How Florida Families Took Road Trips In The 1950s

Back in the 1950s, Florida families hit the open road in ways that seem almost magical compared to today’s travel. Without GPS, iPads, or fast food chains on every corner, these road trips were true adventures filled with paper maps, roadside motels, and family singalongs.

Let’s take a nostalgic journey back to how Sunshine State families experienced the golden age of American road trips.

1. Piling Into Roomy American Cars

Chrome-finned Chevys and spacious Buicks ruled Florida highways, with kids sprawled across bench seats without a seatbelt in sight. The family car often became a rolling living room.

Dad always took the wheel while Mom served as navigator and referee. The backseat became a playground where siblings fought, played games, and occasionally hung their arms out the windows despite parents’ warnings.

2. Roadside Picnics Under Palm Trees

Why spend money at restaurants when a checkered blanket and homemade sandwiches would do? Florida families packed metal coolers with fried chicken, deviled eggs, and thermoses of sweet tea.

Highway rest areas weren’t yet developed, so families pulled over at scenic spots along routes like A1A. Mom unpacked the picnic while kids stretched their legs and Dad checked the car’s radiator after miles in the Florida heat.

3. Following Paper Maps & Colorful Billboards

“You can’t miss it!” – words often proven wrong as families navigated with folded gas station maps that never seemed to refold properly. Glove compartments bulged with AAA TripTiks and dog-eared Florida travel guides.

Billboards became roadside entertainment, advertising everything from Shell’s talking dinosaur at Dinosaur World to the glass-bottom boats at Silver Springs. Children competed to spot the next “See Rock City” or “Visit Weeki Wachee Mermaids” sign.

4. Staying At Kitschy Roadside Motels

Neon signs beckoned weary travelers with promises of “Air Conditioning” and “Television” – modern luxuries that made children squeal with delight. These motor courts often featured themed rooms and kidney-shaped pools.

Florida’s roadside accommodations embraced tropical themes with names like “Flamingo Court” or “Sunken Gardens Lodge.” The highlight for many kids? Magic Fingers vibrating beds that rumbled to life when you dropped in a quarter.

5. Visiting Quirky Roadside Attractions

Florida’s roads were dotted with alligator farms, shell factories, and citrus stands where kids posed for Kodachrome photos while holding baby gators or giant oranges. These stops weren’t just breaks – they were destinations themselves.

Marineland, opened in 1938 near St. Augustine, drew crowds with its performing dolphins. Cypress Gardens showcased water-skiing shows where Southern belles in hoop skirts glided across the water, creating memories that lasted longer than any souvenir.

6. The Orange Juice Stands

Imagine pulling over at a quaint roadside stand, greeted by the refreshing aroma of citrus. In the 1950s, Florida’s orange juice stands were iconic pit stops for road-tripping families. These little havens offered a quick refreshment with fresh-squeezed juice, providing a delightful break from the journey.

Families would indulge in this simple pleasure, savoring the natural sweetness of Florida’s famous oranges. It wasn’t just about the juice; it was an experience shared among family members. The stands were often family-run, adding a personal touch to the encounter, making each stop memorable.

7. Drive-In Movie Theaters

As the sun set over Florida’s horizon, families would often drive to the local drive-in movie theater, a staple of 1950s road trips. The excitement began as parents parked their cars, kids eagerly anticipating the double feature ahead.

Drive-ins were more than just a place to watch films; they were social hubs where families mingled, children played, and communities gathered. Each visit turned into an event, with concession stands serving popcorn and soda, enhancing the cinematic experience.