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Hollywood Sign
Hollywood Sign · Los Angeles (Mount Lee), USA
Originally just a real-estate advert reading 'HOLLYWOODLAND', meant to stand for only a year and a half.
Know before you go
- Don't climb the fence to get near the letters (it's illegal and monitored)
- don't park illegally or honk in the residential streets below
- don't drop litter while hiking
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
A billboard meant to stand for just a year and a half
In 1923 the developers Woodruff and Shoults advertised their new hillside housing development, 'Hollywoodland', by having the Crescent Sign Company erect 13 giant south-facing letters reading 'HOLLYWOODLAND' on the slope; completed on 13 July, it was meant to stay up for only a year and a half. As Hollywood film entered its golden age, the sign became famous and was never taken down. In 1949 the last letters, 'LAND', were removed, and from then on it stood only for Hollywood itself.
Source: Wikipedia: Hollywood Sign
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
The Hollywood Sign stands on Mount Lee in the Santa Monica Mountains. It went up in 1923 as a temporary advert for a local housing development, reading 'HOLLYWOODLAND', each letter 50 feet (about 15 m) tall and the whole word 450 feet long; it was completed on 13 July 1923 and meant to stay for only a year and a half. As Hollywood's golden age of film took off, the sign became famous and was left standing; in 1949 the last four letters, 'LAND', were removed.
Local customs
- The sign itself is protected and you can't walk up to the letters
- locals usually photograph it from viewpoints at a distance
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Driving in the US: what to do when police pull you over
- Signal right and pull over safely to the right
- Roll down your window after stopping, before the officer reaches you
- At night, turn on the interior light
- Keep both hands on the wheel and ask passengers to keep their hands visible too
- Getting out and walking towards the police car
- Suddenly reaching for the glovebox, a pocket or under the seat
Sudden movements may be read as a threat and become dangerous. The wording of the rules varies slightly between states.
Not yet verifiedSource: Texas Department of Public Safety driver handbook
Don’t DON'T
- Don't climb the fence to get near the letters (it's illegal and monitored)
- don't park illegally or honk in the residential streets below
- don't drop litter while hiking
Locals appreciate DO
Local residents appreciate visitors who don't park illegally in residential streets or disturb the neighbours.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | Afternoon to sunset |
|---|---|
| Time needed | 1–3 hours (depending on whether you hike) |
Travel tips
- Griffith Observatory is the easiest viewpoint, or look from the Hollywood & Highland centre
- take plenty of water if you hike up, and avoid midday in summer
- trails may close in wildfire season
Sources & verification notes
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