Now is a great time to take a walk through the Hollywood Bowl. While the venue hosts many lease events throughout the year, most of them do not begin until April. That means the Bowl is often quiet during the late winter and early spring months.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic manages performances at the Hollywood Bowl. However, the venue itself is owned and operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation. Because of this, the Hollywood Bowl is considered a public park and is generally open to visitors during the day.

When to Walk

Park hours typically run from sunrise to sunset. The theater portion of the Hollywood Bowl usually opens around 8:00 AM, although access can occasionally change due to rehearsals or special events.

If you visit later in the morning or early afternoon, you may notice sightseeing buses arriving with visitors who want to see the famous amphitheater. However, during the early morning hours the Bowl can feel surprisingly peaceful.

You might see a few locals exercising by running the stadium steps. But don’t be surprised if you have large parts of the Hollywood Bowl to yourself.

If you plan to visit, consider signing up for the Hollywood Bowl Neighborhood Updates email list. The weekly update often includes information about when the theater seating area is open to the public. These times can change depending on rehearsals or scheduled events.

The Walk

A great way to explore the venue is by walking across the seating rows. This route combines flat walking with some light stair climbing. Start near the front rows and work your way back and forth across the seating sections as you gradually move up the hill. When you reach the top, simply retrace your steps back down toward the stage.

Following this path can easily give you two miles of walking while enjoying one of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks.

Before you leave, make sure to visit two great photo spots. One is located behind Section W2 at the very top of the Bowl. The other is behind Section M1, where you can capture a fantastic photo of the Bowl shell with the Hollywood Sign visible in the background.