Pasadena Route 66 & Colorado Blvd. Guide for 2026 Celebrations

 The year 2026 marks the centennial for Route 66 and the sesquicentennial (150 years) of Colorado Blvd. This guide focuses on the Route 66 alignment along Colorado Blvd, starting at Rosemead Blvd to the east up to Arroyo Pkwy to the west. This majority of this iconic stretch, known for hosting the world-famous Rose Parade, is seen by millions each New Year’s Day.

As a Pasadena resident and Route 66 enthusiast, I’ve created a modern guide in preparation for 2026. I’ll highlight historic buildings, businesses, signs, and public artworks, along with some current food recommendations. Also, I wanted to share some higher resolution photographs as a resource for inspiration to creatives. Given the amount of information, I've divided the route into a few sections, moving from east to west.

PART 1 - Rosemead Blvd. to Sierra Madre Blvd.

Let's start the journey on the east end at Rosemead Blvd. and E. Colorado Blvd. Technically, this one block is still part of 'East Pasadena,' an unincorporated area just outside the city. You can set your GPS to Sprouts Farmers Market (39 N Rosemead Blvd) for a quick stop—grab snacks or use the restroom. When you leave the parking lot, head west down Colorado Blvd. On the north side, you'll spot a functioning vintage neon sign for The Pasada Motel, built in 1959. This motel was a filming location for the indie horror movie The Neon Demon (2016), starring Elle Fanning and featuring Keanu Reeves.

Just a bit further, you'll pass another vintage sign for the Hi-Way Host Motel (built in 1957) on the south side. This classic sign appears to have been fairly well maintained over the years, at least better than The Pasada. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find much more information on this location, but any insights are welcome.

At the northwest corner of Madre St., you'll see a crudely hand-cut wooden sign for Glatt's Lumber, now called Glatt's Firewood. They are a historic business at this original location since 1935 and still thriving today. Their lot is packed to the brim with various types of firewood. Every time I drive by, I feel a bit uneasy about the fire risk given its public exposure, but I’m sure they know what they are doing after all these years.

As a mural artist based in Pasadena, I often stop by the local Sherwin-Williams, and something that always catches my eye next door is a 3D burning cigarette sitting on top of a small building for Box Match Shop. With fewer smokers around and smoking billboards banned in the U.S., it's rare to see a sign like this. The business seems newer, so it probably doesn’t have much historical significance. They might have just chosen a sign that fits the Route 66 vibe, but it's definitely a quirky sight.

Once you hit Sunnyslope Ave. you'll start to notice a lot of shade from mature ficus trees, giving this stretch a unique feel. If you’re wondering why the rest of the route lacks similar tree coverage, it’s mainly due to the height clearance required for Rose Parade floats, which turns just before this area on Sierra Madre Blvd. However, you'll find plenty of tall palm trees lining the way. Many of these are now reaching their lifespan and don’t provide much shade. Rest assured, there’s been plenty of environmental debates about trees in Pasadena and Los Angeles in general.

The Astro Motel (1962) is one of the historic hotels along this shaded stretch. Once part of a regional chain, it's now known as the Astro Pasadena Hotel and is recognized for its Mid-Century Modern “Googie” architecture. It’s a futuristic style that originated in Southern California influenced by car culture, jets, and the Atomic and Space Age established in Southern California. The style is known for its dynamic lines and neon signs. Next door, architecture enthusiasts may notice the unique steep gable roof of the former Hyatt Chalet Lodge (1960), now called La Casa Inn.

You'll notice many historic Route 66 locations are independently owned motels that face tough competition from large corporate hotel chains. Pasadena attracts over 3.5 million visitors annually, who spend $700 million and generate more than $120 million in local and state tax revenue! The tourism industry supports over 6,000 local jobs, making it the eighth largest employer in the city. That said, I truly hope these historic gems can endure and flourish, allowing future generations to experience their rich heritage rather than merely viewing a relic of an old sign.

The next few featured spots are worth a stop to enjoy the shade from the tree canopy. At the corner of Vinedo Ave., you'll find Poo-Bah Record Shop (1971) next to Colorado Bar (1964), both across the street from an original Denny’s restaurant (1963.)

Poo-Bah Record Shop has had a few locations throughout Pasadena and specializes in underground hip hop and experimental music. Founded in 1971, it became a favorite spot for regulars like Ras G, Black Monk, and Ron Stivers, who were inspired to launch their own label, Poo-Bah Records, in 2004. Richard Deese (RIP) was a beloved figure behind the counter and also played a key role in starting the Doo-Dah Parade, another beloved event in Pasadena. Known as the "twisted sister" of the conventional Rose Parade, the Occasional Pasadena Doo-Dah Parade began as a grassroots event in 1978 and has since gained national attention for its eccentric and irreverent satire.

Right next door, you can enjoy a drink at The Colorado Bar, one of Pasadena's few authentic dive bars in business since 1964. Located far from the touristy areas of Old Pasadena, it offers reasonably priced drinks, a jukebox, dartboard and most importantly (to me) pool tables. While I’m not much of a drinker these days, the bar certainly captures the classic atmosphere of a true dive if that’s what you’re after! Across the street, you'll find an original well-preserved Denny’s from 1963 that’s another great example of Googie architecture. The exterior photo with the San Gabriel mountain backdrop looks right out of a postcard. Not sure what else to say but this classic diner chain is open 24 hours and is a popular spot for American-style breakfasts at any time of day.

Before hopping back in the car, you will want to take a stroll just down the block to check out The Original Whistle Stop a model train and hobby store started in 1951. When they moved to the current location in the 80’s, there was an obscure passage from the City of Pasadena’s sign laws that didn’t allow animated neon signs, which protrude from buildings. “The Original Whistle Stop’s classic neon train sign, dating back to 1951, was in the opinion of the city counsel, an “Eye Sore”. After months of negotiating, haggling, and persuading, Fred and Brian found an ally within the Pasadena Cultural Heritage Foundation. The sign was justly named as a California Cultural Historical Landmark, which cleared the way for its installation.” (Source: The Original Whistle Stop Website) I applaud their efforts to preserve their sign, as I personally think it stands out as one of the coolest neon signs on Colorado Blvd today!

The store is definitely worth a visit, even if you're not into the hobby. You'll find plenty of eye-catching displays and historic railroad relics throughout. The employees are incredibly welcoming and knowledagable. For families, there's even a toy train set to keep little ones entertained while you browse. The intricate figurines and scenes are impressive but looking at the prices made me realize that it’s not a cheap hobby! While I was there, I overheard someone inquiring about shears specifically designed for trimming miniature trees, which is quite a specialized tool that I never knew existed!

At the North corner of Eloise Ave. a mechanic shop at 2439 E Colorado has the remnants of a stand alone sign shaped like a bone. I found a business called ‘Lucky & Mimi Pet Salon’ at that location but Google street view only goes back to 2007. On the side of the shop, there’s a mural by a local tattoo artist Genoski who also painted other murals on the front of the building. The owner of the shop said that they were painted around 2012 so they show a bit of wear and tear. I also asked what the gray toned race car mural represented and he didn’t seem to have any insight.

PART 2 << Sierra Madre Blvd. to HILL Ave.

PART 3 << HILL AVE. TO LAKE AVE.

PART 4 << LAKE AVE. to Arroyo Pkwy.