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Hollywood Reservoir

Hollywood Reservoir, Los Angeles: Address, Phone Number, Hollywood Reservoir Reviews: 4.5/5

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Hollywood Reservoir

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Hollywood Reservoir
4.5
32
#121 of 778 things to do in Los Angeles
Bodies of Water • Hiking Trails
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Great place to go hiking on any of the several scenic trails that surround the lake.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Central L.A
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,578 within 3 miles
The Backyard
3
0.4 miGrill
Christina of Sweet Greek
4
0.4 miDine With a Local Chef • Mediterranean • Greek
Beachwood Cafe
137
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Vegetarian Friendly
Solar de Cahuenga
99
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cafe • Argentinean
Kettle Glazed Doughnuts
73
0.8 mi$ • Bakeries • American
Spice Restaurant
65
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American
Magic Castle
402
1 mi$$$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Thai Pepper Restaurant
76
0.8 mi$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
Shintaro
114
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
Musso & Frank Grill
1,257
1 mi$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
422 within 6 miles
Ford Theatres
17
0.2 miTheaters
Hollywood Bowl Museum
1,397
0.5 miSpeciality Museums
Hollywood Bowl Overlook
378
0.7 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Griffith Observatory
20,428
1.8 miObservatories & Planetariums
Hollywood Bowl
114
0.5 miConvention Centers
Pantages Theatre
1,054
1 miTheaters
Lake Hollywood Park
403
0.9 miParks
Universal Studios Hollywood
36,800
2.1 miAmusement & Theme Parks
Runyon Canyon Park
1,227
1.2 miCanyons • Parks
The Hollywood Sculpture Garden
1
0.4 miArt Galleries • Gardens
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
32 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
14
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Manasvi K
Moorhead, Minnesota, United States62 contributions
Best view of Hollywood Sign!
Definitely go hiking here to get the closest and clearest view of the Hollywood sign. You can either go around the reservoir or go uphill (I went uphill). The path starts off quiet lonely with not enough traffic and rails, separating view of the reservoir, but as you start ascending the hill, the view is worth it. You reach a gate and have to take right on Lake Tahoe Dr and then left uphill following the Hollywood sign. You will eventually reach a dirt road but you keep going, keep following the sign and you will get your closest, best view. Great place to take pictures.

No proper placed to sit down and relax/picnic, except for may be shades of trees on the dirt road.

Total hike from where uber dropped me off to the sign is about 4.5 miles. Totally worth it.
Written September 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cheryl J
Indianapolis, IN418 contributions
Great sunrise hike!
Nice easy walking trail. Chance to see Hollywood sign from afar. Lots of birds on the reservoir and deer sighting too. Fun homes to see on the way to the entrance as well as while walking around. Worth a stop if in the area.
Written December 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
adamreebel
Cleveland, OH164 contributions
Nice getaway in the heart of LA
Great place to bike or walk. Not a lot to do other then that. Great views of the Hollywood sign and downtown LA if you're in the right spot. Several restrooms located along the trail as well
Written July 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rustygrecian
Bracknell, UK182 contributions
Great walk with reservoir and Hollywood sign views
Couples
We wanted a pleasant level walk with good views of the Hollywood sign. It was a hot day so we decided against the 3.5 mile hike up the hills to the actual location of the Hollywood sign. The 3.5 mile walk around the reservoir was a perfect choice. We saw some amazing properties and got some great photos of the Hollywood sign. There was ample free roadside parking from the reservoir drive and the view from the dam was unimpeded by the fencing which surrounds most of the reservoir.
Written October 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DanaW873
Chapel Hill, NC126 contributions
Great hike and great views of Hollywood sign!
Friends
This is a little known hike in LA which follows the rim of the Hollywood reservoir. It is an area maintained by the power and water service of LA and it is open during daylight hours for a 3 1/2 mile hike. It is mostly flat, except for the drive up in to the hills to find it. There is a fence and parking on the street and in a dirt lot near the gate. Home owners in the area do not want tourists driving through their posh, hilly neighborhoods, but it was the best place for us to get that perfect Hollywood sign picture. You wind around the reservoir and find elusive views of the sign. It was a great way to spend our first active day in LA. Search the internet for the reservoir and follow signs and voila!
Written March 29, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marijana P
Canton of Zurich, Switzerland28 contributions
Small hike, beautiful views
Solo
I have been here just yesterday and loved it. I did not walk around the reservoir as I went there by bus (222 out Barham/Lake Hollywood Dr), walked down to the reservoir, took the right wing and down the hills. It is a little bit sad, that it is fenced. You have to take photos through it at the wall you can take great photos of the Hollywood Sign and on the other side of Hollywood Skyline.
Written September 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
soulart99
149 contributions
You'd never know you were in Los Angeles
Friends
This oasis is one of the best kept secrets in town, and you'd never guess it was in the heart of Hollywood. The towering pines and freshwater breeze off of the water make you feel like you've been transplanted to upstate New York, or maybe even Vermont. There's no better place to escape LA's concrete jungle.

It's one of the best spots in town to photograph the Hollywood sign, and keep your camera in hand, because you may also see full size deer, turtles, dragonflies, rabbits, owls, hawks, foxes, coyotes, and if you're really lucky, the area's resident bob cat.

Built in 1924, the dam is another iconic William Mulholland project. It has two reservoirs; an small upper that then feeds into a much larger lower lake. Some of the houses surrounding it are spectacular.

When looking at the panorama of the city on the waterless side of the bridge, also make sure to look down and see the California brown bear heads guarding their fortress.
The loop around the lake is 3.3 miles and takes about an hour to walk, or 15 mins on a bicycle (which are also allowed-- sadly, dogs are NOT). Or you can just hang out on the bridge and daydream. Joggers, skaters and baby strollers abound, but in truth, it's never that busy.

There are three different entrances. Weidlake Gate is closest to the dam and has the most parking, also Tahoe Gate and Lake Hollywood Drive Gate. Hours change according to season, but it's basically sunrise to sunset.
Written September 20, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Liz D
Madison, WI27 contributions
Great hiking spot
Friends
Really enjoyed this hike today. It's about 2.0 miles, no cars to contend with, and lots of scenery to enjoy and reflect on. No hills, so perfect for all ages and abilities.
Written May 9, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Arncliffegirl
Sydney976 contributions
Fantastic place for a walk
Historic Hollywood reservoir is fantastic for a walk. Need private transport to get you there, but it's a terrific hiking venue. No facilities, so take sustenance and water.
Written August 17, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL16,286 contributions
Beautiful hidden oasis
Couples
We visited as a part of our Hollywood tour to view the sign. The unexpected benefit was a wonderful overlook of this oasis. While I had seen the sign from many different areas, there was no way I would have ever know about this location. It is very hidden to all but a few even in Los Angeles. In addition to be being s verdant as compared to the brown hills that surround it, what I remember is how quiet is was compared to the rest of the city. A very cool find if you go looking.
Written August 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hollywood Reservoir
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