Despite what Miley Cyrus may have you think, the Hollywood sign is not visible everywhere in Hollywood. In fact, it’s rather hard to see from most places. But as one of the most iconic symbols of America, everyone wants to see it, and that classic picture with it. So here are the best places to see and take pictures of the Hollywood sign in LA!

Hollywood & Highland Mall

Right on Hollywood Boulevard is your first glimpse of the sign! Many tourists come here first, so it’s a great place to get a first little peek. If you walk over to the little landing on the opposite side of the street, you will see the Hollywood sign if you squint! (It’s very small).

Mulholland Drive

Mulholland drive is known for being very scenic (but also the scene of many accidents) but it’s also a great place to see the Hollywood sign! Again, the view here is rather small but it sure is larger than the one down on Hollywood Boulevard.

You should’ve never trusted Hollywood ? @praniski

A photo posted by @fridabecker on Feb 12, 2016 at 2:33pm PST

 

3000 Canyon Lake Drive

Really, really want to get that picture of you right up next to the Hollywood Sign? 3000 Canyon Lake Drive is the place to go. The sign will be nice and big right over your shoulder and I’m pretty sure this place is rather secluded from tourists so the place will be pretty empty as well!

 

Tourist 101 – #hollywoodsign #asyoudo

A video posted by Elyse Knowles (@elyseknowlzy) on Jun 22, 2016 at 8:59pm PDT

 

Hike up to it

Yes, you can actually hike right up to the Hollywood sign! Unfortunately, you will be seeing the back of the sign when you hike all the way up; going up to the front is illegal. There are about three different (legal) hikes to the sign, and all are open from sunrise to sunset. I’ve never done the hike, so here’s a detailed article I found to help you out!

 

Honey I’m home in Los Angeles ✌?️ Photo by @andrewarthur from our helicopter ride last week @erwnchow @copterpilot #TheBlondeSaladNeverStops #TheBlondeSaladGoesToHollywood ??

A photo posted by Chiara Ferragni (@chiaraferragni) on Aug 17, 2015 at 10:01am PDT

 

Take a helicopter!

Want to really get a shot that will stand out? Splurge on a helicopter ride! Personally, I’d never do this because a) I’m broke and b) It’s a little overkill but hey, if that’s what you want then you do you!

 

Some photo tips

Don’t just stand there smiling. Well, I mean do that first. But to get a truly interesting photo don’t do the same thing millions of others have done! Jump up, high school musical style, or strike a unique pose, or take some candids! Here are some fun ones for inspiration:

HAPPINESS?

A photo posted by Esther Casterá (@esthercastera) on Jun 25, 2016 at 9:15pm PDT

 

A photo posted by Yin | (@yinllusion) on Jun 22, 2016 at 8:53pm PDT

 

Give me five ? #morninghike #LAlife @leticiabufoni

A photo posted by Gabi Lopes (@gabilopescombr) on Jun 23, 2016 at 3:19pm PDT

 

Want more awesome photos of LA? Check out 15 Instagram-worthy Spots in LA!