Santa Monica Celebrates Route 66 Centennial With Fall Openings, Events

Santa Monica is marking the 100th anniversary of Route 66 this fall with a season of new openings and refreshed attractions. The city, which sits at the western end of the historic highway, has spent the year preparing for the centennial, which officially falls on November 11.

New restaurants are opening weekly, and several hotels are rolling out special programming. The Santa Monica History Museum is launching a new exhibit, "Creating Route 66: Road, Legend, Community," in November, running through June 2027. A citywide song contest tied to the milestone will announce its winner in November, with a $10,000 prize.

Among the new dining spots are Khan Saab Desi Craft Kitchen, a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant from Fullerton, now open in Downtown Santa Monica with a halal Pakistani and Indian menu. Kogen Omakase offers a 10-seat Japanese fine dining experience with fish flown in from Tokyo. Bar Fortuna, from chef Brian Bornemann of Crudo e Nudo, features handmade pastas. Gott's Roadside is bringing its Napa Valley burgers and shakes to Santa Monica, its second Southern California location. Louma Bakery will offer European-style pastries and breads, using earnings for job training.

Hotel programming includes Regent Santa Monica Beach's "Cinema by the Sea" Halloween screenings, Shore Hotel's new Coastal Petite Rooms available from January 1, and Shutters on the Beach's Saturday evening DJ sets. Viceroy Santa Monica's Sugar Palm has private heated cabanas through December 31, and Huntley Santa Monica Beach has refreshed its Wellness Lounge.

The ARTE Museum is set to open an immersive digital art installation at Santa Monica Place. The Swiss Winter Village returns to the Santa Monica Pier from November 18 to January 3, with food stalls, a Swiss chalet, live performances, and an ice-skating rink. Bergamot Station Arts Center is hosting new fall exhibits, including Wayne Thiebaud works at Leslie Sacks Gallery through November 14. The 18th Street Arts Center debuts "RED ALL NIGHTmare" from artist duo Beck+Col, running November 13 through December 18. Santa Monica Block Fest will continue on Third Street Promenade every second Saturday through December.

This fall is a great time to explore Santa Monica, with so many new spots to try and events to attend as the city celebrates a major historical milestone.