Top 24+ Vintage Photos Of Road Trips In the 1960s and 1970s

There was something undeniably special about hitting the open road in the '60s and '70s. Before smartphones and GPS, road trips were all about folding maps, radio static, and the thrill of the unknown. Families squeezed into station wagons with coolers and Polaroids, and friends cruised in vans plastered with bumper stickers and dreams of the open road.

It wasn’t just about the destination; it was the journey that defined the era. Gas was cheap, the music was loud, and every stop along the way felt like an adventure waiting to happen. Roadside diners, quirky motels, and hand-painted signs became part of the story, etched into memories and photo albums. Here are 24 vintage photos from road trips in the 1960s and '70s.

1. Road tripping in the early '70s

This is your sign to rent a bus and drive cross-country.

2. Taking a family trip to the Continental Divide, late '70s

Families need to take trips to random places like this more often.

3. A late '70s road trip to Pennsylvania

There were no screens to kill time, just magazines and stereos.

4. Flat tires are a part of the journey

This surfer is heading from Florida to California in search of bigger waves.

5. Family road trip

That car is packed to the brim with people and supplies.

6. A 1960s station wagon trip

Seat belts were optional.

7. Roadside picnic, 1960

Roadside picnics were a great way to save money and to break up the trip.

8. Calling home for directions

Road tripping in the pre-GPS era was tough to say the least.

9. Welcome to Utah

If you pass a state sign, it's tradition to take a photo with it.

10. Steve McQueen and his wife, Neile Adams

This photo was taken during their famous 1964 California road trip.

11. Family road trip, 1987

Rumor has it those boys rode just like that for the trip.

12. Get cozy in the back of the truck

I hope Dad didn't hit any major bumps.

13. A quick stop for some lunch

Bringing milk on a road trip is a questionable choice.

14. Mom needed to stretch her legs

That kid on the road has had enough of his siblings.

15. The end of a long road trip

This photo was taken in Yosemite Valley, California, in 1966.

16. Road trip through the redwoods, 1975

A road trip on a bike sounds like it could be a sticky situation.

17. A 1979 road trip to Kansas

He's bumping the Styx.

18. The whole family is in that car

They're taking a road trip to Grand Teton National Park, 1964.

19. Hanging out in the camper, late '70s

Hauling a house behind your car had its perks.

20. Another bike trip, late 1970s

He drove his bike from Pennsylvania to Colorado.

21. Is it a road trip if it's on a horse?

This woman went on a 500-mile solo trip from Washington to Montana in 1968.

22. Post-graduation road trip

When you're young and have the time, a cross-country road trip with friends is always a good choice.

23. Pets need a bathroom break too

The car is a 1967 Cadillac Sedan de Ville.