20 Rare Vintage Photos From California’s Coastal Past

History Travel April 6, 2025

Nestled along California’s striking central coastline, Big Sur has long been a captivating area for artists, wanderers, and nature enthusiasts. It features unreal cliffs, mountainous redwoods, and iconic misty oceanside views. This collection of vintage photos aims to capture just a bit of what makes Big Sur so unforgettable to so many people.

1. Manhattan Beach, California (1950s)

A vintage street scene shows classic cars heading towards a pier extending into the ocean. Shops and buildings line the road, and people are visible walking on the sidewalk and pier. The sky is clear and sunny.
watsinanme

Oh the joy that must race through one’s mind upon seeing that big old blue.

2. Joni Mitchell with Graham Nash at the Big Sur Celebration, 1969

A man in a fur coat and a woman in an orange top clap enthusiastically at an outdoor event. They are surrounded by other people, with a large patterned backdrop visible behind them.
deleted

The vibes look absolutely electric.

3. Judy Collins and Joni Mitchell at the Big Sur Folk Festival, 1968

Two women sit outdoors, one playing an acoustic guitar and the other, wearing a yellow outfit, listening intently with her head resting on her hand. There is a crowd in the background under clear skies.
lostinthestars

All the radiant colors are present here. Love it.

4. Beach bums, San Onofre, California, July 1950

Black and white photo of a bustling 1950s beach. People relax by the ocean, and others surf in the waves. A rustic beach hut with surfboards leans against it, and vintage cars are parked in the foreground.
notbob1959

The beach bum life could be an easygoing life indeed.

5. Newport Beach Fun Zone in Newport Beach, CA (1974)

Black and white photo of a bustling boardwalk with various signs like "Playland" and "Ken's Frosties Frozen Bananas." People are walking, some with bicycles, and there are palm trees and shops lining the walkway.
axlcobainvedder

The fun zone always brought the good times.

6. SoCal surf culture, 1964

A nostalgic beach scene with vintage cars parked on the sand, people relaxing under a rustic shelter, and surfers riding small waves in the ocean. The sky is hazy, suggesting a warm, sunny day.
doctorfeelgood33

You can just feel the surf culture radiating through this picture.

7. A magical shot of the California coast in the 70s

Aerial view of a secluded beach with clear turquoise waters and gentle waves. Rocky cliffs surround the sandy shoreline, and the sun casts a sparkle across the ocean surface.
aproudpostup

“Magical” doesn’t even begin to cover it.

8. Young ladies hitchhiking on Highway 1, Big Sur, CA, 1971

Three young women with backpacks and rolled-up sleeping bags are by a roadside. One sits smiling on the ground while the others stand talking. A dog stands nearby, and an older car is parked on the roadside. The setting appears casual and outdoorsy.
quickpresentation1

Hitchhiking along the coast was a tremendous pleasure indeed.

9. Hunter S. Thompson, Self Portrait, Big Sur, circa 1960s

A person using a typewriter sits at a small outdoor table overlooking a rugged coastline. The sea sparkles under the sunlight, and cliffs rise in the distance. Various objects, including cups and books, are on the table.
nekosol

Hunter was known to do such a thing every now and again when he wasn’t stirring up all manners of chaos.

10. Judy Collins with Stephen Stills at Big Sur Folk Festival, 1968

A woman and a man sitting close together outdoors, both in colorful patterned clothing. The woman is looking at the man with a relaxed expression. In the background, a guitar and other people can be seen.
eaglemaxie

Love the dress.

11. Someone’s uncle in Big Sur, CA, late 1970s or early 1980s

A person sitting in the open door of a classic Volkswagen camper van, parked by a coastal cliff. Rugged hills extend into the distance, and the ocean stretches out under a clear sky. The scene has a nostalgic, vintage feel.
asamota

The van life out on the California coast can feel like it puts years back on one’s life.

12. Actors Natalie Wood and Robert Wagner onboard their yacht off the California coast, July 1958

A shirtless man steers a boat, looking ahead intensely. A woman in a swimsuit sits nearby, gazing into the distance. The boat leaves a wake on the blue sea under a sunshade, with mountains visible on the horizon.
ghostmrchicken

Looks to be a lovely day to have the boat out on the water.

13. Hermosa Beach, CA in the 1970s

A group of people in swimsuits sit and stand on a low wall outside. They are casually posed, with some holding hats and wearing sunglasses. A building with windows is in the background. The setting appears sunny and relaxed.
peterdork

What a crew.

14. Looking classy somewhere out on the California coast

A woman in a purple floral dress sits on a stone ledge between large pillars, overlooking a calm body of water with boats in the distance. She is smiling, with one foot playfully lifted, and there's a small purse beside her.
engineerboy00

People really could get so dressed up back in the day.

15. Main St & Pacific Coast Highway in Huntington Beach, CA. 1971

A black and white image of a vintage street scene featuring a corner building with signs for "Jack's Surfboards" and "Levi's." A beetle car is parked nearby. Other stores line the street, and traffic signals are visible.
lucienburnham

A quiet day out in Huntington Beach.

16. Girls play volleyball on stilts in Venice Beach

People in swimsuits play volleyball while balancing on tall stilts at the beach, with the ocean and a ship visible in the background.
johnnylgarfield

The stilts are a hilarious mystery here.

17. Venice Beach Rock Festival, 1968

A woman wearing a light, flowing dress stands with her back to the camera, raising one arm, overlooking a crowded beach. Her hair is blowing in the wind, and the scene is lively and sunlit. Buildings are visible in the distance.

Now this is just some pure surf rock energy. I’m all here for it.

18. Apparently this girl was named April. April could lift.

A vintage beach scene featuring four people performing an acrobatic stunt. One person is balancing on the shoulders of another, who stands on yet another person's shoulders. A fourth person stands beside them. A crowd watches in the background.
electricalaspects13

No kidding, she could lift to the alleged tune of 425 pounds.

19. Muscle Beach, California 1954, 12 years girl April Atkins does acrobatics and feats of strength

A black and white image of three people at a beach. One person balances upside down on their hands on a woman's back. The woman is bent forward. Another person crouches nearby, looking forward. A boardwalk and buildings are visible in the background.
deleted

That guy’s clearly having his own moment about trying to keep up with April.

20. A lovely day to be out at the Santa Monica Pier (1967)

A black and white photo shows four people standing at a beach railing. Three are in swimsuits, and one person is wearing a shirt and pants, holding a camera. The beach and ocean are crowded in the background.
axlcobainvedder

Everyone is just enjoying their time out at the beach. How lovely, indeed.

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