Over 2,700 brass stars embedded in sidewalks honor entertainment industry icons. Stretches along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street near famous landmarks like TCL Chinese Theatre.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a historic sidewalk in Los Angeles, California, extending along Hollywood Boulevard from La Brea Avenue to Gower Street, and down Vine Street from Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard, for a combined length of about 1.3 miles. Embedded in the pink granite sidewalk at regular intervals are over 2,700 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars, each bearing the name of an honoree from the entertainment industry — film, television, radio, music, and theater. Induction ceremonies are public events and held in front of the relevant star's location. The most photographed area concentrates near the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue, where the TCL Chinese Theatre — formerly Grauman's Chinese Theatre — occupies a pagoda-style structure with a massive forecourt containing handprints and footprints set in cement by roughly 200 of Hollywood's most famous performers. The imprints date from the 1920s to the present; matching hands or feet to those of favorite stars is a popular and entirely free activity. Immediately across the street, the Dolby Theatre hosts the Academy Awards and offers public tours of the auditorium on non-award days. El Capitan Theatre, Disney's historic Hollywood cinema, runs first-run Disney and Pixar releases in a restored 1926 interior. Walking the full length of the starred sidewalk takes about an hour at a brisk pace; most visitors focus on the Hollywood–Highland block and spend 90 minutes to two hours in the area. The Hollywood and Highland metro station provides convenient access and eliminates parking difficulties in this busy district.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24 hours
- Best for
- movie fans, tourists, photographers
Location
Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028
34.1016, -118.3267 View on map
Highlights
- Match hands and feet at Grauman's/TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt cement imprints
- Hunt for stars of favorite actors, musicians, and directors on the Walk of Fame sidewalk
- Tour the Dolby Theatre interior where the Academy Awards are held each year
- Explore Hollywood Boulevard's historic theater facades and entertainment district atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- Combine with TCL Chinese Theatre tour
- Look up celebrity handprints in cement
- Visit in morning to avoid crowds
When to visit
Visit on a weekday morning before 10 AM to beat tour groups and midday crowds. The area is pleasant year-round given Los Angeles's mild climate; avoid summer weekend afternoons when sidewalks become very congested.
Accessibility
The Walk of Fame sidewalks are flat and paved, fully accessible by wheelchair. The TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt is accessible. The Hollywood and Highland shopping complex adjacent to the theater has elevators to all levels. Accessible parking is available in the Hollywood and Highland Center garage.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hollywood Walk of Fame free?
Yes, walking along the sidewalk and viewing stars is completely free. The TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt with handprints is also free to enter. Tours of the Dolby Theatre and some museum attractions carry admission fees.
How long does it take to walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
The full 1.3-mile route takes about an hour at a steady pace. Most visitors focus on the Hollywood–Highland area and spend 60 to 90 minutes between the theater forecourts, star-hunting, and the adjacent shops.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Weekday mornings before 10 AM are the least crowded. The area becomes very busy by midday on weekends and when tour buses arrive. Summer evenings after 6 PM also see lighter foot traffic than midday.
How do celebrities get a star on the Walk of Fame?
Honorees are nominated by the public or industry sponsors and selected by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce Walk of Fame Selection Committee. Both the honoree and a nominating sponsor must agree to participate, and a ceremony fee is paid.