Hello friends. My name is Patrick and I am from Germany. I will be on tour group in many parts of California next week. I look forward to LA but only have 2 days there. I have the afternoon free to do what I want and I want to know if I can go anywhere I like by using the underground and buses. I will be staying at the Figueroa Hotel on 939 S.Figueroa Street LA, CA 90015. My question is I would like to see the Hollywood sign from above. Like the hills. What underground train do I take? I arrive in LA at 2pm and I have the rest of the day available.Can anyone suggest my route? Thank you very much.

I suggest you seek assistance from your hotel. They, more than anyone, know the ins and out of the city. Have a good time!!

Patrick, first of all find out from your tour group why they will not take you to see the sign, as this is where all tour buses usually take the tourists. I'm surprised your tour group wouldn't do it. Or maybe you just think they will not take you there? Or you want to see it twice?

You will need transportation to get to the Hollywood sign and you will need someone familiar with the route because there aren't any signs because the residents of the area value their privacy...the roads are narrow and they twist and turn...if this sight isn't on your tour group's itinerary you can see the sign from Hollywood Blvd. by the new Kodak theater and Mann's Theater, where the movie star's footprints are.

Patrick - unfortunately there aren't many options available in LA via public transportation. It's a running joke in the US about how LA residents are wed to their cars (before I get slammed for this comment, I'm a Chicagoan who loves LA).

My suggestion for the best sight via rail is the Kodak Theatre and the new Hollywood and Highland complex (accessible by the Metro at Hollywood and Highland stop). The Hollywood sign, while neat, isn't worth the trouble in my opinion (my friend lived in the neighborhood below, Hollywoodland, and the sign is a bit disappointing).

Metro website is www.mta.net

Have a good trip.

Patrick LA has about the worst public transit system of any major city in the entire world. It's nearly worthless.
Sorry to tell you that, but that's the way it is. New York and Chicago are easy to navigate with public transit. Not so LA.