15 Photos of Summer Vacation in the ’70s

Written by Rachel Schneider on May 18, 2025

Two women in 1970s attire sit on the hood of a colorful, striped muscle car parked on a suburban street, with houses, trees, and another parked car visible in the background.

Summer in the ‘70s was a whole different vibe: Bare feet on hot pavement, melted popsicles, and parents who didn’t really know where you were till the streetlights came on. Mom and Dad went off for quality time on a trip while we made new friends at summer camp. These were the glory days, folks, and these photos of a 1970s summer vacation take us right back to them.

1. Hop in the Camaro

Two people stand by a black vintage car at a rest stop during sunrise. One is loading bags onto the roof, with the driver's door open, while the other stands nearby. Trees, a semi truck, and the sun are visible in the background. — SteelDirigible98

2. Relaxing in the Bahamas

Two women relax on lounge chairs at a sandy beach, surrounded by people sunbathing under straw umbrellas and palm trees in the background. The scene appears warm and sunny. — ZACJACphoto

3. Family Time

A family of six poses in front of a door. The mother holds a toddler, with two young boys and a girl standing nearby, and the father in a striped tank top and shorts stands beside them. Everyone is dressed in summer clothes. — IndeeWeston

4. Camping at the Lake

A woman holding a can stands in the foreground at a campsite, while three women in swimsuits pose and smile by a car and tents in the background, surrounded by trees on a sunny day. — steroidamoeba

5. Hermosa Beach in 1975

Three young women wearing bikinis walk and smile at the camera on a city sidewalk. The background includes parked cars, a chain-link fence, and multi-story buildings. The photo is in black and white. — UserDeleted

6. Summer Camp Princess

A young woman in a yellow "PRINCESS" T-shirt and denim shorts happily poses on grass near a lake, with trees and hills in the background under a sunny sky. — welcometoross

7. School’s Out!

A young man leans out of the window of an old, worn car, smiling and extending his arms wide as the car drives on a road. The background shows a brick building and a few trees. — harleybug88

8. An Impressive Beeramid, Indeed

Four adults pose smiling in front of a large pyramid made of stacked beer cans outdoors, with a camper and trees in the background. The group appears to be enjoying a casual, sunny day. — ClassyDingus

9. It’s the Summer of 1978, Which Movie Are You Watching?

Black-and-white newspaper ad for Town & Country 6 theater showing movies: Jaws 2, Grease, Star Wars, Foul Play, with showtimes, ratings, and some cast names for each film. — Quick_Presentation11

10. Taking Mom for a Cruise

A young man with shoulder-length hair and a beard sits on a motorcycle, smiling at the camera, while an older woman in a white shirt sits behind him. They are outdoors in a suburban neighborhood with trees and a parked car. — Quick_Presentation11

11. Bunked Up at Summer Camp

Two boys in a wood-paneled room with four bunk beds; one boy sits on a top bunk smiling, while the other stands nearby. Clothes and belongings are scattered around the room. — Slow-moving-sloth

12. Living in Our Bathing Suits

A shirtless man in patterned swim trunks feeds a baby in a yellow swimsuit and white hat with a spoon. They are sitting on outdoor steps in bright sunlight, both smiling and enjoying the moment. — UserDeleted

13. Poolside Lounging

A person lounges on a yellow pool chair next to a swimming pool, smiling at the camera. Palm trees, outdoor furniture, and a building with a red roof are in the background on a sunny day. — DistantKarma

14. Making Memories

Three smiling children sit close together outdoors, with one girl wearing glasses and two boys, one in a red shirt and the other in a white t-shirt. A tall building and trees are in the background. — Yoojay

15. Backyard Barbecues

A group of people gather around a picnic table in a sunny backyard, with a man standing near a barbecue grill. There is green grass, outdoor furniture, and a basketball hoop visible in the background. — AxlCobainVedder

Want more summer content?

You’ll love 17 Nostalgic Photos of Summer Cookouts and 20 Vintage Photos of Summer Camping Trips. Plus, be sure to check out 37 Vintage Photos Showing What Everyday Life Looked Like in 1975.