There are some landmarks and attractions that will never go out of style. Disneyland will always be magical, just as millions of people will continue to tune into the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade until the end of time. But, if you've ever wondered what America's prized celebrations and historic sites looked like in the past, then browse through these vintage travel photos that will teleport you to the golden age of tourism. And for more stunning landscapes, check out the 27 Totally Insane Travel Photos You Won't Believe Are Real.
1 | Disneyland
M&N / AlamyWhen Disneyland opened its doors in 1955, Anaheim, California, became one of the happiest places on Earth. This photo of the monorail linking downtown Disney to the park was taken in 1960, at a time when it was the only daily shuttle of its kind in America. And for more fun from the House of Mouse, check out the 19 Magical Places That Inspired Disney.
2 | Washington Monument
National Geographic Image Collection / AlamyIn this vivid photo, taken in 1935, a group of tourists admires the Washington Monument through the colorful haze of a rainbow.
3 | Santa Catalina Island
National Geographic Image Collection / AlamySanta Catalina Island, or Catalina as locals call it, is just a short ferry ride from Long Beach, California. Seen here in 1942, the island boasts stunning Spanish architecture abutting the seascape. One of the island's most prominent fixtures is the former mansion of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr.
4 | Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Everett Collection Inc/AlamyThe Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has been a holiday tradition since 1924. Whether lining the streets of New York City to see the festivities—like these parade-goers in Times Square in 1940—or watching the celebration on television, the excitement for the giant balloons and marching bands hasn't dulled one bit.
5 | Chinatown
Heritage Image Partnership Ltd / AlamyThis colorful 1957 snapshot of Grant Avenue in San Francisco's Chinatown shows a vibrant, thriving, cultural community. Its inception in 1848 makes it the oldest Chinatown in North America, and the neighborhood has even been known to draw more annual visitors than the Golden Gate Bridge.
6 | Honolulu Hula Show
Michele and Tom Grimm / AlamyThe Kodak Hula Show on Honolulu (seen here in a photograph from 1966) was a popular attraction in Hawaii's capital city. Established in 1937, this legendary show had become an island tradition and was attended by an estimated 10 million viewers during its run, which ended in 2002. However, Honolulu and hula continue to remain intimately entwined, with the Kuhio Beach Hula performance picking up where the Kodak Hula Show left off.
7 | Hollywood Sign
ClassicStock / AlamyOriginally erected in 1923 as a means of advertising, Los Angeles' iconic sign actually read "Hollywoodland" and was expected to be on display for less than two years but stood for 26! In 1949, when the display was refurbished, the "land" portion was dropped entirely. The photograph above was taken in the 1950s, just after the change. And for more historic snapshots, check out the 50 Vintage Photos That Show What Traveling Used to Look Like.
8 | Coney Island
Everett Collection Historical / AlamyConey Island was at one time the country's largest amusement park. It was comprised of Luna Park, Steeplechase, and Dreamland, a boardwalk with its own beachfront activities. Attracting several millions of visitors each year, the fair was often crowded beyond belief with New Yorkers looking to beat the heat. See it for yourself with this photo taken in 1950 from the Parachute Jump ride.
9 | Las Vegas
That Hartford Guy / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0The original Las Vegas strip was actually Fremont Street, as seen here in the 1960s. As the first paved road in the city, it's as old as Vegas itself. Today, the entertainment district remains the home of mainstays such as the Golden Nugget, Binion's Horseshoe, and the oldest casino in Vegas: Golden Gate Casino, which first opened as a hotel in 1906.
10 | New York World's Fair
ClassicStock / AlamyThe 1964 New York World's Fair attracted over 51 millions visitors to Flushing Meadows-Corona Park during its year-long run. Representing 80 nations and featuring 100 restaurants and pavilions, it was a source of excitement and cultural exploration for attendees. The grand Unisphere remains in the park today, a shining memory of an event that championed peace and innovation just before the Vietnam War.
11 | Mount Rushmore
ClassicStock / AlamyThere's nothing more patriotic than presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt carved into the side of Mount Rushmore. Also referred to as the Shrine of Democracy, the stone sculptures attract more than two million tourists each year, as evidenced in this packed parking lot in 1969. Also, did you know there's a hidden room behind Lincoln's head? Take a peek along with these 23 Super Secret Spaces Hidden in Famous Landmarks.
12 | Mardi Gras
Public DomainHundreds of thousands of revelers descend on New Orleans each year for Mardi Gras, one of the country's largest celebrations. This already vibrant city becomes even more electric with parades, extravagant floats, costumes, live music, and crowds of partygoers. The earliest recorded Mardi Gras in New Orleans dates all the way back to 1699, and the photograph above, of costumed attendees on Canal Street, offers a glimpse of what Mardi Gras had to offer in 1917.
13 | Niagara Falls
Public DomainThe majestic beauty of Niagara Falls is timeless, as proven by this 1954 image of the cascades taken from Niagara Parkway in Canada. The waterfall drops a whopping 160 feet into the basin—a sight that is no less breathtaking today.
14 | Pike Place Market
Seattle Municipal Archives / CC BY 2.0Although the iconic Space Needle (another World's Fair creation) may be the first landmark to come to mind when you think of Seattle, the city is home to yet another popular attraction: Pike Place Market. Established in 1907, Pike Place is one of the country's oldest and longest running farmers' markets. This picture offers a glimpse of the spot in 1972, shortly before a major rehabilitation.
15 | The Little Switzerland of America
Lenscap / AlamySurrounded by Colorado's piercing San Juan Mountains, the city of Ouray has earned the nickname, "The Little Switzerland of America." Ouray was originally settled by miners and incorporated in 1876, but it became a prime attraction in the 1960s (as seen in this photo). Today, the economy is based on tourism, with a main street that is protected under the National Register of Historic Places. And for more backyard adventures, check out the 17 American Towns So Beautiful You'll Think You're in Europe.
