The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a sidewalk, so it never closes and costs nothing. More than 2,800 brass-and-terrazzo stars run along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, honoring people from film, television, music, radio and live performance. It is also one of the most crowded and commercial blocks in the city. This guide covers where the stars are, how to find a name, how to catch a ceremony and how to make the visit worth the trip.
In this guide
It is part of our Los Angeles attractions guide. Pair it with our Hollywood Sign guide for views of the hills a few blocks away.
Walk of Fame at a glance
- Where Both sides of Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, and Vine Street from Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard
- Stars More than 2,800
- Cost Free, open all day and night
- Ceremonies Free, no tickets, usually 11:30am to 12:15pm
- Run by The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce
- Metro B Line to Hollywood/Highland, Hollywood/Vine or Hollywood/Western
- Info line 323-469-8311
A short history
Work on the Walk began on February 8, 1960. The first permanent star, for director Stanley Kramer, was laid on March 28, 1960, near Hollywood and Gower. The Walk was dedicated in November 1960. New stars have been added ever since, and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce runs the selection and ceremonies today. The official site has the full history and a searchable star directory.
Where the stars are
The Walk covers both sides of Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street west to La Brea Avenue, and both sides of Vine Street from Yucca Street south to Sunset Boulevard. That is a long walk, more than a mile end to end on the boulevard alone. Most visitors focus on the blocks between La Brea and Highland, where the TCL Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre are. The stretch east toward Vine is calmer and has older stars.
How to find a specific star
The official Walk of Fame website lists every honoree with the star’s location. Look up the name before you go, note the nearest cross street and the side of the street, then walk there. Phones can struggle with GPS on the boulevard, so a written address helps.
The category emblems
Each star has a small emblem in the center showing its category, such as a film camera for motion pictures, a television set, a record for music, a radio microphone, or comedy and tragedy masks for live performance. Look at the emblem when a name is unfamiliar. It tells you why the person was honored.
Watching a star ceremony
Star ceremonies are open to the public, free and do not need tickets. They usually run from 11:30am to 12:15pm. The schedule is posted on the official site about 10 days before each ceremony, and dates can change at short notice. Honorees are voted in each June, around 30 a year, and they have two years to schedule a ceremony.
Ceremony tips
- Arrive at least 30 to 60 minutes early for a big name. The best spots go fast.
- Expect barriers and a press area. You will be standing.
- Check the official site the morning of the ceremony for changes.
- Bring water and sunscreen. Most of the sidewalk has no shade.
Getting there
The B Line stops at Hollywood/Highland, Hollywood/Vine and Hollywood/Western. Hollywood/Highland puts you next to the TCL Chinese Theatre and Ovation Hollywood. The fare is $1.75, capped at $5 a day on TAP or a contactless card. See our LA Metro guide.
If you drive, use a garage. Ovation Hollywood has one on Highland Avenue, and many paid lots line the side streets. Street parking on the boulevard is limited and closely enforced.
What is nearby
TCL Chinese Theatre
The forecourt of the TCL Chinese Theatre, with handprints and footprints in cement, is free to visit. It gets crowded and may be roped off during premieres. The theatre also runs short paid tours of the interior on most days; call the theatre to confirm times.
Dolby Theatre and Ovation Hollywood
The Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards ceremony, is inside Ovation Hollywood at Hollywood and Highland. The center’s upper levels have a view of the Hollywood Sign. The Dolby offers guided tours on some days; check its website for current prices and times.
El Capitan Theatre and the Hollywood Roosevelt
Across the boulevard from the Chinese Theatre, the El Capitan Theatre is a working movie palace. The Hollywood Roosevelt hotel is on the same side of the boulevard as the El Capitan, a short walk west.
The Hollywood Sign
You can see the sign from Ovation Hollywood. For closer views, see our Hollywood Sign guide and our Griffith Observatory guide.
Accessibility
The Walk is a flat city sidewalk with curb ramps at most crossings, so wheelchairs and strollers can cover it easily. The crowds around Highland Avenue are the main obstacle, especially in the afternoon. The Hollywood/Highland station has elevators. For quieter sidewalks, start at the Vine Street end and work west.
Tips for a better visit
The Walk of Fame is busy, and it attracts costumed characters, ticket sellers and people offering tours or free CDs. Characters expect a tip if you take a photo with them, so agree before you pose or just say no thanks. Keep bags zipped and phones in front pockets in crowds. Early morning is the calmest time for photos of a star without feet in the frame.
Before you go
- Look up the stars you want on the official directory.
- Go early in the day for empty sidewalks and cooler weather.
- Use the B Line and skip the parking search.
- Plan an hour for the main blocks, more if you visit theatres.
- Combine it with the Hollywood Sign viewpoints or Griffith Observatory.
For a full day in the area, see our 3-day Los Angeles itinerary and our main list of things to do in Los Angeles. The Los Angeles events calendar lists the Hollywood Christmas Parade, which runs along the boulevard on November 29, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hollywood Walk of Fame free?
Yes. It is a public sidewalk, open all day and night. Star ceremonies are also free and need no tickets.
How many stars are on the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
There are more than 2,800 stars, and about 30 new honorees are chosen each year.
Where does the Walk of Fame start and end?
It runs along Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, and along Vine Street from Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard.
How do I find out when a star ceremony is happening?
Check the official Walk of Fame website. Ceremonies are usually announced about 10 days ahead and start around 11:30am.
How long does it take to walk the Walk of Fame?
An hour covers the busiest blocks around Highland Avenue. Walking the whole thing on both sides of the street takes much longer.
Is the Walk of Fame safe?
It is busy and generally fine during the day. Watch your bags in crowds, and be wary of people pushing tours or photos for money.
Official sources: Hollywood Walk of Fame; TCL Chinese Theatres; Dolby Theatre; LA Metro.
Photo credits
Featured image: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0