Nostalgic Images from an '80s Gas-Fueled Road Trip
The 1980s were a decade that saw the launch of new, more powerful, and larger cars, which also boosted road trips. Images from road trips capture the excitement of adventure and the decade's aesthetic, featuring stunning landscapes.
These trips show scenes of young people and families escaping the urban routine, seeking new scenery, exotic destinations, or charming towns.
Photos from this era capture moments of neon-colored cars carrying numerous families or groups of friends, illustrating the simplicity of travel that was commonplace in the 1980s. The following images show how a road trip in the 1980s was part of a journey of self-discovery, freedom, and fun.
Utah
“My dad road-tripping in 1980.”
Road Bike Racing
Road bike racing in the '80s was truly special.
Land Cruiser
"My dad's Land Cruiser road trip, 1988."
Road Trip to Black Sabbath Concert
“My dad and some friends on their way to a Black Sabbath concert, their car broke down and joked about buying this truck, mid to late '80s.”
Continental Divide
“Late '80s. Cross country road trip at the Continental Divide (me, my brother, my dad).”
Road Trip Stop
Friends on a road trip stop.
Ready For Road Trip
“My uncle and me, ready for a road trip in the 1980s.”
Spring Break Roadtrip
“My parents on a spring break roadtrip, 1983.”
'80s Road Trip
“My mother and grandmother on a road trip (early '80s).”
French Alps
“My dad with his friend on a road trip in the French Alps during the '80s.”
Camping Trip
“My dad on a camping trip in the late '80s.”
Road Trip To CO
"My dad and on a road trip from PA to CO sometime in the early '80s."
Rocky Mountains
“My dad and his best friend on a off-roading trip in the Rocky Mountains. Early '80s.”
First Trip
“My dad (right) and his mates on their first trip to the USA (1980s).”
Boys Road Trip
"Me and the boys 80’s road trip."
Road Trip in 1988
“I took this pic of my parents in 1988 on a roadtrip somewhere.”
High School Trip
High school seniors headed out of town on a ski trip, 1980.
Road Trip To CA
Family road trip to CA, 1981.
Friends Trip
"A motorbike trip I took with friends. Dec. 11, 1980."
1000 Lakes Rallye
“1986 Road trip to go see the 1000 Lakes Rallye.”