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Santa Monica

Santa Monica is the western terminus of Route 66 — where the Mother Road meets the Pacific Ocean at the Santa Monica Pier. The official 'End of the Trail' sign on the pier is the iconic finish-line photo of any Route 66 trip.

The Santa Monica Pier (1909), Pacific Park's solar Ferris wheel, Third Street Promenade, and a 3.5-mile stretch of Pacific beach make Santa Monica the perfect Route 66 finale.

exploreThings to See & Do

Santa Monica Pier

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Western terminus of Route 66 — where the Mother Road meets the Pacific Ocean

location_on200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

scheduleOpen 24/7 (Pacific Park rides seasonal, generally 11am–10pm)confirmation_numberFree to walk; Pacific Park rides from $5 each or all-day wristband

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Third Street Promenade

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Pedestrian shopping and dining district blocks from the End of Route 66

location_onThird Street Promenade, Santa Monica, CA 90401

scheduleOpen 24/7 (shops typically 10am–9pm, restaurants vary)confirmation_numberFree

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End of Route 66 Sign

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The official western terminus marker — the photograph that ends the Mother Road

location_onSanta Monica Pier entrance, 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

scheduleAccessible 24/7confirmation_numberFree

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Santa Monica Pier & Route 66 End Sign

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The official western terminus of Route 66 — the iconic pier where the Mother Road meets the Pacific Ocean and the journey ends

location_on200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

schedulePier open 24 hours; End of Trail sign accessible during daylight hours; Pacific Park rides typically 11am–11pm seasonalconfirmation_numberFree pier access and free photos with the End of Trail sign

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Pacific Park & the Pacific Wheel

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Solar-powered Ferris wheel and family amusement park on Santa Monica Pier — the only pier-based amusement park on the U.S. West Coast

location_on380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

scheduleSeasonal — typically 11am–11pm summer, reduced winter hours; check website for current scheduleconfirmation_numberFree pier access; individual ride tickets ~$5–$10, unlimited-ride wristbands ~$35–$45

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Tips for Visiting Santa Monica

The End of the Trail sign is on the pier — best photos at sunset with the Ferris wheel behind.

Santa Monica Pier is free; Pacific Park rides are individually ticketed.

Bay Cities Italian Deli (90 minutes lines on weekends) makes the Godmother — a Route 66 finale sandwich.

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