The finish line for America's most famous road trip. The sign that says Welcome to the end of Route 66, folks. The trail stops here but the spirit of the Mother Road goes on forever! On the pier in Santa Monica, CA

This iconic glowing arch of neon nostalgia was built in 1941. The sign is a true celebrity having appeared in many movies and TV shows. The yacht harbor actually sank in the 1970's, but the sign has remained unchanged. Exactly as it should. The message is a little outdated, but the sign is proof that some things are worth preserving exactly as they are. You won't have trouble finding it on Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica, CA

Billed as the last diner on Route 66, this retro diner began in 1986 but hasn't updated their calendar since the 1950's. The diner maintains it's nostalgic charm with bright neon signs, the decor and the menu. There are even vintage newspapers and a jukebox the plays the oldies. You can stop by for some classic diner fare on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA

We were so close to the finish line of Route 66 that we didn't stop to get a better picture of this timeless theatre. The theatre opened in 1930. Look closely at what's playing on the marquee and you'll see the theatre's claim to immortality. It has been showing "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" every Saturday night at midnight since 1986. Starting sporadically in 1976, it became a staple by the 80's and has shown continually from 1986 on. At over 40 years, it may be the longes

This hotel was built in 1967 and still has the same glowing blue neon sign. The building had an interesting rounded corner where the hotel diner was located. Still run by the original family owners, some renovations have been made but much of the original charm still remains which earned them a Preservation Award in 2022. You can see this iconic hotel on Beverly Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA

This restaurant began in a smaller location in 1931 and moved here 20 years later. Still family owned and boasts a crowd of famous guests with many celeb photos on the walls. No photos of one set of famous diners who ate their last meal here in 1969 before their fate was sealed at the hands of the Manson Family later that night. The exact booth they sat in was featured in the movie "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood". True Crime buffs still pilgrimage there to see the famous boot

This classic diner is nearly 100 years old. It opened in 1926 and is still a popular spot. I love thier logo. Not easy to see here but it's a boy wearing a "Time for Beany" propeller hat, with a creepy little grin, rubbing his tummy and a slogan that says "Good "N Side". I'm guessing that means the food is good inside your tummy? It was my intent to eat here but my timing ended up being way off. It is still my intent to eat here some day! It's on Sunset Boulevard in Los Ang

This huge three story building was built in 1924. It had a bowling alley and billiard hall on the first floor with apartments on the top two. It was a local hotspot and hosted several celebrity athletic events until it closed in the 1970's. The restored sign and building are now a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. They can be seen on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA

This restaurant opened in the 1970's, but is now closed. The new El Moro cafe did update and save this great sign. You can see it on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA

This motel still has that classic L shaped layout from when it opened in the 1940's. It has been a filming location for some old movies and shows including "Police Woman and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" (as the Royal Viking Motel). More recently it was in an episode of "The OC". You can still stay here on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, CA

This neon sign was installed in 1967 and has the classic Googie style that was prevalent in this area at the time. The business changed ownership a few times and the neon was removed but the current owners added "Highland Park" at the top and reinstalled the neon in 2017. You can see it on North Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, CA

This historical marker was erected in 1906 by the Woman's Improvement Association as a rest stop for travelers and their horses. The trough was designed by architect Norman Marsh, famous for designing many public buildings, schools and churches in California and Arizona. You can see it on Meridian Avenue in South Pasadena, CA

This theatre was built in 1925 and was featured in the movie "LA LA Land". At the time of it's closing in 2007 it was the only single-screen, still operating, movie palace in LA County. It has been remodeled and opened as a church. Unfortunately much of the theatre's unique Jazz Age charm was lost during renovations. However, the great neon marquee was restored and you can see it on Fair Oaks Avenue in South Pasadena, CA

Serving real pit BBQ since 1946, proving if it ain't broke, don't fix it. There was more great neon on the front of the building, but unfortunately there was a big moving truck out front so I didn't get to see it when I drove by. You can stop and sample some of their southern hospitality, but don't wear white because honestly, no white shirt is making it out of there alive. It's on Fair Oaks Avenue in South Pasadena, CA

Where Pasadena Ave splits into two roads, there is literally an 18 foot tall giant fork in the road. Originally installed in honor of a local business owner's birthday, this art piece has been adopted as an official piece of public art by the city. You can see this culinary metaphor on South St John Avenue in Pasadena, CA

This restaurant chain began in 1922 as Sonora Cafe but in 1925 a diner, waiting for his meal, drew a figure of a man and called him El Cholo. The owner liked it so much, he changed the name and used the image as his logo. This location opened around 2000 but has since closed. The little neon sign depicting El Cholo is gone now too. It was on the cafe building on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA

This hotel opened in 1959. The Arabian Nights style font had me peeking beyond the canopy looking for magic carpet rides (I only saw a pretty nice looking pool area). Used a lot in the 1950's and 60's this elaborate cursive styled lettering was meant to evoke a sense of glamour and adventure to lure in travelers. Due to it's cultural significance, the sign was designated a Pasadena Historic Sign in 2002. Check in for the night on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA

Purposefully not leaving anything to the imagination, this neon sign said it all. The restaurant opened in 1984 but sadly didn't survive the Covid-19 shutdown orders and, the big neon fish is the one that got away. You can still see the building signage on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA

It was a bit overcast when I snapped this photo, but trust me when I say that this sign is great. The train appears to be in motion when it's lit. The model train hobby shop opened in 1951 nearby and moved to this building in 1988, brining the sign with them. You'll see it on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA

Buckle up space cadets because just like the sign, the building also has that great space age Googie style design with the futuristic looking staggered roof lines, aircraft wing and tail fin canopy and folded roof over the office. Built in 1962, this was the first in a chain of Astro motels built in several states. You can still stay in this one on East Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, CA