Route 66 End of the Trail Sign Santa Monica
The iconic 'End of the Trail' sign on Santa Monica Pier, marking the symbolic finish of the legendary Route 66.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds for photos
Route 66 End of the Trail Sign Santa Monica
Best Time
Beat the crowds for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The iconic 'End of the Trail' sign on Santa Monica Pier, marking the symbolic finish of the legendary Route 66.
"A must-do photo op at the end of an epic American journey!"
📸 Photo Line Etiquette
Be patient! A short line forms for the sign. Take turns and be quick to let others have their moment.
💰 Pier Souvenir Deals
For cheaper keychains & magnets, check vendors at the pier's end, not the entrance.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.8 · 108 reviews
Type
Tourist Attraction
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Route 66 End of the Trail Sign
Santa Monica Pier
Snap a photo at the iconic 'End of the Trail' sign, a symbol of American road trip history.
Santa Monica Pier Experience
Santa Monica Pier
Enjoy the lively atmosphere, ocean views, shops, and food stalls surrounding the historic sign.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Iconic Photo
Pier vs. Actual End Point
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Route 66: what to know and when to go
One of the experiences I want to have is driving the scenic route on US Route 66. I looked up Route 66 on many navigation services but none of them allowed me to make the scenic drive on Route 66. So I was wondering: how do I make sure I stay on Route 66? And most important:…
📸 Photo Line Etiquette
Be patient! A short line forms for the sign. Take turns and be quick to let others have their moment.
💰 Pier Souvenir Deals
For cheaper keychains & magnets, check vendors at the pier's end, not the entrance.
Best advice for planning a trip?
Hey all! My girlfriend and I are really interested in planning a road trip down Route 66. We really love abandoned buildings and areas that have historical significance. We also have never done any sort of road trip before so we are hoping that anyone here can give us some…
Has anyone ever traveled Route 66 just to drive it for a vacation?
Update. Hi Everyone. Thank you all for the responses I have read all of them. I"m sorry for not responding to all of them sooner. I picked up extra hours at work and have been exhausted when I get home. I really just want to do something different for a vacation.…
📍 Sign Location Nuance
The famous sign is on the pier, but the actual Route 66 end is a bit inland.
🚗 Road Trip Starting Point
Many use this as a great starting point for a Route 66 journey in reverse.
Last day tomorrow—Pasadena to Santa Monica Pier
Picked up car in Milwaukee nine days ago. (Cheaper car rental than Chicago.) Got the classic Route 66 begins here photo and hit the road. Tomorrow is day 10. Nothing left to do but get to the Pier and declare victory. I have to admit to a little bit of Route 66…
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Line Etiquette
Be patient! A short line forms for the sign. Take turns and be quick to let others have their moment.
💰 Pier Souvenir Deals
For cheaper keychains & magnets, check vendors at the pier's end, not the entrance.
📍 Sign Location Nuance
The famous sign is on the pier, but the actual Route 66 end is a bit inland.
🚗 Road Trip Starting Point
Many use this as a great starting point for a Route 66 journey in reverse.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the 'End of the Trail' sign on the Santa Monica Pier to be an iconic and essential photo opportunity, symbolizing the completion of a legendary American road trip. While the sign itself is a quick stop, the vibrant pier offers a lively atmosphere with attractions, shops, and ocean views that enhance the experience. Some note the distinction between the pier sign and the actual Route 66 end point.
"During my exchange program at California State University Long Beach, I had the chance to visit Santa Monica and see the final stop of the legendary Route 66. This iconic “End of the Trail” sign is one of the most famous symbols in the United States, deeply tied to history, culture, and the spirit of freedom across generations. My professor recommended that if I was in California, I should not miss the opportunity to take a photo here as a special keepsake.
Route 66 was once a vital highway stretching over 2,400 miles (about 3,900 kilometers) from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through multiple states and becoming a symbol of endless road adventures. Decades ago, it captured the hearts of young people across America, and its image has been immortalized in countless movies, music videos, and pop culture trends that originated here.
In Santa Monica, the final marker of Route 66 is located right on the vibrant pier, surrounded by blue ocean, white sandy beaches, and bustling shops. Standing in front of this historic sign, I could feel both the nostalgia of the past and the energetic vibe of the present. Visiting the end of Route 66 was not only a fun photo opportunity but also a unique and memorable moment from my time in the United States."
Thủy Thanh
"We are doing this route in reverse but a great place to start. Make sure to go out to the end of the pier for best prices on keychains magnets etc. Way cheaper than the vendors at the beginning. Went for a dip in the Pacific showered and are ready to begin our journey"
Chris Smith
"It was a fun walk on the pier and a short wait in a line to grab this photo. One day I will drive Route 66!"
Nicki Gilray
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The sign is located on the Santa Monica Pier. You can reach the pier by car, public transport (bus lines serve the area), or ride-sharing services. Parking is available at various lots near the pier, though it can be pricey.
Yes, there are several parking structures and lots around the pier. Be prepared for potential fees, especially during peak times.
No, the sign is on the pedestrian-only Santa Monica Pier. You'll need to park and walk onto the pier to reach it.
Many visitors find ride-sharing services convenient for direct access to the pier. Public buses are also an option for budget-conscious travelers.
The Santa Monica Pier is generally accessible, with ramps and paved pathways. The sign itself is located on the main walkway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no ticket required to see and take photos with the 'End of the Trail' sign on the Santa Monica Pier. Access to the pier itself is free.
The Santa Monica Pier is generally open from early morning until late evening. The sign is accessible whenever the pier is open.
The Santa Monica Pier is free to enter and walk around. There are charges for rides, attractions, and some food vendors.
Visiting early in the morning on a weekday is your best bet to avoid the largest crowds and get unobstructed photos.
While the sign is always accessible, major events on the pier might increase crowd density. It's always a good idea to check the Santa Monica Pier's official schedule.
📸 📸 Photography
The most popular angle is directly in front of the sign, often with the ocean or pier in the background. Experiment with different perspectives!
It's challenging during peak hours. Try visiting very early in the morning or late in the evening for a clearer shot.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography may require permits.
The 'golden hour' just before sunset offers beautiful warm light. Early morning light is also soft and appealing.
Consider capturing the ocean, the pier's amusement park, or the bustling atmosphere to add context to your Route 66 journey.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
The pier offers an amusement park, aquarium, shops, restaurants, street performers, and stunning ocean views.
If you're just taking a photo, it can be as quick as 15-30 minutes, including any wait time. Exploring the pier can take several hours.
Yes, there are restrooms and a wide variety of food options, from casual snacks to sit-down restaurants, available on the pier.
The pier is generally safe, but like any crowded tourist area, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
The sign on the pier is a symbolic marker and a popular photo spot. The actual end point is a plaque located a couple of miles inland at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Olympic Boulevard.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit