Hollywood Walk of Fame — Everything to See & Do

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States — and one of the most misunderstood. More than just a sidewalk with names on it, Hollywood Blvd is a living piece of entertainment history, packed with iconic buildings, legendary theatres, and a energy that nowhere else in the world quite replicates. Here's everything you need to know before you visit.

About the Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame was established in 1960, with the first stars installed in 1961. Today there are more than 2,700 stars embedded in the sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Each star is a five-pointed terrazzo and brass medallion, and each one commemorates a notable figure from the entertainment industry.

Stars are awarded in five categories, each with a different emblem in the center:

• 🎬 Motion Pictures
• 📺 Television
• 🎵 Recording
• 📻 Radio
• 🎭 Live Theatre / Performance

How to Find Your Favourite Star

With 2,700+ stars spread over 1.3 miles of sidewalk, finding a specific star without guidance can be challenging. A few tips:

• Use the official Walk of Fame Star Finder at walkoffame.com — search by name to get the exact block and address
• Your tour guide will point out notable stars and clusters during the stop
• Stars are not in chronological or alphabetical order — they're placed where space was available at the time of installation
• Some of the most visited stars: Michael Jackson (near 6927 Hollywood Blvd), Marilyn Monroe (near 6774 Hollywood Blvd), Elvis Presley (6777 Hollywood Blvd)

Grauman's Chinese Theatre

The most famous movie theatre in the world. Built in 1927 by Sid Grauman, the TCL Chinese Theatre (officially renamed but universally still called Grauman's) is a spectacular example of Chinese-inspired architecture — pagoda roofs, stone temple dogs, and an ornate forecourt that contains the most famous collection of celebrity handprints and footprints anywhere.

The celebrity hand and footprint forecourt has been capturing impressions since 1927, starting with Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. Notable entries include:

• Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell — who signed with diamonds pressed into the cement
• The cast of Star Wars, Harry Potter, and the Avengers
• Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant
• More than 300 celebrities total, each with a unique message or flourish

Try matching your hands and feet to the impressions — it's one of the most popular activities in Hollywood.

The Dolby Theatre

Directly adjacent to the Chinese Theatre is the Dolby Theatre — the permanent home of the Academy Awards since 2002. This is where the Oscars are held every year. The building features a dramatic contemporary facade and can seat 3,400 people.

Tours of the Dolby Theatre interior are available separately (not part of our tour stop), including access to the stage and the Academy Awards ceremony setup.

Hollywood & Highland

The shopping complex surrounding the Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre is Hollywood & Highland — a multi-level retail and entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and a direct view of the Hollywood Sign through the Babylon Court archway. This framed view of the sign was deliberately designed into the architecture.

Best Photo Spots on Hollywood Blvd

Practical Information