1

It was originally an advertisement

Image: Emma Timmers

Have you ever wondered why the sign exists at all? After all, not many cities display neighborhood names on a nearby hill . When the sign was first erected in 1923, it was simply a billboard promoting a real estate development, and it was supposed to stand for only about 18 months.

2

It used to be longer

Image: Sarah Sheedy

The sign originally read "Hollywoodland" , the name of a new housing development that promised wealthy buyers unique views of the sunny hills of Los Angeles. So, they stuck a gigantic sign on Mount Lee. Just temporary , they said. Just for marketing .

Over 20 years later, the district had become more culturally relevant than the housing development, but people had grown used to the sight by then. So, they decided to let go of four letters. Each cost a fortune to maintain anyway.

3

It used to be bigger

Image: Eliot

The original "Hollywoodland" sign was massive. Each letter stood 43 feet tall and stretched 30 feet across. They were made from thin metal panels slapped onto wooden frames and held up by telephone poles.

It dazzled from afar, but up close, it was a wobbly mess . The construction was so flimsy that by the 1930s, some of the letters were already tilting, cracking, or sliding out of place.

4

It’s appeared in more movies than most actors

Image: Ramaz Bluashvili

Doesn’t that fact make you giggle? It’s not Bette Davis, and it’s not Anthony Hopkins—it’s the Hollywood Sign that has more movie credits .

Aliens have blown it up. Earthquakes have toppled it. Sharks have flown right through it. But it’s also been the backdrop for kisses, chases, and friendship montages. Directors love it because it screams "L.A." in three seconds flat.

5

Technically, it’s not in Hollywood

Image: RDNE Stock project

The Hollywood Sign doesn’t actually sit within the neighborhood of Hollywood—it stands atop Mount Lee, inside Griffith Park, which is managed by the City of Los Angeles . So while it may say Hollywood , it’s not technically in Hollywood.

6

It’s been rebuilt twice

Image: Gerald Schömbs

By the 1940s, the city stepped in and gave the sign a minor facelift. After the crumbling "LAND" was scrapped, the remaining letters were patched up.

But by 1978, the sign was in serious trouble again—rusted, leaning, and on the verge of collapse, it was deemed beyond repair. This time, Hollywood did what it does best: rebooted it entirely . A new sign was built from scratch, using steel beams and concrete foundations.

7

Celebrities "sponsored" letters

Image: Joseph Menjivar

When Hollywood cried for help in the late ’70s, it was Playboy founder Hugh Hefner who stepped in. The city didn’t have the funds to rebuild the sign, so Hefner threw a glitzy fundraiser to find sponsors for each of the nine letters, at $27,777 apiece.

And it worked. Alice Cooper funded the "O" in memory of Groucho Marx. Gene Autry sponsored the second "L." Even Warner Bros. chipped in.

8

No public trail leads directly to it

Image: Venti Views

Perhaps you’ve heard a disappointed tourist complain about this before: You can hike near it. You can pose below it. But actually walking up to the letters is a no-go. The trails in Griffith Park will get you close, with plenty of Instagram-worthy views. But conservation efforts mean you’ll never legally stand between the "L"s.

One reason is that decades ago, it was easier to reach the sign—and some fans even climbed the letters.

9

The land surrounding it was once nearly sold for development

Image: izayah ramos

In the early 2000s, developers had their eyes on the land behind the sign. The plan was to construct luxury homes in the hills with killer views. But the public response was pure outrage.

Enter Hugh Hefner (again), along with celebrities and conservation groups , who raised over $12 million to save the land. Today, those hills are permanently protected.

10

It has its own security team

Image: Lukas Geck

As mentioned earlier, you can’t get a selfie next to the "H" because the sign is off-limits to the public. It’s monitored 24/7 with infrared cameras, motion sensors, microphones, and regular patrols. Some hikers still try their luck, but trespassing can lead to citations, fines, and in some cases, arrest.

11

It’s copyrighted; you can’t just slap it on a T-shirt

Image: Simon Ray

Call a lawyer before you print the Hollywood Sign on your merch. Some trademark rights to the sign are owned by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. That means any commercial use—like shirts, mugs, or movie scenes— requires a license . Even photographers have to tread carefully.

12

Helicopters were used to move the letters

Image: Somchai Kongkamsri

The letters have been helicoptered off before. In 1978, when the new sign was being installed, the old, rusted letters had to go. But since you can’t exactly wheel 50-foot steel slabs down a hiking trail, helicopters came to the rescue.

One by one, the original letters were airlifted off the mountain in a strange, sky-high farewell. It was quite an event, and crowds gathered to watch.

1

Seattle Underground City

Did you know the remnants of Seattle's original streets are still accessible? Beneath the bustling streets of modern-day Seattle lies the Underground City , a network of subterranean passageways that formed the ground level in the 1800s.

By the end of the 19th century, after the Great Seattle Fire, it was decided to rebuild the city at a higher elevation to combat frequent flooding . So, these original streets, sidewalks, and storefronts were buried, and with it, much of their history.

Guided tours take people through tunnels and ladders and retell real and eerie stories about the history of the Underground City.

2

Luray Caverns

Image: Robert Thiemann

Have you ever heard of the underground Stalacpipe Organ ? Not only is it a one-of-a-kind interaction between keyboards and cavern stalactites, but it is also the largest musical instrument in the world, according to Guinness World Records.

This instrument lives in the Luray Caverns, Virginia. It consists of an electric console that taps on these ancient stalactites of varying sizes to produce musical tones. A subterranean wonder, these caverns are also known for their extraordinary size , housing towering stalactites and stalagmites, mirrored pools, and delicate drapery-like calcite formations.

3

The Underground Gardens of Baldassare Forestiere

Image: Adrian Botica

This stunning subterranean retreat was built entirely by hand. Tucked under the sun-scorched landscape of Fresno, California, lie the Underground Gardens of Baldassare Forestiere . They are the life’s work of Baldassare Forestiere, a Sicilian immigrant who started digging in the early 1900s to escape the Central Valley's oppressive heat.

Over 40 years, drawing inspiration from ancient Roman catacombs , Forestiere carved an elaborate network of underground rooms, passageways, grottoes, and courtyards that span 10 acres.

A unique masterpiece, the gardens are open with guided tours that lead guests through beautifully designed spaces featuring skylights, arches, and alcoves. This oasis also boasts an array of fruit trees, including citrus, figs, and olives.

4

Ruby Falls

Image: Goodfreephotos_com

Colorful and breathtaking, the Ruby Falls is a geological wonder located inside Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Hidden over 1,000 feet below the mountain's surface, this waterfall cascades 145 feet into a pool , making it one of the tallest underground waterfalls open to the public.

Visitors enter the mountain and descend via elevator. Then, they walk through stunning cave formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone. At the waterfall chamber, multicolored lights –powered by renewable energy– illuminate the falls. Lantern-lit tours are also offered as a chance to visit the marvel with a different charm.

5

The Catacombs of Green-Wood Cemetery

Image: Joy Ernst

Arched tunnels of tranquil, sacred vaults lie beneath the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York. Built in the mid-19th century, these catacombs were designed as a prestigious resting place for the city’s elite , prominent families.

While the catacombs are typically closed to the public, special events are sometimes organized to welcome visitors, such as art expositions, guided history tours, and candlelit tours seasoned with live music and storytelling.

Outside, where the sun does reach, await the serene landscapes and remarkable monuments of the cemetery, which is itself a National Historic Landmark .

6

The Lost Sea

Image: Roberto Nickson

The largest underground lake in America is in Tennessee. Hidden within the Craighead Caverns in Sweetwater, this enormous body of water lies in a cave system filled with fascinating formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and rare anthodites, also known as "cave flowers."

A National Natural Landmark, this lake marvels scientists, who are yet unaware of the exact extension of its waters. Those who visit can embark on a boat ride called "The Lost Sea Adventure," first walking inside the cavern before reaching a boat to navigate these ethereal sights.

7

Mammoth Cave National Park

Image: Sherin Jacob

The Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the longest cave system in the world . Located in central Kentucky, it extends over 420 miles of explored passages and many more likely undiscovered. Enormous chambers, underground rivers, a labyrinth of tunnels, and gypsum crystal formations can all be found at this site.

The park has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an International Biosphere Reserve. It also includes over 52,000 acres of protected land on the surface, renowned for its lush forests and diverse wildlife.

8

Carlsbad Caverns National Park

Image: Cason Asher

A large bat colony lives in the Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico, but that’s not its only charm. The park boasts over 100 caves, with its centerpiece being the immense Carlsbad Cavern.

The cavern includes the Big Room, one of the largest underground chambers in North America, spanning 8.2 acres. Visitors can descend via an emblematic natural entrance or by elevator, dropping 750 feet underground. Stalactite formations like the Giant Dome, the Hall of the White Giant, and the Chandelier are some of the caves' breathtaking highlights.

9

Indian Echo Caverns

Image: Magda Ehlers

The Indian Echo Caverns, which have been open to the public since the early 1920s, are carved into the limestone of the Appalachian Mountains. Located near Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, this site gets its name from the echoes heard within the cavern’s chambers , which were once believed to be mystical by Native American people in the area.

Unique, immersive sections of the caverns have names like the "Crystal Palace," the "Echo Room," and the "Wedding Room," where, yes, real weddings are sometimes held!

10

Wind Cave National Park

Image: Francesco Ungaro

Wind Cave National Park, located in the Black Hills of South Dakota, is one of the world’s largest caves, but that’s not what it’s most famous for. One signature sight here is the boxwork formation , a rare lattice-like pattern formed by calcite deposits.

The cave system stretches for over 140 miles, though much of it remains unexplored. Popular tours take guests through captivating features like the "Ribbon Room" and the "Crystal Palace."

Why is Wind Cave called that? Mainly due to the "wind" phenomenon that occurs at its entrance. The cave's air pressure causes the entrance to draw in or expel air, depending on atmospheric conditions.

1

Griffith Park, Los Angeles

Image: Venti Views

Covering over 4,000 acres, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. Located in the hillside neighborhood of Los Feliz, this park is full of natural spaces , with hiking and biking trails, picnic areas, baseball fields, tennis courts, and golf courses.

Probably the two most famous attractions in Griffith Park are the Griffith Observatory at the top of the hillside and the Hollywood Sign on the southeastern slope of Mount Lee. Griffith Park also features a number of museums and themed gardens, including the Los Angeles Live Steamers Railroad Museum, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Los Angeles Zoo.

2

City Park, New Orleans

Image: Farah Almazouni

Imagine a spring afternoon sitting on a bench by the lagoon, in the shade of an 800-year-old oak tree, reading your favorite book. Is there a more delightful plan? This pleasant dream can come true if you visit City Park in New Orleans!

In addition to its 1,300 acres of woodlands, waterways, and wildlife, this park is full of cool attractions. From amusement and theme parks (Carousel Gardens and Storyland) to a 1930s Art Deco-influenced Botanical Garden, an art museum with 40,000 objects in exhibition, and a sculpture garden. Trust us, it's worth leaving the French Quarter for a little while to take a stroll around this majestic city park!

3

Sculpture Garden, Minneapolis

Image: Paul Esch-Laurent

Built in 1988 and spanning 11 acres, Sculpture Garden in Minneapolis is one of the top urban sculpture gardens in the country. The garden is an ongoing collaboration between the city's parks department and the Walker Art Center.

In 2017, Sculpture Garden underwent an extensive renovation. A few pieces by contemporary artists such as Theaster Gates and Katherina Fritsch were added, a former wetland was restored, and native flora was planted to help feed essential and endangered pollinators.

While most visitors are drawn to the garden's inaugural centerpiece, "Spoonbridge and Cherry," the park features 40 permanent art installations and many temporary pieces that rotate periodically.

4

National Mall, Washington D.C.

Image: Jacob Creswick

The National Mall is often considered the political heart of the United States. This landscaped park in downtown Washington, D.C., is surrounded by impressive monuments, iconic government buildings, and amazing museums. Nearly two miles long, it stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol.

At the center of the National Mall is the Washington Monument. This obelisk, the highest point in the city, is surrounded by 56 flags representing the 50 states plus Washington D.C. and 5 U.S. territories.

Throughout this iconic park, you can also find 10 Smithsonian museums. For example, the National Museum of American History, which houses the first version of the American flag, and the National Museum of Natural History, with rooms full of dinosaurs and the Hope Diamond.

5

Forest Park, St. Louis

Image: Keran Yang

If you're looking for a peaceful place to relax after a busy day in the big city, Forest Park is the best option. It is visited by 13 million people a year for a reason! This 143-year-old park covers 1,326 acres of meadows and wetlands that are home to a great variety of birds and wildlife. It also features a six-mile bike ride, paddle boats, a golf and tennis center, an amphitheater, a skating rink, and a restaurant.

In addition, Forest Park is an important cultural hub . As well as housing the Saint Louis Art Museum, it hosts events such as the Great Forest Park Balloon Race, the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis, and the LouFest Music Festival. But perhaps the most visited place in the park is the Saint Louis Zoo, which has a collection of 18,000 animals. It's impossible to get bored in Forest Park!

6

Balboa Park, San Diego

Image: Leslie Yu

Balboa Park is a must-see for anyone visiting the city of San Diego. This huge 1,200-acre cultural and urban park was built in 1868, making it one of the oldest public spaces in the United States. Moreover, in 1977, it was declared a National Historic Landmark.

Balboa Park's 15 museums play a predominant role in the city's cultural life. These include the Museum of Natural History, the Museum of Us, and the Museum of Art. Secondly, you can ' t miss the themed gardens, especially the Japanese Friendship Garden. Finally, the San Diego Zoo is one of Balboa Park's star attractions. This 99-acre zoo is considered one of the most important in the world, both for its diversity and its concern for the protection of animal species.

7

Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Image: Jeffrey Eisen

Golden Gate Park is huge. At 1,017 acres, it is the largest park in San Francisco. Almost anything you can think of can be done in Golden Gate Park; from hiking and biking to disc golf and archery. But don’t worry if you are not a sports buff; this National Historic Landmark also has many relaxing spots to discover.

Some of the most interesting features you can visit are: the picturesque Dutch Windmill; the Garden of Fragrance, specially designed for blind visitors; the Japanese Tea Garden, decorated with bonsai and pagodas; or Shakespeare's Garden, with more than 200 flowers mentioned across the author’s works. Oh, and don't forget to head to the top of Strawberry Hill for an iconic view of the Golden Gate Bridge!

8

Patterson Park, Baltimore

Image: Aaron Burden

Patterson Park was once a key defense site for Americans fighting the British during the War of 1812. Today, this historic park, nicknamed "Best Backyard in Baltimore," is busy with bikers, joggers, and strollers who enjoy 137 acres of 50 different species of trees, smooth pathways, lakes, picnic areas, and sports fields.

In addition, during the summer, people can cool off in the swimming pool and, during the winter, have fun skating on the ski rink. But perhaps the park's main attraction is the Patterson Park Observatory, a gorgeous 1890s pagoda that serves as an observation tower and reflects Baltimoreans' fascination with the Orient.

9

Boston Common Park, Boston

Image: Josephine Baran

Boston Common was founded in 1634, making it the oldest public park in the United States. The site has great historical significance since many events related to American independence took place here. Today, the park is used primarily for recreational purposes and is the perfect spot to relax after a busy day.

Every spring, the famous swan-shaped boats sail away, as they have done for more than 140 years. In summer, the go-to place is the Frog Pond, which offers a refreshing wading pool for children. During winter, this same pond becomes a skating rink enjoyed by both kids and adults.

Fun fact: did you know that Boston Common sits on top of Boylston Station, the first subway station in the U.S.? Lots of "firsts" for this amazing site!

10

Central Park, New York City

Image: Michael Matloka

You may be thinking, what else can anyone tell me about Central Park that I don't already know? Yet, this city park is so iconic that it still has some secrets to reveal. For example, did you know Central Park is larger than the entire city-state of Monaco? Often referred to as "The Green Lung", this oasis in the heart of Manhattan is also the most filmed public park in the world, appearing in more than 500 movies.

With an extension of 843 acres, Central Park has a large number of attractions worth visiting, such as the Belvedere Castle, the "Imagine" mosaic, the Bethesda Fountain, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, the Central Park Zoo, lakes, 58 miles of pedestrian paths, many green areas to relax, two ice skating rinks and, in the warm season, outdoor theater and cinema. So, next time you visit New York City, you might want to check one of these out!