Discount Car Rentals and the Hollywood Sign

If you're planning to tour some of the most prominent Hollywood landmarks during your upcoming Super Cheap Discount Car Rentals vacation, remember to look up. Hollywood's most important (and most literal) tourist attraction is located atop of Los Angeles tallest peak. Erected in 1923, the Hollywood sign is one of the most recognizable landmarks in all of America, welcoming tourists and dreamers from every corner of the globe. Originally intended as a marketing gimmick for a local real estate agency, the Hollywood sign now functions as a local landmark, highlighting the very essence of life in Tinsel Town. Like any other landmark, the Hollywood sign features a story full of tragedy and triumph, so read on to learn more. Nothing says "Hollywood" quite like the Hollywood sign, so why not take the time to brush up on a little of the landmarks history?

An accidental icon

The Hollywood sign was never meant to be a major part of Tinsel Town history. When the sign was originally erected, it was intended to catch the eye of potential homebuyers as they entered the city. Erected in 1923, the original sign spelt out the world "Hollywoodland" and was used as an advertisement for a real estate development in Beachwood Canyon. Thousands of individual lightbulbs provided this antique sign with it original glow. The last four letters were eventually removed in 1945, and the sign became the official welcome mat for arriving Hollywood hopefuls. The sign itself measures some 450 feet long, with each letter towering a dramatic 45 feet high. The sign is visible from practically every rooftop in Hollywood and is often featured in movies, commercials and television shows. The Hollywood Sign is now recognized as one of the city's most famous landmarks. In fact, it was official declared Los Angeles Cultural Historical Monument #111 a number of year ago.

Seeing the sign from every angle

The Hollywood sign is arguably the most photographed celebrity in all of Los Angeles. Yet, Super Cheap Discount Car Rentals' customers might be surprised to learn that it is illegal to hike or walk anywhere near the sign. The sign is thus just like any other self-respecting celebrity, valuing its privacy and eluding the public eye. But don't worry - Super Cheap Discount Car Rentals has an inside scoop on where you can go in order to get a good glimpse of this world famous icon. Top viewing locations include:

The Beverly Center Mall: customers of Super Cheap Discount Car Rentals can see the sign while riding the exterior escalator tubes on the east side. A clear view is also possible from the mall's food court patio on the top floor.
The Hollywood (101) Freeway: Super Cheap Car Rentals' customers will enjoy a clear view of the sign when driving northbound on this freeway. Remember to look out your window once you pass the Santa Monica Boulevard exit.
The Griffith Park Observatory: Simply park your rental car in the Observatory's parking lot. Look northwest and the sign will be staring back at you.
The Hollywood Bowl: If you're planning to visit this Hollywood landmark (and you should be) simply climb to the top row of bleachers. The sign can be seen off to the left of the stage.

Getting close to this prominent Hollywood icon isn't easy. The closest view is from Beachwood Drive. To get there simply follow Hollywood Boulevard east to Gower Street, Turn left (north) onto Gower and travel three blocks to Franklin Avenue. Turn right (east) onto Franklin and then immediately left (north) onto Beachwood Drive. This street is long and windy, providing customers of Super Cheap Discount Car Rentals with an enjoyable afternoon drive. Customers of Super Cheap Discount Car Rentals are invited to visit the official Hollywood sign website at www.hollywoodsign.org for more details.