When you reach Santa Monica, something shifts. The roar of the ocean replaces the hum of the engine, the scent of saltwater takes over the desert air, and the stories of thousands of miles suddenly land in one single moment — at the very end of Route 66.
Or maybe, it’s not the end. Maybe it’s the beginning of something else 🚗 .
The Iconic End of the Road
Right there, at the entrance of the Santa Monica Pier, you’ll see it: the famous “End of the Trail” Route 66 sign. It's small, almost unassuming — but for anyone who’s driven all the way from Chicago, it’s a symbol that hits deep.
I remember the moment like it was yesterday. We stood there in front of the sign, touched it with both hands like it was some kind of sacred relic, and just looked at each other:
“Wow… we actually did it. We drove the entire Route 66.”
There was excitement, yes, but also this strange wave of nostalgia. The kind that comes when something incredible is about to end. We snapped our photo, smiled wide, and I swear — for a second — we both got quiet. The kind of quiet that only comes from feeling really alive.
Right at the entrance of the pier, just steps from the “End of the Trail” sign, there’s a little Route 66 souvenir kiosk. It might look like just another tourist stop — but trust me, it’s not; the guys working there were super friendly, full of good vibes and stories. We ended up chatting for a while, exchanging travel experiences, laughing about the quirky spots along the road, and even taking some pictures together.
But the best part? They offer something really special: a printed certificate that says you’ve officially completed Route 66 📜. Of course, we got ours — and honestly, it means a lot. After all the amazing photos and memories, this little piece of paper is something tangible. A keepsake that reminds us: yes, we did it. We drove the Mother Road from start to finish.
In that exact moment, we made a promise:
We’ll do it again. Maybe in reverse. Maybe differently. But we’ll come back — and we’ll be here again 🛣️.
And honestly? We're already dreaming about doing it for the Route 66 Centennial in 2026. To relive the adventure, to catch the little spots we missed, to see the ones that were closed, and especially to revisit those that stayed in our hearts — not just for the places, but for the people.
People like the sweet owner of The Shop on Route 66 ⭐, or the amazing guy at Gearhead Curios 🤩, or the kind gentleman ❤️ — son of the man who built the legendary Blue Whale of Catoosa — who we met at the Catoosa Historical Museum, and who gave us a little blue whale pin. These people made the trip. And they're part of the reason we want to do it all over again.
What to See and Do in Santa Monica
Of course, Santa Monica isn’t just the symbolic end of the Mother Road — it’s a beautiful destination in its own right. Here are a few things you shouldn’t miss before you close the chapter:
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Santa Monica Pier: Besides the famous Route 66 sign, the pier itself is classic California — colorful, lively, and full of character. Ride the Pacific Wheel (the world’s first solar-powered Ferris wheel), play some old-school arcade games, and take a walk to the end where the ocean stretches endlessly.
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Santa Monica State Beach: Kick off your shoes, feel the sand under your feet, and just be. After days (or weeks) on the road, this is the perfect place to slow down. Sunset here? Pure magic.
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Muscle Beach & Palisades Park: If you walk north along Ocean Avenue, you’ll hit the original Muscle Beach and the scenic Palisades Park. Great views, palm trees, and some of the best people-watching in all of L.A.
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Third Street Promenade: Just a few blocks from the beach, this lively pedestrian street is packed with shops, cafes, street performers, and great energy. It’s a fun way to ease back into city life after the peaceful stretches of Route 66.
Beyond Santa Monica: Just a Taste of What’s Nearby
While this page is all about Santa Monica and the end of Route 66, it’s worth mentioning that the road doesn’t really just end here — at least not for your journey. Just beyond the pier, you’ve got some of the most iconic slices of Southern California:
- Venice Beach with its wild energy, skate park and murals
- Malibu with scenic drives and upscale beach vibes
- Beverly Hills for a taste of glam (and a peek at Rodeo Drive)
- And of course, the sprawling, chaotic wonder that is Los Angeles, waiting to be explored
(We’ll dive into each of these in separate pages soon — you’ll find them linked here when they’re ready!)
Reflections at the End of the Trail
Looking back, reaching Santa Monica felt like finishing a great novel. One that you didn’t want to end — and yet, somehow, the ending felt just right.
Would I recommend doing Route 66?
Without a doubt.
Would I do it again?
Absolutely ❤️.
But maybe… next time not in the middle of summer! 😅 We realized pretty quickly that if we’d gone a little earlier or later in the year, we could’ve enjoyed more desert walks, cooler mornings, and even longer days out exploring. That’s on our checklist for the next time around.
And yes — there will be a next time.
Because Route 66 isn’t just a road.
It’s a story.
A feeling.
A living, breathing adventure that changes you just a little — and stays with you long after the last mile.
