The Ultimate Outdoor Guide to LA’s Hollywood Hills

While the siren song of LA’s star-studded attractions can’t be ignored, Hollywood is more than red carpets and studio lights. Just beyond the bustle, you’ll find a side of the city that’s lush, laid-back, and surprisingly serene.

Tucked right into the Kimpton Everly Hotel’s backyard, the Hollywood Hills offer a natural playground of hiking trails, hidden stairways, and sweeping views that remind you why SoCal living is so enviable. Think winding paths through rugged canyons, quiet corners where the city feels miles away, and those postcard moments when the Hollywood Sign suddenly comes into view.

From glitz to greenery, the Hollywood Hills are Kimpton Everly Hotel’s backyard. (Photo Credit: @everlyhollywood)

To make exploring even easier, the Everly team has put together a handy insider’s guide — a curated collection of the best runs, hikes, star-gazing spots, and even outdoor concerts you can experience without ever straying far from the neighborhood. Here are just a few of the highlights waiting to be discovered.

Hike Into Hollywood Magic

The Hollywood Sign may have started as a temporary real estate billboard, but nearly a century later it has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. Standing 43 feet tall, the sign can be admired up close via hiking trails that range from leisurely strolls to more challenging treks. The longest route rewards hikers with a rare view from above and behind the sign, offering sweeping panoramas of Los Angeles.

Perched in the heart of Griffith Park — the largest city park in the US with true wilderness — this legendary hike is just the beginning. Explore 53 miles of trails that wind through rugged hills and secret spots, including the haunting remains of the original LA Zoo, now reclaimed by nature and hidden in plain sight.

From rugged hills to hidden ruins, Griffith Park is full of surprises. (Photo Credit: Francesca Albert)

Channel your inner La La Land moment at Griffith Observatory. (Photo Credit: Dan Cutler)

While you’re there, make time for the Griffith Observatory. Famous for its cameo in La La Land, this cultural gem hosts monthly “star parties,” where telescopes are open to the public and the cosmos takes center stage on clear nights.

Step Into the City’s Most Scenic Workouts

If you’re looking for a quick jog on flat terrain, head to the Hollywood Reservoir. This scenic path lets you cross the Mulholland Dam with postcard-worthy views of the Hollywood Sign — and with fewer crowds than other LA trails, it’s a peaceful escape.

Of course, no LA run list is complete without Runyon Canyon. Its three-mile loop is a magnet for locals, visitors, and the occasional celebrity — not to mention their dogs, who love the mix of on-leash and off-leash trails. And a bonus: The reservoir area hosts daily yoga classes for when your mood leans more toward down dog than uphill sprint.

You may just spot someone famous when trekking the Hollywood Hills. (Photo Credit: Saksham Gangwar)

For something more rugged, challenge yourself on the steep Beachwood Canyon Stairs. As you climb, you’ll wind through storybook neighborhoods once home to stars like Bela Lugosi and Humphrey Bogart, with sweeping views of Downtown LA waiting at the top.

Movies Under the Stars, Music in the Hills

For a welcome change of pace, trade hiking boots for a blanket or deck chair and enjoy LA’s thriving outdoor entertainment scene.

Just a short walk from Kimpton Everly Hotel, you’ll find two of the city’s most beloved al fresco movie spots. At Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Cinespia hosts screenings on the grassy lawn where classics like The Wizard of Oz share the lineup with cult favorites like Wayne’s World. Pack a picnic and make it a night under the stars.

Because the Hollywood sign never gets old. (Photo Credit: Gerson Repreza)

Make Kimpton Everly Hotel your home base when exploring the Hollywood Hills. (Photo Credit: @lebazardalison)

For a more elevated setup, Rooftop Cinema Club atop the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre delivers the full package: Wireless headphones, comfy deck chairs, craft cocktails, and sweeping rooftop views.

And no outdoor LA experience is complete without a night at the legendary Hollywood Bowl. Nestled into the Hollywood Hills, this open-air amphitheater has been hosting world-class performances for over a century. Come for a summer concert, or stop by on a Tuesday or Thursday morning to catch the LA Philharmonic in rehearsal.

Where to stay: Kimpton Everly Hotel

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