The following submission and both images are via the Pier Corporation.
Santa Monica Pier executives joined national leaders and Route 66 advocates in celebrating a historic milestone as the City of Chicago officially dedicated Navy Pier as the new symbolic eastern starting point of Historic Route 66 on March 25, 2026. The designation comes as part of the iconic highway’s 100th anniversary, honoring nearly a century of American road travel, culture, and connection from Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean.
Santa Monica Pier Executive Director and Historian Jim Harris and Marketing and Brand Manager Kayla Nieto attended the dedication ceremony, held at Navy Pier’s South Dock, where city officials unveiled a new Route 66 starting point sign marking the beginning of the legendary cross-country journey.
“Route 66 represents freedom, exploration, and the spirit of the American road trip,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian at the Santa Monica Pier. “As Chicago establishes this exciting new starting point at Navy Pier, we are proud to continue welcoming travelers to Santa Monica—where the journey reaches its unforgettable conclusion at the edge of the Pacific Ocean.”
Often referred to as the “Main Street of America,” Historic Route 66 stretches more than 2,400 miles across eight states, culminating in Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Pier has long served as the symbolic western terminus, marked by the iconic “End of the Trail” sign located on the Pier. The established end-point is near the intersection of Olympic Boulevard and Lincoln Boulevard.
“The connection between Chicago and Santa Monica has always been at the heart of Route 66,” said Kayla Nieto, Marketing and Brand Manager at the Santa Monica Pier. “This dedication strengthens that relationship and creates new opportunities to celebrate the history, nostalgia, and continued relevance of this legendary highway for future generations.”
The March 25 dedication ceremony in Chicago was free and open to the public, featuring remarks from city leaders and Route 66 stakeholders, followed by the unveiling of the new sign designating Navy Pier as the official symbolic starting point.
As Route 66 approaches its centennial, the Santa Monica Pier continues to serve as a global destination for travelers completing their journey, offering a vibrant oceanfront experience that blends history, culture, and classic California fun.
While many enjoy the magic of free programming at the Pier, it’s made possible through the efforts of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that relies on the support of donors, partners, and the community to help keep the Pier fun, free, and accessible to all. The Santa Monica Pier Corporation isa nonprofit that isn’t fully funded by the City of Santa Monica.
Arrive by Rideshare, Metro, Bus or Bike, the Santa Monica Pier is located at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Suite A, Santa Monica, CA 90401.
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