Mulholland Scenic Overlook, San Fernando Valley

Mulholland Drive offers spectacular views of Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, both during daylight and evening hours. Mulholland extends from Pacific Coast Highway, all the way to Hollywood, however not all of it is paved. The best views are between Encino and Hollywood.

Getting to Mulholland Drive

Easiest Way:
While the 101 Freeway generally parallels Mulholland Drive, there aren't many opportunities to get there from the 101. The easiest way is to get there is on the 405 freeway, north or south. Exit at Mulholland Drive then turn left. At this point, you are on Skirball Center Drive. Follow this short road to Mulholland Drive.

Turn right to go to Hollywood, or left to go to Encino in the San Fernando Valley. At this point you will be at the section titled "At the 405" in the directions below.

Scenic Route:
Although harder to find, this route offers additional views of the San Fernando Valley:
a. From the 101 freeway, exit at Balboa Blvd (click here to see a map) in Encino
b. Turn south from the offramp onto Balboa, and proceed a short distance to Ventura Blvd.
c. Turn left (east) at Ventura Blvd
d. Follow Ventura Blvd east to Havenhurst (there is a Gelson's market on the corner)
e. Turn right on Havenhurst Avenue (south)
f. After a few stop signs, turn right to stay on Havenhurst AVE - (see photo below)

Turn right at this intersection. Click the photo to see a larger image

g. After a few more stop signs, turn left onto Calneva Drive.
h. When you arrive at the top, you will be on Mulholland Drive. Turn left (east) to see spectacular views of the Valley for several miles. Soon you will se the 405 freeway.

At the 405:
a. Continue east on Mulholland Drive past the 405 freeway to get to Hollywood.
b. First intersection is Beverly Glen. Keep going.
c. Eventually you'll arrive at a stop light near Coldwater Canyon Rd. To continue on to Hollywood, veer right on Mulholland Drive. (Side Trip: If you go straight across instead of veer right, you will be in the driveway of the Tree People. Stop there if you feel like walking around.)
d. A short distance later, get in the left turn lane to stay on Mulholland Drive.
e. The next main intersection is Laurel Canyon Blvd. You'll find the best views of downtown Los Angeles if you continue eastward on Mulholland Drive. (Note: If you follow Laurel Cyn Blvd going south, you will find Hollywood Blvd at the bottom. Turn left there and you will be in the main part of Hollywood within minutes. However if you go down Laurel Canyon you will miss the views of Los Angeles)
f. Near the end of Mulholland Drive there is a popular turnout where you can park. There are a few parking spots there, or you can probably find a place to park along the road if the lot is full.
g. The end of Mulholland Drive is at Woodrow Wilson Drive. You will need to turn right onto Woodrow Wilson - and stop almost immediately, because it's a very short street. Turn right to go to Hollywood.

Proceeding to Hollywood

To continue to Hollywood from the eastern end of Mulholland Drive, turn right from Woodrow Wilson onto Cahuenga. At some point, it becomes Highland Avenue. Proceed on Highland Ave to Hollywood Blvd, which is at the center of the tourist area in Hollywood. The Chinese Theater with the footprints in the cement is just west of Hollywood and Highland.

Mulholland Scenic Overlook
(Click photo to enlarge)