Santa Monica Pier: Where Route 66 ends and legends begin

On the western edge of Los Angeles lies Santa Monica, a charming coastal town lined with golden California beaches and a history dating back to 1839. Driving through its beautiful palm-lined streets, we arrived at the iconic Santa Monica Pier. After parking in the vast beachfront parking area, we walked into the lively pier, passing colourful souvenir shops and old-style buildings that seemed to belong to another era. Then, standing quietly on an iron pillar in the middle of the road, we noticed the famous 'Route 66' sign.

This was not just another tourist marker; it was history itself. The final mile marker of America’s legendary 'Mother Road,' the highway that stretches from Chicago to the Pacific coast and celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, ends here. Beneath this simple sign, crowds gather for selfies, often unaware that they are standing at the symbolic end of one of the world’s most iconic journeys.

The Highway that no longer exists
Technically, a route called Route 66 no longer exists. With the advent of the modern Interstate Highway system, the road that stretched for 3,940 kilometres across eight states became history. In 1985, the official declaration that this highway no longer existed was issued. However, as a historical route, many parts of the highway still remain. Ancient motels, restaurants, and gas stations are still there. Many of them are still open and operating with the same grandeur of the past century. The journey from Chicago to Santa Monica is a sweet experience for history lovers and travel enthusiasts.

Unearthing history
America looked very different a hundred years ago from the nation we know today. The highways of that era lacked the speed, shine, and sophistication of modern roads. Most were little more than dusty tracks cutting through vast landscapes or muddy stretches that became difficult after rain. Along these rough roads rolled the earliest automobiles, raising clouds of dust as they moved slowly across the countryside. Traffic was rare. A Ford Model T or a Chevrolet passing by was enough to turn heads, while an occasional Dodge or the rare Plymouth would appear like a glimpse into the future.

Before the highways
Route 66 was to America what the Main Central Road was to old Travancore. Before the advent of America's famous highway system, the military and a few private entrepreneurs initiated the road network around 1857. These small roads connecting important places were first adapted for animal-drawn vehicles and later for motorised ones. The first attempt to connect these scattered roads into a single network was made with the construction of Route 66 in 1926.

Popular, convenient and modern
The idea of a route from Chicago to Los Angeles was first proposed by a businessman named Cyrus Avery. Construction began with the Federal Highway Act of 1925. Route 66 was created by connecting existing smaller roads. Popular highways like the National Trail, Ozark Trails, and Lonestar Route were merged to form Route 66 in 1926. It was the first Interstate highway. As it connected major cities and regions, the route was quickly adopted by the public.

'Okies' to tourism
From migration to tourism, this route witnessed growth. During the infamous dust storms of the 1930s, this route was instrumental in migrating to nearby Oklahoma. These migrants were later known as 'Okies.' In the early part of the last century, tens of thousands travelled Route 66 to see the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert. Thousands of gas stations and motels sprang up to cater to them.

Eight States, thousands of cultures
The journey spans eight states: California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois, each with its own unique cultural identity. Route 66 is more than a highway; it is a vibrant meeting point of civilisations, histories, and traditions.

Travellers encounter the deep-rooted heritage of Native American communities, the strong influence of Mexican and Spanish culture in the Southwest, the rich traditions of African American communities, and the legacy of European immigrants who helped shape modern America. California and Texas stand out as melting pots of global cultures, where people from countless backgrounds live side by side.

In New Mexico, Spanish colonial history and Native American traditions continue to define everyday life, architecture, art, and cuisine. Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri reflect a distinctive blend of indigenous heritage, cowboy traditions, rural lifestyles, and Midwestern values. At the end of the route lies Illinois, home to Chicago, one of America’s most cosmopolitan cities and a crossroads of international cultures.

From language and food to music, festivals, beliefs, and lifestyles, this remarkable diversity turns a drive along Route 66 into a journey through the cultural soul of America itself.

Scenic wonders of the journey
You can enjoy all the natural beauty of America on this route, from deserts to snowfall. The sights, tastes, and experiences offered by the still-existing motels, restaurants, and some museums are incredible. Although the original Route 66 gave way to Interstate Highways, some authentic old original routes still remain.

Santa Monica: The last mile of Route 66
As we emerged from the echoes of history, the pier had come alive with energy. One side was lined with amusement rides, coffee shops, and bustling stores, filled mostly with families enjoying their holiday. On the other stretched a beautiful beach, calm under the afternoon sun. Since it was lunchtime, the crowds were thinner. In the distance, lifeguards stood watch in classic “Baywatch” style. Nearby, we noticed an old checkpoint marked with the sign, “66 Ends Here,” along with several other boards that carried the memories of the legendary route.

Route 66 Drive...
After coming this far, how could we not drive along this legendary route? Near the “End of the Trail” board, there are hardly any visible remnants of the original road anymore. You can’t simply start from that point and expect a continuous drive all the way back to Chicago. Over the years, many stretches of the old Route 66 have vanished or been renamed. The journey now depends on maps and markers that help identify the original path, often requiring travellers to reach those sections through modern highways and connecting roads. That, in itself, has become part of the Route 66 experience.

Any trace of the Old Route left
Are there any parts of the route nearby that are easy to find? Google Maps didn't fail us. The Will Rogers plaque is nearby. Let's go. Will Rogers was a comedian, writer, and cowboy who was prominent in the early 20th century. In his honour, and recognising his affinity for rural American culture and road travel traditions, a major section of the highway passing through Oklahoma is known as 'Will Rogers Highway.'

Where is This Plaque?
We drove around in the car several times to find this piece of Route 66 memory. Couldn't find it. Finally, we parked the car where Google indicated and walked. There it was, a small plaque on the lawn of a small park on the side. That is the Will Rogers Memorial Site. Now we must visit an old restaurant along this road. The search led us to Mel's Drive-In.

Where the Mother Road Ends...
It is written on the ground below the entrance, "Route 66 ends here." Inside, you'll find historical photos related to Route 66, old equipment, and mementoes. A spacious restaurant with an even more extensive menu. Mel's is a chain of restaurants that began in 1947. This establishment, in the "Original Mel's" category, primarily serves classic American dishes. After enjoying the taste of burgers and French fries that transported us back seven decades, we came out of the restaurant.

Exploring Santa Monica in 48 hours
One of the best coastal cities for a family getaway, this destination offers beaches, entertainment, shopping, and beautiful evenings by the sea. So, how can you make the most of two days here? Check out the following spots:
1. Santa Monica Pier
2. Santa Monica Beach: For walking and cycling.
3. Ferris Wheel at Pacific Park: Enjoy beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.
4. Third Street Promenade: Lively with restaurants, cafes, shops, and street musicians. Spend the evening here.
5. Beachside Cycle Ride: Bicycles are available for rent.

6. Paradise Park Sunset: A clifftop park by the sea.
7. Museum of Illusions: An indoor attraction filled with optical illusions and photo spots.
8. Venice Beach: Street art, skate park, music.
9. Food Culture: Restaurants offering a variety of tastes, from seafood to international cuisine, are available here.