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.
“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.
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.
About Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier Corporation (SMPC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to preserving and enhancing the Santa Monica Pier experience for every visitor. Through impactful, location-specific programming offered year-round, SMPC ensures that the Pier remains a vibrant, world-class destination that is accessible to all. For more information on happenings at the Pier, please visit santamonicapier.org, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, or Threads.
About Navy Pier
Located on Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is the most visited destination in the Midwest, stretching more than six city blocks and welcoming more than 8 million annual guests. Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, this Chicago landmark showcases over 50 acres of parks, restaurants, attractions, retail shops, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exposition facilities, and more. The Pier celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016 with the unveiling of the Centennial Wheel, Polk Bros Park, and Peoples Energy Welcome Pavilion. Today, Navy Pier continues to usher in its second century with ongoing redevelopment efforts including the 223-room Sable hotel, the all-transient Navy Pier Marina, and thrilling new attractions such as Flyover Chicago. The Pier is proud to present free programming designed to inspire and engage communities across the city and globe, including the #1 Fireworks display in the nation. For more information, visit www.NavyPier.org.
About Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier
Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, LA’s only admission-free amusement park, offers 12 amusement rides, 14 midway games, Snackville with five fun food offerings and seaside retail shopping. The park is home to the world-famous Pacific Wheel, the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, and the Route 66 West Coaster roller coaster overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Prices and operating hours are subject to change. For more information and operating hours, please call 310-260-8744, visit www.pacpark.com, and go to Facebook.com/pacificpark, Instagram.com/pacpark or X.com/pacpark.