Best Coastal Hikes
Remarkable panoramic views, ocean vistas, and photo spots
Last Updated: August 13, 2026
Los Angeles is home to some of the best scenic views in Los Angeles, offering breathtaking vistas that capture the city's unique blend of urban beauty and natural landscapes. From the iconic Griffith Observatory, which provides panoramic views of the Hollywood Sign and downtown skyline, to the elevated trails of Runyon Canyon where hikers can enjoy sweeping city vistas, there's no shortage of stunning lookout points. For coastal scenery, the Palos Verdes Cliffs and Point Dume in Malibu showcase dramatic ocean views and sunset photo opportunities. Visitors can also experience the lush hillside panoramas at Mount Lee or the serene vistas at Echo Park Lake, where the city skyline reflects over calm waters. This 2026 guide rounds out the list with 10 total lookout points, adding Baldwin Hills, the Santa Monica Mountains, Pacific Palisades, and Downtown LA to the mix. Whether you're seeking romantic viewpoints, sunset photography spots, or iconic Los Angeles panoramas, these locations offer the ultimate scenic experiences in the City of Angels.
Perched high atop the Hollywood Hills, overlooking the sprawling metropolis below, the iconic Hollywood Sign stands as a testament to the glamour and allure of the entertainment industry. Originally erected in 1923 as "HOLLYWOODLAND," it underwent a transformation in 1949, emerging as the succinct "HOLLYWOOD," symbolizing the epicenter of cinema. Serving as a backdrop for countless films, the sign has become synonymous with Hollywood's glittering legacy. From the nostalgic ambiance of "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" to the gripping drama of "Gangster Squad" and "Argo," the musical journey of "Rock of Ages," and the historical resonance of "Hollywoodland" and "Mrs. America," each film has utilized the sign's iconic presence to craft unforgettable cinematic moments. Whether it's the disaster spectacle of "San Andreas," the gritty underworld of "Gangster Squad," or the ethereal allure of "City of Angels," the Hollywood Sign remains an indelible symbol of cinematic grandeur, forever intertwined with the magic of the silver screen.
Point Dume Beach includes over a mile of pristine ocean frontage and 34 acres of soft sand, framed by majestic headlands, cliffs, and rocky coves that beckon exploration. From its sprawling cliffs to its expansive beaches, this coastal gem showcases some of Southern California's most breathtaking scenery. The clear waters and golden sands offer a serene retreat, while the towering cliffs add a dramatic backdrop to the panoramic views stretching across Santa Monica Bay and distant Catalina Island. Point Dume has left an indelible mark on cinematic history, serving as the backdrop for iconic scenes in films like the original "Planet of the Apes," including its climactic ending revealing the Statue of Liberty, as well as featuring digitally-added shots of Tony Stark's house in "Iron Man." Other notable films shot here include "The Big Lebowski," "Knight and Day," "Beach Blanket Bingo," and "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?"
Nestled atop the scenic hills of Griffith Park in Los Angeles, California, the Griffith Observatory offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the iconic Hollywood Sign, and the bustling skyline of Downtown Los Angeles. Whether hiking along the park's winding trails or driving up to the observatory's entrance, visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while enjoying the wonders of the cosmos. Remembered for its cinematic significance, the observatory has been immortalized in numerous films, with James Dean's contemplative pose in "Rebel Without a Cause" serving as an enduring image of its cultural impact. Additionally, the observatory has played a starring role in movies such as "Jurassic Park," "La La Land," "The Terminator," and "Transformers," solidifying its status as an iconic landmark in the world of cinema.
Positioned majestically in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, the Getty Center is a testament to modern architectural brilliance, boasting breathtaking gardens and sweeping vistas of the city below. Designed by the acclaimed architect Richard Meier, this $1.3 billion complex seamlessly blends contemporary design with the surrounding natural landscape, offering visitors a tranquil retreat from the bustling urban life. While entry to the museum is free, guests are encouraged to explore its myriad exhibits and outdoor spaces, soaking in the rich tapestry of art and culture. The Getty Center has also left an indelible mark on the silver screen, with its stunning locales featured in blockbuster hits such as "Star Trek Into Darkness," where its Entrance Hall and Museum Courtyard were transformed into the futuristic setting of Starfleet Headquarters. Additionally, the center's distinctive architecture has graced the screen in other notable films like "Thor" and "Against All Odds," further solidifying its status as a cinematic gem nestled within the heart of Los Angeles.
Runyon Canyon Park is one of the most-visited hikes in Los Angeles, prized for its steep, direct climb from the flats of Hollywood into panoramic views stretching from Downtown LA to the Pacific Ocean on a clear day. The park's Indian Rock and Inspiration Point overlooks are favorite stopping points for both hikers and their dogs, since Runyon is one of the city's few off-leash-friendly trail systems. Once the private estate of pharmacist-turned-carnation-mogul Carman Runyon, the hillside has since become a celebrity-spotting hotspot and a regular filming location for movies and music videos that need a quick, dramatic city backdrop.
The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook rewards a punishing 282-step staircase with 360-degree views spanning from the Downtown LA skyline to the Pacific Ocean and the Hollywood Sign in the distance. Known locally as "the stairs," it has become one of the city's most popular free outdoor workout spots, drawing a steady stream of hikers and fitness groups year-round. Beyond the staircase, a network of gentler switchback trails winds through native chaparral to the same summit, making the overlook accessible to visitors who'd rather skip the stair climb but still want the view.
Winding along the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains, Mulholland Drive is dotted with turnouts offering some of the best two-sided views in Los Angeles: the San Fernando Valley's grid of lights on one side and the Hollywood Basin and Downtown skyline on the other. The overlook near Universal City is a favorite sunset spot, especially popular for engagement photos and late-night drives, and its dramatic, twisting road has featured in countless car chases and neo-noir films. Multiple pullouts along the drive make it easy to stop for photos without planning a full hike.
Inspiration Point sits along an easy, mostly flat loop trail through Will Rogers State Historic Park, delivering wide-open views over the Santa Monica Bay, Catalina Island on a clear day, and the coastline stretching from Malibu to Palos Verdes. The overlook takes its name from the panoramic vista it offers back over the cowboy actor's former ranch and polo fields, now preserved as parkland. Its gentle grade makes it one of the more accessible scenic viewpoints in the Santa Monica Mountains, popular with families and casual hikers rather than serious trail runners.
Just west of Downtown near Echo Park and the 110 freeway, Vista Hermosa Natural Park is a rare pocket of restored native habitat with a hilltop overlook offering surprisingly close-up views of the Downtown LA skyline. Built on the site of a former oil field, the park combines walking trails, a seasonal creek, and picnic areas with skyline views that make it a favorite for sunset visits without leaving the urban core. Its accessibility from Downtown and Echo Park makes it one of the easiest scenic overlooks to reach without a car.
Perched on the dramatic sea cliffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, the bluffs around Point Vicente Lighthouse offer sweeping, unobstructed ocean views and some of the best whale-watching in Los Angeles County during the gray whale migration season. The adjacent Point Vicente Interpretive Center provides exhibits on the area's coastal history, while the surrounding cliffside trails make for an easy, scenic walk with views stretching from Catalina Island to the Santa Monica Mountains on clear days. It's a quieter, less crowded alternative to the Malibu coastline for sunset photography.