Fun Facts: Monrovia
- Route 66 took two separate alignments in Monrovia – one along Huntington Drive, and the other, older version leaving Huntington to travel primarily along Shamrock Avenue and Foothill Boulevard.
- Before they launched the first McDonald’s in San Bernardino, the McDonald brothers operated two food stands on Route 66 in Monrovia: an octagonal snack bar called the Airdrome, and an orange juice stand shaped like a giant orange. In 1940 the Airdrome building was disassembled, and then reconstructed in San Bernardino to become the first McDonald's.
- Downtown Monrovia (conveniently located between the city’s two Route 66 alignments) is a lively hub full of quirky shops, cozy cafes, and a welcoming small-town vibe - all of which make it a favorite for travelers and locals alike.
- Keep an eye out for Samson the Hot Tub Bear, the city’s beloved mascot; painted statues of him can be found around town as part of a public art project. The real Samson, a 500-pound black bear, gained fame in the 1990s for his habit of taking a dip in multiple residents’ hot tubs. Citizens helped raise $125,000 for a new habitat for Samson at the L.A. Zoo, complete with a pool.
- The Monrovia Historical Museum, located in a former municipal pool building, offers a dive into the city’s colorful past and Route 66 heritage.
For more information:
POINTS OF INTEREST
- Oak Park Motel
- 925 E. Huntington Dr.
- Flying A Gas Station
- 729 S. Shamrock Ave.
- Fred's Museum (event space)
- 525 S. Shamrock Ave.
- Monrovia Historical Museum
- 742 E. Lemon Ave.
- Anderson House (museum)
- 215 E. Lime Ave.
- Mark Twain Statue
- 321 S. Myrtle Ave
- Samson the Tourist Bear Statue
- 601 S. Myrtle Ave.
- Aztec Hotel
- 301 W. Foothill Blvd.
- Le Roy's Restaurant
- 523 W. Huntington Dr.
- Samson the Bear Statues
- 15+ locations, mostly downtown