Where to Read a Book, Relax, Sit Peacefully with a Great View

Driving along Mulholland, you pass various overlooks where you can pull over on to the dirt, get out and take in the views. In all, the 55-mile Mulholland Scenic Parkway and Corridor has 18 official overlooks between the 101 Freeway and Kanan Road in the Agoura Hills area, but lucky for us, most can be found east of the 405 (see a map here).

Of those within Los Angeles, some views are not so obvious when driving by. Such is the case with the Barbara A. Fine Overlook at the Summit, about a quarter mile east of Coldwater Canyon. Trees and brush block the view from the street, but once inside, you'll find yourself in a peaceful oasis offering a views of the Valley, shade, three park benches and a drinking fountain. To us, this is a perfect little hideaway for some alone time, book reading, a picnic on the bench or just some peace and quiet.

Fine was instrumental in the remaining beauty along Mulholland. For 30 years, she fought development in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains and eventually helped create Los Angeles' hillside ordinance, which limits the number of homes that can be built on mountain hillsides. She also was part of the fore that brought the city the Mulholland Scenic Parkway Specific Plan, a document that guides development along the 22 miles of the famous artery.

In 2003, the overlook was named after her for these reasons. Specifically, the overlook stands above the upper fork of Fryman Canyon, where Fine fought to stop houses from being built. Today, it remains for the urban wild.