Hollywood Boulevard - Definition and Overview

Hollywood Boulevard in the 1950s

Hollywood Boulevard is an avenue in Hollywood, California, United States, beginning at Sunset Boulevard in the east and running northwest to Vermont Avenue, where it straightens out and runs due west to Laurel Canyon Boulevard.

The famous street was named Prospect Avenue from 1887 to 1910, when the town of Hollywood was annexed to the City of Los Angeles. After annexation, the street numbers changed from 100 Prospect Avenue, at Vermont Avenue, to 6400 Hollywood Boulevard.

In 1958, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which runs from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, was created. The first star was placed in 1960 as a tribute to artists working in the entertainment industry.

The Hollywood extension of the Metro Red Line subway was opened in June 1999. Running from Downtown to the Valley, it has stops on Hollywood Boulevard at Western Avenue, at Vine Street and at Highland Avenue.

Landmarks include

• Bob Hope Square (Hollywood and Vine)
• Grauman's Chinese Theater
• Grauman's Egyptian Theater
• El Capitan Theater
• Frederick's of Hollywood
• Hollywood and Highland
• Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel
• Hollywood Walk of Fame
• Hollywood Wax Museum
• Janes House
• Kodak Theatre
• Masonic Temple
• Musso & Frank's Grill
• Pantages Theatre
• Pig 'N Whistle
• Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium