Exploring Beverly Hills and Historic Route 66

Route 66, also known as U.S. Highway 66 or the Will Rogers Highway, was established in 1926. This roadway was once the primary highway from America’s interior to the West Coast. It is 2,450 miles long and is one of the earliest automobile transport routes in the United States.

During the mid-1930s, Route 66 stretched into the Los Angeles area from Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard and connected to a number of existing roadways. Route 66 made its way to downtown Los Angeles, followed Sunset Boulevard, connected with North Santa Monica Boulevard and headed through Beverly Hills, as it continued west to the Santa Monica Pier.

The City of Beverly Hills, in its mission to promote recreation and tourism, has developed distinctive signage to place along historic Route 66, within Beverly Hills city limits (map below). This unique Route 66 mark mirrors the City’s iconic shield logo. Once visitors enter the City on historic Route 66, they’ll be sure to recognize it!

The Cultural Heritage Commission, Traffic and Parking Commission and Recreation and Parks Commission helped develop and review the design for the City’s historic Route 66 mark and signage. Beverly Hills City Council approved the Commissions’ proposed historic Route 66 mark and signage in August 2018 (images below).

Currently, there are a total of six Route 66 signs along North Santa Monica Boulevard (three eastbound and three westbound). Also, there are two Route 66 bike lane signs (one eastbound and one westbound). Future plans include adding four Route 66 pavement marker signs (two westbound and two eastbound).

Enjoy riding through Beverly Hills on historic Route 66!

Route 66 Final Sign Locations

Route 66 Final Sign Designs