The Beachwood Experience
A Hidden Gem Under the Hollywood Sign
Tucked beneath the iconic Hollywood Sign, Beachwood Canyon is more than just a scenic backdrop—it’s a place of history, mystery, and adventure. Whether you're hiking to the sign, exploring historic stairways, or catching a glimpse of a Hollywood legend, this neighborhood is full of surprises.
Hiking Trails & Secret Staircases
Distance: ~2.6 miles | Difficulty: Moderate
Climb the hidden stairways of Old Hollywood, built in the 1920s for early canyon residents. Along the way, you’ll find stunning city views, quirky homes, and remnants of Hollywood’s past.
🏞️ Brush Canyon Trail (Hollywood Sign Hike)
Distance: ~6.4 miles round trip | Difficulty: Moderate
This scenic trail leads you behind the Hollywood Sign with panoramic views of LA. Start at Canyon Drive and follow the dirt fire road up to Mount Lee for the best sign vantage point.
🦇 Bronson Caves (“Batcave”)
Distance: 0.6 miles | Difficulty: Easy
A quick detour off the Brush Canyon Trail brings you to this famous filming location from the 1960s Batman TV series.
💧 Lake Hollywood Reservoir Loop
Distance: 3.3 miles | Difficulty: Easy
A peaceful, paved walk with reflections of the Hollywood Sign in the water. Perfect for a relaxing break from city life.
Hollywood Legends & Hidden Stars
Beachwood Canyon has always been a sanctuary for the stars, a hidden retreat where Hollywood’s elite escape the spotlight. From the golden age of film to today, this tucked-away neighborhood has drawn some of the biggest names in entertainment.
In the 1920s and 40s, Hollywood land was a storybook escape for film industry royalty. Silent-film director Busby Berkeley, screen legends Humphrey Bogart and Barbara Stanwyck, horror icon Bela Lugosi, also known as Dracula, and even mobster Bugsy Siegel found solace in these hills. The creative pull extended beyond actors as novelist Aldous Huxley wrote here and The Monkees’ Peter Tork played guitar beneath the Hollywood Sign.
That legacy lives on today. Beachwood remains a celebrity hideaway where stars like Halsey, Andy Samberg, and Joanna Newsom call home. The famed Chateau Beachwood, once Warner Bros. housing for actresses, has hosted Greta Garbo, Marlene Dietrich, Madonna, and Marilyn Monroe.
Pop into Beachwood Café and you just might spot someone famous but unlike the tourist-filled hotspots below, Beachwood Canyon remains a low-key magical retreat for both the famous and the not-so-famous alike.
Hiking to the Hollywood Sign from Beachwood Café
A hike to the Hollywood Sign isn’t just about the destination—it’s about the adventure through one of LA’s most storied neighborhoods. And what better way to start than with a great meal at Beachwood Café?
1️ Start at Beachwood Café (Fuel Up!)
Kick off your journey with a hearty breakfast or a fresh cup of coffee—because every great hike deserves a great start. (Bonus: Harry Styles mentioned Beachwood Café in his song “Falling,” so you’re literally walking in a lyric.)
2️ Head Up Beachwood Drive
Walk north on Beachwood Drive, passing under the original Hollywoodland stone gates, a glimpse into the neighborhood’s star-studded past. Keep an eye out—the Hollywood Sign peeks through the hills, teasing you along the way.
3️ Turn Left on Ledgewood Drive
At Ledgewood Drive, make a left and start your ascent. This is where the streets narrow, the homes get more whimsical, and the city below starts to disappear.
4️ Follow Mulholland Highway & Turn onto Deronda Drive
Ledgewood leads you to Mulholland Highway, where you’ll take a right and continue toward Deronda Drive. At the end of Deronda, you’ll find a pedestrian gate—this is your access point to one of the best legal viewpoints of the Hollywood Sign.
5️ Take in the View!
Step through the gate and follow the short trail for an epic, front-facing view of the Hollywood Sign. Snap your photos, soak it all in, and enjoy the feeling of standing beneath one of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
6️ Bonus: Want to See the Sign from Above?
If you’re up for a little more adventure, follow Mount Lee Drive for a steep but rewarding hike behind the Hollywood Sign—where LA stretches out before you in every direction.
The Unique Charm of Beachwood Canyon
✨ Historic Storybook Homes – From Tudor cottages to castle-like villas, Beachwood’s architecture feels straight out of a fairytale.
🐾 Wildlife Meets Hollywood – Spot deer, hawks, and raccoons just minutes from the city.
🎭 Old Hollywood Vibes – Walk the original Hollywoodland stone gates and imagine the stars of the past strolling these quiet streets.
🌅 A True Escape – Whether hiking, dining, or just exploring, Beachwood Canyon feels like a hidden world within LA.