Hollywood Hills East

Residents of Hollywood Hills East have convenient access to several excellent institutions served by the Los Angeles Unified School District. Additionally, there are also several private schools in the area.

Preschool to elementary 

• The Oaks School
• Cheremoya Avenue Elementary
• Hollywood Elementary 
• West Hollywood Elementary 

 
Up to high school

• Immaculate Heart
• Hollywood High
• West Hollywood College Preparatory

 
Tertiary level

• Emerson College
• Touro College

The Tongva and Chumash indigenous groups are some of the earliest settlers of the Los Angeles Basin. Even after the incorporation of California as the 31st state, it took several decades before major development efforts would change the area’s landscape.

In 1923, a neighborhood project called Hollywoodland would begin to take shape. Spearheaded by Harry Chandler, Sidney H. Woodruff, and Moses H. Sherman, the development would become prominent for its wood and sheet metal “HOLLYWOODLAND” sign. The word “LAND” would be eventually dropped in 1949.

The Hills came into being at an opportune time, when Hollywood’s earliest stars were just beginning to capture TV audiences’ attention. Thanks to its spectacular location, the neighborhood naturally attracted Old Hollywood celebrities and titans of industry seeking a respite from the public eye. From the 1960s to the 1970s, many musicians like Jim Morrison, The Byrds, The Eagles, and Carole King sought out the area for inspiration as they composed their timeless hit songs.

Since its early years, the Hollywood Hills has cultivated a cultural cachet that continues to attract a who’s who of celebrity icons and high profile C-suite executives.

• Hollywood Reservoir is where nearby residents go for a walk or run surrounded by Southern California greenery. Trail paths and verdant woods encircle the small body of water, which was created as a result of Mulholland Dam in 1924.  The reservoir has been featured in a couple of films and TV shows like Chinatown, The Little Things, and 9-1-1.

• Lake Hollywood Dog Park isn’t just a great spot to take your dogs for a walk. It also  has good views of the Hollywood sign. Plus, there’s a few picnic areas and a children’s playground.

• Griffith Park covers over 4,000 acres of landscaped parkland and natural wildlife habitat in the heart of Los Angeles. While a number of recreational facilities have been developed for visitors through the years, a sizable chunk of the park remains pristine natural terrain. With a plethora of outdoor activities — from hiking and stargazing to golf and horseback riding — it’s impossible to do everything in a day or two. Further down this list are some of the best ones to make time for. 

• Griffith Observatory is home to interactive presentations that present the cosmos in intriguing ways. Best of all, admission is free. But with plenty of tourists year-round, make sure to plan ahead of time to avoid the long queues. The idea for the observatory began when Griffith J. Griffith wanted basic science education and awareness to be more accessible to the public. Following his own experience of observing nearby heavenly bodies in the observatory of Mt. Wilson in 1904, Griffith committed himself to that lofty goal. Today, Griffith Observatory houses 60 exhibits showcasing our knowledge of the observable universe.

• The hike to Mt. Lee, which covers a 6.5-mile loop, brings you close to the world-famous Hollywood sign. Take note that you can’t actually take a picture in front of the sign since a chain link fence prevents visitors from getting too close. However, this hike does bring you to do the taller peak right behind the giant letters.

• Los Angeles Zoo is home to more than 270 species of animals, from amphibians and invertebrates to large mammals like giraffes, elephants, and lions. The zoo’s gardens feature a diverse array of plants sourced from all over the world, from Mexican fan palms to endangered African bulbs. 

• Los Angeles Equestrian Center is a 75-acre property that features a 3,500-seater equidome, 55 miles of trails to ride on, as well as 13,000 square feet of multi-use space where you can book reservations for family occasions and business events. 

• Make time for tee time in any of Griffith Park’s top-tier golf courses, be it the Harding Golf Course or the Wilson Golf Course. Opened to the public in 1923, the 18-hole  Harding Course was the area’s first-ever all-grass course and has several challenging approaches into guarded greens. Wilson is a renowned 18-hole municipal course that has hosted many championship events and high profile banquet events.

Hollywood Hills East is also well within easy driving distance from LA’s lively and high-end shopping destinations. Here’s a preview of the shopping malls and luxury retail you’ll discover:

• Sunset Plaza
• 8000 Sunset Strip
• West Hollywood Gateway
• Melrose Avenue Shopping District
• Beverly Center
• Sanfair Center

 
Notable mentions: While it’s outside the bounds of the neighborhood, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is less than 30 minutes away and is known for its designer boutiques and fine dining establishments.

• For some excellent Mexican dishes in a laid-back lounge setting, Te’Kila doesn’t disappoint. From the crowd favorite Te’kila Wings to the quintessential burritos and refreshing margaritas, there’s plenty here to whet your appetite.

• Five0Four is Hollywood Boulevard’s go-to place for Creole and Bourbon Street-inspired offerings. Whether you just got off work or looking for a cozy hangout on a weekend, this is a great bar resto to drop by. 

• Bask in nostalgic American dining in Mel’s Drive-In Hollywood. The first drive-in branch opened in San Francisco in 1947 and has since expanded to a select few locations to keep the 1950s style diner experience alive.

• Whether it’s serenading customers or serving authentic Italian cuisine, Micelli’s has delighted diners since 1949. Its famous basement area is often reserved for parties and social events. 

• For over 100 years, Musso & Frank has been a preferred dining spot for those craving classic American fare — from savory appetizers like marinated herring and Musso’s famous steak tartare to the juicy filet mignon.