Safety on the Walk of Fame

Street life on the boulevard

The Walk runs through a working part of the city, with shops, theatres, restaurants and traffic on both sides. The blocks around the TCL Chinese Theatre and Ovation Hollywood are the heart of the Walk, and people stop suddenly to photograph a star at their feet. A bag that closes, a phone held firmly while taking pictures and a wallet in a front pocket are sensible habits here, as on any crowded sidewalk in a large city. Hollywood Boulevard carries through traffic, so crossing at the signals, rather than between cars for a photo of the far side, is sensible.

Costumed performers and photo tips

Costumed street performers work the sidewalk, especially near the Chinese Theatre, and may ask for a tip after a photo. They are not part of the Walk of Fame or its administration. Agreeing on any tip before posing avoids a disagreement afterwards, and a polite “no, thank you” before the camera comes out is enough for anyone who prefers not to take part.

After dark

The Walk is a public city sidewalk with no gates or opening hours of its own; the shops, theatres and attractions along it keep their own hours. After dark, the blocks with open venues and lit marquees tend to be busier than the stretches between them. Planning the route back before setting out helps: the B Line stations at Hollywood/Highland and Hollywood/Vine are on the Walk, and current service times are on metro.net. A ride-share pick-up is simplest from a numbered address on a busy block. The night visits page says what is open after dark.

A guided evening instead

For visitors who would rather see the boulevard at night with a guide and a vehicle, the Hollywood night tour lasts 1.5 hours in an open-top vehicle, according to its listing. Check-in is at 1738 N Orange Dr, just off Hollywood Boulevard. The route drives the boulevard past the Dolby Theatre, the TCL Chinese Theatre, the El Capitan and the Pantages, continues along Sunset Boulevard, and stops for 30 minutes at Griffith Observatory with views over the city. The listing asks guests to bring a jacket and a charged phone, and to leave luggage and large bags behind; pets are not allowed, though assistance dogs are. Michael, from the UK, described a funny guide and a brilliant evening. The night tour close-up has the full listing details.

In daylight, with a guide

The guided walking tour covers the boulevard on foot in 2 hours, per its listing, starting and ending outside Musso & Frank Grill. The listing asks guests to bring a passport or ID and comfortable shoes, and says the tour is not recommended for people who cannot walk more than a mile. The walking tours page sets it beside the sunset walk.

A short checklist

• Keep bags closed and phones in hand; leave large bags at the hotel.
• Agree on any photo tip before posing with a performer.
• Cross at the signals rather than mid-block.
• After dark, stay on busy, lit blocks and plan the route back in advance.
• Check each venue’s own hours before counting on it being open.

Frequently asked questions