Hollywood and Vine - Heart of the Walk of Fame

A stop on Hollywood Boulevard Walk, a free self-guided tour.

This famous crossroads is the center of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The pink-and-charcoal stars you have been stepping on run about 1.3 miles along Hollywood Boulevard and four-tenths of a mile along Vine Street, with more than 2,800 names. The first permanent star, for director Stanley Kramer, was set in 1960.

So how does someone get one? Anyone can nominate a performer, as long as the nominee agrees. A committee of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce picks a few dozen honorees each year from hundreds of nominations, the city approves them, and a sponsor such as a studio, record label or fan club pays a large fee for the star and its upkeep. The honoree must attend a public unveiling within two years. The brass emblem in each star shows the field, such as a film camera for movies or a record for music.

On all four corners, look for round, moon-like markers honoring the Apollo 11 astronauts. Traffic here is heavy, so cross only with the walk signal.

Getting here: Keep walking east about three short blocks, past Cahuenga Boulevard and Ivar Avenue, to the corner of Vine Street.

Did you know?: Muhammad Ali's star is mounted on a wall instead of set in the sidewalk, because he did not want people walking on his name.

Photo op: Stand with a foot on either side of a star and shoot straight down for the classic shot, then add the Apollo 11 marker on the corner.

More on Wikipedia: Hollywood Walk of Fame · Hollywood and Vine · Stanley Kramer · Apollo 11

Hollywood and Vine - Heart of the Walk of Fame

Stops on this tour