Hitting the beach in the ’80s was a whole different vibe. From boomboxes blasting mixtapes to kids cannonballing into the waves with inflatable rafts in tow, playing hooky at the beach in the ’80s meant having zero distractions (ahem, phones) to spoil the fun. Here are some nostalgic snapshots of a 1980s beach day, complete with bright swimsuits and bodies slathered in coconut oil (SPF was not taken seriously back then).
1. No Beach Day Was Complete Without a Boombox
Before the reign of Spotify, families had to settle for a selection of their favorite cassettes to bring to the beach. Sure, this also meant having to lug around a bulky stereo (God forbid you forgot the batteries). But there was something special about the crackling sound of pressing “play” and hearing the click-hiss of a mixtape kicking in — even if Side A always got ruined by sand.
2. Polka-Dotted Swimsuits and Gelato
Before food trucks and DoorDash, the only beach delivery option you had came from a sweaty dude in a beach hat selling “Gelati MAX” (a tad inappropriately?). At least the polka-dotted lady seemed to dig it.
3. Striking a Pose
Sun, sand, and sibling rivalries — proof that the best part of going to the beach in the ’80s was who could dig the biggest hole or strike the sassiest pose. Also, where can I get that awesome purple swimsuit? It even has a pocket?! I am obsessed.
4. Some Refused To Tan…
Every ’80s beach trip had one MVP. You know the type: The mom who packed the best snacks, never got in the water, and still looked cooler than everyone while refusing to get even an ounce of sunlight.
5. …While Others Tanned Too Much
Rows of sunbathers and no shade in sight? That’s how beach days looked when SPF was a myth and the goal was to look like a rotisserie chicken by 2 p.m. Honestly, while I admire the hustle, skin cancer is not something to play around with.
6. Goin’ Solo
Just one big towel, a striped beach bag, and some shades. This was peak solo glam on a mostly empty beach, circa 1980.
7. Matching Swim Trunks
Back when catching waves was optional, but catching looks? A must. Here are two buds (maybe lifeguards?) taking a page out of “Baywatch” in a matching trunk and jacket set, riding high on confidence and sea breeze.
8. Catching Up on Celebrity Gossip Was Still a Must
Peak beach day in Atlantic City, circa 1983: Working on that tan while flipping through “Glamour” and ignoring everyone else.
9. Beach Day With the Gang
No coolers, no rules — just popping bottles (did he drink all of those?!) and collecting enough sunburns to last all summer. Sure, the umbrella may be wobbly and the snacks sandy, but somehow, it still looks like a blast.
10. Fishing Trips
Fishing in the glory days meant sunburned arms, cold beers waiting off-camera, and fish tales that got bigger every time. After all, if your swordfish wasn’t taller than you, did you even go? Here are three friends on a fishing trip in Cabo, circa 1980.
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