66 Best Views and Observation Points in LA
Discover the best views in Los Angeles with our curated list of observation points! From the iconic Griffith Observatory to hidden gems like Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area and the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, find breathtaking panoramas of the city skyline, Hollywood Sign, and coastline. Perfect for photographers and view-seekers, explore these must-visit spots for unforgettable LA vistas.
See what's trending
We've done exactly what you would have done—spent hours scrolling through TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit to find the absolute best experiences. These 33 recommendations come from real travelers sharing their unfiltered takes, hidden gems, and insider secrets. No travel agency fluff, just the wisdom of people who've actually been there. This is how everyone really plans their trips these days.
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of the Los Angeles basin, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific Ocean from this iconic landmark. It's a must-visit for both day and night cityscapes.
Tip: Arrive before sunset to witness the city transition from day to night.
This sprawling park offers stunning views of the LA skyline, often framed by mountains in the background, making it a prime spot for photographers seeking that classic LA vista.
Tip: A telephoto lens is recommended for capturing the classic LA skyline with distant mountains.
Climb the stairs or drive up for a commanding 360-degree view of Los Angeles, stretching from the mountains to the ocean, especially impressive during golden hour.
Tip: The climb up the stairs offers a great workout with a rewarding view.
Located in Malibu, this natural preserve offers dramatic cliffside views of the coastline, the Pacific Ocean, and stunning sunsets that feel otherworldly.
Tip: Keep an eye out for sea lions lounging on the rocks below.
A popular spot for both fitness enthusiasts and view-seekers, these stairs lead to a fantastic panoramic vista of the city, especially on a clear day.
Tip: The stairs are a great workout with a rewarding view at the top.
Beyond its world-class art collection, The Getty Center boasts beautiful gardens and terraces offering expansive views of the city and the Pacific Ocean.
Tip: Entrance is free, but parking has a fee.
This charming park offers a recognizable view of the downtown LA skyline, often featured in commercials and known for its picturesque sunset backdrops.
Tip: The view towards downtown is particularly striking at sunset.
Situated in Elysian Park near Dodger Stadium, this viewpoint provides a unique perspective of the stadium in the foreground and the DTLA skyline beyond.
Tip: The road entrance may close around 9 PM, so plan accordingly.
A popular hiking spot offering diverse views, you can capture photos of both the ocean and the city skyline from various points within the park.
Tip: Offers views of both the ocean and the city from a single spot.
Get up close and personal with the iconic Hollywood Sign from this viewpoint, offering fantastic photo opportunities and sweeping views of the city below.
Tip: The gate to this area typically closes around 9 PM.
Ascend to the observation deck of City Hall for a free, impressive 360-degree view of downtown Los Angeles and its surrounding areas.
Tip: A great free option for experiencing the downtown skyline.
This urban oasis provides beautiful views of the downtown LA skyline and the surrounding natural landscape, offering a peaceful escape.
Tip: A serene spot to enjoy city views with a natural backdrop.
Head to the top floor of this parking garage for a surprisingly great view of the DTLA skyline, especially during sunset.
Tip: The top floor offers a fantastic, often overlooked, city view.
Stroll along this scenic park in Santa Monica for stunning coastal views, stretching from up and down the coast all the way to Catalina Island on clear days.
Tip: On a clear day, you can see all the way up and down the coast.
This historic Japanese-style estate offers incredible nighttime views of the Los Angeles cityscape, making it a romantic and memorable spot.
Tip: Enjoy the views with a meal, though it can be a bit pricey.
The top floor of the Academy Museum offers a fantastic panoramic view of the Hollywood Hills, providing a unique perspective on the area.
Tip: Combine your visit with exploring the museum's exhibits.
This area is known for its elevated vantage points offering classic Los Angeles city views, perfect for capturing iconic skyline shots.
Tip: Explore the small alleyways in this area for different perspectives.
Enjoy picturesque views of the downtown LA skyline reflected in the water of Echo Park Lake, especially beautiful with the surrounding greenery.
Tip: Rent a paddle boat for a unique perspective of the skyline.
Explore the various levels and plazas of The Music Center for interesting architectural views and glimpses of the surrounding downtown LA landscape.
Tip: Wander through the different areas for varied perspectives.
Take the historic Angel's Flight railway up to California Plaza for elevated views of downtown Los Angeles and its vibrant urban environment.
Tip: A short, scenic ride on Angel's Flight leads to the plaza.
This moderate hike leads to a beautiful waterfall, and the surrounding trails offer glimpses of the natural beauty and expansive views of the region.
Tip: A 3.5-mile round trip hike with some elevation gain.
The top level of The Grove's parking structure provides a surprisingly good 360-degree view encompassing the Hollywood Sign, Downtown, and Westwood.
Tip: Offers views towards the ocean direction as well.
This expansive cemetery offers surprisingly beautiful and serene views of the surrounding landscape and the distant city.
Tip: A peaceful place to enjoy panoramic vistas.
Similar to other memorial parks, Forest Lawn offers elevated viewpoints with impressive vistas of the city and surrounding hills.
Tip: Explore the grounds for various scenic outlooks.
Enjoy a drink at this popular rooftop bar for chic ambiance and excellent views of the downtown Los Angeles skyline.
Tip: A great spot for cocktails with a view.
This overlook provides a great vantage point for views of the Hollywood Bowl and the surrounding city, especially during events.
Tip: Offers a unique perspective of the iconic amphitheater.
Drive up to this high-elevation observatory for a distant but impressive view of the Los Angeles basin, especially on clear nights.
Tip: Offers a unique perspective from over 5,700 feet.
Wander along the charming Venice Canals for picturesque scenes of waterways, bridges, and unique architecture, offering a different kind of LA beauty.
Tip: A peaceful and photogenic area to explore.
Snap a photo with the iconic Venice Sign, a classic landmark marking the entrance to this eclectic beachside neighborhood.
Tip: A must-have photo for any Venice Beach visit.
While a hotel, its iconic pink facade and lush grounds make it a visually striking landmark and a popular spot for photos.
Tip: A classic LA photo spot known for its glamour.
This modern architectural marvel offers striking views of the downtown LA skyline, especially at night when the city lights twinkle.
Tip: Great for long exposure photography, especially at night.
Find a unique perspective of the downtown LA skyline through a specific window of bushes near the pond in this regional park.
Tip: Look for the specific 'window' of bushes for the framed view.
Various overpasses along the 110 freeway, particularly north of Chinatown, offer dynamic views of the southbound cityscapes, ideal for photography.
Tip: Great for long exposures, especially in the late afternoon sun.
The carpool lane transitioning from the 105 East to the 110 North provides an unexpectedly scenic drive-through view of the city lights at night.
Tip: Especially impressive when driving at night.
A 'secret' lookout spot that offers a classic LA view, often considered a rite of passage for locals and a great place for city gazing.
Tip: A well-known spot for its iconic city panorama.
Hike or drive to Mt. Lee for unobstructed views of the Hollywood Sign and a sweeping panorama of the Los Angeles basin.
Tip: Offers a different perspective than the main Hollywood Sign viewpoint.
Explore the open spaces and architectural elements of The Music Center Plaza for unique city views and a vibrant urban atmosphere.
Tip: A great place to wander and discover different city perspectives.
Located in a skyscraper, this restaurant offers high-altitude dining with spectacular panoramic views of Los Angeles.
Tip: Reservations are recommended for dining with a view.
This historic neighborhood offers elevated viewpoints with cool angles of the downtown skyline, reminiscent of views seen in media.
Tip: Explore the streets for different perspectives of the city.
The hills surrounding Silver Lake provide various vantage points with charming views of the city and the iconic reservoir.
Tip: Explore the residential streets for hidden viewpoints.
A local's perspective on a viewpoint, the southernmost part of Reseda offers a familiar and cherished view of the surrounding area.
Tip: A personal favorite viewpoint for some long-time residents.
Beyond the parking garage, The Row itself offers a trendy urban environment with potential for interesting city views from its various levels.
Tip: Explore the complex for different perspectives.
Located near where Caesar Chavez Blvd passes over the 10, this area offers views of the DTLA skyline, especially from elevated points.
Tip: Combine with exploring the vibrant cultural area.
Similar to The Grove, the top levels of this parking garage offer expansive views of the surrounding areas, including glimpses of the city.
Tip: A convenient spot for a quick city view while shopping.
The upper levels of The Grove's parking structure provide a 360-degree view that includes the Hollywood Sign and Downtown LA.
Tip: Offers views in multiple directions, including towards the ocean.
This scenic highway winds through the San Gabriel Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the LA basin and opportunities for stargazing.
Tip: Watch for rocks in the road and enjoy the elevated vistas.
This large urban park offers numerous viewpoints, including Angels Point, with great perspectives of the DTLA skyline and Dodger Stadium.
Tip: Explore different areas for varied city and stadium views.
While primarily a hotel and office building, its height offers impressive views of the surrounding Los Angeles cityscape.
Tip: Check for public access areas or restaurants with views.
Once the tallest building in LA, its observation deck provides unparalleled panoramic views of the entire city.
Tip: Offers a premium, though ticketed, viewing experience.
As one of LA's tallest rooftop bars, Spire 73 offers a sophisticated setting with incredible high-rise views of the city.
Tip: Enjoy a pricey drink for access to the stunning views.
Embark on a hike through the Hollywood Hills for various perspectives and close-up views of the iconic Hollywood Sign.
Tip: Several trails lead to different vantage points of the sign.
Explore the smaller alleyways in this area for unique and often less-crowded vantage points of the Los Angeles skyline.
Tip: Wander off the main streets for unexpected photo opportunities.
The Row DTLA offers more than just ground-level appeal; its upper levels and potential rooftop access provide interesting perspectives of the surrounding urban landscape.
Tip: Explore the different levels for varied city views.
A practical tip for a great view: head to the upper level of a Home Depot parking garage for a surprisingly good vantage point of the sunset and city.
Tip: A simple and accessible spot for a city view.
Known for its elevated position, Centennial Street offers classic, sweeping views of the downtown Los Angeles skyline, a favorite for photographers.
Tip: A well-regarded spot for capturing the DTLA panorama.
Beyond its shopping and dining, the architecture and layout of The Americana offer pleasant urban views, especially from its parking structures.
Tip: Check out the parking garages for elevated city perspectives.
While focused on ancient art, the villa's stunning architecture and clifftop location provide beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding coastline.
Tip: Offers a different coastal perspective than the Getty Center.
Though the observation deck is closed, the space has been re-imagined as a Mediterranean restaurant, potentially offering continued city views.
Tip: Check current status and offerings for dining with a view.
Enjoy classic California coastal views from the Malibu Pier, with the ocean stretching out before you and the coastline visible.
Tip: A quintessential Southern California beach experience.
This popular hiking trail offers diverse views, allowing you to capture both the ocean and the city skyline from various points.
Tip: Offers views of both the ocean and the city from a single spot.
While not a viewpoint itself, getting close to the Hollywood Sign via various trails offers iconic photo opportunities and surrounding city vistas.
Tip: Many trails lead to different perspectives of the sign.
This area is known for providing classic views of the downtown LA skyline, often with mountains in the background, especially with the right lens.
Tip: Best for capturing the 'LA + Mountains' photo with a telephoto lens.
Take the historic Angel's Flight railway up to California Plaza for elevated views of downtown Los Angeles and its vibrant urban environment.
Tip: A short, scenic ride on Angel's Flight leads to the plaza.
Enjoy a drink at this popular rooftop bar for chic ambiance and excellent views of the downtown Los Angeles skyline.
Tip: A great spot for cocktails with a view.
Drive up to this high-elevation observatory for a distant but impressive view of the Los Angeles basin, especially on clear nights.
Tip: Offers a unique perspective from over 5,700 feet.
The carpool lane transitioning from the 105 East to the 110 North provides an unexpectedly scenic drive-through view of the city lights at night.
Tip: Especially impressive when driving at night.