Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is a legendary outdoor amphitheater renowned for its exceptional sound quality and stunning natural surroundings.
Located at 2301 Highland Ave in Los Angeles (zip 90068), the Hollywood Bowl is an open-air amphitheater with a 1920s art deco shell designed by Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry. Set amid natural surroundings with exceptional acoustics, the venue pairs distinctive architecture with an open setting suitable for photography across summer.
Hollywood Bowl's Historic Landmark Designation
The Hollywood Bowl occupies a natural amphitheater in the Hollywood Hills that was originally known as Daisy Dell, and it has hosted performances since its official opening on July 11, 1922. The current bandshell is the fourth structure built on the site, with the first two designed by Lloyd Wright, son of architect Frank Lloyd Wright. The venue was added to the US National Register of Historic Places in 2023, making it a documented historic landmark for photographers interested in early-twentieth-century performance architecture set against the surrounding hillside.
Best Photo Spots
Here is one photo spot at the Hollywood Bowl, the Promenade 3 Elevator.
Promenade 3 Elevator
Photographs of This Location
Hollywood Bowl's Photographed Performance History
Set in a natural concave valley once known as Daisy Dell, the Hollywood Bowl occupies a site that served as a popular picnic ground before the amphitheater's construction. The venue's long history offers photographers a documented record of performances, ranging from the record-breaking 1956 Jazz at the Philharmonic program featuring Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald to The Beatles' 1964 appearance, which produced the live album "The Beatles at the Hollywood Bowl." Artists across decades, from Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley to BTS and Dua Lipa, have taken the stage at this Los Angeles venue, giving photographers a range of cultural reference points to work with.
Common Questions
Visitors can bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages, but alcohol is only permitted during LA Philharmonic events.
Hollywood Bowl History and Acoustics
The Hollywood Bowl occupies a natural amphitheater in Bolton Canyon originally called Daisy Dell, selected in 1919 by William Reed and his son H. Ellis Reed for its natural acoustics. The original 1929 bandshell was replaced in 2004 with an acoustically improved shell, and the venue operates as a non-profit that depends on donations to fund its programming and community initiatives. As a longstanding live music venue in Los Angeles, it provides a recognizable setting for concert and architectural photography.
Practical Information
$6 round-trip; $8 round-trip (reserved), $12 (walk-up); US-101
Complimentary on-site parking; Parking at the Hollywood Bowl is described as a bit tricky but doable via the Park & Ride shuttle service.; Valet for premium fee
10:00 AM; 4 hours before concert; 2 hours before event start
$1; Free; $40-50
Personal photography is permitted at the Hollywood Bowl.; No professional cameras or recording devices; 14" x 14" x 6"
Session Tips
- Unless it's a Lease Event, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drink, including alcohol, into the Hollywood Bowl.
- After a Hollywood Bowl concert, visitors should be prepared for a lengthy wait before pulling out of parking into traffic.
- Plan parking or a shuttle ride in advance, as parking can be pricey and traffic heavy during Hollywood Bowl shows.
- Bring a blanket to Hollywood Bowl evening performances, as it can get chilly under the night sky.
- Arrive early at the Hollywood Bowl to enjoy the picnic areas and use shuttle services to ease parking challenges.
What to Wear
- The Hollywood Bowl recommends smart casual attire and layered clothing for cool evenings.
- Visitors are advised to dress smart casual and bring layers for cool evenings.
When to Shoot
Best Time to Photograph
1:24 PM - 1:49 PM
1:49 PM - 2:49 PM
12:34 AM - 1:34 AM
1:34 AM - 1:59 AM
Best Season
June through September
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 06:58 | 17:07 | 10h 8m |
| Feb | 06:37 | 17:37 | 10h 59m |
| Mar | 07:03 | 19:01 | 11h 57m |
| Apr | 06:22 | 19:25 | 13h 2m |
| May | 05:51 | 19:48 | 13h 56m |
| Jun | 05:41 | 20:06 | 14h 25m |
| Jul | 05:53 | 20:05 | 14h 12m |
| Aug | 06:14 | 19:40 | 13h 25m |
| Sep | 06:36 | 18:59 | 12h 22m |
| Oct | 06:58 | 18:18 | 11h 20m |
| Nov | 06:26 | 16:49 | 10h 23m |
| Dec | 06:51 | 16:45 | 9h 53m |
What to Expect During Your Session
The Hollywood Bowl season runs from June through September, with some picnic areas opening four hours before performances and spectator gates opening two hours prior, making mid-afternoon arrival practical for scouting the venue against Southern California's starry skies. Photographers targeting close-range stage views should reach Areas 6 and 7 at least an hour before showtime, though a pre-planned shuttle is wise since post-concert traffic and parking can be lengthy. A blanket is worth packing for late-evening shoots, as temperatures drop noticeably under the night sky.
To claim one of the most coveted picnic spots (Areas 6 and 7, closest to the stage), arrive at least an hour, maybe two, before showtime.
Seating at the Hollywood Bowl begins 30 minutes before showtime.
Getting There
Access & Transit
- Wheelchair access
- The Hollywood Bowl is wheelchair accessible with designated parking, entrance points, and seating areas to accommodate guests with mobility needs.
- Parking
- Parking at the Hollywood Bowl is limited, stacked and expensive.
- Public transit
- B Line (Red) to Hollywood/Highland Station
- Walking distance
- 15-20 minutes
- Bike friendly
- Bicycling to the Hollywood Bowl is an option for visitors.