Will Rogers Highway Celebration, 1952: Ted Fach Santa Monica History Museum Collection Hello, My wife and I have been by this spot and also noted the famous “end of the road” many times over. It is famous for having an amusement park on the pier location and that it is one of three "car driving on top" locations in the California that allows cars to go to the end or almost to the end. The Crystal Pier in San Diego, The Santa Cruz Boardwalk Pier, although this one recently got damaged by the huge December waves and is currently, in a state of repairs. We have not gone on the complete road across the USA, but in parts of the Midwest near St. Louis all the way west through OKC and parts of the Southwest, we have been there and saw the sights. Mostly dry desert scrub and things that get passed by at speed. But, on separate occasions, my wife and I have stopped many times on the Santa Monica Pier since 1966 on our way to/from our road trips up the coastline to the northern California spots or the PNW. There is something appealing about being out on the water as far as one can go and still look down to the surface. Almost like waking on water. We can do that on surfboards, but that is another story. Ha! Many improvements are happening to the old pier as everything is getting prepared for the 2028 Olympic Games heading to Los Angeles. The pier and adjoining beach is supposedly in line to be awarded the “Beach Volleyball” events along the wide span of white sand to the water’s edge. No sand pit in front of the large metal tower, but real beach sand volleyball. This has to be the most interesting portion of the Route 66 sights. From big city to dry scrub to the deep blue ocean at the finish line. It will be one of the busiest sights coming up, so get your visits in place and beware of the traffic jams upon approaching the final destination of the famed “Route 66.” YRMV Jnaki For all of you folks that are planning to visit the Olympics in 2028, one place to visit may be at the end of the pier. But during the beach volleyball events, it may be impossible to get there. So, a suggestion would be to drive to Marina Del Rey and charter a sailboat to leisurely sail up the coast a few miles and see the beach side portion from the water. Just to say you were there... My wife and I sailed our sailboat from Marina Del Rey when we stayed for a week at a friend’s dock. His family and boat were in our Dana Point Harbor dock as he had a family wedding in nearby, Laguna Beach to attend. From the water along the long shoreline in the Santa Monica Bay… heading North to the Malibu cliff coastal location give a whole new meaning to sightseeing things from the water. Photos by Vnak... The final decision made the ocean sail much more enjoyable to get up close from a different angle. It is still possible to drive out on the pier, up to the famous Ferris Wheel (colorful at night) But, when walking, you will still have more of the pier to get to the farthest point of being over the Pacific Ocean in this area. Note: As far as the future Olympics, get your reservations early. There are a lot of coastal ocean view resorts available, but those will go fast. They are within walking distance to the pier and beaches. Since the recent fire devastation down to the PCH coastal drive, rental homes will be few and far between. Parking will also be a nightmare and there are talks to use only public transportation to the events. Yikes!
Gene Adams with his first race car, a ‘50 Fastback, it ran a 4-71 blown 371 Olds. Looks like an Engle Cams decal in that back window, Lean Gene always used Engle grinds.
The Jalopy Journal
