Historical Landmarks in Santa Monica

Santa Monica’s Landmarks Program has been committed to historic preservation for decades. The city has designated two historic districts, more than 64 landmarks and structures of merit, and has identified approximately 1,350 potential historic resources.

Explore some of the historical highlights below and for more information on Santa Monica landmarks and historic districts, download the City of Santa Monica Landmarks Tour Brochure. For more information on important dates and historical facts, check out the historical timeline of Santa Monica.

Route 66

In 1926, Route 66 was created as a link between Chicago and Los Angeles. It totaled over 2,400 miles and was dramatized in John Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath and popularized in Nat King Cole's hit song Get Your Kicks on Route 66. There's no question that Route 66 ends in Santa Monica. But there is great debate and speculation about where the actual ending point is located.

Where do you think Route 66 ends?

• The original pre 1939 alignment of Route 66 ended in Downtown Los Angeles. In 1936, Route 66 was extended from Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Monica, terminating at US 101 ALT, today the intersection of Olympic Blvd and Lincoln Blvd (a segment of State Route 1).
• According to the California Route 66 Preservation Foundation, Route 66 officially ends when it merges into Highway 101 at the intersection of Lincoln and Olympic Blvd.
• Route 66 is said to end a block away from the pier at the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd and Ocean Ave. A bronze plaque dedicating Route 66 as the Will Rogers Highway is located across the street in Palisades Park, a few feet from the Santa Monica Visitor Center Kiosk.
• On November 11, 2009, the Santa Monica Pier was designated as the official Western Terminus of Route 66 by the Route 66 Alliance, an organization that promotes and preserves the historic roadway between Chicago, Ill. and Santa Monica, CA. Stop by for a photo at The End of The Trail Sign.

No matter where the ending point is, Santa Monica is a wonderful place to celebrate the Spirit of Route 66 and its many contributions to American culture.

Santa Monica Pier Carousel and Looff Hippodrome

Located on California's oldest pleasure pier otherwise known as the Santa Monica Pier, the Looff Hippodrome was built in 1916 and has been listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. The Hippodrome has always been home to the Pier's Carousel which was placed on the Santa Monica Pier in 1947. The current carousel is a hand-carved 1922 Philadelphia Toboggan Company Carousel that in 1990 and 2002, underwent renovations which has restored this timeless merry-go-round so that it can be enjoyed by young and old for many years to come.

Marion Davies Estate, North Guest House

Located at 321 Palisades Beach Road which has now been transformed into the Annenberg Community Beach House, the Marion Davies Estate was built by William Randolph Hearst and was home to many famed Hollywood parties in the 1930's. The North Guest House is the only original structure remaining on the property. Santa Monica Conservancy docent tours of the Guest House are available for free.

Historical Downtown Santa Monica

Take a walking tour of some of Santa Monica's oldest landmarks. In approximately two hours and six blocks, experience more than 130 years of Santa Monica history including the 1875 Rapp Saloon, The Majestic Theatre and much more. Docent-guided walking tours by the Santa Monica Conservancy take place every Saturday morning at 10am. Self-guided tour booklets are also available.