From Camp to Cookouts: 25 Throwback Photos of Summer Fun in the ’80s

Written by Alina Wang on May 23, 2025

Three women in swimsuits lounge by a pool, smiling and holding drinks. One reaches to accept a clear cup from an outstretched hand. The scene is lively with people relaxing and swimming in the background.

Summer vacations in the ’80s just hit different. From polaroid snapshots of sun-kissed, happy faces to road trips in the old family station wagon, every memory feels like a hazy reel of endless possibilities and adventures. It was a time when backyard sprinklers (or fire hydrants, if you’re from the hood like me) doubled as waterparks, streetlights signaled it was time to go home, and a scraped knee was worn like a badge of honor. Here are 25 nostalgic photos that take you back to the sweet summers of the ’80s.

1. ‘Our Station Wagon Circa 1980 Loaded Up for Vacation’

A maroon station wagon with wood paneling is parked in front of a house, its front door open. Luggage is tied to the roof, and another car is parked beside it under a tree. — jb4647

2. Dad Enjoys a Day Off by the Pool in Ormond Beach, Florida, 1987

A man wearing glasses, a cap, and a tank top smiles and waves while sitting poolside, holding a newspaper. Other people relax on lounge chairs and swim in the background on a sunny day. — rachelle9xx

3. Serving Baywatch Energy Before Baywatch Was Even a Thing, 1987

A person wearing a yellow swimsuit and dark sunglasses relaxes on a yellow inflatable float in a swimming pool, lying on their back and enjoying the sun. — rachelle9xx

4. A Family Visits Disneyland in Anaheim, California, 1980

A young girl and a woman pose with a person in a large orangutan costume on a sunny day at an amusement park, with other visitors and a building in the background. — NekoFever

5. Had to Get a Pic With Mickey Too, Of Course

A person in a Mickey Mouse costume stands outdoors, gently placing a hand on the head of a child in blue overalls and a white shirt. The area is paved and there are buildings and greenery in the background. — NekoFever

6. ‘Happy Childhood Memories Of Bike Rides in the Early 1980s’

Two smiling children ride bicycles on a driveway. The boy on the left wears a yellow "Jamaica" shirt and sits on a bike with a "1" plate. The girl on the right has beaded hair and rides a blue bike. Cars and trees are in the background. — hotbowlsofjustice

7. A Woman Speeds Past in a Scooter While on Vacation in Alì Terme, Italy, 1983

A woman in a white dress rides a vintage Vespa scooter along a seaside road, while a man in the background stands near a railing and looks on. The scene is in black and white. — admaiora_

8. ‘Best Thing About the Summer Holidays Was Being Able To Go to the Seaside and Play in the Arcades’

A crowded 1980s arcade filled with people playing upright video game machines under fluorescent lights. Colorful game cabinets and a change booth are visible among the busy crowd. — UserDeleted

9. Riding Into Summer Like Nobody’s Business

Two men in swimwear sit on mini bikes on a sandy beach; one waves while the other poses. People, buildings, and a lifeguard stand are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky. — rachelle9xx

10. Getting a Little Cardio in While at the Beach in Rimini, Italy, 1983

A woman in a white shirt and swimsuit bottoms jumps with arms raised, playing paddleball on a sandy beach with empty lounge chairs and umbrellas in the background. — admaiora_

11. Kids Playing With a Shopping Cart in Brooklyn, New York, 1980

Four smiling children stand and sit in a shopping cart on a sunny sidewalk, with another child behind them. Trees, parked cars, and apartment buildings line the street in the background. — Mackteague

12. You Just Know They Were the Loudest Table at the Beach

A group of people in swimsuits sit around a table under a beach umbrella, smiling and holding drinks. Bottles and glasses are on the table, with beach huts and other people visible in the background. — admaiora_

13. Having a Cookout in San Diego, California, 1980s

A group of people relax on a sandy beach near coolers and blankets, surrounded by palm trees and a lifeguard tower. Other beachgoers and hills are visible in the background under a hazy sky. — lechydda

14. ‘Family Vacation to Europe in the 1980s’

A family of six poses outside on a sunny day. Four children in front hold small McDonald's flags and wear McDonald's paper hats. The adults stand behind, smiling, next to a building with large windows. — hotbowlsofjustice

15. ‘Enjoying Summer Fun During a Simpler Time, 1980s’

Two women walk outside a café with white chairs and tables. One wears a yellow striped top and white shorts, the other a pink patterned top, red shorts, and a hat. The setting is sunny with trees and a relaxed atmosphere. — hotbowlsofjustice

16. Out On a Boat Ride in Ischia, Italy, 1983

A group of people stands on the deck of a boat, looking at the water below. Some lean on the railing while others embrace or talk. The boat leaves a foamy wake in the dark sea. The photo is in black and white. — admaiora_

17. ‘Spring Break in Florida, 1980s’

Four young people in swimsuits ride in an open-top vehicle near a beach. Two women, one drinking from a bottle, sit close to two men. Palm trees, cars, and others walking by are visible along the sunlit road. — earthmoonsun

18. ‘Early 80’s Family Vacation Pic’

A man helps a child up from shallow ocean water while another child kneels nearby, all smiling and enjoying a sunny day at the beach. Waves are visible in the background under a clear blue sky. — amyable360

19. ‘Enjoying the Summertime of the 1980s’

Eight young women in 1970s or 1980s summer clothes pose smiling together outdoors by a car with an inflatable raft on top. The group looks cheerful, and the setting is sunny and casual. — jeremykunayak

20. Enjoying a Beach Day in Texas, 1980s

A woman in a white bikini top with fringe sits in the open trunk of a Pontiac car on a beach, talking to two shirtless men in swim trunks. The scene appears to be from the 1980s, with the ocean in the background. — UrbanAchievers6371

21. No Seatbelts? No Problem. We’re Runnin’ on Salty Air and Big Hair

Six young people in swimsuits ride on and lean out of a Suzuki jeep driving along a beach, with ocean waves in the background. The vehicle has a Texas license plate and water splashes around the tires. — UrbanAchievers6371

22. ‘Backyard Sprinkler Weekends and Drinking From the Hose, Early 80s’

A group of six young people in swimsuits ride and pose on a Suzuki jeep driving through shallow water at the beach, with waves and the ocean in the background. — UserDeleted

23. A Family Gets Ready to Enjoy a Day in the Sun, Naples, Italy 1982

A group of young people, mostly shirtless boys and one girl in a bikini, pose casually inside a small store or café. Shelves with cans and a Coca-Cola sign are visible in the background. — admaiora_

24. Soaking in the Sun While on Vacation in Naples, Italy, 1983

Four children lie on a large rock by the sea, stretching out and relaxing with their heads tilted back. Other children play nearby on the rocky shoreline under a partly cloudy sky, with buildings and distant cliffs in the background. — admaiora_

25. Enjoying a Beach Day in the Land Down Under, Australia, 1980s

A crowded beach scene from the 1970s, with people sunbathing, sitting on colorful chairs, and relaxing under umbrellas. Families and groups of friends enjoy a sunny day, surrounded by coolers and beach gear. — carmex2121

Interested in more ’80s content?

We think you’ll love These 31 Photos Will Take You Straight Back to the 1980s. And don’t forget to check out 15 Collectible Items From the ’80s and 10 Throwback Photos That Capture a Typical 1980s Weekend.