These 37 Vintage Photos Will Send You Straight Back to the 1960s

Written by Alina Wang on May 21, 2025 updated May 27, 2025

An astronaut in a spacesuit salutes the American flag on the Moon near a lunar module and a lunar rover, with a barren, rocky lunar landscape in the background.

From civil rights marches and the early rumblings of the Vietnam War to Woodstock’s psychedelic haze, the 1960s were an era of radical change, grit, and rebellious energy. Mod fashion, moon landings, and cultural clashes defined an era where revolution met tradition.

But it wasn’t all peace and love — there was also anger, struggle, and upheaval. Still, amid all the chaos and uncertainty, people held onto hope that things could change for the better and that the fight was worth it. From flower children in San Francisco to leather-clad bikers in New York, here are 37 vintage photos that capture the bold spirit of the ’60s.

1. Protestors at the March on Washington, August 28th, 1963

A group of civil rights protesters march down a street holding signs demanding equal rights, integrated schools, and decent housing. The crowd includes men and women, some dressed formally, under trees on a sunny day. — photojacker

2. Models in the ’60s Donning Thick Wool Coats

Five young women in colorful 1960s outfits sit on a white fence at a racetrack, with mountains and clear skies in the background. They smile and wear coats in green, red, yellow, navy, and red. — Electrical-Aspect-13

3. Somewhere Between a Twist and a Shimmy: Clubbing in the ’60s

Young people in retro clothing dance energetically at a crowded party or club. Their outfits include skirts, shorts, tights, and long-sleeve tops, with the scene suggesting a lively atmosphere from past decades. — Electrical-Aspect-13

4. ‘Catholic Sisters and Priests, Marching for Civil Rights, 1965’

A group of nuns in traditional habits march on a city sidewalk, with one holding a large sign that reads, "SOLIDARITY WITH MARTIN LUTHER KING." Several buildings are visible in the background. — reluctantpotato1

5. A Group of Women Attend a Typewriting Class, 1960

Five women are gathered around a seated woman using a typewriter. Four women stand holding papers and smiling. The scene appears to be from the 1960s, with vintage clothing and hairstyles. — Electrical-Aspect-13

6. ‘Harlem Motorcycle Club, New York City, 1960s’

A group of Black men and women in leather jackets and caps sit on vintage motorcycles. The woman in the foreground sits sideways behind a man on a red bike, looking toward the camera with a calm expression. — GaGator43

7. ‘Vintage Fashion Styles of Girls in the ’60s’

Two smiling girls with long hair sit outdoors on a wooden fence, wearing matching short-sleeve sweaters and floral shorts. Green foliage and trees fill the background. — GaGator43

8. Three Friends Hanging Out in Houston, Texas, 1960

Three young people sit on rustic benches outside a brick storefront. Two young men, one in a denim jacket and another in stripes, smile beside a young woman in a red gingham dress. Reflections and colorful posters fill the window behind them. — CincoDeMayoFan

9. Going to Church on What Looked Like a Lovely Morning in the ’60s

A group of people, dressed in 1970s attire, stand and talk outside a white building with a sign reading “Church of Christ Meets Here.” It is a sunny day and the people appear to be socializing after a service. — CincoDeMayoFan

10. A Biker Rolls Through a Dusty Town, 1969

A man rides a motorcycle down a road near a Mobil gas station. Several people sit by a truck in front of the station, and a Mobil sign is visible. The scene appears to be in a rural area. — CincoDeMayoFan

11. A Father and Son Pose in Front of a Convenience Store, 1962

Black and white photo of a small grocery store with hand-painted signs advertising food, beverages, and prices. A person stands outside the entrance. The building has a worn, rustic appearance and sits on a dirt road. — CincoDeMayoFan

12. Siblings Celebrating a Birthday in the ’60s

Three children stand in a kitchen next to a cake with a circus tent decoration. One girl wears sunglasses, another holds out her skirt, and a boy stands beside them. The background shows a stove, counter, and lace curtains. — thriftimi

13. An Old Smokehouse in Texas, 1960s

Several vintage cars are parked on grass near a red building labeled "Smokehouse." A black oil pumpjack is visible behind the cars, and a "SAVE" sign is partially seen on a nearby white building. Trees are in the background. — CincoDeMayoFan

14. ‘1960s Vintage Dresses’

Four women pose outdoors in colorful 1960s dresses; one wears orange with a hat, another wears yellow with a blue hat and purse, a third wears purple with a matching purse, and the fourth wears pink with an abstract pattern. — Milly197

15. Announcing the Winner at the Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, Texas, 1960

Three men stand on an outdoor stage holding plaques and a sombrero in front of a mural reading "Appreciation Week" and "Armadillo." Other people and chairs are visible; it appears to be a celebratory event. — CincoDeMayoFan

16. ‘My Grandmother, Late 1960s.’ Talk About Serving Face, Wow

Black-and-white photo of a woman with short dark hair, wearing a collared blouse and a necklace, seated at a desk with a typewriter in front of her and shelves with files in the background. — sashagreylovesme

17. Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have a Dream Speech’ on August 28, 1963

killertoothpick

18. Boy Scouts Pose for a Snap at the School Auditorium, 1960s

Three young boys in blue Cub Scout uniforms and hats sit on folding chairs, turning to look at the camera in a crowded indoor setting. Adults and other children are seated around them. — Heirloom-Cloud

19. Looks Like Dad Was Really on His Last Straw There

An elderly man and woman sit on a floral couch with a baby and three young children, all smiling. They are dressed in colorful 1970s-style clothing, with a wood-paneled wall in the background. — Heirloom-Cloud

20. Hitting the Beach at the Gulf of Texas, 1960s

A crowded beach scene with parked cars, people swimming and sunbathing, and a stand with a sign reading "Surfboards for rent Tues-Fri" surrounded by umbrellas and surfboards. — CincoDeMayoFan

21. Hosting a Formal Dinner in the ’60s

Three women in elegant 1960s-style dresses stand indoors. Two wear light-colored dresses, one with arms crossed, the other holding a glass. The third wears a red, sleeveless dress. They are smiling next to a brick fireplace. — Electrical-Aspect-13

22. Cheeky Boy Playing With a Very Realistic-Looking Holster

A young child with blond hair, wearing a yellow shirt and toy holster belt, smiles and leans forward playfully in a vintage room with a white dresser and a lamp. The photo is dated November 1971. — Heirloom-Cloud

23. A Group of Friends in Atlantic City, 1960s

Four women in vintage swimsuits stand arm-in-arm, smiling on a sandy beach with buildings and beach chairs visible in the background on a sunny day. — Electrical-Aspect-13

24. When the Family Portrait Doubles as a Height Chart

A woman in sunglasses stands outside next to three boys in suits and ties. They are posing for a photo in front of a brick building on a sunny day. The boys are smiling and dressed in colorful jackets and white pants. — Heirloom-Cloud

25. A Vision in Pink: Vintage Styles of Young Girls in the ’60s

A girl in a pink dress with a flower in her hair sits on the hood of a classic car, smiling. The background features trees, a street, and buildings under a clear blue sky. — GaGator43

26. A Group of Men Grabbing a Bite at a Diner, 1960s

A group of people in cowboy hats gather inside a cluttered shop or diner. Some sit at tables talking, while one person reads a newspaper. Bright menu boards hang overhead; shelves are filled with various items. — GaGator43

27. A Woman Vibing Out at Woodstock, 1969

A woman on someone’s shoulders flashes peace signs at an outdoor concert, surrounded by a large, cheering crowd. The image is in black and white, evoking a sense of the 1960s or 1970s festival scene. — Sxilla

28. ‘Mom and Aunts in ’60s Beach Fashion’

Three young women in vintage swimsuits stand side by side outdoors, smiling. There is a car and buildings in the background, and the photo has a faded, nostalgic look. — Spooky70s

29. Diahann Carroll, Duke Ellington, and Louis Armstrong in 1960

A smiling woman and two men in formal attire share a joyful moment together indoors, with abstract art and a brick wall in the background. — bil_sabab

30. A Group of Hippies Jammin’ With George Harrison of the Beatles During the ‘Summer of Love’ in San Francisco, 1967

A large group of young people sit outdoors on grass, smiling and laughing. One person in the center plays an acoustic guitar. Another person takes a photo, and trees are visible in the background. — h1637727

31. ‘My Mom’s Late 1960s College Pics.’ Looks Like a Fun Gang

A group of young adults in swimsuits sit and pose on a sandy beach in front of a green vintage car, with modernist buildings visible in the background. The scene appears relaxed and sunny. — arizonabatorechestra

32. ‘Easter Sunday, 1967. Mom, My Sisters, and I’

Five women stand outdoors on a sidewalk, wearing 1960s-style dresses in various colors. Palm trees and grass are in the background. Some women hold purses, and one wears a hat and holds a red folder. — Dewi526

33. The Iconic Tascosa Hotel in Amarillo, Texas, 1960s

Black and white photo of two people walking toward an old building labeled "Tascosa Hotel" with rustic wooden siding and a tree in front. The setting appears to be historical or in a small rural town. — CincoDeMayoFan

34. You Just Know They Were the It Girls at School

Four women in 1960s-style dresses and skirts walk arm in arm on a city street, smiling. The background shows modern buildings and flagpoles with flags, suggesting an urban setting. — brolbo

35. Downtown Austin, Texas, 1960s

A busy city street in the 1940s with vintage cars, storefronts, people walking on the sidewalks, and signs for shops and theaters under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds. — CincoDeMayoFan

36. When Grandpa Pulled Up in a Rolls Royce and Suddenly Everyone Wanted a Family Photo

A group of smiling people pose outdoors next to a vintage black car on a sunny day; the background shows a grassy hill, trees, and a house roof. — Heirloom-Cloud

37. Plaid Skirts and Gloves: Nobody Did Beauty Pageants Like the ’60s

Five young women in plaid outfits hold trophies and flowers. Four stand in front, while one, wearing a crown and sash, stands behind them. They are all smiling and posing on a decorated stage. — Electrical-Aspect-13

Looking for more ’60s content?

Don’t miss out on 15 Classic 1960s Cars That Are Still Incredibly Cool and 24 Photos That Capture the True Spirit of 1965. Plus, we think you’ll love Peace, Love, and Protest: 15 Photos From the ‘Summer of Love.’