Mile 2129 — 2448
California
End of the Trail — Where Dreams Meet the Pacific
California is where Route 66 reaches its legendary end at the Santa Monica Pier. The 315-mile stretch from Needles on the Arizona border crosses the Mojave Desert, climbs through the San Bernardino Mountains, and rolls through Pasadena and Hollywood before reaching the Pacific Ocean. This is the promised land that drew millions westward.
315
Miles
10
Cities
15
Attractions
100
Years
Featured Guides
Essential California Reading
California Route 66: The Complete 2026 Centennial Guide
California is where Route 66 reaches the Pacific. In 2026, the state celebrates 100 years with Centennial events from Santa Monica to the Mojave Desert.
January 15, 2026
Santa Monica Pier: The End of Route 66
The iconic End of the Trail sign on Santa Monica Pier marks the western terminus of Route 66. Here's everything you need to know about visiting.
February 1, 2026
Crossing the Mojave: Needles to Barstow on Route 66
The loneliest stretch of Route 66 crosses California's Mojave Desert — 150 miles of ghost towns, Joshua trees, and iconic roadside stops.
February 10, 2026
The Original McDonald's: San Bernardino's Route 66 Legacy
In 1940, Dick and Mac McDonald opened a restaurant in San Bernardino that would change American food culture forever. Here's the full story.
February 15, 2026
Roy's Motel & Cafe: Amboy's Desert Mirage on Route 66
Roy's Motel & Cafe in Amboy has been a beacon in the Mojave Desert since 1938. The town's population hovers between 0 and 4, but the iconic googie sign still glows.
March 1, 2026
Pasadena to Santa Monica: The Final Miles of Route 66
The last 30 miles of Route 66 wind through Pasadena, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and West LA before reaching the Pacific at Santa Monica Pier.
March 10, 2026
Follow the road west — from the Arizona border to the Santa Monica Pier. Each stop has our curated picks for attractions, food, and hidden gems.
End of the Trail
Santa Monica
Santa Monica Pier is where Route 66 officially ends — or begins, depending on your direction. The iconic 'End of the Trail' sign (installed in 2009) marks the western terminus of the Mother Road. Third Street Promenade, the beach, and world-class dining are all within walking distance.
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Gateway to California
Needles
Needles is the first California town Route 66 travelers encounter after crossing the Arizona border. The historic Harvey House railroad depot, El Garces, is a stunning example of railroad-era architecture. Classic Route 66 motels line Broadway, and summer temperatures regularly exceed 110°F.
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Crossroads of the Desert
Barstow
Barstow sits at the junction of I-15 and I-40, making it a natural stop for desert travelers. The Route 66 Mother Road Museum chronicles the highway's California history, and the Harvey House Railroad Depot (Casa del Desierto) is a beautifully restored landmark. Calico Ghost Town is just 10 miles north.
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Original McDonald's
San Bernardino
San Bernardino is where Dick and Mac McDonald opened their original McDonald's restaurant in 1940. The original building was demolished in 1972, but an unofficial museum with original artifacts marks the spot. Ray Kroc franchised the concept in 1955, changing American food culture forever.
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Crown City
Pasadena
Pasadena's Colorado Boulevard IS the original Route 66 alignment through the Los Angeles area. Home to the Rose Bowl, Norton Simon Museum, and Old Town Pasadena's vibrant shopping and dining scene. The annual Rose Parade has marched down Colorado Boulevard since 1890.
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High Desert Hub
Victorville
Victorville is home to the California Route 66 Museum, which preserves the highway's Golden State legacy. Emma Jean's Holland Burger Cafe has been serving travelers since 1947 and remains one of the most authentic Route 66 diners in the state.
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Mojave Ghost Town
Amboy
Amboy is a near-ghost town in the Mojave Desert, home to Roy's Motel & Cafe — one of the most photographed roadside landmarks on Route 66. The iconic googie-style sign and empty desert surroundings create an otherworldly atmosphere.
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Wine Country on 66
Rancho Cucamonga
Rancho Cucamonga is home to the Sycamore Inn, the oldest continuously operating restaurant on Route 66 — serving food since 1848, nearly 80 years before the highway existed. The city also has a beautifully preserved 1937 Route 66 service station.
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Pride of the Foothills
Glendora
Glendora is the first Route 66 town entering Los Angeles County from the east. The charming downtown along Route 66 has specialty shops, cafes, and the Golden Spur restaurant — a stagecoach stop turned Route 66 diner since 1918.
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Route 66 Centennial
California Events 2026
From the Barstow Mojave Festival to the Santa Monica End of Trail Celebration — 5 events across the Golden State. Don't miss the 100th anniversary.
View All Eventsarrow_forwardMojave Desert Heat Warning
Summer temperatures in the Mojave regularly exceed 110°F. Always carry at least 2 gallons of extra water per person, a full tank of gas, and a charged phone. The stretch between Needles and Barstow has very few services — plan accordingly.
Read more arrow_forwardAvoid LA Rush Hour on Route 66
Route 66 through Los Angeles follows surface streets (Colorado Blvd, Santa Monica Blvd). Avoid driving these between 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM on weekdays. Weekend mornings are the sweet spot for a smooth drive to Santa Monica.
Read more arrow_forwardBest Time to Drive California Route 66
October through April is ideal for the desert sections (cooler temps, possible wildflowers). The coast is pleasant year-round, though June can be foggy ('June Gloom'). For the full route, March–April and October–November are perfect.
Read more arrow_forwardBudget Guide
California is expensive. Budget: $100–150/day (camping, diners). Mid-range: $200–250/day (motels, casual restaurants). Comfortable: $300+/day (hotels, fine dining). Gas averages $4.50–5.50/gallon — significantly more than other Route 66 states.
Read more arrow_forwardFrequently Asked
California Route 66 FAQ
How long is Route 66 through California?expand_more
California's stretch of Route 66 is 315 miles (507 km), running from Needles on the Arizona border to Santa Monica Pier on the Pacific Ocean. It passes through the Mojave Desert, San Bernardino, Pasadena, and Los Angeles.
Where does Route 66 end?expand_more
Route 66 officially ends (or begins, depending on your direction) at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. The 'End of the Trail' sign was installed on the pier in 2009. Originally, Route 66 ended at the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica.
What are the must-see stops on California Route 66?expand_more
Santa Monica Pier (End of the Trail sign), Roy's Motel & Cafe in Amboy, the Original McDonald's site in San Bernardino, Elmer's Bottle Tree Ranch in Oro Grande, Calico Ghost Town near Barstow, Wigwam Motel in Rialto, and Fair Oaks Pharmacy in South Pasadena.
Is it safe to drive Route 66 through the Mojave Desert?expand_more
Yes, but preparation is essential. Summer temperatures exceed 110°F. Always carry extra water (2+ gallons per person), a full tank of gas, and a charged phone. The stretch between Needles and Barstow has very few services. Drive during morning hours in summer.
Explore California
Things To Do in California
From Route 66 landmarks to Pacific beaches — discover everything California has to offer.
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