“Mulholland” most commonly refers to Mulholland Drive, a winding road that runs along the ridgeline of the Santa Monica Mountains in Los Angeles. The name also stands for the last name of William Mulholland, the civil engineer who built the Los Angeles Aqueduct in the early 1900s. In short, when people say “Mulholland,” they usually mean either the famous scenic road or the man who shaped modern L.A.’s water supply.
In everyday talk, Angelenos use “Mulholland” as a quick way to mention the drive itself: “Let’s take Mulholland home—no traffic up there tonight.” Tourists hear it in guidebooks and GPS directions, while movie fans know it from the film “Mulholland Drive.” The word also pops up in local business names—cafés, gyms, real-estate listings—because it instantly signals “Los Angeles hills and views.”
Meaning & Usage Examples
- “We watched the sunset from Mulholland.” (the road)
- “Mulholland’s vision turned a desert into a city.” (the engineer)
- “Their new house is right off Mulholland.” (the neighborhood along the road)
Context / Common Use
Locals treat “Mulholland” like shorthand for the ridgeline that splits the San Fernando Valley from the rest of L.A. Saying you’re “up on Mulholland” means you’re enjoying panoramic views or escaping city traffic. In pop culture, the name hints at mystery and glamour thanks to films and songs that use the drive as a backdrop.
Is Mulholland Drive the same as Mulholland?
Most of the time, yes. People drop the word “Drive” in casual speech and just say “Mulholland.”
Can you walk on Mulholland?
Yes, parts of it have sidewalks and trailheads, but most visitors drive or bike the route.
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