Historic Route 66 Begin Sign

Santa Monica, California

CaliforniaRoadside Attraction

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Traditionally, travelers tackle Route 66 westbound, starting in Chicago and driving all the way to Santa Monica. But some road trippers prefer to flip the map and head east instead, beginning their journey in California and chasing the Mother Road toward the Windy City.

For those traveling east, your very first stop should be the Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Santa Monica. Located about a mile inland from the pier, you’ll find it at the corner of Olympic Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard, the official starting line of Route 66 since 1936.

When Route 66 was first established in 1926, the western terminus sat in downtown Los Angeles at 7th Street and Broadway. A decade later, the road was extended to Santa Monica, making Olympic and Lincoln the recognized gateway to the eastbound adventure.

Today, the spot is marked by a brown sign reading “Historic California US 66 Route Begin.” Right across the street sits Mel’s Drive-In, a perfect place to fuel up before the miles ahead. Grab a burger and milkshake, or even some Nutella French Toast, and admire the sign from the front door.

If you happen to be arriving from the opposite direction (having driven every last mile from Chicago) you’ll find the matching Historic Route 66 End sign across the street, congratulating you on making it to the finish line.

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Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Santa Monica, California

Historic Route 66 Begin Sign

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Address:

1661 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Hours:

Visible 24/7

Cost:

Free

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Photos of the Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Santa Monica, California

Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Santa Monica, California
Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Santa Monica, California
Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Santa Monica, California
Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Santa Monica, California
Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Santa Monica, California
Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Santa Monica, California

Know Before You Go

To make the most of your visit to the Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Santa Monica, California, here are some frequently asked questions to know before you go.

Where can you park to see the Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Santa Monica, California?

Parking in this area of Santa Monica can be rough. If you want photos, you might have to park in a paid parking lot or at your hotel and walk. Parking is available at Mel’s Drive-In, right across the street, but only for customers. If you’re stopping there for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it is the perfect opportunity to snap a few quick photos from the front door.

Where is the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign?

While this sign marks the official start of Route 66 for anyone traveling east, the Santa Monica Pier remains the symbolic finish line where most road trippers go to pose with the famous End of the Trail sign if they are traveling west. Find that sign right on the Santa Monica Pier. Look for it in front of Pier Burger at 321 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California. If you’re stopping to see the begin sign, look across the street for the official Historic Route 66 End Sign.

What other Route 66 signs should you take photos with?

There are plenty of opportunities for fun photos with Route 66 signs all across the road. If you’re traveling from California to Illinois, be sure to look for the Historic Route 66 End Sign when you finish in Chicago. Some other well-known selfie spots include: the Historic Route 66 Begin Sign in Chicago, the Route 66 Midpoint Sign in Texas, and the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign just down the road in Santa Monica. You can also look for the Route 66 End sign in Santa Monica, right across the street from this one.

Where to Stay Near the Historic Route 66 Begin Sign

Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest at the end or beginning of your journey with a stay at one of these Santa Monica hotels near Route 66.

The Georgian

The Georgian Hotel has been serving the Hollywood greats since 1933 and is recognized as one the most visually stunning and iconic establishments on the California coast. Spend the night in a stylish suite with an ocean view, dine on their famed coastal cuisine, and have the beach right at your doorstep.

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows

Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows was developed in the 1920s on the site of a 19th-century estate. Over the years this Santa Monica hotel has hosted a variety of Hollywood stars, including Greta Garbo and Marilyn Monroe. Stay in an ocean-view room or enjoy one of the charming 1930s bungalows.

Santa Monica Hotel

Santa Monica Hotel offers a good mix of location, value, and comfort. The simple motel is located one mile from Santa Monica Pier and offers free self-parking, cable TV, and WiFi in a vibrant setting.

Enhance your visit to Los Angeles with a tour! Whether you love sightseeing, Hollywood movies, or family-friendly adventures, there are plenty of options for everyone.

Attractions Near the Santa Monica Historic Route 66 Begin Sign

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Planning your Route 66 road trip? Our Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your go-to resource for crafting the perfect itinerary! With over 1,300 stops, including quirky roadside attractions, historic sites, and classic diners, our toolkit helps you prioritize what matters most to you. It’s the ultimate guide to making your road trip truly unique and memorable. Ready to hit the road? Start planning your adventure now! #Route66 #Route66RoadTrip #Route66TravelPlanning

Is road trip planning driving you crazy?

Let the Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit be your guide.

Are you ready to hit the Mother Road but feeling overwhelmed with planning? The Route 66 Road Trip Planning Toolkit is your one-stop solution! Spanning 2,448 miles of pure Americana, Route 66 is packed with quirky attractions, historic sites, and unforgettable experiences—so why settle for a generic, outdated itinerary? Our toolkit offers a customizable travel spreadsheet with over 1,300 stops, a detailed eBook, and a step-by-step video guide to help you craft your dream Route 66 road trip. Don’t miss out—start planning your perfect Route 66 adventure today!

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