The decade of bright, neon colors, larger-than-life hairstyles, and silly leg warmers is far from forgotten. The 1980s will always be remembered for its unique culture and fashion trends that still have a place in our hearts today. But what if you could actually take a trip back in time? Here are 11 awesome vacation destinations in the U.S. that will let you relive the ’80s all over again.
1. Coney Island, New York
The mood and tone of the ’80s are never lost when you lounge in the reverie of this lush destination. Coney Island offers the famous Cyclone roller coaster, allowing you to indulge in classic boardwalk treats of cotton candy and hot dogs. You can also immerse yourself in nostalgic arcade games like Pac-Man, Frogger, and Donkey Kong. The setting of Coney Island promises to transport you back into the decade of big hair and colorful fashion.
2. South Beach, Miami, Florida
Pastel-colored Art Deco buildings on the other side of a white-sandy beach are the thing of a prime ’80s destination; that and more is what South Beach has on display. You can enjoy the vibrant nightlife while you channel your inner Don Johnson from Miami Vice as you brisk through the ocean’s sandy shore, dancing the night away in the memories of lost long days.
3. Sunset Strip, Los Angeles, California
Sunset Strip was the totem of music, fashion, and entertainment in the ’80s. The relics of the neon decade are everly present today in the famous Tinseltown Hollywood. Visit the Sunset Strip to catch up on the perfectly preserved iconic venues of Whisky a Go Go, Roxy Theatre, and the Viper Room, where the iconic bands of Guns N’ Roses and Motley Crue broke out.
4. The Goonies House, Astoria
A pilgrimage site for fans of the 1985 film “The Goonies,” the Goonies House in Astoria takes you down memory lane as you stand before a familiar silver screen setting to relive your favorite scenes, capturing the adventurous spirit of the explorative cast that makes the movie a timeless classic.
5. Neon Boneyard, Las Vegas, Nevada
Behold the graveyard of vintage neon lights reminiscent of the ’80s and its fanfare. The vibrant relic of Neon Boneyard, dubbed the Sin City, holds immersive souvenirs that take you back into the era that attaches premium value to everything bold and bright.
6. Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
A few miles outside Washington, D.C., a charming waterfront district stands in awe of its historic charm. The picturesque street of Old Town is lined with antique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants serving hearts and flowers typical of the Reagan Era.
7. Muscle Beach, Venice Beach, California
The ’80s had the hype for bodyweight resistance training and Jazzercise, an exercise focused on aerobic dance movement. Muscle Beach takes you back into the sporty mood of the ’80s as you channel your inner Jane Fonda or Arnold Schwarzenegger while soaking up the energy-charged atmosphere in the iconic outdoor gym.
8. New Wave City, San Francisco, California
New Wave City holds an Eighties New Wave DJ Dance Party held once a month. You can step onto the dance floor and groove all night into the musical wave of synth-pop and post-punk hits of the ages. The retro ambiance of New Wave City nightclub and its ‘80s-themed program make it the perfect spot to relive the ‘80s in today’s America.
9. Classic Arcade Museum, Weirs Beach, New Hampshire
If you are a game enthusiast and want to pump your thumbs into the pads playing ‘80s games, the classic Arcade Museum offers an impressive experience. With games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Space Invader, you’ll come to have your fill.
10. Music Box Village, New Orleans, Louisiana
The experimental music scene of the 1980s, featuring ready-to-explore musical houses and artistic installations, inspired the Musical Box Village in New Orleans. Within this beautiful, undisturbed space of art and sound, you can get lost in the magical vibrance of the ‘80s and let the sonic boom of the MTV decade wash over you.
11. Museum of the Moving Image, Queens, New York
Who could forget the iconic movies of the ’80s? Head over to Queens’ Museum of the Moving Image for a blast from the past. This museum is dedicated to celebrating film, television, and digital culture through exciting exhibitions that will take you back in time.
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