The 1970s marked the golden era for many tourist towns across the globe. However, environmental changes, economic shifts, and political events led to their gradual decline. This post explores nine such towns that enjoyed their peak during this vibrant decade but have since faded into obscurity.
1. Salton City, California
Salton City was envisioned as a luxurious resort community in the 1960s. By the early ’70s, it reached its zenith, drawing visitors eager to enjoy the desert oasis. But environmental issues soon cast a shadow over its prosperity. Rising salinity in the Salton Sea led to ecological disruptions, causing a rapid decline.
As fish perished and the air grew foul, tourists disappeared, leaving behind empty streets and half-finished developments. The dream of a thriving resort town faded, replaced by a desolate landscape bearing witness to nature’s unpredictability.
Despite its challenges, Salton City remains a testament to human ambition and the ever-changing tides of fortune.
2. Idlewild, Michigan
Idlewild, known as “Black Eden,” was a sanctuary for African-Americans during segregation. In its heyday, it attracted up to 25,000 visitors each summer, offering a haven of joy and cultural richness.
However, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and subsequent integration led to a decline in its unique appeal. By the early 1970s, economic downturns further eroded its vitality. Yet, the spirit of Idlewild remains alive, celebrated for its historical significance.
Families who once flocked to its shores now treasure memories of vibrant gatherings and lively performances. Idlewild stands as a reminder of resilience and cultural heritage, cherished by those who remember its storied past.
3. Rockerville, South Dakota
Rockerville, a charming Wild West-themed tourist town, was a wonderland of melodramas, gold panning, and quaint attractions. Its vibrant atmosphere drew countless tourists eager to relive the frontier days.
However, the town’s fortune turned when highways were rerouted in the 1960s and ’70s, bypassing Rockerville and diverting its lifeline of visitors. Gradually, businesses shuttered, and the lively streets grew quiet.
Though its heyday has passed, Rockerville’s spirit lingers in the hearts of those who recall its bustling past. It serves as a nostalgic reminder of simpler times, where history and entertainment once intertwined beautifully.
4. Amboy, California (Route 66)
Amboy, located on the legendary Route 66, was a bustling stopover in the 1970s. Vintage cars and travelers filled its roads, seeking adventure and respite in this desert outpost. The iconic Roy’s Motel and Café served as a beacon for weary road-trippers.
Yet, the construction of Interstate 40 diverted traffic, leading to Amboy’s decline. Businesses closed, and the lively hum of travelers faded into quiet desert winds. Despite this, efforts to revive Amboy persist, with its retro charm attracting nostalgia seekers.
Today, Amboy stands as a testament to the golden age of American road trips, where memories of yesteryears linger amid the arid landscape.
5. Thalmann, Georgia
Thalmann was known for its wildlife tourism, offering visitors a glimpse into Georgia’s natural beauty. In the 1970s, tourists flocked to this serene town, drawn by its rich wildlife and tranquil landscapes.
However, a pivotal change came in 1979 when the railroad was rerouted, diverting the steady stream of visitors. Businesses closed, and the once-vibrant town slowly emptied, leaving behind echoes of its bustling past.
Today, Thalmann’s sparse population and abandoned buildings stand as a quiet reminder of its vibrant history. Though its bustling days are gone, the town’s natural allure still captivates the few who wander through its forgotten streets.
6. Fisherman’s Village, Marina del Rey, California
Fisherman’s Village was the heart of Marina del Rey, bursting with vibrant arcades, shops, and rides in the late 1970s. Families and tourists alike wandered its bustling waterfront, enjoying the lively atmosphere and scenic views.
Over time, the allure faded as arcades closed and crowds dwindled. By the early ’80s, its golden days had ended, yet it remains a beloved memory for many locals.
The Village’s quaint charm still attracts those seeking nostalgia by the sea. Fisherman’s Village today embodies a quieter pace, cherished by those who remember its lively past and the echoes of laughter that once filled the air.
7. Centralia, Pennsylvania
Centralia, a bustling coal town, was a unique tourist attraction despite its underground mine fire that started in 1962. Into the 1970s, visitors curiously explored its smoky streets, unaware of the impending doom.
The fire spread, making the ground unstable and the air hazardous. By the 1980s, evacuation was inevitable, turning Centralia into an eerie ghost town.
Yet, its story continues to fascinate, attracting thrill-seekers and history buffs. The smoldering ground and deserted buildings tell a tale of nature’s power and human resilience. Centralia stands as a haunting reminder of what once was, frozen in time yet alive with stories.
8. Varosha, Cyprus
Varosha was a glamorous resort in Cyprus, favored by celebrities like Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren. In the 1970s, it attracted nearly 700,000 visitors annually, offering luxury and beauty along sun-kissed beaches.
However, the 1974 Turkish invasion led to its abrupt abandonment. The once-bustling hotels and vibrant streets were suddenly frozen in time, left to decay under the Mediterranean sun.
Today, Varosha remains largely untouched, a poignant symbol of political conflict and lost opulence. Recently, parts of it have reopened, stirring memories of its golden past. Visitors are drawn by its haunting allure, eager to glimpse a world suspended in history.
9. Bombay Beach, California
Bombay Beach, once a jewel by the Salton Sea, was a bustling resort town frequented by celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. In the 1970s, the town’s decline began as rising salinity levels destroyed the lake’s ecosystem. Tourists and businesses vanished as the environmental crisis unfolded, leaving behind a ghostly shoreline.
The beach, once vibrant with life, now tells a story of nature’s unforgiving power. Abandoned buildings and rusted signs stand as remnants of its glamorous past. Yet, the eerie beauty of Bombay Beach attracts artists and curious explorers, making it a symbol of resilience and rebirth.
Locals and visitors find solace in its haunting charm, where the silence speaks volumes of its storied history.
