9 of the Best Views in Los Angeles and Where To Find Them

One of the most popular Los Angeles viewpoints, Griffith Observatory offers vistas of the skyline, the sea, and the Hollywood Sign. But it's not just about city views here: Head inside the observatory’s planetarium to learn about the stars above. Entrance to the observatory is ticketed, but it's free to visit the grounds. If you'd prefer to visit with a guide, this LA landmark is also a staple on walking tours and movie location tours, thanks to its starring role in films such as La La Land.

Insider tip: Parking is a nightmare here (and it's paid parking only at the very top). You can join a guided hike to the observatory through Griffith Park, or consider taking a taxi or the DASH Observatory/Los Feliz bus.

For active travelers, Runyon Canyon Park offers some of the city’s best hiking with panoramic views. Trek its popular trails—there are three main routes that range from 1.6–3.3 miles (2.5–5.3 kilometers)—and enjoy some great views en route; you may even spot the Pacific Ocean on clear days. This is one of the most frequented hikes in the city and a prime people-watching destination. (Watch out for famous faces on the trails, too: it’s a celebrity favorite).

Insider tip: Surprise, surprise—parking is hard to come by here, as well. There's no lot, so you'll have to scour the streets for a spot.

Related: 7 of the Best Hikes In and Around Los Angeles

The Getty is not just a cultural landmark with an array of world-class art—it's also a 24-acre (9.7-hectare) campus with striking modern buildings and beautiful gardens. Architect Richard Meier designed the campus around its excellent vistas, and you’ll find some of the best views in Los Angeles from its hilltop location in Brentwood. Museum tours can help you navigate the vast collection, while the free Getty Center tram offers convenient travel and a scenic ride up the hill.

Insider tip: Entrance to the museum is free with a timed ticket, but parking is paid.

For a free Los Angeles observation deck, head to City Hall in Downtown Los Angeles to marvel at 360-degree views from the 27th floor. The observation deck is typically open to the public from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, but check for events at City Hall that the observation deck might be closed for. A popular stop for architecture fans, check out the building’s classic art deco design while you’re there.

Elysian Park is perhaps best known as the home of Dodger Stadium, but it's also a pretty underrated park in LA—one with a particularly solid view of the downtown skyline from a spot called Angel's Point. A short trail beyond the stadium parking lots brings you to this overlook, which has a cool view of the ballpark, too. While enough people know about Angel’s Point that it can't be considered a hidden viewpoint in Los Angeles, it's still usually fairly quiet and you won’t have to worry about running into big crowds.

Mulholland Drive, formerly called the Mulholland Highway, is a legendary road built with scenic views in mind, and there are overlooks and pull-offs all along its 21-mile (33-kilometer) stretch through the Santa Monica Mountains. If you want to see the best-of-the-best LA views in a single drive, this is it; the viewpoints provide a perfect snapshot of the city's diverse landscapes, from the urban sprawl to the snow-capped mountains, as well as the shimmering sea.

Insider tip: If you don’t have a car, join a city driving tour—almost all LA excursions, including popular celebrity home tours, cruise along Mulholland.

This might just be the most interesting park in Los Angeles: Barnsdall Art Park on LA's East Side is home to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, the Barnsdall Gallery Theatre, and the Barnsdall Art Center. Plus, it boasts some pretty spectacular views across to Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign. Keep an eye out for events in the park, from wine tastings to movie nights.

Did you know?: Hollyhock House was built for oil heiress Aline Barnsdall.

While it's true that most rooftop bars in Los Angeles have pretty good views, Broken Shaker boasts one of the best from atop the Freehand Los Angeles. This is the spot to take in sunset vistas of downtown LA, as you sit poolside among the palm trees with a cocktail in hand. It also has a menu of light bites and bar snacks. If you’re looking for dinner with a view, consider Perch—a 10-minute walk from Broken Shaker—which serves meals late into the night, plus has a patio with fire pits and live music daily.

Insider tip: Both bars accept reservations, so it’s best to book ahead if your schedule allows (though they also take walk-ins, if you're playing things by ear).

Kenneth Hahn has everything you want in a park: hiking trails, playgrounds, gardens, picnic areas, and scenic views. The park also provides a perfect outlook of the downtown skyline in front of the mountains, making it a photographer’s dream (when there's not too much haze, that is). For even more viewpoints, you can hike over to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook to see the famous Culver City Stairs via a pedestrian bridge.

Insider tip: Parking is free on weekdays, but not weekends.