Arroyo Seco Parkway/Pasadena Freeway | Then and Now

Join Kendall as he shares the history of the first freeway in America. The Arroyo Seco was created to connect Pasadena to Downtown Los Angeles. Often referred to as the Pasadena Freeway, this historic stretch of road takes you through beautiful art deco tunnels along an intentional parkway setting. Along the way, learn the definition of a freeway and other fun facts. Check out our latest adventure on the Arroyo Seco Parkway.

[@ndogg20]

Lived in Pasadena and used to take the 110 south Arroyo Seco Parkway. Scary thing is the entrances, cars at full stop have to enter the parkway going from 0 to 50 directly, there are no entrance ramps. Amazing that it still works and there aren't that many crashes. Old timers in the area would say this parkway was outdated about 10 minutes after it opened.

[@BMWMike]

Brit here. We came to California last year for a road trip, and drove the 110 multiple times as we were staying in South Pasadena. I agree with everything you said. The entrances and exits were horrible.i didn't know the history of the Parkway before Kendals video so it kinda makes sense given the top speed when it opened and the reduced number of cars compared to now.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Clearly not designed like the new ones. I saw in my research that they made 2 lanes and had room for 3. Those working on the project said there would never be a need for more than that.

[@leschwartz]

Very true this was going to be my comment as well. The on and off ramps are literally at 90 degree angles to the parkway, with impossible lead in and out access paths. Many of these around Highland Park, and Lincoln Heights.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Definitely an inspiration for newer designs for the on and off ramps. Kind of a "what not to do" situation.

[@goodmaro]

Thus copying the design of the Vanderbilt Parkway -- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Island_Motor_Parkway -- which had opened in 1908 and was originally designed for racing.

[@mattf49006]

born and raised in san pedro ...my grand parents said they used to drive up on sundays sometimes to see the progress pre WW2...afterwards I have vague memories in the mid to late 50s of watching the tunnels as my folks drove up to Pasadena to visit some family...great video Kendall

[@adventureswithkendall]

I love that this triggered family memories. Thanks for watching!

[@MarkAMMarrk]

Thanks for this video. I lived in Los Angeles for 50 years and worked all over the city and often in Pasadena (even had a girlfriend in South Pasadena who lived in an apartment overlooking this freeway!). I have driven this stretch more times than I can count (easily 1,000 times) and always found it the most unique and interesting part of the LA freeway system, and now I know why it was so unique. It would have been great to drive it when it was new. Thanks again.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@americacrosscountrycruiser9763]

Glad I found your channel. I am in love with Interstates and freeways, as you can see from my channel. You did a wonderful job and I actually learned a lot from your video. I have enjoyed the Arroyo Seco Parkway for over 50 years. It is unique and a pleasure to drive (when it isn't filled with a gazillion cars.)

[@adventureswithkendall]

So glad you found it and learned from it. I'll be doing the Ridge Route soon. It has a rich history too.

[@user-lw2sh4ss7o]

Thanks for the video. I still live less than a block from where the Santa Fe train came through in Highland Park. The Pasadena Freeway was our right of passage racetrack. After getting your license I had many a fun night racing my moms 69 Mustang or later my Trans Am. Still the best little stretch of concrete in LA County.

[@adventureswithkendall]

I love the stories of personal connection with memories like this.

[@snakefinger]

AWESOMENESS ! BRING BACK THE CYCLE WAY ! LOOK AT THOSE BEAUTIFUL TUNNELS ! I WILL NEVER GET ENOUGH OF LOS ANGELES ART DECO ARCHITECTURE !

[@adventureswithkendall]

The tunnels are very cool!

[@vladandlaika]

Thank you for this! I enjoyed traveling on the Pasadena Freeway when I lived in Southern California in the 80s and 90s. It had a historic vibe that the newer freeways did not have. It reminded me of some of the older parkways in New York back in the day. I had always wondered about the different colored pavement in old photos of the Arroyo Seco Parkway; now I know!

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BMWMike]

We stayed in South Pasadena last year when visiting from the UK. I didn't know the history of the Aarroyo State Parkway but could tell the road was old. Very informative and enjoyable video. Subscribed.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad you enjoyed it and subscribed!

[@RewskOnTV]

I live in South Pasadena, through the years there was worry some in the community fearing our homes were going to be bulldozed by Caltrans to finish the continuation of the 710 freeway that would cut through South Pasadena and surrounding neighborhoods

[@RewskOnTV]

@@adventureswithkendall a story about the 710 freeway should covered on your channel if you haven’t did one yet, you have a great KZbin channel by the way.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad that didn't happen. Eminent domain is tough.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thank you! I'll look into doing one on the 710. I'm working on sections of Route 66 now.

[@HazMat1012]

KZbin has been recommending this video since you put it out a couple of days ago. I just watched it, and you have a new subscriber. And you're at 3200 subscribers as of me leaving this comment. I can see your channel growing because of your knowledge, enthusiasm, and presentation skills. Keep it up!!!

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thank you so much and I'm glad to have you as a subscriber!

[@costernocht]

One of your best, Kendall. Great archival photos, too. And I say that as someone who takes the Pasadena Freeway often. Thanks also for mentioning the cycleway, which most locals don't know about.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thank you for the kind words. I actually used the cycle way in a previous video too. I referenced it when speaking about the popularity of bikes in So Cal. The video was about the Marvin Braude bike trail along the coast.

[@adventureswithkendall]

I don't see the reply I wrote, but thank you for the encouraging words!

[@karlbergen6826]

As a boy I was fascinated by the tunnels on the northbound Arroyo Seco Freeway. There was a alternate to US 66 that use N Figueroa Street to bypass the Arroyo Freeway.

[@adventureswithkendall]

The tunnels are cool.

[@robbmanchester5747]

This is Great stuff … always enjoy finding your stuff !!!

[@adventureswithkendall]

Nice to hear that, the is for watching!

[@newnotification30]

Thank you for your material and I can't wait to see the results of your hard work

[@adventureswithkendall]

So nice of you, thanks!

[@DavidHuber63]

Another great, adventure.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@FREEHAND.WETGRINDER]

My old work shop was one of the 3 mule barns that was used those the mule teams that hauled the gravel for the 110 fwy. One of the other building was Airstream trailers first building for fabrication. Lasting only 1 year due to production being more than expected. The 110 fwy was closed for only bike traffic last year 2023 for the first time in 23 years. A one day event.

[@adventureswithkendall]

That's cool! I love hearing personal connections.

[@lifewithjosef]

This is on my "to do" list. Nice job on this vlog, I learned a lot today.

[@adventureswithkendall]

I am so glad to hear that! Thanks for watching.

[@pastormichaelhibbertminist7486]

Great Historical Documentary

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thank you!

[@nannerz1994]

I'm from Chicago and when I moved here I had never seen anything like the Arroyo Seco it was so weird and narrow but kind of cozy

[@adventureswithkendall]

That's a nice way to put it. Thanks for watching.

[@secretdaisy6484]

Great video! Thanks. I really enjoyed it. I know about Route 66 because my family drove from Kentucky to California for 2 really long vacations when I was child. I miss all of the neon and unique architecture along the old routes. The sterile sameness of today’s interstate 🛣️ highways is so boring. 👍☮️🌞🗺️

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thanks. I've got a few other videos on Route 66 and more coming out soon. My next installment on my journey is San Bernardino to Barstow. I plan to keep heading east.

[@josephbingham1255]

Well made. The Los Angeles Athletic Club has a large sterling trophy for someone who won a turn of the century auto race between Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thanks! That's a great tidbit of info. I love comments that add to the discussion.

[@BrighamYen]

I love Pasadena, it's got so much amazing history! I take this freeway often to visit Pasadena and it always feels like I'm entering a completely different separate city from LA.

[@adventureswithkendall]

I'm sure lots of people would agree with you. It's a beautiful area.

[@bobbybeeman7280]

O' Wow Kendall I never new that a freeway was a non stop that is a cool observation. I back in the 1960' and 70's traveled some of those routes but never realized what you said was so back then. Even back in the 60's and 70's the traffic was so bad I was scarred driving them and I was about 18-19 then. I swore back in the early 80's I would never go to the city again and I have never been to the LA area ever since then. I do not miss it but there is plenty of interests to got there. Once again you have done a good job and brought back some good memories of my youth. Thank you my friend. Hope you have a great day to day and better tomorrow.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thanks for watching another video. The irony of this is I don't drive. 😂

[@bobbybeeman7280]

@@adventureswithkendall Ha ha I do not drive anymore, well except my electric three wheel bicycle.

[@RewskOnTV]

I ravel these routes everyday for the past 50 except during the 90s I joined the arm forces and me too was unaware of that

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad you learned something new!

[@calliepieters3446]

I grew up in South Pasadena. 1965, I love that freeway. They should make it a Indy Car racing.

[@adventureswithkendall]

😂 🏎️

[@RS35cyl]

This is so informative! Thank you Kendall. At about 3:40, it looks like you! lol

[@adventureswithkendall]

That guy has a great hat! 😂

[@robertscott6048]

lots of good memories for me, thank you

[@adventureswithkendall]

So nice to hear that. 😊

[@sleepermanmaximus]

Hey Mate! That's a succinct and informative doco. Thanks Ken!

[@adventureswithkendall]

You bet!

[@nannerz1994]

When I moved here I fell in love with all the historic parts of the arroyo seco. But when you're just driving from downtown to the valley You only get bits and pieces of it in the greater tangle of freeways. I think it could use a little bit of a beautification project to stand out amongst every other freeway

[@adventureswithkendall]

That would help for sure. It's special and should be treated special.

[@markallen8226]

Thank so much, just finished watching while eating my Sunday roast. The tunnels look a lot like the ones in Steven Spielberg film, "Duel," when Dennis Weaver left his home and drove through several tunnels.

[@adventureswithkendall]

I hope dinner was great. It could be the same tunnels.

[@tongalizia3175]

Great work/ video,,,,I never understood why the railroad tracks where there back in the 80,s. Now metro link uses those same tracks and it’s a wonderful ride…

[@adventureswithkendall]

Yes, it's a shame more tracks aren't still in existence. They'd be great metro link type service.

[@commandohazelnuts]

Great video

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thanks!

[@xfloodcasual8124]

When I drive those tunnels, I always think of the opening scene from "Dual"

[@adventureswithkendall]

I've never seen it. I'll have to check it out. Thanks for watching.

[@rossrreyes]

Great job Kendall 👍

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thank you!

[@toastnjam7384]

I drove it several times in the late 70's and the worse part was getting on the freeway. There was a stop sign at the end so you had to wait for a gap and then floor it and then you had about 50 feet to merge before the lane ended.

[@adventureswithkendall]

It certainly isn't like the newer freeways.

[@garyzweigle5860]

Great history lesson Kendall! I enjoyed seeing the archive photos and videos. As a now retired truck driver, some of those vehicles and trains were in living color for me as I remember them. Just curious, were you doing some of your own current video in a car with an antenna on the right front fender? Newer vehicles have built in antennas so this stood out to me. Fun to observe.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, we have a Jeep Wrangler and it has an old school antenna. We often take the top off and film with the camera just above the roofline. We didn't have our extension with us so we did the best we could. 😆

[@FeliceChiapperini]

Nice video!

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thanks!

[@albertchavez2693]

Way cool video and history :))))))

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thank you!

[@blipco5]

Good story. 👍

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad you liked it!

[@OCMike]

I feel like I'm on an old road course when I drive the Arroyo Seco parkway. Thanks for the History lesson, Kendall. Please look at visiting Cerro Gordo ghost town after they finish rebuilding the American Hotel up there. 🙂

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thanks for watching, and I've been wanting to go there. I think the story is great.

[@CrystalClearWith8BE]

I know this is one of the greatest drives of the Historic Route 66 and is one of the busiest portions of that historic route.

[@adventureswithkendall]

The tunnels are beautiful. I plan to experience the whole route eventually so I'll have a better opinion once I've seen it all.

[@YTPartyTonight]

Los Angeles is so automobile-centric that it has the only drive-through museum. The zip codes in my neighborhood in L.A. are 90042 and 9004. That'll tell you how often I drive on the 110/Arroyo Seco Freeway.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Indeed! Thanks for watching.

[@NHLCrazy2007]

Great video! I really enjoyed this, thank you. I moved out of Los Angeles a decade ago this month, but I really enjoyed traveling on the freeways when it was not congested. My ex-girlfriend and I lived together in DTLA for her last 2 years there. I used to take her to her job in Pasadena by frequently using the Arroyo Seco Parkway. I admittedly would get used to saying the word "The 110" or most other major routes around L.A. and then it took me a bit to get used to again not identifying routes that way. The Arroyo Seco Parkway was especially wonderful to drive on at night when decending southbound from Pasadena into DTLA. Even at times made a pit stop at the Park Row Bridge for views of the city skyline. I agree with @ndogg20 that the entrance ramps were scary because of the lack of room to merge onto the freeway, hence having to be stopped until there was plenty of time to get on safely. I still will never understand the South Pasadena NIMBYs for not allowing the completion of the 710, even if a tunnel was built.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thanks for watching and sharing your personal experience. Stories like this are great. I'll have to go experience it at night and check out the views.

[@ronm3245]

Wow! Full of great information and nice pictures. I like how you said these are the only _known_ tunnels along Route 66. Maybe you can discover some previously unknown ones?

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad you liked it. I hope to do the entire route of 66 starting from Santa Monica. I've made it as far as Williams Arizona and will be sharing that footage in a series of videos. I'm currently working on San Bernardino to Barstow. Hopefully, I'll know the answer when I've done the whole route. Thanks for watching!

[@spwb2k]

This is worthy.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thank you!

[@TenOrbital]

Parkway came first! Never knew that

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad you learned something new. Thanks for watching.

[@danamomc]

Another great history lesson!

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad you learned something.

[@ThatMikotan]

What the hell's a freeway? 'Eight lanes of shimmering cement running from here to Pasadena, smooth, safe, fast. Traffic jams will be a thing of the past' - Judge Doom, Who Framed Roger Rabbit

[@adventureswithkendall]

Another person mentioned Roger Rabbit. I had never made the connection, but I get it now!

[@thefox47545]

BMWs LOVE to use this as a race track.

[@davidmata9952]

If you've ever been to New York City, some of the parkways over there look a lot like the Arroyo Seco Parkway here in LA.

[@adventureswithkendall]

I've been there, but never did any driving around. I hope I get the opportunity to do that.

[@stephenpowers5385]

I remember traveling over the psrkeau in the 1950s and seeing from the road a place where they ran the Soap Box Derby.

[@adventureswithkendall]

That's cool!

[@Gryphonisle]

A freeway, unlike a turnpike, is also toll free. The state speed limit in the 1930s was 45mph. The Arroyo Seco Parkway is also built and banked for the vertical cars of the prewar era. Modern, late 20th Century cars always seemed so out of place, but if you had a vintage 2940s car as I did, it felt right at home on the A S Parkway. And then there were the big late century cars in the ivy of the hairpin, circular, 25mph exit ramps that caught them by surprise

[@adventureswithkendall]

Great info! I'm picturing the big cars from the 70's on those little off ramps, scary!

[@MrLegarcia]

Notice that Arroyo Seco means “dry creek” in spanish. As it was lying mostly on top of one such.

[@adventureswithkendall]

I believe natives used the creek seasonally for transportation. I toyed with including that type of information, but decided it would get too long if I included all the details I found.

[@travist.7279]

This highway was also part of U.S. 6, which ran from San Pedro, east, all the way to the tip of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. After California sadly did away with many of the US highways, the road was signed State Route 11, before becoming the current "110", to cash-in on the federal Interstate Highway funds. For a real thrill, try getting on the road, eastbound, at Solano Ave (just before the second tunnel). You'll have to try it, to believe it. That entrance (can't even call it a "ramp") is definitely an adrenaline rush! They don't build 'em like that, anymore. Definitely not "Interstate Highway Standard".

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thanks for the additional information. I hadn't heard that before, but it makes sense. I've heard many stories about the crazy on and off ramps.

[@RewskOnTV]

Wearing that bulldogs sweatshirt in Southern California, you’re a brave man I tell ya!

[@adventureswithkendall]

Ha ha, I don't even think about that, but I guess I should. I am a Bulldog and come from a Bulldog family. We've always spent a lot of time in So Cal.

[@waltciii3]

Don't worry, the Bulldogs aren't a historical rival to SoCal. Even a hated Celtic jersey won't get a second look. Just avoid representing the SF Giants, all else are accepted.

[@adventureswithkendall]

That's funny, but I get it. Glad I don't own a Giants shirt and I mentioned I was near Dodger Stadium. 😂

[@rogerargueta5769]

I too always believed that this was the first freeway but I have since learned that this is the second freeway... the first was built from downtown LA... it started where the car pool lane starts on Los Angeles Street right next to union station and flows along side the 10 San Bernandino Freeway... parts of that freeway are still in use as they service Cal State Los Angeles... it ended in Alhambra....

[@adventureswithkendall]

That's interesting. I hadn't heard that. I'll check that out. Thanks!

[@Quartermaster323]

When I was in the Army (1986-89) I was the only one from NE Los Angeles. I would even tell people from South Central that “yes, that freeway does go through Toontown”

[@adventureswithkendall]

I hadn't made the connection prior, but I get it. 😂

[@bplevine1]

Loved it.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad to hear that!

[@angelozicarelli541]

This freeway is in my neighborhood in North East L.A in Highland Park and i never knew the history.

[@adventureswithkendall]

I love hearing people learned from my videos. Thanks for watching.

[@newnotification30]

Now I understand why ciclavia had the event where they closed the freeway and let people on 😲

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Atlas.X9X]

Nice job Kendall, very interesting.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thanks!

[@HeavensProtocol]

Best On Ramp Off ramp vintage experience.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Yes, definitely old school. Not like what they build now. I love the tunnels.

[@Porsche996driver]

2:42 Angels Flight ha

[@adventureswithkendall]

I have a full episode on Angel's Flight on my Railroad Adventures channel.

[@Nunofurdambiznez]

VERY very interesting video!!

[@adventureswithkendall]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching.

[@robertfencl4401]

Unbelievable! Lotus-landers on bikes!

[@adventureswithkendall]

Your turn to teach me something new. I have no idea what a Lotus-lander is.

[@mh-ht2fp]

1:02 games before high end graphics.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Ha ha, true.

[@javiergonzalez9077]

Getting into the freeway here is an adventure. You'd better have a car that responds as soon as you punch it.

[@adventureswithkendall]

My mom mentioned that. She said it's scary.

[@javiergonzalez9077]

@@adventureswithkendall Yea, she isn't kidding. A buddy of mine seemed like he wanted to jump in the back seat to yell GO!. He was the jittery type.

[@JL-sm6cg]

What started out as a leisurely parkway has turned into one of the most clogged up freeways in the LA area, and there's really nothing that can be done to fix it sadly.

[@adventureswithkendall]

I'm sure you're right. People trying to get around expect a certain pace now that wasn't the norm when built. Thanks for watching.

[@2-old-Forthischet]

That road was made for the Model T. Lanes are too narrow. On and off ramps are way too short.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Yes, I bet it was scary during the 70's with the big cars.

[@thomasauslander3757]

No buses are permitting 🚍

[@adventureswithkendall]

Makes sense! The lanes are narrow.

[@thomasauslander3757]

UCLA friend had a weekend job driving tour buses for grey line without knowledge he drove his bus down the arroyo seco he told me about it.. he'll never forget that experience.. -:)

[@adventureswithkendall]

Oh wow! 😮

[@Harmonikaklange]

And today garbage people deface it with graffiti…..

[@adventureswithkendall]

What a shame!

[@davidtran2026]

Trashy and dangerous. There is nothing beautiful about this parkway anymore. Let's just be honest.

[@adventureswithkendall]

Unfortunately, everything seems to be more trashy.

[@karlreinke9653]

Another voiceover who does not know pronunciation!

[@adventureswithkendall]

I do struggle with speaking and pronunciation. I research the pronunciations when I don't recognize the name, and I ask others when needed. I hope it didn't interfere with your enjoyment of the video.

[@adventureswithkendall]

If you don't mind, can you tell me the words I got wrong? I like to learn from my mistakes.

[@karlreinke9653]

Sorry to criticize you. It’s undermined…not undermineded.Also, recreational…not recreate..tional. A very nice and informative video. Thanks, Karl

[@adventureswithkendall]

Thank you Karl!

[@thewurm9177]

@@adventureswithkendall You're a class act Kendall. Thanks for the nice video.