Mulholland Scenic Parkway and Corridor
DETAILS:
Location: Mulholland Drive; stretching between Hollywood and Calabasas.
Please note that there is a stretch of Mulholland Drive just west of Encino Hills Drive that becomes unpaved and is not open to motor vehicles. This part is often referred to as "Dirt Mulholland". Mulholland Drive opens up again just east of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.
Overlook Hours of Operation: Daily - sunrise to sunset.
Parking:
Limited free parking lot at each overlook.
Free street parking along various stretches of Mulholland Drive. Please observe any posted parking signs and watch for cars around every bend!
Cost: Free!
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours if you want to experience every overlook during one drive.
There are few roads in all of Southern California more iconic than Mulholland Drive. Opened to traffic in 1924 and named after influential civil engineer; William Mulholland, the eponymous roadway winds for 21 miles above the Los Angeles skyline from Hollywood to Calabasas (Mulholland Highway extends the route all the way to the ocean at Leo Carrillo State Park along the Pacific Coast Highway). Most roads are about getting from one destination to the next, but Mulholland Drive can be a destination unto itself when in the mood for a leisurely cruise, and you certainly can’t beat the views along the way.
Speaking of views, you may have noticed at some point along your various journeys on Mulholland Drive that there are designated overlooks placed strategically throughout its run where you can safely stop to take in the surrounding landscape for as long as you’d like (between sunrise and sunset). These official overlooks are apart of the Mulholland Scenic Parkway & Corridor and are maintained by the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority (MRCA). There’s no “wrong way” to get from one overlook to the next, but if you’re attempting to check them all out on one drive, I suggest starting from the east and proceeding west since most of the overlooks will be on the side of the San Fernando Valley. Because of this, the majority of your stops will be on your right, making it easier to turnoff and back onto the road. The overlooks detailed below are in order from east to west. Enjoy!
JEROME C. DANIEL OVERLOOK
Located on the south side of Mulholland Drive, this overlook is probably the most popular of all the overlooks thanks to its proximity to Hollywood. This overlook has one of the rare views of both Los Angeles and the Valley. Highlights include a view of downtown, the Hollywood Bowl, and the Hollywood Sign which can be enjoyed from a stone perch situated on top of a small hill. There is a parking lot here, but can easily be filled on a busy day/time.
UNIVERSAL CITY OVERLOOK
Located on the north side of Mulholland Drive, this overlook was funded by a donation from Universal Studios which explains its location right above Universal City. Parking is limited to only several cars, but thankfully you can park on Mulholland Drive. Just follow any posted parking signs and watch out for approaching cars!
NANCY HOOVER POHL OVERLOOK
Located on the north side of Mulholland Drive, this overlook has the largest parking lot accommodating up to 40 cars. One of the unique features of this overlook is that it provides access to several hiking trails which descend into Fryman Canyon.
MULHOLLAND SCENIC OVERLOOK
Located on the north side of Mulholland Drive, this twin set of lookouts is pretty bare-bone compared to the others. “Parking” comes in the form of a dirt shoulder in front of each lookout, but it offers one of the more expansive views of the entire San Fernando Valley.
BARBARA A. FINE OVERLOOK
Located on the north side of Mulholland Drive (strangely the parking lot only contains 2 parking spots, one of which is a dedicated handicap spot. Luckily, you’ll be able to park along Mulholland), this overlook offers a short walking path lined with trees that looks out into the surrounding hills. You do have the opportunity to cross over Mulholland Drive and take in the views to the south from a small lookout across the street which include some pretty massive estates nearby.
CHARLES & LOTTE MELHORN OVERLOOK
Located on the north side of Mulholland Drive, this lookout offers another expansive view of the valley.
STONE CANYON OVERLOOK
One of the rare overlooks located on the south side of Mulholland Drive, Stone Canyon Overlook is the newest of the overlooks built in 1994 and is situated above Stone Canyon Reservoir (I never knew this reservoir existed prior). On a clear day, you can see the Pacific Ocean, the Palos Verdes Peninsula, and Catalina Island. This lookout is also high enough that you can peer north into the valley. Bonus - this lookout possesses another fairly large parking lot.
ALISA B. KATZ OVERLOOK
While the other overlooks are relatively bunched together, this overlook is definitely separated from the rest, located along the western-most reach of Mulholland Drive. No city views can be seen from here, instead you’ll be greeted by the meadows of Las Virgenes Valley and the rocky hills of Malibu Creek State Park. Since this location is so remote, parking on most days shouldn’t be an issue.
