Route 66’s End of the Trail in Santa Monica

A historic highway winds through Los Angeles, tracing a path from Pasadena to the Pacific Ocean, still echoing with tales of its past. This iconic route, once known as “The Mother Road,” offers a journey through diverse landscapes and eras, from the early trade paths of Indigenous peoples to the glamorous boulevards of Hollywood and the vibrant energy of Santa Monica.

This extensive route, spanning over 2,400 miles nationally, is best experienced through its unique Los Angeles County segment, showcasing a rich tapestry of history, culture, and entertainment.

The journey into this famed byway begins in Pasadena, a city with a legacy predating its automotive fame. Ancient trails, utilized by the Tongva and Chumash people, eventually became part of the route. By the late 1920s, the growing volume of traffic necessitated changes to the roadside, with storefronts adapting to architectural styles of the era, including Art Deco, Spanish Revival, and Beaux-Arts.

An important development in 1930 introduced an alternative path over the Colorado Street Bridge. This new section, alongside the original route via Fair Oaks Avenue, connected to the Arroyo Seco Parkway, Los Angeles’ first freeway. This rerouting guided the path past significant historical sites such as El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park and through downtown’s Theater District, ultimately terminating at Broadway and Seventh Avenue in the city center.

For a taste of history and contemporary charm in Pasadena, Fair Oaks Pharmacy, established in 1915, offers a step back in time. This establishment continues to serve classic sodas and malts, providing a popular stop for those exploring the area.

A significant expansion in 1936 extended this celebrated route westward from downtown Los Angeles all the way to Santa Monica. This westward push wound through the heart of Hollywood, utilizing Sunset Boulevard and then continuing onto Santa Monica Boulevard. This segment passes by the serene grounds of Hollywood Forever Cemetery, the final resting place for numerous cinematic stars and influential figures.

West Hollywood, incorporated just one year before its iconic route was decommissioned in 1985, was once known for its more untamed atmosphere. The renowned Formosa Café, a landmark on this route, has hosted countless celebrities, including those who frequented the adjacent United Artists Studios, now known as The Lot at Formosa.

Further into West Hollywood, the route passes through the Rainbow District, a lively area known for its LGBTQ+ friendly establishments, transitioning from local gathering spots to energetic clubs. Near Doheny, before entering Beverly Hills, you’ll find The Troubadour. This rustic, Western-themed venue opened in 1957 and has hosted legendary performances by various artists, including Elton John’s first Los Angeles concert.

The route continues through the opulent streets of Beverly Hills, passing by prestigious hotels like the Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills and the historic Beverly Hilton. It then enters Century City, where lampposts are adorned with 16 aluminum bas relief sculptures, each commemorating one of the eight states the route traverses, offering subtle artistic tributes to its national scope.

The official terminus of this historic highway is at the intersection of Lincoln and Olympic boulevards in Santa Monica. However, many consider the spiritual end of the journey to be at the Santa Monica Pier, just a couple of blocks further towards the ocean.

While the highway itself could not extend onto the pier, it became the natural destination for travelers reaching the coast. The pier, which opened in 1909, is a vibrant hub featuring an antique carousel, a game arcade, and Pacific Park, complete with a Ferris wheel and rollercoaster. From the observation deck at the pier’s end, visitors can take in panoramic coastal views.

Visiting the Santa Monica Pier provides a classic California experience, with amusement park attractions and breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean. It represents a memorable conclusion to any journey along this legendary road.

Along with its historical significance, this route is dotted with restaurants that offer a taste of classic Americana. In Pasadena, the aforementioned Fair Oaks Pharmacy continues its tradition of serving malts and sodas. In West Hollywood, the Formosa Café blends cinematic ambiance with Chinese-American cuisine and tiki cocktails.

Barney’s Beanery, which originally opened in 1927, established a name for its substantial drinks and comforting American fare. Nearby, the relocated Tail O’ the Pup, a unique hotdog stand shaped like a giant hot dog, first opened in 1946. It’s now located in Santa Monica, a place also known for its connection to The Doors’ iconic album “LA Woman.”

Adjacent to The Troubadour, Dan Tana’s, established in 1964, serves Italian-American comfort food within a distinctive red interior, complete with gingham tablecloths and servers in formal attire.

In Santa Monica, near the route’s official endpoint, Mel’s Drive-In, a California diner chain dating back to the 1940s, occupies a building with striking 1950s space-age architecture.

For accommodations, the grand Gilded Age hotels in Pasadena and Santa Monica played a significant role in early Los Angeles tourism. The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, originally the Huntington Hotel, dates back to 1914. Its marble lobby features a gallery of photographs showcasing its history and notable guests. The resort’s extensive grounds include terraced Japanese gardens and a pool adjacent to its restaurant, all overlooked by the antique Picture Bridge.

In Santa Monica, the Fairmont Miramar stands on a site that has hosted a hotel since 1921. Shaded by a large fig tree estimated to be from the late 19th century, its open-plan lobby leads to elegantly decorated lounges. Notably, the Fairmont and Langham hotels are recognized for framing the start and end points of the national route, with plans for centennial celebrations.

This route through Los Angeles offers a unique blend of history, entertainment, and classic American culture, providing a memorable experience for any traveler.

Exploring the Los Angeles stretch of this historic highway offers a captivating glimpse into the evolution of California’s landscape and culture, culminating in the iconic Pacific coast.