Discovering the Best Views of the Los Angeles Skyline

This guide will help you find out where to see the LA skyline, allowing you to decide for yourself which view of the Los Angeles skyline is truly the best.

Many buildings on the LA skyline appear to have received a flat-top haircut around the same time, which can be traced back to the 1974 fire code. This code mandated that every building features an emergency helicopter landing pad on its roof. However, this requirement was lifted in 2014, leading to a transformation of the city’s skyline.

This change is occurring rapidly. To fully grasp the extent of vertical development in Los Angeles, explore this map from Curbed, which tracks the tallest buildings that are currently planned and under construction. Some projects include a structure described as a “giant urban tree” and an unconventional condo building featuring swimming pools jutting out from its sides.

Notable Buildings in the Downtown LA Skyline

The tallest building in the LA skyline is the Wilshire Grand Center, easily identifiable thanks to its distinctive spire. Notably, this spire is the sole feature that allows it to surpass the height of the US Bank Tower.

The US Bank Tower stands prominently, showcasing a rounded structure at the top, which crowns a sleek 73-story skyscraper adorned with light-colored cladding and green glass.

Another significant structure is the Aon Center, which stands at 62 stories. Its appearance may seem unremarkable, characterized by a nondescript vertical shaft clad in dark gray glass and framed in white. The name “Aon” displayed at the top aids in its recognition.

Interestingly, City Hall, though not as tall as some of the newer downtown buildings, has historical significance. Constructed in 1928, it received an exemption from LA’s building height regulations, resulting in its pyramid-shaped top standing at 454 feet. This landmark has appeared in numerous films, making it a recognizable symbol of the city.

The Westin Bonaventure is another icon, featuring mirrored, cylindrical towers that provide a unique profile visible only from the southern side of downtown.

If you’re interested in identifying more tall buildings or exploring statistics, this list of the tallest buildings in Los Angeles can enhance your experience.

1. Mulholland Drive Overlook

The view from the Mulholland Drive overlook encompasses much of Los Angeles, including Hollywood. The iconic Capitol Records building, which resembles a stack of old LPs, can be seen in the foreground, alongside US Hwy 101 as it traverses Hollywood on its way to downtown Los Angeles.

From this scenic overlook, you can gaze down into the Hollywood Bowl, and on clear days, enjoy a vast view of the Los Angeles Basin. To locate the overlook, look for where Highland Avenue intersects US 101, with Mulholland Drive climbing into the Hollywood Hills nearby.

2. West Hollywood Rooftops

This stunning image of the Los Angeles skyline was taken at twilight from the roof deck of the Andaz West Hollywood. The rooftop pool is remarkable, offering a view that enhances the experience.

Like the Andaz, numerous hotels along the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood provide similar spectacular views from their pool areas or bars. For instance, the Skybar at the Mondrian Hotel is frequently listed among the top spots for breathtaking views and rooftop bars in LA.

3. Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory offers iconic views of downtown LA, primarily due to its close proximity to the city and unobstructed sightlines. Although you may need to hike a nearby trail to capture the observatory in the foreground, once at the balcony, the panoramic view of downtown is impressive.

While visiting, remember that the exhibits housed within the Griffith Observatory are equally fascinating and worth exploring.

4. Echo Park Lake

This view of the Los Angeles skyline from Echo Park Lake surprises many visitors, as the city is typically associated with congestion and overdevelopment. However, this picturesque scene features a tree-lined lake in the foreground, making it a unique perspective.

Located about two miles northwest of downtown, Echo Park Lake was originally established in the 1860s as a drinking water reservoir. Today, it serves as a city park, found at 751 Echo Park Avenue.

5. Vista Hermosa Natural Park

This 10-acre park, located at 100 N Toluca Street, features walking trails, streams, meadows, oak savannahs, picnic areas, and a nature-themed playground. However, the standout feature is undoubtedly the spectacular views of downtown LA.

Additionally, visitors often capture memorable photos from the iconic bench that resembles one seen in the 2009 film 500 Days of Summer, though the original bench is located in a different park that has since closed.

You can conveniently park on Toluca Street and take a short walk up to the park’s hilltop for an unparalleled view of the skyline.