Route 66 Western Terminus - Downtown Los Angeles

Initially, Route 66 ended in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles at the intersection - seen here - of 7th and Broadway, in the heart of the Theater District. In 1936 the highway was extended to Santa Monica, reaching Lincoln and Olympic. Effective in 1964, the highway was then truncated to have a western terminus in the heart of what is now "Old Pasadena" at Colorado and Arroyo Parkway. And in 1975 the road was again shortened, this time at the California border.

Today, Los Angeles' Theater District is in the beginning stages of a revitilization, in part due to the Los Angeles' Conservancy's efforts, and their annual program entitled "Last Remaining Seats." Additionally, the Conservancy offers walking tours of this area.

Like anywhere else along Route 66, this area is worth the time and effort to see, and is quite safe, especially for the experienced traveler who already has their eye on what is happening around them. (Dispelling a myth here, there is PLENTY to see and do along Route 66 in Los Angeles County, and all areas that the highway traversed in LA County are quite worth visiting.)