The Hollywood Walk of Fame shows up on every LA itinerary for good reason. It’s free, it’s iconic, and you can knock out dozens of celebrity photo ops in about an hour. But here’s what most visitors don’t realize: those 2,815 stars embedded in the sidewalk are also the perfect starting point for sightseeing in Los Angeles.
Whether you’re hunting for your favorite actor’s star or just soaking up the Hollywood energy of movie stars, the Walk gives you a taste of what makes LA tick. And if you want to go deeper—to see where these stars actually live, work, and play—you’re already standing at the ideal launch pad.
Our Celebrity Homes Tour and Taste of LA Tour depart right from the Walk of Fame, taking you from the names on the sidewalk to the actual neighborhoods where Hollywood’s biggest stars call home. Our comprehensive tours with professional guides are the best way to experience iconic landmarks.
What Is the Hollywood Walk of Fame?
The Walk of Fame is exactly what it sounds like: a 1.3-mile stretch of sidewalk studded with pink terrazzo stars honoring entertainment industry legends. Each star includes a celebrity’s name and a symbol representing their field—film, television, recording, radio, or live theater.
With over 2,800 stars and counting, it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
Getting a star isn’t automatic, though. Nominees need to be sponsored, pay an $85,000 fee, and meet specific criteria for their contributions to entertainment. The selection committee is surprisingly picky about who makes the cut.
Where Is the Hollywood Walk of Fame Located?
The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches along Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, with an additional section running down Vine Street from Yucca Street to Sunset Boulevard.
You’ll be walking right past iconic Hollywood spots like the historic TCL Chinese Theatre, the Dolby Theatre (home of the Oscars), and the Hollywood & Highland Center.
This part of the Los Angeles area is easy to reach and well-connected, which makes it a smart starting point if you’re planning to explore beyond just the stars. Public transit, rideshare, and tour pickups all converge here—convenient when you want to see more without the hassle of multiple stops.
Why Take a Walking Tour of the Iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame?
It’s one of those rare attractions that delivers exactly what it promises. You’ll find household names mixed with forgotten legends, current superstars next to classic Hollywood royalty.
The photo opportunities are endless, and there’s something oddly satisfying about literally walking over the names you’ve seen in credits your entire life.
The energy here is unmistakably LA—street performers, tourists from every corner of the world, and that constant buzz of people discovering something new. Plus, it’s always active. Unlike some attractions that feel quiet during off-hours, the Hollywood Walk of Fame maintains its character whether you visit at sunrise or sunset.
Interesting Facts About the Hollywood Walk of Fame
The first stars were installed in 1960, but the concept dates back to the 1950s when the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce wanted to restore the area’s glamour. Joanne Woodward received the first star, though she wasn’t necessarily the first installed—they went in simultaneously.
Some celebrities have multiple stars. Gene Autry holds the record with five, representing all categories. Mickey Mouse has a star (and it’s one of the most photographed). Muhammad Ali’s star is the only one not embedded in the sidewalk. At his request, it was mounted on a wall at the Dolby Theatre out of respect—because he shares his name with the Prophet Muhammad and did not want it to be stepped on. John Lennon’s star is on the sidewalk at 1750 Vine Street.
The most visited star? Michael Jackson’s, which sees a steady stream of flowers, notes, and tributes year-round. Elvis Presley’s star, located at 6777 Hollywood Blvd in front of the Egyptian Theatre, draws similar crowds—especially during award season.
A Brief History of the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Hollywood history is just as enchanting as today’s glitz and glamor. The Walk of Fame began as a way to revitalize Hollywood after its golden age started to fade. The original 1,558 stars were installed between 1960 and 1961, honoring everyone from silent film stars to radio personalities who helped build the entertainment industry.
Today, about 20-30 new stars are added each year.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce oversees the selection process, which includes a nomination period, committee review, and final approval. Honorees must attend their dedication ceremony in person, which explains why some obvious choices (like Clint Eastwood) have declined their stars.
The Walk has expanded beyond traditional Hollywood to include international stars, reality TV personalities, and digital content creators—reflecting how entertainment itself has evolved.
Tips for Visiting a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Best times: Early morning (before 10 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) offer the best combination of good light and manageable crowds. Midday can be overwhelming, especially on weekends.
- Parking to see the Walk of Fame: Street parking is limited and expensive. The Hollywood & Highland garage is your best bet, though it can run $15-25 depending on how long you stay. Consider rideshare if you’re staying nearby.
- What to wear: Comfortable shoes are essential—you’ll be doing more walking than you think. The sun reflects off the stars and concrete, so sunglasses help. A hat doesn’t hurt either.
- Finding specific stars: Download the Walk of Fame app or check the official website for locations. Some stars are easier to access than others, and a few are temporarily covered during construction or events.
- Plan for about an hour to walk among the stars: That’s enough time to hit the highlights without rushing. If you want to see every star, plan for 3-4 hours and bring water.
Hollywood Sightseeing Starting from the Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame gives you a taste of Hollywood’s story, but it’s just the beginning. The best way to experience the magic of Hollywood is to venture beyond the sidewalk to see where these stars actually live, work, and socialize.
Celebrity Homes Tour | See the Los Angeles Highlights
This 2-hour open-air bus tour starts directly from the Hollywood Walk of Fame (or Santa Monica!) and covers all the best Hollywood sites—with hopefully a few celebrity sightings! We’ll cruise through Beverly Hills, the Sunset Strip, and top Hollywood landmarks like the Hollywood Sign with a local and knowledgeable guide who knows the stories behind the gates.
It’s perfect if you want a laid-back, camera-ready overview of LA’s celebrity neighborhoods without the stress of navigating traffic or figuring out where to look. Plus, you’ll get context for the names you just saw on the sidewalk—like which stars live three blocks from each other or which mansion has hosted the most legendary parties.
Book your Celebrity Homes Tour today.
A Taste of LA Tour | The Ultimate Hollywood Tour!
For visitors who want to see the best of LA in a single day on a guided tour, this 5.5-hour curated bus tour covers multiple neighborhoods, famous landmarks, and scenic stops you’d never find on your own. We depart from either the Walk of Fame or the Santa Monica Pier in a premium mini-coach with an engaging driver-guide.
This tour is ideal if you’re short on time but still want to understand how LA works—from the beaches to the hills, from Hollywood glamour to everyday neighborhoods that shape the city’s character. It’s the kind of comprehensive overview that helps everything else you see make more sense on your visit to Los Angeles. And of course, it’s a fun and memorable experience!
Start your day with the stars beneath your feet—then see where the story leads.
Book your A Taste of LA Tour today.
Final Thoughts
The Hollywood Walk of Fame delivers what most LA attractions promise but don’t always provide: an authentic piece of the city’s identity that’s both accessible and genuinely interesting. Whether you spend twenty minutes snapping photos or use it as your starting point for a deeper dive into LA, it’s one of the most iconic places to begin.
The stars tell part of Hollywood’s story. The rest is waiting just beyond the sidewalk. And if you’re ready to discover all that LA offers, Hollywood Bus Tours is excited to help you explore Hollywood and Beverly Hills on a sightseeing tour you’ll remember for all the right reasons.
