Hollywood, CA

Walking the Walk

Most of the area's best-known attractions are located along a one-mile stretch of Hollywood Boulevard, from La Brea Boulevard to Gower Street. Look down. You'll be stepping on hundreds of gold stars bearing names of celebrities. That's why it's The Hollywood Walk of Fame.

And keep an eye out for Old Hollywood's historic "monuments" -- all faithfully preserved. In "Walk the Walk," a free, self-guided walking tour, you'll find the locations of these famous "national register" buildings, as well as the sidewalk site of your favorite star's star.

Before its makeover, Hollywood looked like a movie set waiting to be struck -- plenty of decaying storefronts and drab parking lots. Thankfully, the lots still remain, providing ample parking, even on crowded days. A little-known free lot is located on Cherokee, just north of the boulevard. If that's full, check out the ones on side streets south of Hollywood Boulevard.