NationalGeographicPersonalExplorer

Catch a glimpse of the most famous nine letters in the world from Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue. The 50-foot-high Hollywood Sign was originally erected in 1923 to advertise a new housing development in the Hollywood hills. When it was built it actually read: HOLLYWOODLAND. Years of exposure to the elements took a toll on the structure and the last four letters had to be removed due to deterioration. The remaining letters were repaired in 1978 and unveiled on national television, to 60 million viewers. A good viewpoint of the sign can be reached by driving north on Gower Street from Hollywood Boulevard, and north again on Beachwood Drive. Another good photo spot is from the top of Spring Oak Drive.