Los Angeles is as much about where you see it as what you do in it. High above the traffic and noise, you feel the freedom and expanse that define LA. This guide promises just that: to highlight the city’s best viewpoints, rooftop vistas, and hidden scenic spots far from the crowds, where the horizons are wide and the views are pure Los Angeles magic.

TL;DR

  • Icons: Jerome C. Daniel Overlook (above Hollywood Bowl), Universal City Overlook, Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (360°).
  • Urban perches: Perch (DTLA rooftop garden vibe) and Spire 73 (highest open-air bar) for in-the-sky cityscapes.
  • Nature frames: Vista Hermosa bench (DTLA head-on), Angels Point (Elysian Park), Ascot Hills (Eastside ridge), Silver Lake Reservoir (mirror water).
  • Coastlines: Malibu Bluffs Park and Korean Bell (San Pedro) for ocean sunsets and Catalina glimpses.
  • Best light: dawn for clear mountains; golden hour for warmth; blue hour for skyline glow after sunset.
  • Tips: pack layers + tripod; plan parking; check hours (some parks close at sunset); group spots by area.

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Overview

The city sprawls across a desert basin ringed by mountains and coastline, so vantage points abound. Locals know that chasing these panoramic views is one of the simplest joys of living here: it’s free, ever-changing with the light, and offers a rare peace above the urban hustle. In the span of a day, LA’s light goes from soft pink dawns to the sharp noon sun and finally into lavender twilights.

Some are natural overlooks managed as parks; others are creative urban perches atop buildings. All offer a unique angle on the “City of Angels” – be it the downtown skyline silhouetted against mountains, the Pacific stretching to the horizon, or neighborhoods quilted in palm trees and rooftops.

At these spots you might find hikers catching their breath, couples with picnic blankets, photographers waiting for the perfect shot, or maybe just you and an endless view. Here are the best views and scenic spots in Los Angeles to experience the city’s grandeur from above.

Jerome C. Daniel Overlook (Hollywood Hills)

Tucked along the famous Mulholland Drive, the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook sits directly above the Hollywood Bowl amphitheater – a front-row seat to Los Angeles from 1600 feet up.

By day, this lookout offers a panorama that seems to contain entire worlds: the Hollywood Sign perched on its green hillside to the east, downtown LA’s skyscrapers glinting in the distance, and on especially clear afternoons, you can even glimpse the blue outline of Catalina Island 50 miles offshore.

As sunset arrives, the sky turns tangerine over the Pacific, and the city’s grid begins to sparkle to life below. A small parking area makes it an easy stop (just a short stroll from your car to the viewpoint’s low stone wall). Lean over the railing and you’ll see the Hollywood Bowl directly below – on concert nights you might catch the faint echo of an orchestra tuning up.

There’s a sense of history here too: this overlook was built in 1984 to dazzle visitors during the Olympics, and it still does exactly that on a nightly basis as Los Angeles unfurls from the hills to the ocean.

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Built in 1984 for the Olympics, this overlook was designed to wow visitors with its sweeping, multilayered views.

Mulholland Scenic Overlook

A few miles west along Mulholland Drive is the Universal City Overlook – a broad concrete viewing platform jutting out from the hillside, almost like a balcony over the San Fernando Valley. Here, you’re gazing north instead of south, trading ocean vistas for a sweeping view of the Valley’s suburban tapestry and film studio backlots.

During the day, the vista takes in Universal Studios below (you can often spot the flash of roller coasters or the iconic logo on the lot’s buildings) and the Verdugo Hills and San Gabriel Mountains forming a distant wall. As the sun sets behind you, the Valley lights up: a grid of countless twinkling streetlights and the glowing red NBC Universal tower right in front of you.

This overlook was also created for the 1984 Olympics, twin to the Jerome Daniel point, and it retains a laid-back retro charm – there’s even a dated informational display pointing out landmarks in the hazy distance. It’s a quiet spot to reflect, with the rush of the 101 freeway a faint hush below. Come here for a different perspective on LA’s sprawl, one that feels worlds away from the busy city on the other side of the hills.

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The small parking lot fills up quickly – visit on a weeknight at dusk for an easier spot and a peaceful, neon-lit panorama of the Valley.

Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook (Culver City)

If Los Angeles had a “stairway to the sky,” it might be the steep steps leading up to Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. This 420-foot-high park just southwest of downtown offers an extraordinary 360° view of the entire Los Angeles Basin – from the downtown skyscrapers to the Pacific Ocean and the encircling mountains.

After a short but lung-busting hike (either via a winding trail or the famous wooden staircase of 161 steps straight up the slope), you’ll emerge at a hilltop plateau with a modern visitor center and glass-railed overlook.

On a clear day, the panorama is jaw-dropping: the San Gabriel Mountains rise to the north behind the downtown skyline, the Hollywood Hills wrap to the east, and to the west the ocean gleams. Turn around and you might catch planes landing at LAX in the distance or the outline of Catalina on the horizon.

It’s a popular workout spot for locals – you’ll see people doing fitness drills on the stairs – but also a beloved place to simply sit on a bench and watch the city’s story unfold below. As evening approaches, the sun sinks beyond Santa Monica Bay, painting the sky in pastels and casting long shadows across the grid of streets. In that golden hour, Baldwin Hills truly feels like the top of Los Angeles, with every part of the metropolis visible and aglow.

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Sunset from Baldwin Hills gives you skyline, ocean, and mountain silhouettes in one frame.

The Rooftop at Perch (Downtown LA)

High above the concrete bustle of Downtown Los Angeles, Perch is an airy rooftop bistro that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a dreamy French garden planted amidst skyscrapers. Taking the vintage elevators up to the 15th floor, you emerge in a space adorned with twinkling string lights, outdoor fireplaces, and lush potted plants – all of it open to the sky.

Then the real showstopper: unobstructed views of Downtown LA in every direction, with nothing but open air between you and the surrounding towers. To the north, the art deco spire of City Hall lights up; to the west, the U.S. Bank Tower’s crown (once home to the Skyspace observation deck) looms at eye-level, and you can peer directly across at its helipad.

As daylight fades, the canyon of buildings around you glitters to life. The ambience at Perch is both chic and relaxed – you might sink into a cushioned couch with a cocktail or stand by the railing to let the breezes and city lights wash over you. Live jazz or a DJ often adds a backdrop of music to the clink of glasses.

This isn’t a distant overlook but an immersive one: you’re within the skyline here, part of the view itself. It’s an experience that captures a different side of LA’s beauty – urban, sophisticated, and buzzing with life even as the stars come out overhead.

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In the evenings Perch is 21+ and enforces a smart casual dress code – plan accordingly so you can enjoy “floating” at the skyline with no hassles.

Yamashiro Garden Terrace (Hollywood Hills)

Perched in the Hollywood Hills just above the fray of Hollywood Boulevard, Yamashiro offers a view of Los Angeles imbued with romance and old Hollywood mystique. This century-old Japanese-style mansion-turned-restaurant is surrounded by tranquil gardens, koi ponds, and a pagoda, creating an atmosphere of an Asian hilltop palace overlooking Tinseltown.

Grab a spot on the outdoor terrace or wander to the edge of the landscaped gardens: below you, the city stretches out in glittering fashion. You’re close enough to pick out Hollywood landmarks – the Capitol Records building, the wink of neon signs on the Boulevard – but high enough that the noise dissolves into quiet.

As night falls, the lights of LA spread out in a shimmering carpet and you can even see the silhouettes of Downtown’s towers further in the distance. The air up here carries a soft breeze scented with garden blooms and dinner from the patio tables. Whether you’re enjoying sushi and a drink or simply pausing at the viewpoint after exploring the grounds, Yamashiro’s magic is undeniable.

It’s a place where time feels slower. The combination of the ornate wooden eaves above you and the lively city below makes for a cinematic contrast – exactly the kind of setting where you could imagine a classic film star gazing out in the 1920s, and where today’s locals still bring visitors to impress.

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“Every sunset here seems to write its own script.”

Vista Hermosa Park Skyline Viewpoint

Just west of Downtown, tucked in a residential pocket near Echo Park, Vista Hermosa Natural Park lives up to its name – “beautiful view.” This 10.5-acre urban park is a little oasis of rolling grass and oak trees, but its crowning feature is the unbeatable head-on view of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline rising just beyond the greenery.

Walk up a gentle hill from the parking lot and you’ll find a wooden bench perfectly positioned for the spectacle: in the foreground, a meadow where kids play and picnic blankets lie strewn; in the background, the steel and glass skyscrapers of LA, neatly framed as if on a postcard. It’s a startling juxtaposition of calm nature and bustling city.

You might hear a distant siren or horn, but here it’s birds chirping and the breeze in the trees – maybe the giggle of children on the playground. As the afternoon light softens, golden rays filter through downtown’s towers. Many photographers consider this one of the best skyline compositions in the city, especially when the sky goes pink and the buildings reflect the glow.

Vista Hermosa is rarely crowded – often just a few locals doing yoga or walking dogs – making it a peaceful retreat to soak in a million-dollar view. In a city famous for drive-by vistas from freeways, this spot invites you to sit a while, breathe, and see LA from a fresh, serene angle.

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One bench at the hill’s crest aligns perfectly with the skyline for a splendid photo opportunity – get there early to snag it, especially on weekends.

Malibu Bluffs Park Overlook

For a dose of coastal grandeur, head out to Malibu Bluffs Park, where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific in spectacular fashion. This six-acre park sits on bluffs high above the Malibu coastline, offering an expansive ocean vista that can leave you breathless.

Stand at the overlook railing and gaze out: to your left, the Malibu coastline curves toward Santa Monica, with waves tracing white lines on the sand; to your right, the headland of Point Dume juts into the sea. And straight ahead – nothing but blue Pacific stretching to the horizon, often dotted with sailboats and, in winter, migrating whales.

On clear days, you can spot Catalina Island faintly on the horizon as well. The setting is simple – just grassy fields, ball diamonds, and a playground – which keeps the focus on nature’s show. It’s especially tranquil on weekday afternoons, when you might have the whole bluff to yourself aside from seabirds wheeling below.

As evening approaches, the sky over the ocean explodes in hues of orange, pink, and red, the sun sinking directly into the water. Watching a sunset here, you feel far removed from the city (even though downtown is only about 30 miles behind you).

Malibu Bluffs encapsulates the freedom of LA’s coastline: wide-open views, the rhythmic sound of surf drifting up the cliffs, and a reminder that this bustling metropolis also boasts edges of true natural beauty where one can find quiet and perspective.

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Bring binoculars in winter – from this bluff you might spot the spouts of gray whales migrating just offshore.

Ascot Hills Park (East Los Angeles)

On the opposite side of town from Malibu’s surf and sand, Ascot Hills Park offers a rustic hilltop perch with one of the best off-the-beaten-path views of Downtown LA. Located in East LA’s El Sereno neighborhood, this 93-acre open space is crisscrossed by dirt trails that wind through sun-baked grass and seasonal wildflowers.

A moderate hike (about a mile) brings you to the park’s upper ridges, where suddenly, beyond the rolling hills, the skyline of Los Angeles pops into view to the west. It’s a striking image: the modern towers of downtown clustered in the distance, framed by foreground hills that make you feel like you’re in the countryside.

Here you can literally fit the entire cityscape and nature in one frame – a photographer’s dream and a refreshing perspective for anyone used to LA’s urban side. Because Ascot Hills is lesser-known, you might only encounter a few hikers or local families on the trail.

The atmosphere is quiet, save for the chirping of crickets at dusk or a hawk gliding above. Find a comfortable rock or bench at the top and watch how the late-day light paints the downtown buildings in amber.

Stay a bit longer and you’ll see the grid of Eastside neighborhoods below begin to sparkle as streetlights blink on. In the gathering twilight, downtown’s skyscrapers gleam like lanterns on the horizon. This hidden gem park shows that solitude isn’t far from the city – sometimes it’s just a short drive and a quick hike away, waiting at the next hilltop.

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The park gate closes at sunset – if you’re staying for twilight, park on the street outside to avoid getting locked in.

Elysian Park’s Angels Point (Dodger Stadium Area)

In the heart of the city, yet somehow removed from it, Elysian Park’s Angels Point is a favorite secret viewpoint that many Angelenos consider their spot. Winding up through Elysian Park (near Dodger Stadium), you’ll find a small dirt path leading to Angels Point – marked by an artsy metal sculpture and a solitary picnic table.

The payoff is a spectacular front-row view of Downtown Los Angeles, with Dodger Stadium’s tree-lined bowl in the foreground. Several jaw-dropping overlooks along the short trail offer different angles of the skyline and the sprawling city below.

By day, you can see the green expanse of Elysian Park rolling down into Chinatown, and the downtown towers rising proudly just a couple miles away (with the Hollywood Sign peeking from afar to the northwest). But sunset and night are when Angels Point truly shines.

The downtown skyscrapers turn shades of pink and gold, and if the Dodgers are playing, you might hear a distant cheer or see the stadium lights blink on. Soon the sky darkens to indigo and the cityscape becomes a glittering tapestry of headlights and high-rises. Despite being so close to LA’s core, the vibe here is surprisingly peaceful – usually just a handful of visitors snapping photos or sharing a quiet moment.

Surrounded by eucalyptus trees and the soft rustle of leaves, you get that rare LA feeling of being above it all, suspended between urban and wild. Angels Point is proof that sometimes the best view in Los Angeles is just a short stroll from your car, waiting quietly for those who seek it.

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Bring a tripod to Angels Point – a steady setup lets you capture crystal-clear panoramas of downtown’s lights as they sparkle into the blue hour.

Silver Lake Reservoir Overlook (Silver Lake Hills)

In trendy Silver Lake, known for its murals and cafés, there lies a more low-key scenic delight: the view over the Silver Lake Reservoir at sunset. Locals often gather on a little hill – an informal overlook near the reservoir’s west edge – to watch the day’s last light perform magic on the water.

The reservoir itself is a calm, glassy expanse that reflects the sky’s colors; as dusk approaches, it turns into a huge mirror of molten gold and pink. Beyond the water, the surrounding hills are dotted with eclectic houses and swaying palm trees, and you can catch glimpses of the downtown skyline peeking out to the south if you find the right angle.

The mood here is unhurried and neighborhood-friendly. Joggers make their evening rounds on the 2.2-mile path encircling the reservoir (which offers scenic views of the water and the encircling hills from every side ), and couples set up picnic baskets on the grassy Silver Lake Meadow below.

From this elevated corner (sometimes endearingly called “Jerome Park” by those in the know), you can appreciate how Los Angeles can go from urban intensity to almost small-town tranquility in a few blocks.

As the sun dips, the streetlights of Silver Lake start twinkling, and the surface of the reservoir fades to a silver sheen in the twilight – perhaps that’s how this area earned its name. Up here, you feel removed from any tourist trail, privy to a secret slice of LA life where the city pauses to admire its own reflection.

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“At dusk, the reservoir becomes a mirror, and the city pauses to admire its own reflection.”

Sky-High Downtown Vistas

Downtown Los Angeles offers not only ground-level glamour but also some of the highest vantages on the West Coast – and you don’t need an observatory ticket to enjoy them. Enter Spire 73, the open-air rooftop bar atop the 73rd floor of the InterContinental Hotel.

This sky lounge sits nearly 1,000 feet above ground, making it the highest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. Stepping out onto the deck is a thrill in itself: the wind is cooler, and suddenly the entire city is at your feet. Glass panels line the perimeter to keep things comfortable, and from this height you get an unmatched 360° view: the gridded streets of downtown directly below, the Hollywood Hills rolling off to the north, and on clear days, the Pacific glinting on the horizon beyond Santa Monica.

Looking east, you might see planes landing far off and the vast glow of the metropolis stretching toward the desert. It’s dizzying and mesmerizing. Just across from Spire 73 stands the U.S. Bank Tower (the one topped with a round helipad) – once home to the OUE Skyspace observation deck and its famous glass slide that let brave visitors literally glide along the outside of the 70th floor.

While Skyspace closed in 2020, at Spire 73 you can still soak up those sky-high vistas in style, cocktail in hand. The bar’s modern ambiance – fire pits, stylish seating, imaginative drinks – only enhances the experience. Watching LA from this height, especially at night when the city sparkles like a galaxy below, is an absolute must for any view-seeker. It’s downtown’s urban panorama at its most glamorous and extreme.

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Spire 73 sits atop the 73rd floor of the InterContinental (Wilshire Grand Center) and proudly claims the title of highest open-air bar in the U.S.. Reservations are recommended, and business-casual attire is required for entry.

Korean Bell of Friendship Overlook (San Pedro)

For a view that combines coastal beauty with cultural history, the Korean Bell of Friendship in San Pedro is unparalleled. Set on a grassy bluff in Angel’s Gate Park at LA’s southern tip, this immense bronze bell – housed in an ornate, hand-painted pavilion – overlooks the vast blue Pacific Ocean with Catalina Island on the horizon.

Arrive at the bell and you’re greeted by the gentle sound of ocean breezes and, if you’re lucky, the resonant gong of the bell (struck only on special occasions). The pavilion’s elaborate Korean architecture, with its colorful dancheong patterns, frames a picture-perfect vista: the ocean to the west, the cliffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula to the northwest, and to the south, the busy Los Angeles Harbor with ships coming and going.

Up here it’s usually quiet, save for kids flying kites or the distant crash of waves below. The late afternoon light is glorious, casting long shadows of the pavilion across the grass. As the sun lowers, the sky ignites in orange and purple, and the bell stands in silhouette – a poignant meeting of nature’s splendor and human craftsmanship.

The Korean Bell (a 17-ton gift from South Korea in 1976) adds a layer of serenity and international friendship to the site, making this more than just a pretty view. It’s a place for reflection. Whether you’re perched on the bluff’s edge gazing at the endless ocean or admiring the intricate reliefs on the bell itself, this overlook delivers a sense of peace. It reminds you that Los Angeles, for all its hustle, also has corners of profound tranquility and global connection.

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For a striking photo, visit at sunset and position yourself so the bell and pavilion form a silhouette against the vibrant sky – the ornate structure looks breathtaking with the Pacific sunset as a backdrop.

Photography and Timing Tips

Capturing Los Angeles at its most photogenic is all about timing and a bit of patience. Many of these viewpoints truly shine during the “golden hour” – the hour after sunrise or before sunset when the light turns soft and golden. At sunset, the city often puts on a light show: skyline silhouettes against an orange sky, the Pacific reflecting pastel hues, and hillsides glowing amber.

Bring a decent camera or a newer smartphone and consider a few tricks: use a tripod or steady surface for dusk and night shots to avoid blur (especially crucial at Angels Point or from high rooftops). If you’re aiming for that postcard image of downtown, clear winter days after a rain are your best friend – the rain washes away smog, revealing crystal-sharp mountains behind the skyline and even snow on distant peaks.

For ocean views, both sunrise (when the sun lights up the coast) and sunset (when you get the sun dropping into the water) are magical in different ways. Don’t shy away from early mornings either: a slight marine haze at dawn can soften the city’s hard lines in photos, lending a dreamy quality that’s uniquely LA.

If you’re using a phone camera, tap on the brightest part of the sky to keep those rich colors – you can brighten the foreground later. And give yourself extra time; the best light often happens in the 20-30 minutes after the sun disappears, when the sky turns violet and city lights blink on. That’s when LA nightscape photography truly comes alive.

Ultimately, whether you’re a casual shooter or a pro, remember to put the camera down now and then. Savor the moment – the glow on the horizon, the breeze on your face at that elevation, and the fact that you’re witnessing a daily miracle from one of the best seats in the house.

At many spots (like Baldwin Hills or Ascot Hills), sunset doesn’t just mean looking west at the sun – turn around to see the eastern sky and mountains behind you bathed in rosy alpenglow, a stunning and often overlooked view.

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Don’t wait for a perfectly clear day. A bit of coastal haze or even smog can actually enhance sunset colors – some of LA’s most gorgeous skies happen when there’s a slight haze to catch the light.

Planning Your Scenic Day

With so many vistas spread across Los Angeles, it pays to plan a route to make the most of them (and avoid crisscrossing the city more than necessary). One idea is a “Rooftop to Ocean” itinerary: start your morning downtown with a panoramic brunch at Perch or another rooftop spot, soaking in the early city views.

Then head west to Culver City and conquer the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook by midday, where you’ll get a lay of the land from city to sea. Continue toward the coast – perhaps stopping at the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook on Mulholland for a quick Hollywood Hills panorama – then drive out to Malibu Bluffs Park in time for a late-afternoon stroll, where the ocean breeze will energize you for sunset.

As golden hour arrives, make your way to a beach or cliffside (Point Dume, El Matador, or the Korean Bell in San Pedro are all stellar choices) to watch the sun sink into the Pacific.

Alternatively, try a “Hidden Hilltop Views” circuit east of downtown: begin around Silver Lake, walking the reservoir loop in the morning when the water is tranquil and reflections are sharp. Next, drive a few minutes to Vista Hermosa Park near Echo Park for a peaceful picnic lunch with that classic skyline view.

In the afternoon, venture to Ascot Hills Park in East LA for an off-the-beaten-path hike as the sun starts its descent. You can wrap up your day at Angels Point in Elysian Park – arriving in time to catch the sunset glow on downtown and perhaps the after-dark city lights (pack a flashlight for the walk back to your car). This route strings together lesser-known gems that show different angles of LA’s beauty, all while avoiding the obvious tourist hotspots.

Keep your plans flexible and account for traffic – it’s often better to pick one area and explore a few spots there thoroughly than to exhaust yourself rushing across town. And remember, part of the joy of a scenic day is the unexpected: you might discover a new favorite café en route or stumble on a pocket park with a view not listed on any blog.

Los Angeles rewards those who take the time to explore its layers. By day’s end, whether you’ve gone from skyscraper rooftops to sandy shores or from urban parks to hilltop hikes, you’ll have experienced the city in a way even many locals never do – through its most inspiring vistas.

The Takeaway

Los Angeles reveals itself most beautifully when you pause and look from a new perspective. From up high, the city that can feel endless and unknowable on the ground suddenly comes into focus as a living mosaic. Each viewpoint in this guide, be it a quiet park bench or a lively rooftop, tells a different story of LA.

They showcase the city’s natural splendor (those sunsets, those mountain backdrops) as well as its human-made sparkle. But more than just feeding our eyes, these places offer something intangible: connection. Up there, above the grind, you feel the freedom and possibility that draw people to LA from all over the world. In a town known for its rush and ambition, the best views in Los Angeles gently insist that you slow down and simply take it in.

In those moments, LA isn’t a collection of freeways or industry or hype; it’s a beautiful canvas of life between mountains and ocean. The truth is, this city is best seen not when you’re chasing it, but when you stop to look. Each angle, each horizon, will tell you a different story.

FAQ

Q1: What time of day gives the sharpest skyline?
A: Winter mornings after rain—air is crystal clear, mountains pop behind DTLA.

Q2: Where can I see both ocean and skyline in one day?
A: Start at Baldwin Hills (AM 360° view) and finish at Malibu Bluffs or Korean Bell for sunset over the Pacific.

Q3: Is parking easy at the Mulholland overlooks?
A: Small lots fill at sunset; aim for weekday golden hour or arrive 30–45 minutes early.

Q4: Best crowd-free DTLA skyline shot?
A: Vista Hermosa at sunrise or late weekday afternoons; grab the hilltop bench that aligns with DTLA.

Q5: Do I need reservations for rooftops?
A: Often yes—Perch and Spire 73 book up on weekends and enforce smart-casual dress.

Q6: Which viewpoints are great for night photos?
A: Angels Point, Jerome C. Daniel, and Spire 73—bring a tripod/steady surface for blue-hour long exposures.

Q7: Safety tips for hilltop spots?
A: Go with a friend, stick to lit paths, check gate hours (some parks lock at sunset), and avoid leaving valuables in cars.

Q8: What lens works best for these vistas?
A: 24–35 mm for sweeping scenes; 70–200 mm to compress DTLA against mountains from Mulholland/Baldwin Hills.