Mulholland Drive is a 55-mile-long winding road that connects Hollywood Hills to Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu. However, driving the entire length of Mulholland Drive is not common due to a long stretch of mountain dirt road. Most travelers choose the classic route on Mulholland Drive, which climbs up the Hollywood Hills from US-101 via Cahuenga Blvd, then crosses the hills to the intersection with I-405 for a 20-mile drive that will take at least one hour, not counting scenic stops. The Mulholland Drive movie fans drive with great caution, bearing the memory of the car accident that happened on this winding road. The area is not accessible by public transportation, but those who do not have a car can join a guided tour to see the houses of celebrities on Mulholland Drive and beyond.
The Mulholland Drive route offers various scenic viewpoints that offer breathtaking views of the city, ocean, mountain landscapes, and canyons. The Jerome C. Daniel Overlook is the most famous and frequented viewpoint on Mulholland Drive. It offers a beautiful view of the Hollywood Bowl and Downtown Los Angeles. The Universal City Overlook is another viewpoint that directs your gaze north towards Universal City, where you can also see Universal Studios in the distance. The Nancy Hoover Pohl Overlook offers a spectacular view of Fryman Canyon and is ideal for those who want to take a hike through the hills above Los Angeles. Other recommended overlooks include the Mulholland Scenic Overlook and the Stone Canyon Overlook, which offers a view of the Santa Monica Mountains, the Stone Canyon Reservoir, and on clear days, Catalina Island and the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
If you have little time but still want to enjoy this road, you can cover just 5-6 miles (from the exit of the US-101 to the Mulholland Scenic Overlook), turn back, and see the best views. Driving down this road is an experience unique to Los Angeles, which one shouldn’t miss.
