Santa Monica & Malibu
For a lot of our guests this is the emotional point of the trip. Route 66 ends here and Highway 1 starts here, which makes it either the last hour of one journey or the first hour of another.
The end of Route 66 – and where it actually is
The "End of the Trail" sign is on the pier and that is where everyone photographs it. The historic terminus was actually inland, at Lincoln and Olympic. They are minutes apart, the second one is nearly empty, and going to both takes twenty minutes.
Heading north: your first night on the Pacific
From Santa Monica, Highway 1 runs along the water toward Malibu. The first real oceanfront campgrounds are 30 to 45 minutes north, and they sell out weeks ahead all summer, so book before you fly.
Plan a short first day on purpose. After a long flight, driving the coast road into low sun is not scenic, it is squinting. The campground will still be there.
Charging and parking in greater LA
Superchargers are frequent in Santa Monica and along the coast. Charging here is never the problem. ⚠ Parking is: with the rooftop tent up you clear about 6 feet 6 inches, and most structures in the area do not.
Packing list + 10 insider tips for your USA road trip.
Matching Tours
The legendary 'Mother Road' from Chicago to Santa Monica - 2,400 miles of American history. Experience retro diners, abandoned ghost towns, Cadillac Ranch, and the nostalgic heart of America - silent and all-electric.
View route
Perhaps the most beautiful coastal road in the world. From Los Angeles to San Francisco along dramatic cliffs, through misty redwood forests, and past sea lion colonies. Camp with ocean views in Big Sur - pure California vibes.
View routeFrequently Asked Questions
Read more in the Journal
- Route 66 in an EV: What Actually Happens Over 2,448 Miles
Chicago to Santa Monica, all-electric. The charging works. What catches people is the road being in pieces, two boring days in the middle, and a rooftop tent that will not fit in a parking garage.
- Three Days of LA Is Enough. Here Is What to Do With Them.
The couples who come back happy all did the same thing: kept the city short and left. Three days in Los Angeles, then the coast or the desert.
Your Roadtrip Concierge
Your booking platform for camping adventures in the USA. We're your partner for electric mobility on the ground.