Take a symbolic and scenic cruise along the final mile of the Mother Road as we follow Historic Route 66 through Santa Monica, California. This short but iconic journey westward along Colorado Avenue carries not just traffic, but the spirit of generations who followed this storied path from the Midwest to the Pacific. From dusty plains to ocean breeze, this is where dreams once aimed and road trips now reflect — the ceremonial end of Route 66.
Our journey begins at the corner of 4th Street and Colorado Avenue in downtown Santa Monica, nestled in the shadow of palm trees and the buzz of pedestrian life. Modern light rail zips nearby, but our pace slows to soak in the final blocks of one of America’s most fabled roads. The urban surroundings here feel vibrant and lived-in — a blend of locals and tourists, sidewalk cafés and boutique storefronts, all with the laid-back energy that defines the Southern California coast. As we pass 2nd Street, the road gently bends toward memory. Though no longer officially part of the U.S. Highway System, Route 66 still echoes in signage, in sentiment, and in the souls of travelers who made it this far.
Just ahead, we cross Ocean Avenue — the last true intersection of Route 66. On our right, the Palisades rise steeply with their weathered cliffs and palm-lined walks, and to the left, the sparkling blue of the Pacific Ocean opens wide. But it’s straight ahead where our wheels take us — down the wooden planks of the Santa Monica Pier. The pavement gives way to history as we carefully ease along this coastal boardwalk, flanked by arcades, food vendors, and the iconic Pacific Park Ferris Wheel spinning slowly above the water. This is the furthest you can drive west along Route 66, and while some argue over whether the true terminus lies here or further inland at Lincoln and Olympic, most agree: this is the spiritual finish line. The pier hosts a weathered sign that reads “End of the Trail,” capturing the imagination of every road wanderer who’s made the trip.
As we come to a gentle stop at the farthest edge of the pier — where vehicle access ends and pedestrian paths take over — it’s impossible not to pause. The roar of the ocean, the hum of distant laughter, the long sigh of the road behind us — it all converges into one quiet moment. From the cornfields of Illinois to the orange groves of California, the journey has led here: to the sea, to the sunset, and to the satisfying end of the line. Route 66 may no longer serve as a through-route, but here in Santa Monica, it still feels very much alive.
🗺️ Route Map
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