At the very edge of the Pacific Ocean, where the wooden planks of the Santa Monica Pier meet the salty breeze of the Pacific, lies one of the most emotional stops on Route 66: 66 to Cali. Just a few steps from the world-famous “End of the Trail” sign, this little shop has become both a finish line and a starting point for countless travelers on the Mother Road.
For us, reaching Santa Monica Pier was the emotional closure of a journey that had filled our hearts with memories, laughter, and encounters we’ll never forget. And yet, standing there at the ocean’s edge, we realized it wasn’t really an ending. It felt more like a pause — the promise of another adventure. That’s when we knew: our next trip would start right here, going backwards, rediscovering the road from west to east.
Of course, the first thing we did was take our photo with the iconic sign, soaking in the sunset colors, the sound of the waves, and the lights of the pier. But right there, almost hidden in plain sight, we discovered a small treasure: 66 to Cali. A tiny shop, yet full of character, history, and surprises.
Back in July 2009, local traveler and Route 66 enthusiast Dan Rice opened the first version of this shop — just a small 6x3-foot vendor cart at the very end of the Santa Monica Pier. At the time, even city officials hadn’t realized Route 66 still officially ended here. But thanks to Dan’s vision, the End of the Trail finally had a place where travelers could celebrate their journey.
Inside this nostalgic kiosk you’ll find more than just souvenirs. Here you can claim your personalized Certificate of Completion, proudly stamped with the eight state shields of Route 66, proof that you’ve traveled the entire length of the Mother Road. For us, holding that paper in our hands — our names written across it — was one of the most meaningful moments of the trip. Simple, yes, but powerful enough to bring goosebumps and happy tears.
This idea came from Dan’s own countless trips along the Mother Road — he had traveled it more than 25 times before opening the kiosk, and he knew how important it was for travelers to have a tangible way to mark such a milestone.
And if your journey is just beginning? This is where you can pick up the official Route 66 Passport, complete with your very first stamp. Page after page, state after state, it’s a playful and meaningful way to collect memories as you drive toward Chicago.
But what truly makes 66 to Cali special isn’t only the memorabilia — it’s the people you meet here. For us, that meant spending time with Ian Bowen, the young man behind the counter, traveler and photographer of the Mother Road. If you want to know more about him and the stories he shared with us, take a look at his page in our People section — meet Ian here. Friendly, open, and passionate, he told us about his frequent trips along Route 66, chasing unique atmospheres and capturing them in photos. Some of his shots — at sunrise, in the middle of the night, in black & white or painted with surreal colors — are simply breathtaking. Whether you buy one or just admire them, they are windows into the timeless soul of the road.
Over the years, many have tried to imitate it, but 66 to Cali remains the original Route 66 kiosk at the Pier, still carrying the spirit of Dan’s first idea: giving travelers a way to celebrate the end — or the beginning — of their Route 66 adventure.
So, whether you’ve just completed your 2,448-mile odyssey or are about to embark on it, don’t miss this stop. 66 to Cali is not just a shop — it’s a bridge between journeys, a reminder that the spirit of Route 66 is endless.
Standing there, with the ocean stretching wide before us and the lights of the pier glowing behind, we realized something simple yet powerful: Route 66 never really ends. It changes, it transforms, it waits for you in the people you meet and the tokens you carry home.
Our certificate now hangs on the wall, our passport rests on a shelf, but every time we look at them, the road comes alive again — the laughter, the miles, the freedom. And in that moment, we know we’ll always be ready to return.
