The Sign measures 450 feet long, its letters are 45 feet high, and it's visible from all parts of Hollywood. Erected in 1923 as an advertising sign for a real estate development in Beachwood Canyon, the Sign originally read "Hollywoodland". The last four letters were removed in 1945, after Hollywood had become the world's movie capital, and the Sign had already become a well-known landmark.

The best way to see the Hollywood Sign is to drive up Beachwood Drive (north of Hollywood Boulevard). The Sign is clearly visible most of the way up Beachwood.