So you want to see the Hollywood sign from a decent location. You might want to take a photo. It's a landmark of 50-foot high letters. First erected in 1923 to advertise "Hollywoodland", a housing development, the area was deeded to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce which took down the Land part.
But getting there is not easy. This HOW TO will tell you how.

Start on the 101 Freeway
You can start elsewhere, of course. But, if you're in LA, chances are you've hit the 405 and/or 101 Freeways along the way. They run into one another. The 101's the east/west freeway that skirts Hollywood. You can come westbound and still get there but these directions are from the 101 eastbound.

Follow These Directions
The 101 eastbound becomes the 101 southbound (don't ask; this is LA.)
Take Exit 8C for Gower Street, turning left on North Gower.
Turn right at Scenic Ave.
Turn left at North Beachwood Drive.
Drive until you find a suitable spot to park, get out and take a look.

What's Nearby
The Griffith Park Observatory is just behind the sign. Reopened in 2006 after 5 years of refurbishment, it is a world class observatory and planetarium.

Back Down in Hollywood
Behind you in Hollywood are such landmarks as the Hollywood Walk of Fame where over 2,000 stars are immortalized on the sidewalk. You will find the concrete handprints and footprint in front of Mann's Chinese Theater.