Los Angeles is big; almost 500 square miles, to be exact -- and these daunting dimensions contain more than 3.8 million busy souls. While the city's size and bustling liveliness draw tourists aplenty, the thinking traveler may feel the need to rise above it all. Here are 10 of our favorite places at which to take it all in -- and quite possibly find a moment of peaceful solitude.
1. Hike up Mt. Lee to the world-famous Hollywood Sign. A true beacon of the city, the sign has presided over the world's entertainment capital since 1923 and been featured in many films. www.hollywoodsign.org. Tip: For a less strenuous way to get a look at the sign and the city below, take one of Sunset Ranch's horses. www.sunsetranchhollywood.com.
2. Perched at 1,135 feet on Mt. Hollywood's north slope, Griffith Park Observatory has been the jewel of L.A.'s principal city park since 1935. Tour the newly redone facility, peer through a telescope to the heavens above, or marvel at the city of angels below. On a clear day, you can see to Catalina Island. www.griffithobs.org.
3. The Getty Center is the premier art venue in a city that's a known bastion of art. In addition to spectacular works by the world's great masters, you'll see equally unrivaled views of West Los Angeles from the platforms on the building's striking travertine exterior. www.getty.edu.
4. Between Highway 101 and Interstate 405, fabled Mulholland Drive offers motorists more than 10 paved miles with panoramic views of the city and the San Fernando Valley. Along the way, you'll pass impressive celebrity estates.
5. From 5,709-foot-high Mt. Wilson, in L.A.'s San Gabriel Mountains, look down on the sprawling city limits with your bare eyes or, if you've made advance reservations on www.mtwilson.edu, see it through the world's largest telescope devoted to public viewing.
6. Downtown L.A.'s skyline is the tallest west of the Mississippi, so fantastic views can be had from its soaring buildings. Head to the 34th floor of the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites for a drink at the revolving BonaVista Lounge. www.thebonaventure.com/dining.
7. Santa Monica Pier celebrates a century of delighting crowds on September 9. The best scenes of the bustling shore are seen from the 90-foot-tall Ferris wheel; be sure to ride the new wheel, complete with special lighting effects, premiering Memorial Day weekend. www.santamonicapier.org.
8. Don't forget that L.A. city limits encompass much of the San Fernando Valley. Though the world has many valleys, only one comes to mind when referred to as simply "The Valley." One of the best ways to see this famous area (which accounts for more than 200 of L.A.'s square miles) is with a full belly from the popular, elevated Odyssey restaurant in Granada Hills. www.theodysseyrestaurant.com.
9. With so much development, it's easy to forget how L.A.'s natural landscape would look and feel. Wear your hiking boots at Topanga State Park to experience that, and also to take advantage of excellent trails and far-reaching views of the city and the Pacific Ocean. www.parks.ca.gov.
10. While awaiting your departure, gaze one last time at the mighty city from LAX's Encounter restaurant. Its futuristic design is as worthy of photographs and discussion as are its views of one of the world's busiest airports. www.encounterlax.com.