Navy Pier and Santa Monica Pier Unite for Historic Route 66 ‘Pier to Pier’ Celebration on 6/6/26

Two of America’s most iconic piers — the historic Santa Monica Pier and Chicago’s Navy Pier — will unite coast-to-coast on Saturday, June 6, 2026 (6/6/26), for a special Route 66 “Pier to Pier” celebration honoring the Centennial anniversary of the legendary highway connecting Chicago and Santa Monica.

Beginning at 10 a.m. local time, free rides will be offered for 66 minutes aboard the world-famous Navy Pier Centennial Wheel and Pacific Park Pacific Wheel in celebration of Route 66.

The one-day event celebrates the historic connection between Chicago and the recent dedication of Navy Pier as the new symbolic eastern starting point of Historic Route 66, and Santa Monica, home to the iconic western terminus and “End of the Trail” at the Santa Monica Pier.

“Like Navy Pier, Route 66 has always represented adventure, discovery, and the spirit of exploration,” said Marilynn Gardner, President and CEO of Navy Pier. “As the symbolic starting point of Historic Route 66, Navy Pier is proud to join Santa Monica Pier in celebrating the road that has connected generations of travelers from the shores of Lake Michigan to the Pacific Ocean.”

The Navy Pier Centennial Wheel, which celebrated its 10th Anniversary on May 27, continues Chicago’s historic legacy as the birthplace of the Ferris wheel, first introduced by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr. at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.

“The connection between Chicago and Santa Monica has always been at the heart of Route 66,” said Jim Harris, Executive Director and Historian at the Santa Monica Pier. “This celebration brings together two iconic destinations linked by history, nostalgia, and the timeless excitement of reaching the end — or beginning — of America’s most famous highway.”

At Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which celebrated its 30th Anniversary on May 26, guests can also experience the Route 66 West Coaster roller coaster, featuring vintage gas pumps and license plates in the loading zone. The ride vehicles are inspired by classic American touring cars, creating the feeling of stepping back into a bygone era of road travel.

The Santa Monica Pier is also home to the nostalgic “End of the Trail” sign, while Pacific Park features two dedicated Route 66 photo spots where guests can capture the moment as soon as they arrive at the Park. Together, the locations are visited by millions of travelers each year.

The Pacific Wheel at Pacific Park is recognized as the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel and features more than 174,000 LED lights capable of displaying dynamic animated lighting entertainment above the Pacific Ocean.

Free Centennial Wheel rides will be offered for 66 minutes to registered guests from 10 to 11:06 a.m., local time. Guests interested in redeeming the complimentary ride must RSVP at https://navypier.org/pier-events/route-66-day/. Quantities are limited and available first-come, first-served.

Free Pacific Wheel rides will be offered during the 66 minutes from 10 to 11:06 a.m., local time to guests who RSVP at pacpark.com/route-66-day. Quantities are limited and available first-come, first-served. Additional riders may purchase individual tickets or use an Unlimited Ride Wristband.

To commemorate the occasion, guests who ride the Centennial Wheel or Pacific Wheel during the complimentary 66-minute celebration may purchase souvenir ride photos for just $6 from 10 to 11:06 a.m. local time. The limited-time offer provides a memorable keepsake from this unique coast-to-coast Route 66 event.