Santa Monica, California
The Pacific, 2,448 miles on, and the sign that says you made it.
Santa Monica is the end. A short, emotional ride down Santa Monica Boulevard, the Pier appears, and there it is — the 'End of the Trail' sign, the Pacific glittering behind it, and the feeling that you have just done something that will stay with you for the rest of your life. Two weeks ago you were strangers. Now you're family. Park the bike, walk to the rail, breathe.
“The Pier. The sign. The Pacific. 2,448 miles and suddenly there's nothing left to ride toward. Park the bike, walk to the rail, and let it land.”
History
Santa Monica has been the official western terminus of Route 66 since the road's designation, though the famous 'End of the Trail' sign on the Pier was erected later to mark it. The Pier itself dates to 1909 — the oldest pleasure pier on the West Coast — and the city grew around it as the road's destination and the American dream's oceanfront.
Why Visit
Because it's the end. Because the sign, the pier and the Pacific are the emotional payoff for two weeks and 2,448 miles. Because the celebration dinner here, with the sun setting into the ocean, is one of the great memories of a rider's life.
Best Motorcycle Roads
Santa Monica Boulevard — the last miles
The short, final run from LA to the Pier — ride it slowly, soak it in, and don't be in a hurry for it to end.
Pacific Coast Highway (optional)
If you can't bear to stop, ride north on the PCH through Malibu — the road keeps going, and so can you.
Best Hotels
Shutters on the Beach
PremiumPacific-front luxury to finish the ride in style, steps from the Pier. The splurge you've earned.
Hotel Erwin
Mid-rangeVenice Beach-adjacent with a great rooftop bar and a fun, relaxed finish-night vibe.
Best Restaurants
The Lobster
Seafood
Ocean-front Santa Monica seafood to toast the end of the road — book a window table at sunset.
Must Try · Maine lobster and crab cakes
Republique
French
A spectacular French-Californian dinner for the proper celebration — the trip's grand finale.
Hidden Gems
- The 'End of the Trail' sign — find it, photograph it, cry a little.
- Muscle Beach, just south of the Pier — the original outdoor gym, pure Venice.
- Palisades Park — a clifftop walk with the whole Pacific before you.
Photography Spots
- You, the bike and the 'End of the Trail' sign — the photo of the trip.
- The Pier Ferris wheel at sunset, from the beach.
- The Pacific from Palisades Park — the view you rode 2,448 miles to reach.
Sunrise & Sunset
Around 6:05am. If you're up, walk the empty beach and watch the sun come up over the city behind you.
Into the Pacific — the trip's final, perfect sunset. Be on the Pier or the beach for it.
Practical Information
- Chevron on Lincoln Boulevard — handy before you return a rental or head on.
- Shell on Santa Monica Boulevard, central and easy.
The Pier has paid parking; street meters nearby are cheaper for a bike. Most hotels offer valet. Park, lock the bike, and walk — you've earned the slow afternoon.
Suggested Walking Routes
Pier to Venice Beach
A 2-mile flat stroll along the beach path from the Pier to Venice — the perfect post-ride decompression.
Palisades Park
A peaceful clifftop walk above the beach with ocean views the whole way.
Weather & Ride Difficulty
Coastal Mediterranean — perfect. Summer days 24°C, nights 16°C, with morning marine layer burning off by midday. The ocean breeze is a blessing after the desert. This is the gentlest weather of the trip.
A short, easy 15-mile urban ride. The only difficulty is emotional — and not wanting it to end.
Nearby Attractions
- Santa Monica Pier & End of the Trail sign
- Venice Beach & Boardwalk
- Palisades Park
- Pacific Coast Highway (Malibu, north)
Frequently Asked Questions
On Santa Monica Pier, near the western end — it's clearly signed and unmissable. It's the photo every Route 66 rider wants.
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