ROUTE 66 CENTENNIAL KICKS OFF IN SANTA MONICA WITH THE DRIVE HOME CARAVAN
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (January 5, 2026) – Route 66’s centennial year celebrations kicked off on Saturday, January 3 with The Drive Home VII: Route 66 – A Century of Adventure Caravan seeing nine vintage vehicles embark on a journey along the full length of Route 66 from Santa Monica to Chicago, then onward to the Detroit Auto Show in Michigan.
In partnership with The Drive Home, The Road Ahead Partnership, Downtown Santa Monica Inc. and Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, The Drive Home Caravan began at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, home to the “End of the Trail” sign symbolizing Route 66’s western point.
The caravan then joined Route 66 leaders at Mel’s Drive-In in Santa Monica at the official end of the legendary Route 66, the intersection of Lincoln and Olympic Boulevard.
“Route 66 holds a very special place in the story of Santa Monica, and we’re proud to stand as the western end, or beginning, of this historic American highway,” said Misti Kerns, Santa Monica Travel & Tourism President/CEO. “This year, we look forward to welcoming road trippers from around the world to join us in commemorating a century of exploration and discovery. Thank you to our exceptional partners and all who joined us in sending off The Drive Home travelers and kicking off an exciting year of celebration.”
The Drive Home marked the first in a series of officially recognized Route 66 Centennial activities and projects planned throughout 2026. This event celebrated America’s automotive heritage, the preservation of the Mother Road and the collaborative spirit of communities across the nation.
“I was thrilled to welcome everyone to Mel’s Drive-In and celebrate the launch of The Drive Home along Route 66, marking the first official project on the Centennial Calendar,” said Bill Thomas, Chair of the Road Ahead Partnership and Commissioner of the Route 66 Centennial Commission. “This journey across eight states embodies the spirit of the Mother Road, connecting communities, history, and travelers. Our thanks go to Santa Monica Travel & Tourism, Downtown Santa Monica Inc., The Drive Home, and the Detroit Auto Show for bringing this exciting Centennial celebration to life.”
Bill Thomas was joined by Sam Klemet (Executive Director of the Detroit Auto Show), Todd Szott (2026 Detroit Auto Show Chairman) and Lincoln Phillip (Detroit Auto Dealers Association Board President).
For more information on the Route 66 centennial, visit route66centennial.org.
For more information on Route 66 events, landmarks and more in Santa Monica, visit santamonica.com/route66.
###
About the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership
Established in 2016 with the support of the National Park Service and the World Monuments Fund, the Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership’s mission is to revitalize and sustain Route 66 as a national and international icon through partnerships focused on promotion, preservation, research, education, and economic development. Only In Your State is the official Publishing Partner to the Route 66 Centennial. Founding Sponsors of the Route 66 Centennial include the Illinois Route 66 Centennial, Travel Oklahoma Route 66 Centennial Commission, American Express, Route 66 Road Fest, Rand McNally Publishing and Cruise America. For more information, visit route66centennial.org.
About Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism (SMTT) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures, tourism revenues and local employment opportunities through the promotion of Santa Monica as a travel destination. For more information visit santamonica.com, email info@santamonica.com, or follow SMTT on Instagram (@SeeSantaMonica), X (@GoSantaMonica) or Facebook (@VisitSantaMonica).
Media Contacts
The Road Ahead Partnership
Route 66 Centennial Media Coordinator
Gemma Long
217 210 1589
gemma@gemprmedia.com
America’s Automotive Trust
The Drive Home
Marketing & Communications Manager
Jake Welk
253 225 5623
jake.welk@aat.org
Detroit Auto Show
Marketing & Communications Manager
Michele Hendrick
248 283 5142
MHendrick@dada.org
Santa Monica Travel & Tourism
Vice President of Communications
Lauren Salisbury
310 319 6263
lsalisbury@santamonica.com
