Feb 8, 2025

Lake Hollywood Park Los Angeles

A lake at the Hollywood Sign!

""Lake Hollywood Park" is a hidden lake on the the top of Hollywood in Los Angeles! What I like about it is the isolation I feel right in the city..."

Did you know that there is a hidden lake on top of Hollywood? The Hollywood Reservoir and the surrounding area called Lake Hollywood is one of the hidden parks in Los Angeles. The reservoir is used by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to supply the city of Los Angeles with water.

Built in 1924 by William Mulholland, the reservoir is held by the Mulholland Dam. Mulholland Drive is named after this architect. Actually, one of his first dams broke. You can see the art deco dog's head designs on the dam. There is a sense of early 21st century design in the dam that makes Hollywood older than it looks.

What I like about Lake Hollywood is the isolation right on top of the busiest neighborhood in Los Angeles, Hollywood. Hidden in the mountains, Lake Hollywood Park is not easy to get to even with a good navigation system. The entrance is embedded in winding streets and dirt roads. There's no parking lot for the cars of Los Angeles, only a small gate and sign. Once you get there, there are few hikers, joggers, and walkers. Unlike other hiking trails in Hollywood, the park is not filled with wannabe actors and producers. You can feel the peaceful silence of nature in the largest city of western United States.

The hiking trail around the park is open. The West Coast drought has been severe on the water level. There are several hidden reservoirs in Los Angeles.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

3200 Canyon Lake Dr

US$

free

+1

3234630830

Explore Los Angeles like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Los Angeles guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Los Angeles

New Beverly Cinema

Vintage double features

"New Beverly Cinema" Los Angeles is a 35mm only theatre. Q. Tarantino is head programmer and it only plays double features, the true way to enjoy films!

002-building
Art & culture
008-ticket
Cinema

By

Julian

Sosa

Feb 14, 2025

Tao Comedy Studio

Open mic & comedy school

"Tao Comedy Club" in Los Angeles is a hidden gem of a comedy club. It's also a school of comedy, where you can follow Bobbi Oliver's different approach...

019-lemonade-1
Theaters

By

Val

Douroux

Feb 13, 2025

HD Buttercup

Bread museum inside furniture store

"HD Buttercup" is a furniture and home decor store in a historic Los Angeles building that also hosts a bread museum - the original site of Helms Bakery...

002-building
Art & culture
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Liz

Militello

Feb 8, 2025

Santa Monica Stairs

Step by step

The "Santa Monica Stairs" in Los Angeles is one of my favorite stairways for some outdoor activity. I find is inspiring because the the fittest go there!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Liz

Militello

Feb 8, 2025

Venice Beach Skatepark

Skateboarding birthplace

"Venice Beach Skatepark" in Los Angeles is the birthplace of skateboarding. This skatepark has two giant pools, a spot for tricks and even a live webcam!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Liz

Militello

Feb 8, 2025

Pacific Wheel

Not just for kids!

"Pacific Wheel" is a ferris wheel in Los Angeles' Santa Monica Pier. I love the surprising views from it and the fact that it's solar-powered!

002-building
Art & culture

By

Liz

Militello

Feb 8, 2025

405 and 10 Intersection

Experience road rage!

The "405 and 10 Intersection" in Los Angeles is one of the busiest in America. This intersection is so famous, it even has its own facebook page!

002-building
Art & culture

By

Liz

Militello

Feb 8, 2025

Los Liones Canyon Trail

View from top of trail

"Los Liones Canyon Trail" one of my favorite hiking trails in Los Angeles. It always makes me feel as if I've escaped city life and gets my heart pumping.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Liz

Militello

Feb 8, 2025

Sunbathing Sea Lions

Bark is worse than bite

The "Sunbathing Sea Lions" in Los Angeles' Marina del Rey are huge, playful and charming, but they can also be dangerous. The fishermen know their names!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Liz

Militello

Feb 8, 2025

Kippy's

Coo-coo for coconuts!

"Kippy's" in Los Angeles makes healthy, vegan coconut milk ice cream and it's my #1 favorite local spot. I go there as many as 5 times a week!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Liz

Militello

Feb 8, 2025

Movie filming location

This your homework Larry?!

Part of The Big Lebowski was filmed at this otherwise unassuming community in Los Angeles, 'Faircrest Heights'.Please remember this is a private residence.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Liz

Militello

Feb 8, 2025

Museum of Flying

Vintage airplanes

"Museum of Flying" in LA's Santa Monica is in the neighborhood's very own private airport. It's quaint, interesting and made me appreciate planes more!

002-building
Art & culture

By

Liz

Militello

Feb 8, 2025

Heading to Los Angeles?

132 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Los Angeles?

132 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves Los Angeles

Get to know our other Spotters from Los Angeles