Growing up, a lot of us here at Chamberlain thought of the famous Hollywood sign as something that had just always been there, as natural as the mountain beneath it. In fact, the sign originally went up in 1923—as a real estate advertisement. Despite its quick rise to the status of cultural icon, by the late 70s, it was not a very attractive sight to behold. The first o had deteriorated into something like a u, and one of the two wood o’s had toppled to the ground. The sign’s 1978 makeover was initiated by an unlikely hero, Playboy founder High Hefner, who gave the landmark the design that you see today. To visit the sign, guests of the Chamberlain should head west toward Griffith Park (ignore the “Tourists Go Away” signs; locals can be grumpy, but they don’t bite). Once at the park, you can take one of three trails up, Mt. Hollywood (easy), Charlie Turner (moderate), or Canyon Blvd. (difficult). For your efforts, you’ll be handsomely rewarded with stunning views of Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean. Oh, and remember your sunscreen and water bottle. California summers can sizzle, so it’s important to stay hydrated.

Address: Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027