What landmark marks the western end of historic U.S. Route 66 at Santa Monica?

The Santa Monica Pier is the landmark traditionally associated with the western end of historic U.S. Route 66.

The pier extends into the Pacific Ocean from Santa Monica, California, and its entrance area has long served as a symbolic endpoint for Route 66 travelers. A commemorative “End of the Trail” marker helps visitors identify the connection between the pier and the historic highway.

Route 66’s western terminus was in Santa Monica, although the route’s exact approaches and endpoint descriptions changed over time. That is why historical maps and modern visitor signs may not show one identical final street alignment.

The pier itself predates Route 66: it opened in 1909. Its amusement attractions, ocean setting, and visibility made it a natural ceremonial finish for a road celebrated in songs, travel writing, and popular culture. The pier remains one of the best-known Route 66 photo locations.