Long Beach to Glendale: Exploring California Beyond the Western Terminus

Historic US Route 6 officially reaches its western terminus in Long Beach, California, where the Grand Army of the Republic Highway meets the Pacific coast. Beginning your journey at this historic endpoint offers an opportunity to reflect on the nearly 3,652 mile highway that once connected Long Beach with Provincetown, Massachusetts.

While the official highway ends in Long Beach, today’s itinerary continues beyond the terminus to nearby Glendale, home to one of Southern California’s most unique cultural attractions, the Museum of Neon Art. The trip combines coastal scenery, historic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and remarkable examples of roadside Americana.

Whether you’re exploring Southern California for the first time or adding another memorable destination to your Historic US Route 6 travels, this itinerary offers a rewarding day filled with history, art, and classic California experiences.

Stop 1: Long Beach

Begin your adventure in Long Beach, one of Southern California’s premier waterfront destinations.

Spend time strolling the scenic waterfront, visiting Shoreline Village, or enjoying views of Rainbow Harbor before beginning your drive inland. The city blends maritime history, public art, shopping, and excellent dining with easy access to the historic highway.

Highlights include:

Rainbow Harbor
Shoreline Village
The Queen Mary
Aquarium of the Pacific
Public waterfront walking paths

Allow 2 to 3 hours if this is your first visit.

Drive Toward Downtown Los Angeles

Leaving Long Beach, you’ll begin following the historic corridor that eventually became the western end of US Route 6.

As you approach downtown, the scenery changes dramatically from coastal neighborhoods to one of America’s largest urban centers.

Stop 2: Downtown Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles preserves many reminders of California’s transportation history while offering outstanding museums and architecture.

Recommended attractions include:

Union Station
Olvera Street
The Bradbury Building
Grand Central Market
Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Broad Museum

History enthusiasts can spend hours exploring the area’s architecture dating back more than a century.

Recommended visit:

2 to 4 hours

Lunch Recommendation

Downtown Los Angeles offers nearly every cuisine imaginable.

Popular choices include:

Grand Central Market
Historic Mexican restaurants on Olvera Street
Local cafés
International food halls

Continue Toward Glendale

Leaving downtown, continue northeast toward Glendale, where today’s destination celebrates one of America’s most colorful forms of public art.

The drive passes through neighborhoods that helped define Southern California’s growth during the automobile age.

Stop 3: Museum of Neon Art

The highlight of today’s itinerary is the Museum of Neon Art (MONA) in Glendale.

Unlike traditional museums, MONA focuses entirely on electric art, vintage neon signs, kinetic sculpture, and light based artistic expression.

Visitors will discover:

Restored historic neon signs
Classic Los Angeles business signage
Contemporary electric artwork
Neon sculpture
Glass bending demonstrations (on select days)
Educational exhibits explaining neon craftsmanship

The museum preserves an important part of roadside Americana that once welcomed travelers along highways throughout the United States.

Photography enthusiasts especially enjoy the colorful lighting and dramatic displays.

Recommended visit:

1.5 to 2 hours

Nearby Glendale Attractions

If time allows, continue exploring Glendale.

Popular nearby attractions include:

Americana at Brand
Brand Park
Brand Library & Art Center
Local restaurants and cafés
Shopping districts

Suggested Driving Timeline

Time	Activity
8:30 AM	Explore Long Beach
11:00 AM	Drive toward Downtown Los Angeles
11:45 AM	Explore downtown attractions
1:30 PM	Lunch
2:30 PM	Drive to Glendale
3:00 PM	Museum of Neon Art
5:00 PM	Explore Glendale or enjoy dinner

Trip Distance

Approximate distance:

35 to 40 miles

Driving time without stops:

About 1 hour

Recommended total experience:

8 to 10 hours

Photography Opportunities

Bring your camera for memorable images of:

Pacific Ocean waterfront
Historic architecture
Union Station
Los Angeles skyline
Vintage neon signs
Colorful museum exhibits
Evening city lights

Road Trip Tips

Start early to avoid Southern California traffic.
Purchase museum tickets in advance when possible.
Wear comfortable walking shoes.
Bring a fully charged camera or phone.
Allow extra time for photography at the Museum of Neon Art.
Check attraction hours before departure.

Why This Road Trip Is Worth Taking

This short California journey showcases the remarkable diversity found along historic US Route 6. In less than 40 miles, travelers experience oceanfront scenery, historic transportation landmarks, world class architecture, vibrant cultural districts, and one of the country’s most distinctive museums.

It is proof that memorable road trips are not measured by distance, but by the experiences discovered along the way.

Whether you are following historic US Route 6 across all fourteen states or simply exploring Southern California, the drive from Long Beach to Glendale offers an engaging introduction to the history, culture, and creativity that have shaped this iconic highway.