There is something uniquely American about the road trip. No other country has our breadth of natural landscapes, weather, and diverse populace. No other nation provides such a reliable, yet dynamic experience for automobile travel.
With a freshly constructed interstate highway system, people in the 1950s got to experience the magic of the road trip for the first time. Here are 20 photos of them going for it out of the gate.
1
Vacation Motel
Palm Springs, 1950s.
2
Posing With a Road Sign
Outside of Guadalupe Mountains National Park. 1950s.
3
The Golden Gate Bridge
Driving across an iconic landmark.
4
Girl’s Trip
Group photo in the 1950s.
5
On the Beach
Fun along the way.
6
Hitching Up the Boat
To the lake, in the 1950s.
7
Refreshmets
Stopping for a coke.
8
Truck Stop
Wyoming in 1959.
9
Pipe Break
Earned from five kids and a long drive.
10
Planning the Day's Route
Work to do at the diner.
11
Baby Car Seat
Strapped in in the 1950s.
12
Blue Ridge Parkway
Boone, North Carolina, 1950s.
13
Rock Photo
Group picture.
14
A Brand New Car
A family in the 1950s.
15
Talking on the Phone
Making use of the handy car phone.
16
Stopping for Food
A trip in 1958.
17
Destination Photo
In front of the Golden Gate Bridge.
18
Posing on the Ride
On a driving break, 1950s.
19
Landmark Photo
National park views.
20
Inspecting the Seat Belt
A brand new tool!
