Since we live in Los Angeles, California, we decided to start our epic road trip by travelling west to east instead. The first leg would be Santa Monica to Rialto.
ROUTE 66 – THE MOTHER ROAD
The most famous road in America, if not the world. Route 66 stretches from Chicago, Illinois to Santa Monica, Califonia, a total of 2,448 miles through eight states. This highway was first established in 1926 and served as the predominant road for those travelling “out West”.
Let’s face it, who hasn’t heard of Route 66—riding on the back of a Harley, the wind rushing through your hair and miles of open road expanding off into the sun-drenched horizons. I think most everyone dreams of travelling this famed road. Frozen in time and made even more well known by the song Get Your Kicks on Route 66, along with many TV shows, movies and books.
Even as a child, I had dreams of making this pilgrimage someday. Well, that “someday” came! Not on the back of a Harley, but in our minivan.
(UPDATE: even though our first journey was in 2015, we have explored California, Arizona and New Mexico several times since. The latest being in 2019. We have included all the experiences into these blogs.)
SANTA MONICA PIER
Our first stop – was our start, the Santa Monica Pier at the “End of the Trail” sign. In our case, this was the beginning! The actual End of the Trail sign is on the pier marking the Western Terminus of Route 66, where the road ends, and the sea begins. You need to walk about 200 feet onto the pier to reach the sign.
Fun Fact: The original western terminus of Route 66 was in downtown Los Angeles at the intersection of 7th street and Broadway Ave. In 1935, the route was extended to Santa Monica.
Leaving Santa Monica and heading east towards San Bernardino is only 76 miles, but with the traffic and the sightseeing stops along the way it can take several hours. We saw many touristy things as we travelled through Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, but had to stick to the main goal, because, hey we were here to do Route 66. For us, LA can be done at any time!
Unfortunately, much of the original route has been engulfed with more modern-day roads and buildings. With the expanse of LA and its suburbs, there is little history left on this stretch.
ARROYO SECO PARKWAY
Route 66 has had several alignments throughout its history, and here is just one of three heading into Pasadena. The first freeway in the United States, Arroyo Seco Parkway, is virtually unchanged since its completion in 1940 and was a marvel of ingenuity for that era. Unfortunately, there is nowhere safe to pull off to get a decent photo of these tunnels, so a quick pic through the windscreen is all that is advised.
These four tunnels, also known as the Elysian Park Tunnels, are the only known tunnels along the entire route of Route 66.
LUMMIS HOME
If you have time, there are a few stops before reaching Pasadena. The first one on the list is the Lummis Home pre-dating Route 66 built in the early 1900s by Charles Lummis. He walked from Cincinnati, Ohio to Los Angels, California in 1884 for a job at the LA Times.
It is well signposted from the road, just minutes away and well worth the detour. To top it off it has Free admission.
- Address: 200 E.Avenue 43, Los Angeles, CA 90031
- Hours: Saturday & Sunday – 10 am – 3 pm
- FREE
RIALTO THEATRE
The historic Rialto Theatre opened October 1925 and has succumbed to two fires, one in the 1930s and the second in 1968. Both times restored and brought back to life until its closure in 2007. Recently, a church group has leased it.
FAIR OAKS PHARMACY & SODA FOUNTAIN
Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain located at 1526 Mission St, South Pasadena is a great place to stop and quench that thirst, fill that rumbling tum, or have a mooch around.
The Pharmacy was established in 1915, with the original name South Pasadena Pharmacy. In the 1920s and 30s, it transitioned to the Raymond Pharmacy. In the late 1940s early 50s, it became Fair Oaks and a focal point for Route 66 travellers during the 1920s and through to the 40s when one of the previous alignments went along Fair Oaks Avenue. Originally opening as a pharmacy, a soda fountain serving ice creams, shakes and light lunches became part of the establishment during the 20s. Now adding breakfast to their menu, it is also a novelty/gift shop and still a compounding pharmacy. They hand make medication for patients. It is one of our fave fun places to eat in Pasadena.
BEKINS STORAGE SIGN
Bekins storage sign dates back to 1926 and is the only pre-war sign in existence in Pasadena. You’ll see it on the left-hand side of the road on Fair Oaks.
CASTLE GREEN
Although the main entry to Castle Green is on Raymond Avenue, it is worthwhile parking the car and walking around the block to see the entrance. If your trip coincides with the two dates a year they are open to the public, I would highly recommend a visit.
Once one of the most prominent hotels in Pasadena. Built 1903, it was a favourite vacation spot especially for those from colder climates, and formally the Headquarters for the Tournament of Roses. The new Headquarters is now at the old Wrigley Mansion.
COLORADO STREET BRIDGE
Next stop is one of those beautiful bridges—the Colorado Street Bridge, aka Suicide Bridge. Constructed in 1913 and at the time boasted of being the highest bridge in the world. Also, it was once the primary alignment of Route 66, which then went through the town of Eagle Rock.
During the Great Depression, many people leapt from the bridge seeing no other way out, hence its nickname. Since then, sadly, many more people have taken that 150-foot plunge to their death which is why there is an ugly 10-foot tall chain link fence the full length of the bridge.
OLD TOWN PASADENA
We decided to take a stroll around Old Town, Pasadena. There is plenty of street parking (meter) and numerous car parks with daily rates of between $5.00 and $7.00.
On foot, we discovered many iconic Route 66 landmarks and beautiful architecture. We were strolling up and down the abundance of alleys, each with a story to tell. That is how we came across Castle Green.
MILESTONE MARKER
Back on track now and continuing along Colorado Street, the next Route 66 item to cross off the list is this milestone marker on the grass verge, just outside McDonald’s. At the turn of the 1900s, these markers were placed to designate cities and areas along the road. All but this one are unfortunately gone.
HOWARD MOTOR COMPANY BUILDING
Opposite to the marker is the Howard Motor Company Building. This ornate building, designed in the 1920s to sell cars, is now just an empty shell.
THE AZTEC HOTEL
Leaving Pasadena, and travelling along Foothills Boulevard, there are several Route 66 icons.
The Aztec Hotel situated at 311 W Foothill Blvd was built in 1924 and is one of only a few remaining Mayan styled buildings in the country.
In 1931, the realignment of Route 66 bypassed the Aztec Hotel, but it remains an icon. It is a beautiful building.
We peered through the front window into the foyer to see if we could snap a pic and even peeked over the back fence. It must have been some hotel in its heyday.
FOOTHILL DRIVE-IN THEATRE – AZUSA
There are a few of old Route 66 sites along this part. In Azusa, there is this fabulous neon sign once advertising the latest movies for the Foothill Drive-In Theatre. The final film showed on December 28th, 2001 and the actual screen was demolished in 2005. Originally opening in December 1961 – that’s 40 years of entertainment.
LEGENDS CLASSIC DINER
Maybe not one of the original diners but Legends is excellent.
The entire place looks like a movie set out of Happy Days. It is one of our favourite places to stop for a bite on the Santa Monica to Rialto portion and even if we happen to be in the area.
There’s 1950s music playing inside and out. Route 66 and other 50s and 60s memorabilia adorn the entire establishment. You could spend quite some time looking at all the pictures of movie stars, the murals which entirely cover the walls, planes hanging from the ceiling and so much more. I love it! And the food is pretty good too. (In fact, we have eaten here several times for breakfast and lunch).
Even if you decide not to have a bite, definitely pop in for some pics!
- Address: Legends Classic Diner – 1155 E Rte 66, Glendora
THE GOLDEN SPUR RESTAURANT
The Golden Spur began its life in 1918 as a ride-up hamburger stand for people on horseback and continued serving customers until 2018. Obviously, not all the people were on a horse; some were in cars and on foot!
RANCHO CUCAMONGA
Such a strange name! It derives from the Indian word kukamonga, meaning “sandy place” and has several Route 66 icons.
MAGIC LAMP
Located at 8189 E Foothill Blvd, the Magic Lamp is one of the original steakhouses in California and a great place to take a few photos. Only having two owners in the last 50 plus years, it has kept all of its historic charms.
The neon sign is in the shape of Aladdin’s lamp and has a natural gas flame at night. The restaurant boasts stained glass windows, Spanish tiles, heavy wooden doors and is built in the Old World style. We have yet to try out the restaurant or see the lamp lit. One for the future, perhaps!
SYCAMORE INN
Further along on the opposite side of the road is the Sycamore Inn dating back to 1848 it was once a famous horse and buggy stop.
Today it’s another upmarket steak house. It’s a beautiful chalet-style building set in what I would refer to as some woodland and a small meadow.
There is also a statue of Oso marker on the front lawn, in memory of the California Pioneers – 1779. A Father Font apparently camped at the site on his way to Monterey. This area is known as Bear Gulch because it was densely populated with bears, although you won’t see any there these days!
THOMAS WINERY PLAZA
This Plaza was the oldest commercial winery in the state and the second oldest in the U.S.A, established in 1939. The winery was sold to a developer in the mid-1980s and closed its doors for good. A plaza now sits where the vines once grew, but the old buildings are still there.
I would have loved to have seen this in its heyday. Maybe stop off for a couple of glasses of Merlot or whatever the local wines were. At least some of the original buildings remain and you can pop in for coffee and a bite to eat.
Tugboat Annie’s
This seafood restaurant built in the shape of a tugboat, opened in 1969 and was a real hit serving fish ‘n’ chips, pins for the kids and even had a barbers quartet. It remained popular throughout the 70s but in 1982 sold to The Original Shrimp House.
It still stands today and is now a sushi restaurant. (Sushi is not my cup-of-tea, but the boat looks really neat. Would have been great if it was still serving good ol’ fish ‘n’ chips.)
CUCAMONGA SERVICE STATION
You can’t miss this service station. It’s painted bright yellow and will be on the left side travelling east. Here you can see a replica of the original service station, first built in 1915, now a museum of Route 66 and a small gift shop.
- Address: 9670 E Foothill Blvd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730
- Opening times are Thursday through Sunday 10 am – 3 pm.
- CLOSED Mon/Tues/Wed
FONTANA
Al Capone’s Hideout
We found out that Al Capone supposedly had a hideout back in the 1920s, just off Route 66 in Fontana, so we decided to take a look and were astounded.
At 8775 Tamarind Avenue, we found this beautiful old house, tucked away down a side street. On the chimney, you can clearly see the sizeable wrought-iron letter ‘C’. Now it’s a private residence and, apparently on occasions, they do organize tours of the property. I’m going to look into that!!!
It is said that the chimney jutting out of the roof has no fireplace. It was built above a hollow wall, with several closets which may have been accessed from others. Unfortunately, we’ll never know for sure, as the house has undergone significant renovations which altered the floor plan. It’s also claimed, a painting of a woman in a chair has hung in the home for over 50 years!!!
Bono’s Orange
Fontana is the site of Bono’s Orange which once served freshly squeezed orange juice to quench the thirst of Route 66 travellers. Initially built in 1936, and relocated to its current location safe from demolition.
RIALTO
Our finish line for the day on the Santa Monica to Rialto leg of the journey was the WigWam Hotel. There are two WigWam hotels along Route 66, this one being the only one in California and where we decided to spend the night. Construction began in 1947 and this village opened in 1950.
The WigWam was like a Tardis inside and exceptionally well designed. A large queen bed, a seating/TV area and the bathroom still had a 1950s appeal. Absolutely adorable. Harvey enjoyed it too!
The check-in area was also delightful with lots of Mother Road memorabilia, and the owner was charming.
Walking around the grounds, we came across relics of old cars and vans from a bygone era, strategically placed in the gravel.
UPDATE: We stayed here again in May 2019, and it is still wonderful. I would recommend it.
Our Takeaway
Being as we have travelled sections of this particular route many many times just for fun, certain spots stand out for us. The first is Legends Diner. We love this place, the decorations, the music, the food and the whole vibe is ultimately Route 66 all the way. If we are heading towards Riverside County, we make sure to stop in here for a bite to eat.
The next location is the WigWam hotel. The first time we stayed here, we were taken aback by how quaint yet large and clean these rooms are. Also, we had Harvey with us, and he loved the grass, the window at the perfect height for him to look out of and walking around the property!
The second time we stayed was with a heavy heart as our beloved Co-Pilot is no longer at his post. But seeing as Harvey enjoyed being here so much, we decided to stay again and were pleased to have done so.
Finally Pasadena, it feels like a small town and is a great place to spend some time. The broad tree-lined streets of its picture-perfect neighbourhoods, the beautiful, clean, and very safe downtown. It has a history, haunted locations, many hikes, mysterious places, Route 66, and many more inspirational sites.
- The next section of Route 66 in California –
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