reservoir that is surrounded by a chain-link fence and bordered by a 3.3-mile paved loop. It was constructed in 1924 and filled with water to be used by Los Angeles in case of emergency. It has the capacity to hold 2.5 billion gallons of water at a maximum depth of over 180 feet. 

Unlike many of the nearby hiking trails, Lake Hollywood Park grants you a view of the Hollywood Sign from below. It is an excellent place to take a picnic lunch and socialize with the local dog owners while you admire the renowned landmark.