Experiencing L.A. - Route 66 and the Santa Monica Pier

Historic Route 66 begins in Chicago, Illinois - and terminates in Santa Monica, California where Santa Monica Blvd ends at Ocean Avenue. This marker placed in 1952 in Palisades Park commemorates Route 66, also known as the Will Rogers Highway. 

Route 66 informally continues another 3/4 of a mile - to the end of the Santa Monica Pier. 

These photos were from the five years my wife, kids, and I spent living in Los Angeles, back around February 2010.

I parked on the street at Santa Monica Blvd & Ocean Avenue, and walked a couple blocks to the pier.

This unofficial continuation of Route 66 keeps the road going west - all the way on out over the Pacific Ocean.

The Santa Monica Pier celebrated it's 100 year anniversary while we were living in Los Angeles. It's a nice place to spend a few hours.

If you want to "ride the rides" I'd suggest the massive Ferris wheel, as well as purchasing one of their unlimited rides wristbands online ahead of time. Best value. 

A display at the western terminus of the pier on Route 66, what's been called "America's Main Street."

Pelican at the pier. Growing up decades earlier as a kid in Los Angeles, my Boy Scout Patrol (part of the larger Troop 223) was the Pelican Patrol. And it's just a cool looking bird. 

Walking back to my car parked I passed by one of the angel statues that you'll occasionally see around Los Angeles. Here's a link to what these are all about. 

Some flowers at the Third Street Promenade shopping district. 

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