Photos of the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign in Santa Monica, California
Know Before You Go
To make the most of your visit to the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign in Santa Monica, California, here are some things to know before you go.
Where is the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign located?
The Route 66 End Sign is located on the Santa Monica Pier. As you walk in from the main entrance, it will be past a few other businesses on your left. Look for Pier Burger and it is located right in front.
Is this the official end of Route 66?
Not exactly. The Santa Monica Pier is considered the unofficial end of Route 66, but it has become the place most travelers choose to celebrate finishing the journey. With food, games, rides, and that sweeping Pacific Ocean view, it’s a fitting finale to the Mother Road.
When Route 66 was established in 1926, the official western terminus was in downtown Los Angeles. In 1936, the route was realigned to end at Olympic Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica (that’s the recognized official endpoint and you can still find an end sign and begin sign there).
The Santa Monica Pier remains the symbolic finish line where most road trippers pose with the famous End of the Trail sign and grab a burger and shake at Pier Burger!
Why is the sign on Santa Monica Pier?
Despite the official endpoint, fans and travelers felt the highway deserved a more dramatic, ocean-worthy finish. In 2009—the 83rd anniversary of the highway—the “End of the Trail” sign was erected on the pier to serve as a symbolic or “spiritual” endpoint
When is the best time to see the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign?
The Route 66 sign is available to see during the Pier’s opening hours. It is a fun stop to visit any time of day. If you want a picturesque background with glowing lights and colorful skies in the background, visit at sunset. During the day, especially on busy weekends, the pier can get crowded and people will line up for pictures. For uninterrupted photos, consider making a trip in the early morning, before most of the Pier businesses have opened.
Where can you park near the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign on Santa Monica Pier?
Parking is available right on the pier deck (limited hours, Monday–Thursday), or in nearby beach lots ($7–$18 per day) that run from sunrise to sunset. For longer visits, try the Civic Center Garage or downtown Santa Monica parking structures, which offer the first 90 minutes free. Metered street parking is also available throughout the city. If you’d rather skip driving, the Metro E Line drops you just a short walk from the pier or you can walk from any nearby hotel. Find more parking information here.
Is this a popular Route 66 roadside attraction?
Yes! Located at the very end of Route 66, the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign marks the symbolic end of the Mother Road. People line up to take photos with this iconic sign, whether they’ve driven the road or not. But for Route 66 road trippers, this is a popular Route 66 roadside attraction and a must-see photo op to mark the end of their journey. It is one of our picks for the Top 10 California Route 66 Roadside Attractions, 66 Route 66 Attractions Worth Pulling Over For, and 66 Most Instagrammable Spots on Route 66.
Where to Stay Near the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign
Complete your travel itinerary and get a good night’s rest at the beginning or end 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.
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