One of the most recognizable facets of Hollywood is its star-studded Walk of Fame (Hollywood Blvd. and Vine St.). This area, portrayed in countless movies, contains more than 2,000 five-pointed stars honoring both real people and fictional characters who have contributed significantly to the entertainment industry and the legend that is Hollywood.

Each pink star is set into a charcoal square, and has its honoree’s name in bronze. The little symbols—movie camera, TV set, record, radio microphone, and tragedy/comedy masks—designate which part of the entertainment industry the honoree is recognized for.

The Walk opened in 1968, with its very first star going to Joanne Woodward. Gene Autry has five stars on the walk, one for each industry (film, TV, radio, recording, and live theater) he contributed to. At the corner of Hollywood and Vine, check out the four moons that honor the Apollo XI astronauts. Also look for your favorite cartoon characters; Kermit the Frog, Mickey Mouse, and Bugs Bunny are all honored on the Walk of Fame.

You don’t need to pay to get into anything, just get out on the sidewalk and start to stroll; the complete walk is about 3.5 miles. You’ll be looking down at the stars, so watch out for other walkers crowding the sidewalks in this tourist-dense area. At the edges of the Walk of Fame, you’ll find blank stars waiting to be filled by up-and-comers making their mark on Tinseltown.

If you desperately need to find a specific star and want help doing so, you can take a guided tour of the Walk. (But really, it’s a waste of money.) Careful reading and an online map (www.gocalifornia.about.com/od/calamenu/a/walkfame.htm) will find you everyone’s star you need to see.