Things to Do at the Route 66 “End of the Trail” Sign in Santa Monica

The Santa Monica Route 66 End of the Trail Sign is a marker that symbolises the western end of the mythical which linked Chicago to the West Coast. It was designed in 2009 as a non-official highway sign. It is a tourist photo opportunity for those who have finished the historic drive. It sits on the world-renowned Santa Monica Pier, right after the Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant, and the Pacific Ocean acts as a beautiful setting. The locus of the historical highway (decommissioned in 1985) was technically the intersection of the Olympic and Lincoln Boulevards, a few blocks inland. Its famous activities are photo taking with the famous sign; enjoy the other attractions as the amusement park of Pacific Park with its solar-powered Ferris wheel, the Heal the Bay Aquarium, an arcade, souvenirs, street performers, and beautiful restaurants. 

What are the Top Things to Do at the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign?

Here are the four top things to do at the Route 66 “End of the Trail’ Sign in Santa Monica:

1. Capture the Iconic Photo: The Route 66 End of the Trail sign is an obligatory photo-object, and the western end of the highway. It is a cliché Santa Monica experience to take a photo here, whether you are a Route 66 fan or a mere tourist. Visitors plan a trip to see the sign in the sunrise or sunset hours, the light on the sign and the Pacific Ocean background.
2. Learn About Route 66 History: Since the 1920s, Route 66 has been the symbol of American movement and exploration. The Santa Monica terminus is the culmination of the 2,400-mile history of the route between Chicago and the Pacific Coast.
3. Join a Route 66 Guided Tour (Optional): Tour companies like “Eplore American Tours” in the city have walking or bike tours, which also cover the Route 66 sign and other historic sites on the Santa Monica Pier. The tours give background information on the cultural influence of the highway, popular places, and unusual roadside attractions on the route.
4. Enjoy Street Performers & Pier Atmosphere: The surroundings of the sign are busy and have some street performers, musicians and artists. Visitors enjoy the colourful pier atmosphere, take a snack at the nearby vendors, or simply enjoy the ocean sunset at the business centre of the most popular places in Santa Monica.

How to Get to the Route 66 Sign?

Here are the four best ways to go to the Route 66 “End of the Trail” Sign in Santa Monica:

1. By Metro: Ride the Metro Expo line to the station in Downtown Santa Monica. It takes roughly 15-20 minutes walking westward, on Colorado Avenue, to the Santa Monica Pier and the Route 66 sign. This is a convenient solution to go to the destination.
2. By Car: Driving to Santa Monica End of the Trail is very easy.  The parking is close by in the Pier parking lots and the Ocean Avenue. Weekends and holidays are busy, and it is better to be there early enough to get a spot.
3. By Bike/E-Scooter: Santa Monica has e-scooter lanes and bike paths, so it is quite easy to get to the pier. The Strand (Santa Monica Bike Path) is an ocean-side scenic path that goes through the pier and provides one with a fun and active method of arrival.
4. By Limo Service: To have a more luxurious experience, book a private Limousine service Los Angeles. This is ideal in group activities, special events or an enthusiasts of the Route 66, and to have a stress-free ride and to get to the iconic sign without worrying about parking or traffic.

What are the Best Times to Visit the Route 66 Sign?

The most appropriate hours to capture an image of the Route 66 “End of the Trail” Sign in Santa Monica are the early mornings between 7-9 AM or the late afternoons in the sunset, when the light is excellent to take photographs and the traffic is less. The weekdays are not so crowded compared to the weekends. The weekends and all holiday periods are packed. Early mornings are calm with gentle light at the Pacific, and sunset is dramatic with a lot of action at the piers, like street performers. Visiting these times means not only getting the great photos but also a pleasant and not overcrowded visit.

Where to Eat Near the Route 66 End of the Trail Sign?

Here are the seven best eating places near the Route 66 “End of the Trail” Sign in Santa Monica:

1. The Albright: The Albright is right on the Santa Monica pier. The Albright is a tourist-friendly seafood restaurant. It deals in fresh-caught fish, crab, calamari, and traditional clam chowder. The outdoor seating gives the diners the opportunity to have a glimpse of the ocean and the busy pier, making it a perfect location to have a fast meal or to have a leisurely meal as people-watchers.
2. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: The Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. restaurant is designed on the Forrest Gump movie theme and integrates entertainment with food. It specialises in shrimps such as garlic shrimp, shrimp tacos, and fried shrimp platters, burgers, sandwiches, and salads. The decorations are a tribute to Route 66 and the Forrest Gump movie. It is a good destination for both families and people who love Route 66.
3. Pier Burger: Pier Burger is the best place to have a fast and good bite. Pier Burger has traditional American fast food at the pier. Burgers, fries, milkshakes, and soft drinks make it an easy choice among the visitors who get a bite to eat as they are walking around the pier or taking a photo at the Route 66 sign. The pier atmosphere is lovely and enjoyable.
4. Big Dean’s Ocean Front Café: The Ocean Front Café Big Dean is a beachfront restaurant that serves hearty breakfast, fresh sandwiches, and Smoothies. It is a relaxed and surf-inspired environment, and is ideal for having a casual meal before or after seeing the Route 66 sign. The location is close to the beach and ensures that you have an ocean view as you eat.
5. Pacific Park Food Stalls: Pacific Park Food Stalls is located in the amusement park that has a wide range of snack foods, such as pretzels and popcorn, tacos, hot dogs and ice cream. They are ideal family meals and best for individuals who want fast, portable food while touring the pier.
6. Azulé Taqueria: Azulé Taqueria is located down the pier. This restaurant offers authentic Mexican cuisine, such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and fresh salsas. It is a favourite place of the visitors who want to have delicious food in a calm environment because it is not as busy as the restaurants on the pier.
7. The Lobster: The Lobster is a restaurant located at the Santa Monica Pier, and it deals in fresh seafood, lobster, scallops, and oysters. It also has panoramic ocean views and floor-to-ceiling windows. It is a favourite place to enjoy a sunset dinner or any other occasion. The quality seafood, combined with breathtaking scenery,makes it a memorable moment. It is an outstanding place to serve quality seafood alongside scenic landmark Route 66 signage.

Is the Route 66 “End of the Trail” Sign Worth Visiting?

The Route 66 End of the Trail Sign in Santa Monica is certainly worth the visit, especially to someone who keenly follows the history of America, road trips or the landmark buildings. It is the west end of the classic Route 66, the cross-country highway that ran from Chicago to the Pacific Coast. The sign has provided a lot of photo opportunities with the backdrop of Santa Monica Pier and the Pacific Ocean, and the surroundings are full of activities such as street performers, restaurants and the ocean scenery. The ambience of the pier, the surrounding sites, and the convenience of its location make it a great place to visit in Santa Monica. It is the best place for history enthusiasts, photographers and informal tourists who enjoy the site as it is a fun and colourful place.