Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most famous areas of Los Angeles, and one that is a must-see for movie lovers who want to visit their favourite actors’ stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a great add-on to your family’s Universal Studios Hollywood or Disneyland Resort vacation.

I found myself visiting the Hollywood Walk of Fame during my Day in L.A. Tour, and I had a lot of fun seeing the iconic sights. If a visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame is part of your family’s planned vacation to the Los Angeles area, here are a few tips to make the most of your time there.

Find Your Favourite Stars

Be prepared to spend some time searching for the star of your choice. The Hollywood Walk of Fame stars stretch across fifteen blocks! Unless you’re interested in seeing the entire collection of stars, you can definitely save some time by purchasing a guide map that shows you exactly where your idol’s star is located. You can also do a little research on the official Walk of Fame Star Directory before heading there. Many celebrities’ stars are even marked out on Google Maps.

Before you leave home, review the directory together with your kids to identify stars of their favourite actors, musicians, or other celebrities. See how many of the names your kids can recognize! Make a list of the stars they want to see during your visit.

Check Celebrity Handprints at TCL Chinese Theatre

Right alongside the Walk of Fame is the TCL Chinese Theatre, known for its famous handprints and footprints of movie stars. These are a lot of fun to explore. Kids enjoy standing in the footsteps of their favourite movie stars, or checking to see if their hands are the same size as the handprints found there.

Those who have visited Disney’s Hollywood Studios will recognize the theatre right away! Look up the theatre’s website or search for information about the handprints of your kids’ favourite celebrities.

Visit During Off-Peak Times

The Hollywood Walk of Fame can get crowded, especially during peak tourist hours. To avoid large crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience with your family, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening (of course, consider your own comfort and safety first). Weekdays may also be less busy than weekends. While waiting for my tour bus early in the morning, I managed to see a lot of interesting stars without dealing with a ton of people.

Where to Cool Off

Once considered a less desireable part of the City of Los Angeles, Hollywood Boulevard has had a face lift in recent years, and there are now a number of interesting places worth taking a look at that feature air conditioning. You can also pop into one of the shops along the walk.

I recommend visiting the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop for a treat. Due to its proximity to the El Capitan Theatre, the shop also features a wide selection of Disney-themed merchandise.

Movie Props and Museums

If your family loves movies lover, you’ll have a great time at the Hollywood Museum on Highland Avenue. Here, you’ll find not only props and posters, but exhibits such as Back to the Future, Ghostbusters and more.

For those visitors who want to see the home of “Oscar”, as well as the “Hollywood” sign, Hollywood & Highland is the place to be. Here you’ll find the familiar building of the Dolby Theatre (formerly known as the Kodak Theatre) which is the current Academy Award venue, as well as an archway through which to admire the “Hollywood” sign in the distance.

Finally, you might find it helpful to stop by the Visitor’s Information Center before starting your walk along the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s worth checking out the smaller museums along the boulevard that showcase Hollywood’s past and the famous celebrities who contributed to its fame. The Visitor’s Information Center can provide you with helpful information to ensure you don’t miss any important spots on your journey down one of the world’s most renowned boulevards. Check hours of operation ahead of time.

Enjoy your visit!