Mulholland primarily refers to Mulholland Drive, a famous scenic road in the Santa Monica Mountains of Los Angeles, California.
Road Description
This 21-mile mostly two-lane road follows the ridgeline, offering views of the Los Angeles Basin, San Fernando Valley, Downtown LA, and the Hollywood Sign. It connects sections of U.S. Route 101, crossing major boulevards like Sepulveda and Beverly Glen, and features exclusive homes owned by celebrities. A notable 2.4-mile hairpin-turn section called "The Snake" attracts drivers and recently reopened after a fire closure.
Origin and Name
Named after civil engineer William Mulholland, who built much of LA's water infrastructure, the road opened in 1924 as Mulholland Highway to boost Hollywood Hills development. Parts remain unpaved, like "Dirt Mulholland," now used for trails and a Cold War memorial.
Other Meanings
Mulholland is also an Irish surname derived from Ó Maolchalann, ranking moderately common in the U.S. It inspired David Lynch's 2001 film Mulholland Drive and appears in car editions like the Plymouth Prowler Mulholland.
