America on the Move
A Route 66 Centennial Parade
Sunday, July 12 | Petersen Automotive Museum → Santa Monica Pier
Vehicles that helped define American car culture and shaped
the nation’s relationship with the road
In 2026, two historic milestones converge: 250 years of the United States and 100 years of Route 66, the road that came to symbolize freedom, discovery, and the open highway.
To celebrate these anniversaries through the lens of automotive culture, the Petersen Automotive Museum, in partnership with AAA, will host a spectacular parade of 50 of the most iconic vehicles in American automotive history. On July 12, these remarkable machines—race cars, culturally significant classics, and legendary movie cars—will depart from the Petersen and travel west to the Santa Monica Pier, widely recognized as the spiritual end of Route 66.
This rolling celebration will showcase the vehicles that helped define American car culture and shaped the nation’s relationship with the road.
A Moving Celebration of
American Automotive History
This isn’t just a parade—it’s a living timeline of the American automobile.
The procession will feature 50 carefully selected vehicles representing key moments in automotive history, from competition machines that dominated racetracks to cars that became icons of popular culture.
The parade will travel under full escort, creating a striking and memorable spectacle as these historic vehicles make their way from Los Angeles’ automotive heart at the Petersen to the Pacific Ocean.
Along the route, fans, families, and enthusiasts will have multiple viewing opportunities to watch the cars pass by and experience this unique moment in automotive history.
And because this is the Petersen, a few surprises may appear along the way.
The Celebration Continues
at Santa Monica Pier
This isn’t just a parade—it’s a living timeline of the American automobile.
The procession will feature 50 carefully selected vehicles representing key moments in automotive history, from competition machines that dominated racetracks to cars that became icons of popular culture.
The parade will travel under full escort, creating a striking and memorable spectacle as these historic vehicles make their way from Los Angeles’ automotive heart at the Petersen to the Pacific Ocean.
Along the route, fans, families, and enthusiasts will have multiple viewing opportunities to watch the cars pass by and experience this unique moment in automotive history.
And because this is the Petersen, a few surprises may appear along the way.
Part of a Year
of Celebration
This parade is one of several major initiatives led by the Petersen Automotive Museum to celebrate the twin anniversaries of America 250 and Route 66’s Centennial, exploring the history of the United States through the lens of the automobile.
From racing innovation to Hollywood legends and cross-country road trips, the car has always been central to the American story.
On July 12, that story comes to life—rolling down the streets of Los Angeles.
Join the Celebration!
Date: Sunday, July 12
Start: Petersen Automotive Museum
Finish: Santa Monica Pier
Bring your friends, bring your family, and be part of a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of American automotive culture.
#OnlyatthePetersen
See the Cars of Film & Television Exhibit and hundreds of more vehicles at the Petersen.
Museum Tickets
Current Exhibits
Explore all the current exhibits at the Petersen Automotive Museum