In the 1970s, vacation destinations held a different kind of magic. Before mega-resorts and endless tourist traps, these places offered authentic experiences that defined an era of American travel. From coastal gems to mountain getaways, let’s revisit some of the most popular vacation spots that had us packing our station wagons and hitting the open road.
Table of Contents
- 1 1. Wildwood, New Jersey
- 2 2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- 3 3. Lake George, New York
- 4 4. Mackinac Island, Michigan
- 5 5. Old Orchard Beach, Maine
- 6 6. Wisconsin Dells
- 7 7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- 8 8. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
- 9 9. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
- 10 10. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
- 11 11. Disneyland, California
- 12 12. Miami Beach, Florida
1. Wildwood, New Jersey
The Wildwood boardwalk was the epitome of summer fun in the ’70s, with its Doo Wop architecture and endless entertainment. The pier featured cutting-edge rides like the Super Himalaya and the Wild Mouse coaster, while the beach was free and seemed to stretch for miles. Those neon-lit motels with their angular designs and plastic palm trees defined the Jersey Shore experience.
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2. Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Before it became a tourist metropolis, Gatlinburg was the gateway to mountain adventure. The Smoky Mountain crafts community was still authentic, with real mountain craftsmen showing their wares. The aerial tramway, opened in 1973, provided visitors with unprecedented views of the mountains, and those pancake houses served breakfast all day long.
3. Lake George, New York
The “Queen of American Lakes” was the perfect family destination with its crystal-clear waters and affordable motels. Storytown USA (now Six Flags) was every kid’s dream, while parents enjoyed the authentic paddle wheel boat cruises. Those roadside Howard Johnson’s restaurants with their signature orange roofs were mandatory stops.
4. Mackinac Island, Michigan
This car-free island was like stepping back in time, even in the ’70s. The Grand Hotel’s front porch was the longest in the world, and the fudge shops actually made their candy right in front of you. Horse-drawn carriages weren’t just for show – they were your taxi service around the island.
5. Old Orchard Beach, Maine
The pier stretched 500 feet into the Atlantic, offering everything from arcade games to fresh lobster rolls. The beach was wide enough for everyone, and the Palace Playland amusement park’s wooden roller coaster could be heard for miles. Those summer evenings with fireworks over the ocean were pure magic.
6. Wisconsin Dells
Before it became the “Waterpark Capital of the World,” the Dells was famous for its Duck boat tours through the sandstone formations. Tommy Bartlett’s water show was the hottest ticket in town, and those scenic boat tours through the Upper Dells showed nature at its finest.
7. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The Pavilion Amusement Park was the heart of the beach, with its iconic carousel and Mad Mouse roller coaster. Beach music and shag dancing ruled the night, while days were spent at mom-and-pop motels with their novelty shaped pools. The original Gay Dolphin Gift Cove was a maze of beach treasures.
8. Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri
Before the mega-resorts, the lake was dotted with family-owned resorts and fishing camps. Bagnell Dam Strip was the place to be, with its quirky souvenir shops and miniature golf courses. The wooden Chris-Craft boats ruled the waters, and everyone knew the best fishing spots.
9. Cape Cod, Massachusetts
The Cape was less crowded but just as charming in the ’70s. Drive-in theaters were still going strong, and the Wellfleet Drive-In was the place to be on summer nights. Those little clam shacks served up the freshest seafood, and the National Seashore beaches were still relatively undiscovered.
10. Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Before the mega-casinos took over, Tahoe was more renowned for its natural beauty and ski culture. The Heavenly Valley tram offered unprecedented views, while the MS Dixie paddlewheeler gave tours of the crystal-clear lake. Those small ski lodges had character you just can’t find anymore.
11. Disneyland, California
The original Magic Kingdom was different in the ’70s – tickets were still sold by the book (A through E), and Space Mountain was brand new. The Main Street Electrical Parade debuted in 1972, and the Carousel of Progress was still drawing crowds. America Sings opened in 1974, bringing a fresh take on patriotic entertainment.
12. Miami Beach, Florida
Before the Art Deco revival, Miami Beach had a different vibe. The Fontainebleau and Eden Roc hotels were the height of glamour, and Jackie Gleason was still broadcasting his show from the area. The beaches were less crowded, and those classic hotels with their poolside cocktail services defined luxury Florida style.
