Hilltop Park — Attraction in Signal Hill

I had the day off and thought, “Why not do something wholesome?” First, I discovered a gyro so good it could end wars. Then I swung by the Long Beach Airport viewing area to watch planes take off like the budget version of Catch Me If You Can. On the way home, I spotted this hill and decided to check out the view—because nothing says “impulsive life choices” like chasing an elevated mound of dirt.

After surviving a gauntlet of stoplights that felt like LA’s version of purgatory, I finally made it. Parking is scarce—mostly street parking—so you’ll need to channel your inner Formula 1 driver to snag a spot.

The view? Pretty solid, assuming you enjoy squinting through the official LA haze filter. The park itself is clean, plenty of shade under the trees, and the atmosphere is relaxed… depending on your definition of “relaxed.”

Because here’s the thing: Signal Hill is basically the unofficial make-out capital of Southern California. There were more teenagers locking lips than there are pigeons in New York. Forget sunsets—these kids came to tongue wrestle. So, pro tip: if your daughter says her boyfriend is taking her to Signal Hill to “hang out,” she’s not talking about admiring the skyline.

Overall, it’s worth a visit if you’re nearby. The view is free, the breeze is nice, and the people-watching is chef’s kiss. Just be prepared for the occasional background soundtrack of awkward giggles and...

I like to always walk up there or jump in my car and just cruise up there but anyway love the view love being up there or I could be at least high enough to see the whole city of Long Beach lots of people go up there just to relax and be with family also close to some shopping centers and restaurants as well down on the low part of the Hill. For example Costco home Depot Best buy Walmart is close enough Subway and yogurt place Chinese restaurant Supercuts and many more. But I also want to mention that people go up there to do some exercises just walk around or run and get fit so if you want to get fit this is the place to go. Take your family take your dogs take your pets and just have a great day outside there is also an ice cream truck that pulls over on top of the Hill. If you have breakfast lunch or dinner up there there's benches so that way you can sit and eat your food oh also if you decide to go on a first date and you think what should I do or where should I take him or her this would be a good starting spot to show her at night or in the morning the beauty and all that you can see in Long Beach 📸 🌁 and your significant other can watch the Sun go down and look at the sky at night. I especially like the trails maybe...

I love this park. Yeah, a downside is no playground for the kids, but that's fine considering epic views and nice open grass space for picnicking and kicking a ball around.

The views from here are spectacular! You can see all of Long Beach, Long Beach harbor, Los Angeles harbor, even San Pedro. You can see Palos Verdes, and even make out downtown LA on a clear day! Seal Beach is also in view of you cross the street toward the ocean.

We like to come here and use the panorama promenade, which is at the end of Dawson Ave. It's a nice large walkway going around the North side of Signal Hill. We like to wrap around and take Skyline back to the park. It's a nice stretch, giving you bonus views of Long Beach airport and the mountains in the far background. If you take Skyline back, and you care about some small town history, take a side trip to Sunset View Park. There are some plaques that give the history of some radio towers in the area. Going a little further you'll find the oil drilling monument which makes for a nice photo spot.

The round trip can fill up about an hour, more if you take your time.

Yes, there are restrooms here, not super nice but hey, it's a...