For road trip enthusiasts and Americana aficionados, Route 66 is more than just a highway—it’s a journey through the heart of American history. Stretching over 2,400 miles from Chicago to California, this legendary route has been immortalized in songs, films, and countless travel tales. But where does this iconic road truly end?
The Official Terminus: Lincoln and Olympic Boulevards
While many believe the Santa Monica Pier marks the end of Route 66, the official western terminus is actually at the intersection of Lincoln and Olympic Boulevards in Santa Monica. In 1935, Route 66 was extended from downtown Los Angeles to this point, where it connected with U.S. 101A—ensuring that the highway didn’t just “dead-end” but flowed into another major route.
Today, visitors can find small BEGIN and END signs at this intersection, mounted on the traffic light poles. Though understated compared to the pier, this spot holds the true legacy of Route 66’s endpoint and remains a meaningful landmark for those tracing the historic highway’s path.
Mel’s Drive-In: A Nostalgic Landmark at the Terminus
Located right at this historic corner is Mel’s Drive-In, a retro-style diner that perfectly captures the spirit of the open road. But before Mel’s opened in 2018, the building was home to a beloved local institution: the Penguin Coffee Shop.
The Penguin Coffee Shop opened in 1959 and quickly became a neighborhood favorite, known for its cheery penguin signage and classic Googie architecture—a futuristic design style made famous by architects Armet & Davis. The building’s bold angles, large windows, and modern flair represented the optimism of post-war California.
The Penguin served the Santa Monica community for over three decades before closing in 1991. After that, the building housed a Western Dental office for nearly 25 years. Fortunately, the structure was never demolished. When Mel’s Drive-In took over the site, they carefully restored many of the original design elements, including terrazzo floors, flagstone walls, and even the iconic penguin sign—allowing a piece of local history to live on.
Mel’s is more than a place to eat—it’s a living time capsule. With its neon signs, jukeboxes, red vinyl booths, and classic diner fare (think burgers, fries, and milkshakes), it’s a warm and welcoming stop to relax, reminisce, and celebrate the road behind you.
Why the Santa Monica Pier Became the Symbolic—and Spiritual—End
Despite the official endpoint being a few blocks inland, the Santa Monica Pier has become the symbolic and, in many ways, the spiritual end of Route 66. For decades, travelers have viewed this oceanside destination as the emotional finish line—a place where the open road meets the open sea.
The Pacific Ocean acts as a powerful metaphor: a final release, a sense of arrival, a moment to reflect on the miles, memories, and meaning of the journey. Standing at the edge of the pier, with waves crashing below and the setting sun painting the sky, it’s easy to feel the deeper pull of Route 66—not just as a physical route, but as a personal transformation.
This emotional connection gained even more visibility after the release of Pixar’s 2006 film Cars, which reintroduced Route 66 to a new generation. The movie portrayed the decline—and the charm—of small towns along the historic highway, sparking a wave of renewed interest and preservation efforts. In response to this cultural revival, the City of Santa Monica installed the now-iconic “End of the Trail” sign on the pier in 2009. It stands not just as a photo op, but as a tribute to the spirit, nostalgia, and enduring magic of America’s most famous road.
✨ Quick Facts
- Official End of Route 66:
Intersection of Lincoln Blvd & Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica, CA - Mel’s Drive-In:
📍 1670 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90404
https://www.melsdrive-in.com - Santa Monica Pier “End of the Trail” Sign:
Installed in 2009 as a symbolic and spiritual endpoint after the cultural revival sparked by Cars
Whether you’re a history lover, a vintage diner fan, or a traveler chasing the spirit of the open road, Route 66’s true end in Santa Monica delivers all the charm you’re looking for. Grab a milkshake at Mel’s, soak up the retro vibes, and then stroll down to the pier for that iconic photo—because every epic journey deserves both a destination… and a moment of reflection.
【取材協力】
■Visit California（カリフォルニア観光局）
■Visit Santa Monica（サンタモニカ観光局）
