America’s Mother Road Turns 100: Celebrating Route 66

In 2026, the world celebrates an icon of America adventure and the endless possibilities of the open road with Route 66’s 100th anniversary.

Route 66 holds a core place in Santa Monica’s past and present as the western terminus of the legendary highway, welcoming road trippers throughout the decades to celebrate the culmination of a cross-country journey with a breath of fresh ocean air, relaxing beach afternoons and Southern California hospitality.

First declared a federal highway in 1926, the original route from Chicago to Los Angeles eventually grew to 2,448 miles across eight U.S. states and extended its official end from Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica in 1935. As the Interstate Highway System began construction in 1956, traffic slowly faded from Route 66 and the road was decommissioned in 1985.

This didn’t stop Route 66 from evolving into a worldwide symbol of all things Americana, representing the nostalgia of glowing neon signs, kitschy roadside attractions, classic cars and retro diner stops. Route 66’s place in pop culture grew as the globe jammed to Nat King Cole’s 1946 “(Get Your Kicks On) Route 66,” CBS TV aired the 1960-1964 series “Route 66” and Disney-Pixar’s “Cars” refueled interest in the Mother Road with a new generation through its engaging look at the end of Route 66’s heyday and the importance of lifting up the Mom and Pop shops, historic sites and culture of exploration tied to Route 66’s golden age. 

There are many ways for visitors to celebrate the Route in Santa Monica today and recognize the cultural significance of this American legend. Whether starting or ending the once-in-a-lifetime drive in Santa Monica, travelers must not miss the “End of the Trail” sign on the Santa Monica Pier acting as the symbolic end of the Route. One of the city’s most popular photo destinations, the sign welcomes road trippers with sweeping ocean views and fresh coastal air steps away from Pacific Park’s Route 66-themed “West Coaster” and elevated American amusement park fare at Snackville. The “End of the Trail” sign stands as a celebrated symbol of the countless journeys taken along Route 66 and the enduring legacy of America’s Mother Road. For those looking to visit the official end of the Route, head to Mel’s Drive In at Lincoln and Olympic Boulevards for a view of the official Route 66 end street signs accompanied by American diner favorites. Mel’s Drive In is a nostalgic stop operating out of a historic 1950s building, reflecting the vibe of Route 66 diner culture with a colorful California 66 mural in its parking lot, a host of memorabilia and a Route 66 mosaic at the restaurant’s entrance.

After a legendary journey along Route 66, travelers looking to stay immersed in the spirit of the American road trip will find a mix of historic charm and modern luxury on SoCal’s sunny coast. Historic stays abound for those craving classic California glamour standing throughout the heyday of Route 66, including The Georgian Hotel, a 1933 Art Deco landmark rich in character and Old Hollywood history. Meanwhile, the nearby Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows has welcomed travelers to their coastal retreat since 1921, offering today’s visitor an opportunity to stay within the same walls where road trippers of generations past celebrated their completion of the Route. For accommodations directly along Route 66, travelers will enjoy the affordable price point and contemporary design of The Gateway Hotel on Santa Monica Boulevard or the vibrant interiors and unbeatable location of The Pierside Hotel mere steps from the Santa Monica Pier’s “End of the Trail” sign.

100 years of Route 66 presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reflect on the stories and figures of a century past. History is cherished in Santa Monica as evidenced in the careful restorations of longstanding buildings and community support for legacy businesses. Established in 1959, Chez Jay celebrates 66 years hosting road trippers at this legendary bar on Ocean Avenue. A favorite amongst the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dolly Parton and even astronauts and politicians of the day, Chez Jay is an old school hangout where classic cocktails and free peanuts flow. Just a quick jaunt north lies the Annenberg Community Beach House, a beloved gathering place rich with history since the early 1900s. The Beach House welcomes travelers to embrace its historic spirit with a dip in the meticulously preserved Art Deco era swimming pool or a tour through the Marion Davies Guest House, an oceanside estate constructed in the 1920s. With surprising stories at every turn, one of the best ways to dive in is with a tour by the Santa Monica Take a scenic drive in Santa Monica Conservancy’s team of local historians providing an insightful lens on the city’s cultural heritage.

2026 will see Santa Monica celebrations all year long. Santa Monica is proud to be the starting point for The Drive Home, a road trip journey by America’s Automotive Trust in partnership with the National Route 66 Centennial Commission ending at the Detroit Auto Show. Santa Monica also joins a lineup of five destinations as an Official Satellite City for the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off on April 30, 2026, live-streaming performances by California musicians at the city’s own Mel’s Drive In in partnership with Downtown Santa Monica. The inaugural Santa Monica International Jazz Festival arrives May 1-9, 2026, paralleling the Route 66 centennial and 100 years since the birth of jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane with citywide music events featuring iconic headliners, tribute performances and rising jazz talent.
 
Welcoming road trippers with bucket list views of the Pacific, must-see landmarks marking the Route’s end and even Route 66 Certificates of
Completion as a memento of your journey at Santa Monica Travel & Tourism’s Visitor Information Centers, Santa Monica is a breath of fresh air at the western end of America’s Mother Road. To plan your Route 66 road trip to Santa Monica today and learn more about the city’s centennial celebrations, visit santamonica.com/route66.2026 will see Santa Monica celebrations all year long. Santa Monica is proud to be the starting point for The Drive Home, a road trip journey by America’s Automotive Trust in partnership with the National Route 66 Centennial Commission ending at the Detroit Auto Show. Santa Monica also joins a lineup of five destinations as an Official Satellite City for the Route 66 Centennial Kick-Off on April 30, 2026, live-streaming performances by California musicians at the city’s own Mel’s Drive In in partnership with Downtown Santa Monica. The inaugural Santa Monica International Jazz Festival arrives May 1-9, 2026, paralleling the Route 66 centennial and 100 years since the birth of jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane with citywide music events featuring iconic headliners, tribute performances and rising jazz talent.
 
Welcoming road trippers with bucket list views of the Pacific, must-see landmarks marking the Route’s end and even Route 66 Certificates of
Completion as a memento of your journey at Santa Monica Travel & Tourism’s Visitor Information Centers, Santa Monica is a breath of fresh air at the western end of America’s Mother Road. To plan your Route 66 road trip to Santa Monica today and learn more about the city’s centennial celebrations, visit santamonica.com/route66.