Mulholland Drive Road

Mulholland Drive is a famous scenic road that follows the crests of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Hollywood Hills above Los Angeles, California. It is widely known for panoramic urban and coastal views and for its cultural associations with Los Angeles history and popular culture.

The route passes a series of roadside pullouts and overlooks that provide views toward the Los Angeles Basin, the Pacific Ocean and landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory on clear days. Many visitors drive short sections of the road to access viewpoints, picnic areas and trailheads into the mountains.

Named for William Mulholland, an early Los Angeles water engineer, the road was developed in the early 20th century as ridge access and recreational driving routes for the growing city. Over time it has become an icon of Los Angeles landscape and car culture.

Mulholland Drive runs along the crest above the city of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley; access points are spread along its length from Cahuenga Pass in the east toward the western Santa Monica Mountains.

• Scenic overlooks: Runs along the ridgeline of the Santa Monica Mountains and the Hollywood Hills, providing multiple unofficial overlooks with panoramic views of Los Angeles, the Hollywood Sign and the San Fernando Valley.
• Visiting tips: Roadside parking is limited and traffic can be heavy; early morning or late afternoon are the best times to avoid peak traffic and capture clearer views and light for photography.

• Drive or walk Mulholland Drive in the early morning on weekdays for the clearest views and far fewer cars in the popular overlooks; late afternoon light is also excellent for photos.
• Respect residential areas and parking restrictions along the route - use signed scenic pullouts and official parking areas rather than stopping in driveways or narrow roads.
• If you want hiking views, park at marked trailheads (e.g., near Hollywood Bowl Overlook or Burbank Peak access points) and combine a short walk with the drive to escape the busiest viewpoints.