Chasing Neon: Discover Pasadena’s Historic Route 66 Signs

There’s something magical about neon. Long before GPS and smartphone maps, glowing signs along Route 66 welcomed travelers, advertised roadside businesses, and illuminated the journey west. Today, Pasadena’s stretch of historic Route 66 (Colorado Boulevard) still shines with a collection of vintage neon signs that capture the spirit of America’s Mother Road.

2350 E. Colorado Boulevard

Perched atop the building, the Fedde Furniture rooftop neon sign has been a fixture on Colorado Boulevard since approximately 1950. Its classic design reflects the golden age of roadside advertising, when bold rooftop signs competed for the attention of passing motorists.

2176 E. Colorado Boulevard

One of the most distinctive signs along Pasadena’s Route 66 corridor, this towering multi-colored neon display was installed in 1956. Each letter of the vertically oriented word SURPLUS sits within its own neon-bordered, downward-pointing arrow, creating a striking visual that has become a favorite among photographers and neon enthusiasts.

1633 E. Colorado Boulevard

No Route 66 neon tour would be complete without the iconic Saga Motor Hotel sign. Installed when the hotel opened in 1959, the sign rises from a rooftop pylon and remains one of Pasadena’s most recognizable examples of mid-century roadside architecture. Best of all, the neon still lights up at night, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the heyday of American road travel.

985 E. Colorado Boulevard

This unique sign crowns a tiered projecting canopy over the storefront and is paired with a roof-mounted illuminated signboard. Together, they contribute to the eclectic collection of historic commercial signage that makes Pasadena’s Route 66 corridor so memorable.

45 E. Colorado Boulevard

This large vertical neon sign has watched over Colorado Boulevard since 1950. Originally installed for the Pasadena Stationery Company, the sign was later adapted for subsequent businesses while retaining its historic character. Today, it stands as a reminder of the many chapters in Pasadena’s commercial history.

• Visit at sunset or after dark to experience the signs at their most photogenic.
• Walk Old Pasadena to see the 35er and Pasadena Stationery signs while exploring shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
• Drive east along Colorado Boulevard to discover the larger roadside signs that once catered to Route 66 travelers.
• Bring your camera. Pasadena’s neon signs offer some of the city’s most Instagram-worthy vintage photo opportunities.

While many historic neon signs across America have disappeared, Pasadena continues to celebrate and preserve these illuminated landmarks. Together, they tell the story of a city shaped by Route 66, automobile culture, and the optimism of the postwar era.

The next time you find yourself cruising Colorado Boulevard, look up—you’ll discover that Pasadena’s Route 66 history still glows brightly against the California sky.

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