Nostalgic California Trips That Bring Back The Era Of Bell Bottoms And Vans
California in the 1970s was a magical time when people cruised in colorful vans, wore groovy bell-bottoms, and lived for adventure and freedom. If you want to step back into that far-out era, the Golden State still has plenty of places that capture the spirit of those funky days.
From surf towns to desert hideaways, I’ll show you where to go for a totally rad throwback experience that’ll make you feel like you’re living in a vintage postcard.
1. Venice Beach Boardwalk
Are you ready to feel like you’ve time-traveled straight to the ’70s? Venice Beach still pulses with that same counterculture energy that made it famous decades ago. Street performers, artists, and musicians line the boardwalk just like they did back when flower power ruled.
I love watching the skaters glide along the concrete paths, their moves echoing the style born right here in this neighborhood. The murals, funky shops, and laid-back attitude transport you instantly. You’ll find vintage clothing stores selling authentic bell-bottoms and tie-dye shirts that your parents probably wore.
Grab a smoothie from one of the juice bars and people-watch for hours. The free-spirited vibe hasn’t changed much, making it one of California’s most authentic retro experiences.
2. Big Sur Coastal Drive
Nothing screams ’70s road trip quite like cruising down Highway 1 through Big Sur. This legendary stretch of coastline became the ultimate destination for van-dwelling wanderers seeking natural beauty and spiritual peace. The dramatic cliffs dropping into the crashing Pacific Ocean create views that inspired countless folk songs.
When I drive this route, I imagine all those vintage VW buses that made this same journey generations ago. Stop at the same pullouts where hippies once camped under the stars. The redwood forests and hidden beaches remain unchanged by time.
Pack a picnic, roll down your windows, and let the salty air fill your lungs. This drive captures the essence of California dreaming better than almost anywhere else in the state.
3. Haight-Ashbury District, San Francisco
Did you know this neighborhood was basically the birthplace of hippie culture? Walking through Haight-Ashbury feels like stepping onto a movie set from the Summer of Love. The Victorian houses painted in wild colors still stand proud, and vintage shops overflow with retro treasures.
I always visit the corner of Haight and Ashbury Streets to snap a photo by the famous street signs. Music stores sell vinyl records from legendary bands that lived right here. The head shops, vintage boutiques, and used bookstores maintain that rebellious, artistic spirit.
You’ll spot murals honoring Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia around every corner. Grab coffee at one of the old cafes where revolutionaries once plotted social change while strumming acoustic guitars.
4. Joshua Tree National Park
It’s no coincidence that rock bands still flock to this desert wonderland for inspiration. Joshua Tree became a spiritual retreat for ’70s musicians and artists escaping the city chaos. The twisted trees and massive boulders create an otherworldly landscape that looks exactly like vintage album covers.
When I camp here, I understand why so many people parked their vans and stayed for weeks back in the day. The star-filled nights and endless silence offer the perfect setting for self-discovery. Climbing the rocks and exploring hidden valleys feels like an adventure from a different era.
Bring your guitar, some friends, and sleeping bags for an authentic experience. The desert hasn’t changed, and neither has its power to inspire creative souls seeking something real.
5. Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How many amusement parks can claim they’ve been thrilling visitors since 1907? Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a living time capsule with its classic wooden roller coaster and vintage arcade games. The Giant Dipper coaster has been terrifying and delighting riders since 1924, and it still delivers that old-school thrill.
I love playing the same carnival games my grandparents enjoyed during their youth. The smell of cotton candy and popcorn mixes with ocean salt air, creating sensory nostalgia. The whole place maintains its retro charm without feeling dated or run-down.
Ride the carousel with hand-carved horses or try your luck at skee-ball. This boardwalk represents classic California beach culture that defined summer fun for generations of bell-bottom-wearing teenagers.
6. Salvation Mountain, Slab City
Though construction started in the ’80s, Salvation Mountain embodies the artistic freedom and spiritual seeking that defined the previous decade. Leonard Knight spent decades creating this rainbow-colored tribute in the middle of nowhere. The nearby Slab City community attracts modern-day nomads living the van life just like their ’70s predecessors.
When I visit, I’m struck by the pure creative expression without commercial influence. People still park their converted buses and live off-grid here, rejecting mainstream society. The colorful mountain rising from the desert represents individual vision and dedication.
Explore the surrounding art installations made from found objects and recycled materials. This place captures the DIY spirit and alternative lifestyle that California counterculture championed, making it a must-see for nostalgia seekers.
7. Malibu Surfrider Beach
If surfing had a birthplace in California, Malibu would be it. Surfrider Beach became legendary in the ’60s and ’70s when longboarders perfected their craft on these perfect waves. The pier still stands as a landmark where surfers gather at dawn, just like they always have.
I watch the surfers and imagine Gidget and the Beach Boys hanging out on this same sand. The waves break in long, smooth rides that made this spot famous worldwide. Old-timers still paddle out on classic longboards, keeping traditional surf style alive.
Park along Pacific Coast Highway and watch the sunset paint the sky in psychedelic colors. The beach maintains its status as a pilgrimage site for anyone who loves authentic California surf culture and history.
8. Topanga Canyon
Hidden in the hills above Los Angeles, Topanga Canyon became a refuge for artists, musicians, and free spirits in the ’70s. The winding roads lead to a community that still embraces bohemian values and creative living. Wooden cabins tucked among oak trees house painters, writers, and musicians continuing the legacy.
When I hike the trails here, I pass homes that haven’t changed much in fifty years. The general store serves as a gathering spot where locals share news and philosophy. You’ll spot vintage VW vans parked outside rustic cottages, their owners living simply and intentionally.
Visit the local cafes and art galleries showcasing work from resident creators. Topanga preserved its counterculture soul while Los Angeles modernized around it, making it a precious pocket of authenticity.
9. Monterey Pop Festival Site
Though the legendary festival happened in 1967, its influence shaped the entire following decade. Standing at the Monterey County Fairgrounds where Jimi Hendrix set his guitar on fire gives me chills every time. This event launched the careers of Janis Joplin, The Who, and countless others who defined ’70s rock music.
I walk the grounds imagining thousands of flower children gathered for three days of peace and music. The fairgrounds still host events, but music lovers make pilgrimages here to honor rock history. Nearby Monterey maintains its artistic character with galleries and live music venues.
Check out the local music shops displaying memorabilia from that groundbreaking weekend. The festival’s spirit of musical discovery and community connection continues inspiring new generations of music fans.
10. Esalen Institute, Big Sur
Are you seeking enlightenment with an ocean view? Esalen became ground zero for the human potential movement that swept California in the ’70s. Perched on cliffs above the Pacific, this retreat center offered workshops blending Eastern philosophy with Western psychology. The natural hot springs overlooking the ocean provide the most spectacular bathing experience imaginable.
When I soak in these mineral waters, I connect with decades of seekers who came here for transformation. The workshops still explore consciousness, healing, and personal growth using methods developed here. The organic gardens and simple accommodations reflect the back-to-nature values of that era.
Book a workshop or day pass to experience this legendary place. Esalen represents California’s unique contribution to spiritual exploration and alternative wellness practices.
11. The Roxy Theatre, West Hollywood
It’s impossible to overstate how many legendary performances happened on this small stage. The Roxy opened in 1973 and immediately became the hottest music venue on the Sunset Strip. Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, and Bob Marley all played intimate shows here that became the stuff of legend.
I love catching shows here because the venue maintains its original character and excellent acoustics. The red velvet curtains and intimate layout create the same experience audiences had fifty years ago. You stand where music history was made, feeling the energy of countless groundbreaking performances.
Check their schedule for current acts playing this historic room. The Roxy proves that some venues capture lightning in a bottle and never lose their magic, continuing to launch careers and create memories.
12. Mendocino Coast
How did this tiny coastal village become a haven for artists and back-to-the-landers? Mendocino attracted people seeking simpler lives away from urban chaos during the ’70s. The Victorian buildings and dramatic coastline create a timeless beauty that inspired painters, writers, and craftspeople to settle here.
When I wander the streets, I browse galleries showcasing work from resident artists continuing that creative tradition. The rugged coast and towering redwoods provide endless natural inspiration. Small cafes and bookstores maintain the slow-paced, thoughtful atmosphere that drew the original settlers.
Stay in a bed-and-breakfast housed in a historic home and explore tide pools at sunset. Mendocino preserved its artistic soul and natural beauty, offering an authentic glimpse into California’s alternative lifestyle movement.
13. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Did you know California’s largest state park became a favorite escape for desert rats and van dwellers? Anza-Borrego offered endless space for people wanting to disappear into nature during the ’70s. The vast desert landscape with hidden canyons and palm oases remains largely unchanged and undeveloped.
I camp here under impossibly dark skies filled with more stars than seem possible. The silence and space provide the same sense of freedom that attracted wanderers generations ago. When wildflowers bloom, the desert transforms into a psychedelic carpet of color worthy of any album cover.
Explore slot canyons and natural springs on foot or by four-wheel drive. This park represents the wild, untamed California that inspired so many to hit the road seeking adventure and solitude.
14. Whisky a Go Go, West Hollywood
If walls could talk, this club would tell stories that would blow your mind. The Whisky opened in 1964 but hit its stride in the ’70s when The Doors, Led Zeppelin, and countless others played legendary sets. The small stage and packed floor created an intensity that massive arenas can never match.
When I catch shows here, I stand where rock history unfolded night after night. The club maintains its original layout and gritty atmosphere that made it famous. You’re close enough to see the sweat on performers’ faces, just like audiences experienced decades ago.
Check out the photos lining the walls documenting the incredible legacy of performances. The Whisky remains a working venue where new bands still dream of making their mark on this legendary stage.
15. Point Reyes National Seashore
When I need to feel small in the best possible way, I head to Point Reyes. This windswept peninsula north of San Francisco attracted nature lovers and environmentalists during the ’70s who fought to preserve its wild character. The dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and resident wildlife create a landscape that feels untouched by modern life.
Hike to the lighthouse perched on cliffs where whales migrate past in season. The rolling hills dotted with dairy farms maintain the rural character that activists worked to protect. Fog rolls in like nature’s curtain, adding mystery to the already dramatic scenery.
Pack a lunch and spend the day exploring trails that lead to secret coves and overlooks. Point Reyes represents California’s commitment to preserving natural spaces for future generations to experience and enjoy.
