The iconic neon entrance sign for the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, will be removed soon for restoration and a long-awaited bridge project. KTLA-TV in Los Angeles reports the sign's removal is part of the city's plan to replace the nearly 90-year-old bridge that connects to the pier. Although the city has not … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier’s iconic entrance sign soon will be removed, will return in late 2027
Tag: Santa Monica
Seven Route 66-related businesses make Great American Road Trip Hotels list for 2026
Historic Hotels of America announced its Great American Road Trip Hotels list for 2026, including seven along Route 66. It recognized a total of 25 authentic historic hotels "that have shaped the American road-trip experience along scenic byways, historic highways, national park routes, coastal drives, and legendary corridors," according to a news release. The motels … Continue reading Seven Route 66-related businesses make Great American Road Trip Hotels list for 2026
Ultrarunner to retrace much of the Bunion Derby from Chicago to Santa Monica
Ultrarunner Zach Fiske will undertake a big task next month -- completing the 2,400-mile Route 66 Centennial Bunion Derby Commemorative Run that begins in Chicago. The event has been designated an Official Route 66 Centennial Project as honoring the history, culture and enduring legacy of the “Main Street of America” during the 100th anniversary of Route … Continue reading Ultrarunner to retrace much of the Bunion Derby from Chicago to Santa Monica
66-year-old cyclist pedals length of Route 66 in a record-breaking 10 1/2 days
Ultracyclist Joe Barr, 66, of Northern Ireland, traveled all 2,448 miles of Route 66 from Santa Monica to Chicago in slightly over 10 1/2 days, which is a provisional record. According to Cycling Weekly, Barr finished the trek last Friday in 10 days, 12 hours, 3 minutes, which included 21,000 meters of climbing. My calculations … Continue reading 66-year-old cyclist pedals length of Route 66 in a record-breaking 10 1/2 days
New sign at Navy Pier in Chicago marks unofficial eastern terminus of Route 66
Officials for the City of Chicago on Wednesday marked Navy Pier as the unofficial eastern start point of Route 66 during its centennial, including a new sign at the pier. The sign is outside Harry Caray's Tavern at the pier, the design which was chosen by the Route 66 Commission and the city, reported the … Continue reading New sign at Navy Pier in Chicago marks unofficial eastern terminus of Route 66
Chicago announces new symbolic starting point for Route 66 at Navy Pier
In celebration of Route 66's centennial, the City of Chicago will formally recognize Navy Pier as the symbolic starting point of the highway. The dedication ceremony celebrating the new starting point of Route 66 and its role in American history, culture and adventure will take place on March 25, according to a news release. The … Continue reading Chicago announces new symbolic starting point for Route 66 at Navy Pier
Holiday leftovers
Here are a few items that have crossed the Route 66 News desk in recent weeks: --- The board of directors of the Route 66 Mother Road Festival distributed $10,000 to five local charities in the Springfield, Illinois, area. For the first time in the event’s history, funds generated by the festival were distributed to … Continue reading Holiday leftovers
California Roadhouse to replace Rusty’s Surf Ranch on Santa Monica Pier
California Roadhouse soon will replace the recently closed Rusty's Surf Ranch restaurant and music venue on the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. The Santa Monica Daily Press reported: The venture is the brainchild of Sean Ahaus, a Santa Monica native and current co-owner of VITO, a neighborhood restaurant at 2807 Ocean Park Blvd. … Continue reading California Roadhouse to replace Rusty’s Surf Ranch on Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Tourism launches songwriting contest about city’s link to Route 66
Songwriters who love the Mother Road, here's your chance. And there's money involved. Santa Monica Travel & Tourism has invited music artists to create an original song that celebrates the city's connection to Route 66 as part of the highway's centennial next year. The top prize is $10,000. The Route 66 Song Contest is open … Continue reading Santa Monica Tourism launches songwriting contest about city’s link to Route 66
Robert Redford helped save Santa Monica Pier from demolition during the 1970s
In the wake of actor and director Robert Redford's death this week at age 89, a story emerged about how he helped save the decaying Santa Monica Pier from being torn down in the early 1970s. It's hard to believe now, but the pier was so dilapidated, the Santa Monica City Council voted to demolish … Continue reading Robert Redford helped save Santa Monica Pier from demolition during the 1970s