Ten Best Views in Los Angeles

Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks ten of the best views in Los Angeles, including Malibu, Santa Monica, the Griffith Observatory and the Getty Center.

Los Angeles is known for its stunning views, whether it's of the city skyline, the Pacific Ocean, or the surrounding mountains. Here are ten of the best views in Los Angeles:

Los Angeles at Night

Ten Best Views in Los Angeles

Griffith Observatory: Perched on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory offers panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin, including downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign, and on clear days, even the Pacific Ocean.

Runyon Canyon Park: This popular hiking spot not only offers great trails but also stunning views of the city, especially at sunrise and sunset. You can see downtown LA, the Hollywood Sign, and the surrounding hills.

The Getty Center in Los Angeles

Getty Center: Set atop a hill in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center not only boasts world-class art collections but also stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the city and coastline.

Mulholland Drive: This iconic road winds through the Hollywood Hills and offers numerous lookout points where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, including the San Fernando Valley and downtown LA.

Top of the World: Located in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, this lookout point offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Bay, and on clear days, Santa Catalina Island.

View from the Penthouse at the Huntley Hotel in Santa Monica

The Penthouse at the Huntley Hotel: Located in Santa Monica, The Penthouse offers stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Pier, and the surrounding coastline. Enjoy a drink or a meal while taking in the breathtaking vistas from this rooftop lounge. It's a perfect spot for sunset views over the ocean.

The Beach and Coast at Malibu

Malibu Beaches: The coastline along Malibu offers some of the most picturesque views in Los Angeles, with pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean.

The Griffith Observatory in Griffith Park

Griffith Park: Aside from the Observatory, Griffith Park offers various vantage points where you can enjoy expansive views of the city, including the Hollywood Sign and downtown LA.

Santa Monica Pier: This historic pier offers beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as the coastline stretching from Malibu to Palos Verdes. See our full page about Santa Monica Pier.

Echo Park Lake: Nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, Echo Park Lake offers a tranquil setting with views of the downtown skyline and the surrounding hills.

Our Pick of the LA Guides

Other Los Angeles Pages

Best Time to Visit Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway travel suggests the best time to visit Los Angeles with information about the weather and climate month by month and season by season.
Culture Trails
Pacific Coast Highway Travel reviews the book Culture Trails by Lonely Planet, which has a section on Vintage Hollywood alongside 51 other perfect weekends.
Soul of Los Angeles
Soul of Los Angeles from French publishers Jonglez is a travel guide to 30 Exceptional Experiences in California's largest city.
Must-See Hollywood
Pacific Coast Highway Travel reviews 111 Places in Hollywood That You Must Not Miss, a guide that includes iconic attractions and hidden secrets too.
Los Angeles Airport Hotels
Los Angeles Airport hotels include Hilton, Radisson, Marriott, Embassy Suites, Crowne Plaza and other top names, all of them within a mile or so of LAX.
Car Rental in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel’s guide to car rental in Los Angeles including airport rentals, rental requirements, insurance, parking, and more.
Best Spa Hotels in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel recommends the best spa hotels in Los Angeles including the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Hotel Bel-Air, Four Seasons, and Ritz-Carlton.
Cheap Flights to Los Angeles
Cheap flights to Los Angeles International Airport LAX with JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, Sun Country Airlines, and Virgin America.
Best Museums in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best museums in Los Angeles including the top art museums and museums for families.
Public Transport in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel brings your guide to public transport in Los Angeles to show how you can get around in the city without a car, even to the beaches.
Los Angeles Travel Guide
The Los Angeles travel guide book from Lonely Planet also covers San Diego and Southern California, including Palm Springs, Santa Barbara, and Disneyland.
Best Hotels for Families in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best hotels for families in Los Angeles, whether you want to be close to Universal Studios or the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Most Romantic Hotels in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the most romantic hotels in Los Angeles, including beach-front beauties as well as those in the heart of the city.
LA to Hearst Castle
Pacific Coast Highway travel offers advice on driving from LA to Hearst Castle, including distance, journey time, and route.
Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel’s travel guide to Los Angeles, including dining and accommodation options, public transport, and the city’s best things to do.
Vintage Hollywood
Vintage Hollywood in Los Angeles is an extract from the Lonely Planets book Culture Trails.
Best Budget Hotels in Los Angeles
Pacific Coast Highway Travel picks the best budget hotels in Los Angeles so you can have a cheap stay in LA and still be near Hollywood or Universal Studios.