20 Vintage Photos That Capture the Seventies Roller Skating Craze

History Nostalgia April 3, 2025

From the iconic disco-lit rinks to the sunny, beachside boardwalks, roller skating stands as more than a mere pastime. It was a true cultural phenomenon. This collection of vintage photos is able to capture the spirit of the roller skating craze.

1. Roller skating on Ocean Front Walk, Venice California, 1979

Three people roller skating on a sunny boardwalk. They are wearing casual summer clothing. A cyclist and pedestrians are in the background, with buildings, palm trees, and mountains in the distance.
notbob1959

2. Roller skating train, Redondo Beach, CA, 1970s

A black and white photo shows a line of people roller skating on a sunny park path lined with palm trees. They glide in unison, arms extended, as pedestrians watch in the background.
notbob1959

3. Roller skater girls, Chicago, 1979

Two people roller skating outdoors. Both wear athletic clothing with stripes, including shorts, tops, and knee-high socks. One has an arm around the other's shoulder. The background shows a cityscape with people and buildings.
luxeru

4. Disco Sally, 78 year old Studio 54 regular, 1978

A young man in shiny pants holds an elderly woman wearing sunglasses and a patterned dress at a lively party. They are surrounded by other people dancing and socializing, all looking cheerful.
jocke75

5. Roller skating in Venice Beach, California (1970s)

Two people roller skating on a sunny day at a beachfront park lined with palm trees. A group of onlookers, some with bicycles, watches and smiles. A trash can and a distant ball in the sky are visible.
axlcobainvedder

6. She looks locked in

Person in a blue outfit roller skating outdoors on a sunny day, with trees and people in the background.
anonymousskater

7. Cher roller skating at Venice Beach, 1979

A person with long dark hair roller skates on a pavement by the beach at sunset. They are wearing a white outfit, purple scarf, and high socks with stripes, smiling and leaning forward with one hand extended.
friskyfrog

8. A couple of cuties on roller skates, circa 1930s

Two women joyfully roller skate together outside an industrial-style building. They wear matching outfits with light blouses and dark shorts, holding hands and smiling as they glide. The image is in black and white, suggesting a vintage era.
ryansmith

9. Prince Roller skating on his Tennis court at home

A person roller skating on a court. They're wearing a black outfit with a yellow bat symbol, black mesh top, knee pads, white knee-high socks, sunglasses, and gloves. The background is a green fence with trees.
rattlesnakemullet

10. The roller skating craze of the 1970s with all the colorful clothing

Two people wearing roller skates face each other in a dance-off on a road lined with spectators. They wear retro athletic clothes, with one in a floral top and the other in a white jacket and yellow shorts. A crowd watches, smiling and cheering.
deleted

11. Nothing like catching the boardwalk vibes while on rollerskates

A woman skateboards on a sidewalk wearing a purple one-piece outfit, gloves, and knee pads. Behind her is a shop labeled "Strand Surf & Cycle" with a bike rental sign. Several people stand by the building, some with bicycles.
quickpresentation11

12. Roller Disco at the Xenon Night Club, NYC, January 1979

A black-and-white photo of people roller-skating in a dimly lit venue. A couple in the foreground performs a dance move, with the woman lifting her arms gracefully as the man supports her. Other skaters are visible in the background.
iwishiwasbailey

13. A lovely day for some roller skating and fresh pizza slices

Black and white photo of teenagers at a boardwalk. Three girls in roller skates chat near a building with Pepsi and pizza signs. One girl raises her arm while another sits by a window. A person on a bicycle is nearby.
deleted

14. Roller disco realness, 1973

Four people wearing retro roller skates and disco-inspired outfits stand together in an arcade. The background reveals arcade games, and each person sports unique 70s/80s fashion with sequins and vibrant patterns.
sidandfinancy

15. The high-fitted socks were an exceptional fashion decision

A person with curly blonde hair sits on a concrete sphere, wearing a yellow and blue top, shorts, knee-high socks with red stripes, and roller skates. They are outdoors, adjusting the laces of their skates with a cheerful expression.
deleted

16. This is just pure fun sunny day vibes

A group of people in 1970s attire are roller skating and dancing on a multi-level platform. They appear to be enjoying themselves, with headphones and a portable music player visible. There are palm trees and a mural in the background.
anonymous

17. That kid is putting the work in on his roller skate

A man skateboards on a sidewalk with a woman sitting on his shoulders, holding his hands. They're both wearing casual summer attire. A boy on roller skates watches nearby. Buildings and a "No Parking" sign are in the background. Black and white photo.
deleted

18. A young woman with rollerskates in Santa Monica (1979)

A person with long hair and wearing a colorful top and red shorts roller skates past a shop window. The window displays various items, including a clown doll. The scene has a vintage feel with a warm, nostalgic tone.
till80

19. Taking a break from roller skating near the Hermosa Beach (CA) pier in 1974

A woman with long hair smiles while sitting on the ground outside a building, wearing rollerskates. She is stretching her legs, leaning slightly back on her hands. A bicycle and people are visible in the background.
lucienburnahm

20. Van Halen Rollerskating in Osaka, Japan, 1979

Four people wearing colorful clothing and roller skates pose in front of a traditional Japanese gate. They are smiling and appear casually confident, with one person playfully lifting their shirt. The scene has a lively and playful atmosphere.
mindreflections
Tags:

About Author

You May Also Like

A split image: left, a man in a jacket hands food to a woman in a crowded baseball stadium; right, a sepia photo of a baseball player in an old Brooklyn uniform smiling on the field.
Sports History
17 Throwback Dodgers Photos That Still Hit Home
Animals All History
20 Final Photos of Animals Before They Went Extinct