Why visit
Walking the stars where film, TV, and music legends are immortalized is a free, only-in-Hollywood rite of passage, and the surrounding blocks deliver the Chinese Theatre, the Dolby, and Oscars-night glamour. It is pure spectacle, ideal for first-time visitors who want to feel the heartbeat of old and new Hollywood.
The Walk of Fame extends roughly 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard and a portion of Vine Street, with more than 2,700 stars recognizing achievement in film, television, music, radio, theater, and live performance. Visitors stroll the sidewalks hunting for their favorite celebrities' names, snapping photos beside icons of the entertainment world. The busiest stretch near Hollywood and Highland buzzes with costumed characters, souvenir shops, and street energy.
The surrounding blocks pack in famous sights: the TCL Chinese Theatre with its courtyard of celebrity handprints and footprints, the Dolby Theatre that hosts the Academy Awards, the El Capitan Theatre, and the Ovation Hollywood complex. It's a lively, sometimes chaotic tourist zone, so come for the spectacle and the photos, and keep typical city-street awareness as you explore.
History
The Walk of Fame was created by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, with construction beginning in 1960 to help boost the neighborhood's image. The first batch of stars was installed that year, and new honorees continue to be added through a nomination and selection process that requires a fee paid by the nominator's sponsor. The Walk is maintained by the Hollywood Historic Trust.
Insider Tips
- ✦Use the official Walk of Fame star locator to find a specific celebrity's star before you go.
- ✦Don't feel obligated to tip costumed characters who pose with you unless you choose to.
- ✦Visit the TCL Chinese Theatre courtyard for free to compare your hands and feet with the stars'.
Photo Tips
- 📸Arrive early to photograph a specific star without strangers' feet in the frame.
- 📸Step into the TCL Chinese Theatre courtyard to shoot the celebrity handprints and the ornate pagoda facade.
- 📸Crouch low over a star with the lit Hollywood Boulevard marquees blurred behind it for depth.
Before You Go
- ✓Use the official star locator to find a specific celebrity before you arrive.
- ✓Costumed characters may expect a tip for photos, so carry small bills or politely decline.
- ✓Stay aware in the crowded stretches and treat it as a busy city street.
Visiting with family
Turn the visit into a scavenger hunt by having kids find the stars of their favorite movie or music heroes using the official locator. Hold hands in the dense crowds near Hollywood and Highland, and decide in advance whether to tip costumed characters.
Where to Eat Nearby
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Hollywood Walk of Fame FAQ
How many stars are on the Walk of Fame?
There are more than 2,700 stars, with new ones added regularly across five entertainment categories.
Is the Walk of Fame free?
Yes, walking the stars is completely free; you only pay for nearby theaters, tours, or parking.
Where does the Walk of Fame start and end?
It runs about 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard between Gower and La Brea, plus a stretch of Vine Street.
Nearby Neighborhoods
More Landmarks in LA
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Perched on the south slope of Mount Lee in Griffith Park, the Hollywood Sign is the world's most recognizable symbol of the entertainment industry. You can't walk up to the letters themselves, but several trails and viewpoints deliver unforgettable photos of the giant white letters against the hillside.
LandmarksGriffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is a free public observatory on the slopes of Mount Hollywood, offering telescopes, science exhibits, and some of the best views in Los Angeles. Its Art Deco architecture and sweeping vistas of the city, the Hollywood Sign, and the Pacific make it a must-see for first-time visitors.
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The Santa Monica Pier is a historic wooden pier jutting into the Pacific, crowned by the small Pacific Park amusement park and its solar-powered Ferris wheel. It marks the symbolic western end of Route 66 and is one of LA's most festive seaside gathering spots.
LandmarksTCL Chinese Theatre
The TCL Chinese Theatre is Hollywood's most famous movie palace, instantly recognizable for its towering pagoda facade and the forecourt of cement handprints and footprints left by film legends. It remains a working theater hosting premieres and first-run films, including a giant IMAX auditorium.
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