Hollywood Boulevard – The Street of Stars
Anyone visiting California who is even remotely interested in movies and celebrities can’t fail include a visit to Hollywood Boulevard on their itinerary of holiday activities. But the reality of what Hollywood Boulevard falls quite a long way short of most people’s expectations. The main problem is that when people think about this famous location, they immediately associate it with the glamour of the celebrities whose stars adorn the footpath.
They don’t associate the area with the movie industry work place where make up, costumes and scenery take shape. That’s not to say that you won’t bump into a celebrity on the Boulevard, it’s just that if they are in their “street” clothes as opposed to their celebrity uniform that adorns magazine covers, you might not recognize them!
Over the years Hollywood Boulevard has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair, but more recently the area has started to be transformed once again so that there are now a number of things for tourists to do. One of the more fun things is a look around Fredericks of Hollywood’s Lingerie Museum. Here you’ll find an exhibition of undergarments that have been worn throughout the ages, as well as some more modern examples that have been worn by some of Hollywood’s familiar faces.
For those who are interested in television sets, a tour around the Hollywood Entertainment Museum will reveal familiar sets from shows such as the X-files, and Cheers. If you go to Hollywood Boulevard for the purpose of having your photo taken next to your favorite actor’s “star”, then you will probably find it saves you quite a bit of time if you buy a map which tells you where each celebrity “star” is located.
There is still a touch of old style glamour on Hollywood Boulevard however. No trip to this area would be complete without a visit to the Kodak Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. You’ll need to get there early to make sure you get a ticket to go inside, but once you’re in, it won’t matter what you thought of the Boulevard itself – the charm of the theatre is everything a movie lover could hope to find, and more!
Wow dreaming of going but its expensive from Europe!
One thing I would recommend is a stop at Graumann’s
Chinese Theater. where the stars have put their footprints and hand prints into the sidewalk in front of the building. the difference between the size they seemed and the size they were is fascinating !
Even though Hollywood is a workplace, it is very true that the glamor is on the way back.
One other thing I’d recommend is at least one trip to the beach! we have fine clean beaches in California!
wow surely going their whatver it cost
if you visit LA. it’s a must to go to Hollywood Boulevard – The Street of Stars! nice. stay close with your idols..
I love Hollywood!! There is so many fun things to do!!
Kodak Theater is very nice. I love Hollywood
It’s funny to read this article as I have always imagined this area of LA to feel like a movie scene. I can see myself walking down the street as if I am in a movie myself but friends have told me that it is not actually like that. As with all famous locations you have an idea of what it will be like before you get there and you are often pleasantly surprised but sometimes a tad disappointed.
For me LA would be a great place to visit for a few weeks and Hollywood Boulevard would definitely be one of the first places to go as well as a tour of the stars homes (a bit cheesy but I love that sort of thing). It would also be great, if not a bit strange, to see a big star casually walking down the street with a coffee.
Does anyone know how many actual stars are there now? Must a few hundred at least.
Alex – Hostel Booking
I remember going to Disneyland as a child. We also stopped at Hollywood Blvd, but I have to admit it was one of the less exciting parts of the vacation. While it’s cool seeing a few of the stars on the sidewalk, it loses it’s appeal after a block or two. It sounds like the area is improving though.
awesome I’m going to visit Hollywood Boulevard for honeymoon
thanks for sharing…