The Lobster on Santa Monica Pier marks 25 years; restaurant dates back more than a century

The Lobster, right next to the iconic Santa Monica Pier neon sign, recently marked the 25th anniversary of its rebirth, though the seafood restaurant itself dates back more than a century. To celebrate the milestone, The Lobster will showcase a special menu during National Seafood Month in October, according to the Santa Monica Daily Press. … Continue reading The Lobster on Santa Monica Pier marks 25 years; restaurant dates back more than a century

Great Route 66 Centennial Convergence set for Santa Monica Pier on April 2026

The centennial year of Route 66 is still well over a year away, but an event called the Great Route66 Centennial Convergence has been scheduled for April 30, 2026, at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California. Social media influencer John Binns of Australia, with the handle of Wasteland Firebird, is organizing the event. … Continue reading Great Route 66 Centennial Convergence set for Santa Monica Pier on April 2026

Tulsa officially earns “Capital of Route 66” title

Several towns along the Mother Road for years have claimed to be the "Capital of Route 66." But the City of Tulsa and the Tulsa Route 66 Commission ensured it isn't just an idle boast. After a lengthy process, Tulsa officially secured a federal copyright for "Capital of Route 66." According to KJRH-TV and other … Continue reading Tulsa officially earns “Capital of Route 66” title

Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago

The iconic Santa Monica Pier -- the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers -- nearly was destroyed by a severe storm and some bad decisions by a contractor 41 years ago. That factoid was revealed during a Santa Monica Daily News story about walking tours offered at the 115-year-old pier: Back in the … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier was nearly lost by a storm 41 years ago

Santa Monica Pier probably will replace its bridge in a few years

The City of Santa Monica, California, edged closer last week to a much-delayed project to replace the bridge leading to the iconic Santa Monica Pier. The city council approved an environmental document required for the $27 million project, reported the Santa Monica Daily Press. The Santa Monica Pier Bridge was built in 1939 and serves … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier probably will replace its bridge in a few years

Four of the 16 “Most Iconic Old-Fashioned Diners in America” are found on Route 66

Recently, Eat This, Not That! compiled a list of the "16 Most Iconic Old-Fashioned Diners in America." In what shouldn't be a surprise, four of them are on old Route 66. Without further ado, here are the website's four diners with extensive ties to the Mother Road: Lou Mitchell's, Chicago Clanton's Cafe, Vinita, Oklahoma Mr. … Continue reading Four of the 16 “Most Iconic Old-Fashioned Diners in America” are found on Route 66

Santa Monica Pier was saved from destruction 50 years ago

It's unthinkable now, but the iconic Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, once was very much in danger of being torn down a half-century ago. The Santa Monica Daily Press recently published an article about the history of the pier, including a successful grass-roots effort in 1973 to preserve it after the city council … Continue reading Santa Monica Pier was saved from destruction 50 years ago

Mel’s Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary

Mel's Drive-In restaurants, which includes a location at the actual western terminus of Route 66 in Santa Monica, marked its 75th birthday on Dec. 14 at its eight locations in the San Francisco and Los Angeles regions. On its birthday, the regional chain offered 75% off classic food items, including the Mel burger, country eggs, … Continue reading Mel’s Drive-In restaurant marks its 75th anniversary

Route 66-related stop included in “The Price Is Right’s” 50-anniversary tour

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, "The Price Is Right" television game show is embarking on a nationwide tour that includes at least one Route 66-related stop. "The Price Is Right" tour begins Friday with current host Drew Carey at the Santa Monica Pier -- the traditional western endpoint for many Route 66 travelers -- during … Continue reading Route 66-related stop included in “The Price Is Right’s” 50-anniversary tour

Route 66-themed roller coaster coming to Santa Monica Pier by summer

Pacific Park amusement park at the Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, California, is bringing a new concept to its steel roller coaster, called Route 66 West Coaster, which is set to debut this summer. According to a news release from Pier Communications: The reconcepting of Pacific Park’s steel roller coaster that races 55 feet … Continue reading Route 66-themed roller coaster coming to Santa Monica Pier by summer