Mulholland Drive
"Mulholland Drive is a winding ridgeline road offering spectacular views of the LA Basin on one side and the San Fernando Valley on the other. The drive is quintessential LA—a car experience through the Hollywood Hills with scenic overlooks. Sunset is the prime time. The road inspired the David Lynch film and countless songs. It's where LA's geography and mythology intersect."
Logistics
Affordable
Vibe
Scenic, cinematic
Duration
1-2 hours
Best For
Scenic drives
The Backstory
Named after William Mulholland, the engineer who built LA's aqueduct in 1913, bringing water from 200 miles away and enabling the city's explosive growth. The drive was completed in the 1920s. It's featured in countless films and music videos as the archetypal LA vista.
Local Secret
"Drive west to east in late afternoon so the sun is behind you for better views. Stop at the overlooks near Cahuenga Pass or the Sepulveda Pass for panoramic photos. The road is narrow and winding—drive carefully. Combine with Griffith Observatory (just south) for a full day. Go on weekdays to avoid weekend traffic."