Los Angeles is basically a choose-your-own-adventure city, and the easiest way to get that “wow, I’m really here” feeling is from the driver’s seat (or a passenger seat with a good playlist). Between coastal curves, canyon switchbacks, and skyline overlooks, LA’s best views are surprisingly accessible if you time it right.
This guide keeps it simple: five scenic drives and viewpoints that feel iconic, plus exactly what to do, when to go, and what to skip so you’re not stuck circling for parking while golden hour slips away.
Top 5
1) Mulholland Drive (Hollywood Hills Overlooks)
For classic LA ridge-line views, drive Mulholland Drive in the late afternoon and pull into the turnouts near Hollywood Hills overlooks for quick photo stops. Start around Universal City/Studio City and head west for an easy route with multiple “hop out, snap, continue” moments. Go on a weekday if you can; weekends get crowded and slow. Pack a light jacket because it gets windy up there, even when it’s warm in the city.
2) Griffith Observatory & The View from Griffith Park
Griffith Observatory is the first-timer viewpoint for a reason: you get the skyline, the Hollywood Sign, and a sunset that actually delivers. Aim to arrive 60–90 minutes before sunset to park and grab a spot on the terraces, or use the DASH Observatory shuttle from the Vermont/Sunset Metro area to skip parking stress. If you want a little hike without committing to a full trail day, do a short walk from the Observatory toward Mount Hollywood for wider views. Bring water and a phone tripod if you’re trying for night shots of downtown.
3) Palos Verdes Peninsula Drive (Ocean Cliffs + Lighthouse Vibes)
When you want coastal drama without the Santa Monica crowds, head to the Palos Verdes Peninsula for cliffside roads and serious Pacific views. Pair your drive with a stop at Point Vicente Lighthouse and Interpretive Center, then continue toward the rocky shoreline viewpoints for a breezy, low-key afternoon. Midday is great for clear ocean color; sunset is gorgeous but can be hazy depending on marine layer. Wear sneakers because the best spots involve short walks on uneven paths, and keep an extra layer for the wind.
4) Malibu Scenic Run: Pacific Coast Highway to Point Dume
This is the beachy, cinematic drive: take Pacific Coast Highway and build in one main stop so it feels relaxing, not rushed. Point Dume is a solid pick for a viewpoint with easy access—go early for parking, then walk the bluff for wide-open ocean panoramas. If you’re driving on a weekend, plan around traffic by starting before 10 a.m. or going closer to sunset (and accept a slower return). Pack sunscreen, a hat, and a picnic snack, and consider grabbing coffee in Malibu Country Mart before you head to the lookout.
5) Angeles Crest Highway (2 Highway) for Mountain Views
If you want a totally different side of LA, take the Angeles Crest Highway into the San Gabriel Mountains for big, sweeping vistas and cooler temps. Check road conditions before you go (closures happen due to weather or fire risk), and avoid driving it after dark if you’re not used to mountain roads. Stop at designated pullouts only, and bring water because services are limited once you’re up there. Weekdays are calmer; weekend mornings can attract cyclists and sports cars, so drive patiently and give yourself extra time.
FAQ
What’s the best time of day for LA viewpoints?
Golden hour into sunset is the most photogenic, but it’s also the busiest. If you want easier parking and clearer skies, go earlier in the day, especially for coastal spots where haze can roll in. For skyline views, arriving 60–90 minutes before sunset is the sweet spot.
Do I need a rental car for these scenic drives?
For most of them, yes—LA is very spread out. Griffith Observatory is the easiest one to do without a car thanks to the shuttle options, but Mulholland, Palos Verdes, Malibu, and Angeles Crest are much simpler with your own wheels.
How do I avoid traffic on Pacific Coast Highway?
Start early (before 10 a.m.) or go later in the afternoon and stay for sunset. Pick one main destination like Point Dume and build your day around it instead of trying to stop everywhere. Weekdays are noticeably smoother if your schedule is flexible.
Are these drives safe at night?
City viewpoints like Griffith and parts of Mulholland are popular at night, but always keep valuables out of sight and stick to well-lit, busy areas. For mountain routes like Angeles Crest, nighttime driving is less beginner-friendly due to curves and limited lighting, so it’s better as a daytime plan.
What should I pack for a scenic drive day in LA?
Bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket (windy viewpoints are real). A phone charger or power bank is clutch for maps and photos. If you’re doing Malibu or Palos Verdes, add comfortable shoes for short walks to the best overlooks.