There was a time when planning a road trip meant unfolding a paper map across the hood of your car and tracing out your route with a pen. No voice commands, no rerouting, and no blue dot showing where you were. Just you, your instincts, and the open road. From the 1930s through the early ’90s, road trips weren’t just about getting somewhere, they were part of the American experience.
Whether it was a packed family station wagon, a convertible cruising down Route 66, or a group of friends following the sun without a plan, every journey had its own story. People got lost and laughed about it, pulled over for dinner on the roadside, and relied on handwritten directions or advice from strangers. These 20 vintage snapshots offer a window into that simpler, slower time when the road was wide open, and getting there really was half the fun. Here are 20 vintage photos of American road trips.
1. Road tripping in 1930
This was back when a compass and a map were our only navigational aids.
2. “We were supposed to be at the Grand Canyon”
This is what happens when your 10-year-old son navigates the map.
3. Before the days of fast food, roadside picnics were the answer
This is a photo from a family road trip in the ’50s.
4. Seat belts were optional
The back of the station wagon was the place to be in the ’60s.
5. Two sisters are getting ready to head to Louisiana
This photo was taken in August 1975.
6. Brunch on the road
Milk on a road trip is a questionable choice.
7. An early ’90s trip to Colorado
You couldn’t fit another person in that car if you tried.
8. A late ’80s trip to the Continental Divide
Isn’t it amazing that we used to take a week-long road trip to see something so simple?
9. Who remembers calling for directions?
He’s got his map in hand, and he’s ready for guidance.
10. It wouldn’t be a ’70s road trip without a flat tire
Heading from Florida to California in search of some bigger waves.
11. In the ’50s, you put on your best suit for everything
Even if you were just driving all day, you wore your Sunday best.
12. A family road trip in 1977
I wouldn’t be surprised if those kids rode on the roof like that the whole time.
13. Sometimes you just need a break
I just hope they stopped for the night after this stop. This photo was taken during a ’60s road trip.
14. An early ’60s trip to Yosemite
They’ve got an entire house on wheels right there.
15. Roadtripping on a bike seems tough
This photo was taken on a trip from Pennsylvania to Colorado, and I’m sure he ran into some rough weather along the way.
16. Dad needed a break during this road trip
Can you blame him? He’s got 5 kids in that car with him.
17. Taking a roadside break in the ’80s
That kid on the road has had enough.
18. They rented a van after graduation
I can’t think of a better way to spend your last summer before college.
19. A family trip to the Royal Gorge in Colorado
The ’80s video camera really sets the tone on this one.
20. An early ’90s road trip to Pennsylvania
The only forms of entertainment were stereos and magazines.