MOTHER ROAD, MODERN MEETINGS: ROUTE 66 MEETING SPACES SET TO SHINE FOR CENTENNIAL IN SANTA MONICA
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (December 3, 2025) – As Route 66 approaches its 100th anniversary in 2026, Santa Monica joins communities along the legendary highway opening their doors to meeting planners with distinctive venues that pair modern functionality with authentic Americana. Route 66 holds a special place in Santa Monica history as the western terminus of the iconic route, welcoming groups throughout the decades with a breath of fresh ocean air, breezy coastal venues and Southern California hospitality. From restored Art Deco treasures to flexible cultural halls, these spaces invite groups to gather where history and hospitality meet.
Meet Along the Mother Road in Santa Monica
The Santa Monica Pier – The symbolic end of Route 66, the Santa Monica Pier welcomes attendees with sweeping ocean views, a wide range of one-of-a-kind event spaces and the iconic “End of the Trail” Route 66 sign. There is room for gatherings of all sizes here on the Pier, whether planners anticipate large-scale attendance with an event on the Santa Monica Pier Parking Deck featuring the Pier and the Pacific as a backdrop, or more intimate gatherings in the longstanding Looff Hippodrome building where an exquisite historic carousel is the centerpiece. For a truly unforgettable event, Parque del Pacífico on the Pier offers a Seaside Pavilion space amongst amusement park rides and midway games, or go big with an entire Park rental including specialty bites and room for up to 1,500 guests.
Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows – This coastal retreat has welcomed travelers since 1921, welcoming today’s visitors to gather within the same walls where road trippers of the past celebrated their completion of the Route. Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows houses 64,000 sq. ft. of meeting space including the Starlight Ballroom, the city’s largest ballroom at 7,400 sq. ft. with capacity for 900 guests. From coastal meetings with approachable design in The Stateroom or The Study to large gatherings in the grand Wedgewood Ballroom, Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows is a centrally located destination fit for a diverse range of groups.
The Ambrose Hotel – Located just one block from Route 66 itself, The Ambrose Hotel is a charming Santa Monica property boasting a collection of five venues suited for intimate social gatherings and polished professional meetings. Make your guests feel right at home in The Ambrose’s cozy Living Room or Library alcove, arrange social events in the Santa Monica sun in The Courtyard or Fireside spaces and coordinate productive corporate meetings in the wood-paneled Study.
Casa de la Playa de la Comunidad Annenberg – A favorite local gathering place with rich history since the early 1900s, the Beach House offers planners five acres of oceanfront possibilities in flexible spaces for groups from 10 to 400. Embrace Santa Monica’s historic spirit in celebration of the Route with an intimate meeting in the Marion Davies Guest House, an oceanside estate constructed in the 1920s famously hosting important figures of the day such as Charlie Chaplin and Winston Churchill. For larger gatherings, consider the Sand & Sea room, a vibrant indoor-outdoor venue complete with a view deck.
Socalo – A beloved neighborhood restaurant located along the Santa Monica Boulevard stretch of Route 66, Socalo welcomes groups with a variety of event space options in their playful coastal restaurant accompanied by seasonal SoCal Mexican flavors by award-winning chefs and owners Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Miliken. From an outdoor veranda to colorful private rooms and options for a full-restaurant buyout, groups will enjoy a tasty gathering right on the Route at Socalo.
How to Select the Perfect Route 66 Meeting Space for Your Group
- Many venues on and near Route 66 are historic properties transformed into functional event spaces, offering planners unique character without sacrificing technology. Consider whether the sophistication and charm of luxurious historic properties or the laid-back coastal feel of beach venues near the end of the Route will best complement your gathering.
- Knowing your scale when beginning the venue search is key to discovering the ideal place for your group. Versatility and flexibility are built in at many of these Route 66 locations, offering planners the opportunity to explore a host of spaces at various dimensions within each venue as well as layouts and setups to attune to the size of your delegation. Santa Monica’s spaces accommodate groups of many sizes, creating ideal settings for gatherings from executive retreats and boardroom meetings to larger regional conferences and incentive groups.
- For knowledgeable guidance and tailored assistance when planning your next meeting or event, contact Santa Monica Travel & Tourism’s team of experts at meet@santamonica.com.
About the Route 66 Centennial
Declared a federal highway in 1926, Route 66 stretches over 2,400 miles from the skyscrapers of Chicago to the sands of Santa Monica with a plethora of bucket list outdoor adventures, kitschy roadside attractions and symbols of Americana between. The 2026 centennial presents an unprecedented opportunity for meeting planners to combine modern amenities with the nostalgia of America’s Main Street at the western terminus of this legendary highway.
###
Acerca de Santa Mónica Viajes y Turismo
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) es una organización sin ánimo de lucro concebida para aumentar el gasto de los visitantes, los ingresos por turismo y las oportunidades de empleo local mediante la promoción de Santa Mónica como destino turístico. Para más información, visite santamonica.com,Correo electrónico info@santamonica.com,o siga a la SMTT en Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), X (@GoSantaMonica) o Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
Contacto para la prensa
Emily Ohara
Responsable de Relaciones Públicas
