Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook

About this spot

The 511-foot summit has a full 360-degree view: Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Mountains to the west, where the sun goes down, downtown to the east and the Hollywood Sign to the north. The park is open 8am to sunset, so plan to start down as the sun sets. You can climb the Culver City Stairs, a long, steep flight of uneven steps from Jefferson Boulevard, or drive up Hetzler Road to the paid lot by the visitor center, around $6 a day. Restrooms are at the top. There is no shade, which makes the cooler evening the favourite time to go.