This last stretch of the Mother Road—from western Arizona to the coast of California—is pretty lengthy, but there are plenty of detours and attractions to break up the drive.
Once you’ve reached the end of Route 66 in Santa Monica, head 20 miles northwest and camp in this scenic state park with beautiful views of Las Virgenes Valley and Malibu Canyon. Sites are available for trailers and motorhomes up to 30 feet long.
The Wellesbourne feels like the library of an eccentric rich person's mansion. Walls lined with books and English antiques somehow vibe perfectly with foosball and shuffleboard tables at this bar and lounge, which serves up modern takes on classic drinks.
Rustic Canyon is an upscale, casual wine bar and restaurant that's quintessential California. Everything on the menu, which changes daily, is creative and fresh. California is known for its wineries so you won't find a better place to enjoy a glass or two with your dinner.
Is the next stop on your road trip the distant past or the near future? If so, you'll need to stock up on supplies at the Time Travel Mart. Whether you need mad scientist goggles, a "pastport," or a conquistador helmet, this quirky little store has all kinds of silly souvenirs. And the best part? The store is actually a front for a non-profit dedicated to helping kids improve their writing skills, with all proceeds benefiting 826LA.
Developer Abbot Kinney built the canals in Venice in 1905, in an attempt to mimic the look and feel of its Italian namesake. But the rocketing popularity of the automobile made people change their tune on the once-scenic canals. Some were filled in for roads while others fell into disrepair, and disputes over how to deal with them raged for years. In the 1990s, the Venice Canal Historic District was cleaned up and redeveloped, and today you can see some swanky homes here.
Everything you may have heard about the Venice Beach Boardwalk is probably true. Within seconds of stepping onto the boardwalk, you'll see fortune tellers, folk artists, people doing yoga, and skateboarders in weird costumes. Wander around and soak in the strange and bizzare; check out the skate-dancing plaza, Muscle Beach, the basketball courts, freak show, or join a drum circle on the beach.
Visiting the Museum of Jurassic Technology is a strange experience. Explore the dark, mysterious rooms and check out the bizarre exhibits. Don’t miss the portrait gallery of Russian space dogs, the lovely tea room (with cookies), or the aviary.
Grab some breakfast at the famed (and allegedly haunted) French-inspired Chateau Marmont, nestled in the Hollywood Hills. Whether you're in the mood for decadent eggs Benedict or a cold-pressed juice, you can enjoy it in this old-school Hollywood hotspot. Plus, it's a good place for celebrity-spotting.
End your night at Good Times at Davey Wayne's, a funky, 1970s-themed dive bar. Enter through an old refrigerator and step into a replica of what Hollywood looked like at its grooviest. The psychedelic music, strong drinks (try the boozy snow cones), and friendly crowd make this place a popular and fun stop. Note this establishment has a dress code: comfy but “No athletic-wear or shorts and sandals after dark.”
If you'd rather see something a little lighter, stop by The Comedy Store. Grab tickets to a show in one of three theaters offering all different kinds of performances, from big headlining acts to strange and offbeat smaller shows. There's a two drink minimum here, but it doesn't have to be booze.
Make sure you snag tickets in advance to the legendary Whisky A Go Go, famous for hosting acts such as the Doors, Janis Joplin, and Led Zeppelin, among many others. Whisky a Go Go is credited with creating the "go-go dancer" fad of the late 1960s and still puts on shows for cool up-and-coming acts.
Throw a rock in any direction in Los Angeles and chances are you’ll hit an authentic taco shop. For a celebrity-infused twist on the Mexican staple, hit up Trejo’s Tacos. This local chain is owned by actor Danny Trejo, perhaps most famous for his titular role in Machete. Don’t just take it from us—Anthony Bourdain called this place “really good.”
The Last Bookstore is proof that despite the glamour, L.A. can also get intellectual. Not only is this spacious store gorgeous, but it’s reasonably priced and filled to the brim with interesting titles both used and new. Don’t miss the upstairs art gallery featuring a labyrinth made entirely out of books.
Since the film industry is such a massive part of L.A., you might as well go behind the scenes. The Warner Brothers Studio Tour is fantastic, offering visitors a glimpse of soundstages, props, cars, and more. You'll see a little bit of everything from iconic movies and TV shows such as Batman, Friends, and Harry Potter.
Yes, it's touristy and kitschy, but you can't visit L.A. without at least driving down Hollywood Boulevard to see the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Whether you're searching for your favorite stars, putting your hands in their handprints at Grauman's Chinese Theater, or you just want to get a good view of the iconic Hollywood sign, this should be your first stop in the City of Angels.
Los Angeles, California, United States
The beaches, warm weather, endless entertainment, abundant celebrities, and rich history make L.A. one of the most popular destinations in the U.S. Enjoy the beautiful people and the effortlessly cool and laid-back culture of this famed SoCal city.
Whether you call it the starting or ending point of the Mother Road, the Santa Monica Pier is the perfect spot to stretch your legs or snap photos of the ocean before embarking on a 2,000-mile trip east. Sure it’s touristy, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking a ride on the 1922 carousel or grabbing something sweet from the soda fountain. From the roller coaster and Ferris wheel to the arcade and the sign noting that it is the official end of Route 66, there's tons of fun to be had here.
If you’re traveling on a budget, Hostelling International is a great choice for spending the night. Located right near the beach, this airy hostel is the perfect place to end your Route 66 adventure. The rooms are luxurious by hostel standards, and staying here will get you some special food and travel deals as well.
You'll know you're at the end of your journey once you arrive at the Pacific Ocean. But to reach the official end point of Route 66—and take a photo of the iconic "End of the trail" sign—you'll have to ditch the car and walk to the end of the Santa Monica Pier. The coastal city of Santa Monica is also home to the original Muscle Beach outdoor gym and the pier’s Pacific Park amusement park.
Congratulations! You have reached the end of the Mother Road—and by now you know it’s not the destination that matters, it’s the journey. But whether the Santa Monica Pier is your ending or starting point, take some time to celebrate and reflect. With more than 2,000 miles of classic neon, motels, larger-than-life roadside attractions, museums, diners, and countless colorful characters, it should be obvious why the allure of Route 66 is as strong as ever. The road may look different today than it did decades ago—or even yesterday—but that’s all part of the fun.
Banner Photo Credit: Flickr/Grand Canyon National Park