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Route 66

In Southern California, Route 66 is less a single continuous highway today and more a historic corridor made up of old alignments of streets, highways, and landmarks that tell the story of America’s “Mother Road.”

The SoCal stretch begins at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles County, where the official “End of the Trail” marker sits. From there, the original route wound east through cities like Los Angeles, Pasadena, and into the Inland Empire, including San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana, and San Bernardino County’s desert communities.

This section of Route 66 became famous in the early-to-mid 1900s as a major migration and travel route—especially for people heading west during the Dust Bowl era. Over time, it turned into a commercial strip lined with classic diners, motels, neon signs, and roadside attractions.

Today, much of the experience is about preservation and nostalgia. You can still find restored landmarks like vintage motels, old gas stations, and retro diners, especially along Foothill Boulevard and Historic Route 66 segments in San Bernardino and Rialto. The route eventually transitions toward the Mojave Desert, continuing its historic path toward Arizona.

Modern Interstate 10 and I-15 have largely replaced it for travel, but Route 66 in Southern California remains a cultural and historical drive—more about stopping, exploring, and storytelling than speed. Learn more HERE.

Did you know?

• The historic highway inspired a chart-topping hit in 1946.
• The first McDonald's museum is located on Route 66 in San Bernardino, CA.
• The historic Wigwam Motel on Foothill Blvd in San Bernardino is one of only a few remaining in the U.S.