10 Summer Destinations With Retro and Vintage Vibes

Everyone who loves to travel during the summer months has varying priorities, tastes, and ideas about their destinations. Some would love a road trip across America or to visit a National Park, while others love the idea of a theme park like Walt Disney World or Universal Studios.

Additionally, there’s a subset of individuals searching for a specific vibe for their vacation. And retro and vintage vibes have become quite popular.

In a world that feels increasingly fast-paced, sterile, lacking charm, and favoring cheap and mass-produced over authentic and unique, finding a place that feels old-fashioned, vintage, and genuine feels like discovering a Unicorn.

Despite feeling scarce, those who enjoy retro aesthetics and vibes have numerous choices throughout the U.S. From turn-of-the-century charm to mid-century modern design, the following places deserve a spot on every vintage enthusiast’s travel bucket list.

For truly lovely and authentic turn-of-the-century charm, head to Mackinac Island, located in Lake Huron, Michigan. Named the number one Best Summer Destination by USA Today, Mackinac Island is known for its preserved Victorian architecture, old-fashioned transportation, locally made fudge, and pristine vintage aesthetics.

With no cars allowed on the island, guests and locals either walk, ride a bike, or ride in a horse-drawn carriage. Each provides a unique and relaxing experience while exploring all the island has to offer, from its various restaurants and hotels to historic homes, sites, and gardens.

The crown jewel of the island remains The Grand Hotel, a beautiful and luxurious resort known for its prominent use in the film Somewhere in Time (1980). Beyond the hotel, Mackinac Island feels like a step back in time where days were filled with leisurely walks, the clip-clop sound of horse hooves, and sipping tea on verandas.

Unsurprisingly, Mackinac’s vintage atmosphere comes at an expense, so it won’t be for those on a tighter budget. However, for those who can splurge, a visit to Mackinac will certainly be a one-of-a-kind experience. Watch this walking tour that captures the island’s impeccable beauty. And check out this hotel guide for a complete list of available accommodations.

For a similar vibe to Mackinac Island, located on the opposite side of the U.S., the Hotel del Coronado offers relaxed, beach vibes with an old-fashioned atmosphere. This San Diego staple has welcomed guests since 1888 and has been lovingly restored to maintain both quality and authenticity.

This San Diego gem. makes for a lovely vacation spot, with Victorian-style rooms, suites, villas, and cabanas, wooden porches, Adirondack chairs, a stunning pool, and designated beach access. The restaurants also offer various cuisines and ocean and sunset views. During the summer, enjoy movies on the beach, picnics, and surf lessons.

Anyone looking to visit the Hotel del Coronado can book a room, book a day pass, or simply peruse the grounds and enjoy a meal at one of the eateries.

Mid-century modern retro vibes and Tiki and Polynesian culture often go hand in hand. Indeed, many similar hotels popped up in the 1960s, especially in California. Today, the Caliente Tropics Resort in Palm Springs is one of the few remaining from a bygone era.

Originally opening in 1964, Caliente Tropics was famous for its mid-century aesthetics, numerous hand-carved Tikis, and for welcoming notable guests such as Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, and other Rat Pack members.

A visit today gives guests impeccable retro vibes with many of the original Tikis still there, a large T-shaped pool, and rooms refurbished with a vintage Polynesian style better than their original designs. Visitors can also enjoy food poolside or have a meal or drink in a Tiki mug at the Reef Bar.

For a thorough history of the Resort, check out Justin Scarred’s video. And for a look at all the Resort has to offer, including nearby antique shops and the King’s Highway Diner (both further solidifying the retro feeling you desire), check out this video from Always Believe.

Retro-style accommodations in Palm Springs are not limited to Tiki-style hotels. On the contrary, the 1950s and 1960s aesthetics are alive and thriving in several Palm Springs boutique hotels. One of the finest is the Orbit In Hotel, located at the foot of Mt. San Jacinto.

Hailed as a “Desert oasis where the 1950s never went out of style,” The Orbit In features mid-century modern style that leans heavily into the atomic age aesthetics of kidney-shaped tables and Eames chairs. The hotel promises a retro experience with modern amenities and luxurious rooms. It also features a lovely pool, a gated hot tub, a fire pit, a library with movies, games, and books, and a vintage vinyl collection.

With only eight single bedrooms, each themed differently, the Orbit In is adults-only and caters to couples, friends, and singles. So, it won’t be for everyone, particularly families. The final selling point: the gorgeous Palm Springs Mountain views.

At the Laylow Waikiki, guests can expect a combination of retro vibes with modern luxury. In other words, as the official site says, it’s a place where “mid-century meets modern,” with “retro chic” and “tropical mid-century furnishings.” It’s a dream for those who love 1950s Hawaiian style with all the modern amenities of the 21st century.

From the light, airy, tropical style to the authentic cuisine and activities, such as Lei making and Ukulele lessons, a stay at the Laylow Waikiki promises an old-fashioned time with the comfort of modern elegance.

At the famous Royal Hawaiian Hotel, otherwise known as the “Pink Palace of the Pacific,” you’ll also be treated to the epitome of luxury but with the retro Hawaiian vibes that continue to delight and endure. The rooms feature vibrant wallpaper and mid-century Polynesian furniture, while the resort features stunning gardens, daily activities such as lei making and surf lessons, and an authentic Ahaaina Luau, where guests enjoy a historic storytelling experience through cuisine, music, and dance.

Hollywood has many historic hotels and sites, perfect for vintage lovers and classic film fans. No other hotel suits that descriptor more than the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. A Los Angeles staple since 1927, the hotel combines old-school Hollywood glamour with sleek and modern design.

The hotel features deluxe and superior rooms, poolside cabana suites, one-bedroom and loft suites, and the crème de la crème, suites named after Hollywood royalty, Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, and Carole Lombard.

The Tropicana Pool, Bar, and Lobby also capture that 1950s Hollywood glamour, elevating the experience for those imagining themselves in a classic Technicolor film.

The Hollywood Roosevelt also features a secret hidden gem, sure to entice classic movie fans to visit. Inside the hotel, behind a bookcase, you find the Cinegrill, a hidden movie theater decked out in vintage aesthetics and host to classic films throughout the year. These “Classic Cinema Nights” include a screening of a classic movie, free popcorn, a drink and bar menu, and a post-screening discussion with a film critic. One of the Roosevelt Hotel’s  best amenities, anyone can attend, not just hotel guests.

Located within walking distance of the Ventura Pier, beach, and historic downtown, the Waypoint Ventura Vintage Trailer Hotel & Campground blends vintage aesthetics with modern luxury. The hotel and campground features 20 vintage trailers restored to “better than new” condition. In other words, they’ve been updated with modernized technology and conveniences while maintaining a retro style.

Anyone who’s watched in awe of films like The Long, Long Trailer (1954), or classic footage of 1950s trailer parks will appreciate the Waypoint.

In addition to the trailers, guests have on-site access to bicycles, corn hole games, fire pits perfect for roasting s’mores, Barbecues, and individual decks with chairs. Rates vary depending on the season, but during the summer they range between $200 and $400.

When visiting Las Vegas, you’ll have two options: Strip Vegas and “Old Vegas”. Staying on the Las Vegas Strip has its advantages, particularly if shopping, entertainment, and modern accommodations are important to you. For those looking for a more vintage, classic experience, hotels and casinos in “Old Vegas” will be the way to go.

One of the best examples of that old-school feel remains the El Cortez Hotel & Casino. Opening in 1941, and once owned by legendary mobsters Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Moe Sedway, and Gus Greenbaum, the El Cotez has retained its outdoor appearance, with its classic marquee forever an iconic beacon of a bygone era.

While the hotel does offer modern accommodations, the Original 47 rooms have been renovated to reflect the hotel’s history. The gaming and casino also retain that old-school charm with coin slot machines, blackjack, craps, and roulette.

The dining options also feature that retro Vegas flair, particularly the SHOWBAR, which features signature cocktails and live entertainment.

Laid back atmosphere meets vintage vibes in Key West, Florida, the Southernmost spot in the continental U.S. Its rich history, including a legendary connection with author Ernest Hemingway, vibrant art scene, and blend of American, Cuban, and Caribbean cultures make it ideal for those looking for vintage summertime fun.

Visitors must stop by the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum, the French colonial house and former residence of the famed writer. Hemingway wrote To Have and Have Not and Islands in the Stream here, and today visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark and grounds, which include nearly 60 cats, some carrying the polydactyl gene, which gives them extra toes.

As far as accommodations, Key West is brimming with hotels and resorts that offer that vintage look and feel, especially 1920s Art Deco and brightly colored Caribbean style. Some of the finest include:

• La Concha Key West, a boutique hotel with “stylish vintage vibes and Art Deco details with modern comforts.”
• The Lighthouse Hotel, which offers some of the best views and is close to the Hemingway Home.
• Winslow’s Bungalows, with 1940s elegance mixed with classic beachy atmosphere and architecture.
• Ridley House, known as a “vibrant sanctuary” with swings, a library, and Bahamian decor.

Literally stepping into history, the RMS Queen Mary was once a British ocean liner in the 1900s. Today, it’s permanently docked in Long Beach, California, and serves as a hotel, event space, and site of various tours.

Beautifully restored, the ship continues in its ongoing preservation. However, visitors can enjoy its current restorations, including beautiful state rooms decked out in 1920s Art Deco style, and the Main Hall, which reflects its post-WWII style.

The ship offers various dining options, including the Observation Bar, an old-fashioned first-class lounge, Promenade Café, which offers oceanfront views, and the Chelsea, an upscale seafood bar. There is also Sunday Brunch and Afternoon Tea.

The Queen Mary is also known for its exceptional guided tours, which take guests through various parts of the ship and showcase its rich history, including paranormal activity. What makes The Queen Mary a favorite is that you can tailor your experience to your budget. Enjoy a full stay, dining, and tour, or just enjoy a meal or guided tour. The ship is your oyster for a truly vintage experience.