16 Places We Hang Out In The ’70s That Don’t Even Exist Anymore

Ah, the ’70s—a time when disco ruled the dance floor, bell bottoms were the must-have fashion statement, and lava lamps were practically the coolest home décor item.

If you ever found yourself swaying to the beat of a funky tune or just soaking up the vibes at a hangout spot, you’re in for a treat! Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit 16 iconic places where we spent countless hours—places now vanished like a vinyl record left too close to the fireplace.

From the roller rinks to the corner diners, and everything in between, these beloved spots were the heartbeat of a generation. Get ready, because this nostalgia trip is about to hit you harder than a Bee Gees falsetto!

It’s time to revisit those unforgettable hangouts and relive the magic of a decade that was as colorful and groovy as the music itself.

1. The Roller Rink

Picture this: skates on your feet, disco lights overhead, and REO Speedwagon blaring while you tried not to fall in front of your crush. Ah, the roller rink—a place where your balancing skills were tested as much as your courage to ask someone to skate couple’s. Those neon lights? Had a way of making everyone look like a dancing silhouette.

I vividly remember my own awkward but memorable attempts to impress. Today, that once-thriving hive of teenage dreams is probably a storage facility or, worse yet, a strip mall. Skate on, dear memories!

Did you know? Roller rinks were social hotspots, often hosting disco nights that rivaled any club. They were the quintessential embodiment of ’70s fun, and today’s kids will never know the thrill of a perfect spin under a disco ball.

2. The Drive-In Theater

Ah, the drive-in theater—a place where you’d cram your whole crew into the back of a station wagon, armed with homemade popcorn and a cooler full of sodas. Half the time, you barely watched the movie, too busy chatting or sneaking a first kiss under the stars.

I remember those enormous screens lighting up the night sky, each film a shared community event. Now, many have been torn down, replaced by condos or car dealerships, the romance of the drive-in fading like the closing credits.

Fun fact: The largest drive-in theater, “Johnny All-Weather Drive-In,” located in Copiague, New York, could hold over 2,500 cars! Today, finding one is as rare as a mint condition ’70s vinyl.

3. The Mall Arcade

Dark, sticky floors, neon lights, and the unmistakable blend of electric hum and popcorn smell—the mall arcade was a sensory overload. There, you’d drop quarters into machines, battling ghosts in Pac-Man or mastering the art of pinball.

Arcades were where friendships were forged and rivalries born, a place where you found out who was the true gaming champion. I spent countless hours honing my skills, fingers cramping but spirit soaring.

Gone now, many replaced by generic mall stores, the arcade’s magic lingers only in my memories. Did you know that Pac-Man was originally called “Puck-Man” in Japan but changed for international release?

4. Woolworth’s Luncheonette

A slice of Americana, Woolworth’s Luncheonette was where a grilled cheese and a cherry Coke made everything right. Sitting at the counter, you felt part of a living Norman Rockwell painting.

I can still taste that buttery sandwich, the perfect sidekick to a day spent shopping. Sadly, most Woolworth’s were shuttered by the late ’90s, leaving behind only the aroma of nostalgia.

Interesting tidbit: Woolworth’s was one of the first retailers to introduce the self-service model in the 1930s, revolutionizing shopping as we know it. Now, it’s a relic of a simpler time.

5. Tower Records

Ah, Tower Records—the ultimate haven for music lovers, where we’d happily lose track of time flipping through vinyl. Each album cover was a mini masterpiece, telling stories as rich and vibrant as the music itself.

I still remember the excitement of stumbling upon a new band, the unspoken bond with fellow record hunters. Unfortunately, the digital age eventually dimmed the lights of this analog paradise by the early 2000s.

Fun fact: Tower Records’ first store opened in Sacramento in 1960 and quickly became a cultural hotspot worldwide. These days, music shopping just doesn’t feel the same without the distinct scent of vinyl in the air.

6. The Basement Rec Room

Imagine a room paneled with wood, bean bag chairs scattered like autumn leaves, and at least one lava lamp casting a soft glow. The basement rec room was the ultimate hangout spot, if you could get past the smell of mildew and burnt popcorn.

It was where board games turned into epic battles and friendships were cemented over shared secrets. I smile thinking about the hours spent there, a true haven of ’70s decor.

Did you know? The lava lamp was invented in 1963 and became a symbol of the counterculture movement. Today, it’s a quirky reminder of retro style.

7. A&W Drive-Ins (With Carhops!)

A&W Drive-Ins, where carhops on skates delivered root beer floats and chili dogs right to your window, were iconic. Eating in your car was suddenly an event, and those frosty mugs made every sip more satisfying.

I remember eagerly awaiting my order, the anticipation almost as delicious as the food itself. Now, finding one is nearly impossible without Google Maps and a time machine.

Did you know? The first A&W Drive-In opened in 1919 as a roadside drink stand. It set the stage for American fast food culture, and today, the thrill of a drive-in meal is a rare treat.

8. The School Dance (In the Gym)

The lights were low, the punch was questionable, and “Stairway to Heaven” was the guaranteed last dance. School dances in the gym were a rite of passage, a blend of awkwardness and excitement.

I can still feel the thrill of that first slow dance, the world narrowing to just you and your partner. Today, such events are rare, replaced by more formal venues.

Fun tidbit: The tradition of school dances dates back to the early 20th century, evolving with each generation’s musical trends. Back then, it was all about the music and the moment.

9. Record Shops in General

Indie record stores were the heartbeat of music culture, places where discovery was an adventure. Walking in, you’d be greeted by walls of vinyl, each promising a new auditory journey.

These shops were where I discovered my musical identity, flipping through records with a sense of thrill. Napster and Spotify, though convenient, lack the tactile joy of vinyl.

Did you know? The iconic “Vinyl Revival” has seen a resurgence in recent years, but nothing beats the original charm of a ’70s record store. Those racks of records were like a library of musical dreams.

10. The Public Pool (That Was Always Slightly Gross)

Every kid in town was there, splashing in water that probably had a little too much chlorine. The public pool was the quintessential summer hangout, where swimming and sunbathing were the order of the day.

I can smell the sunscreen and hear the laughter, the faint undercurrent of summer dreams mixing with chlorine. Most closed due to budget cuts or liability, but those memories linger, sun-kissed and carefree.

Fun fact: Public pools have been a community staple since the late 19th century, but few maintained the carefree spirit of the ‘70s. Today, health regulations have tightened, but the nostalgia remains.

11. The Teen Night at the YMCA

A weird mix of awkward flirting, dodgeball, and the Bee Gees, YMCA teen nights were a freedom-filled escape. Costing only $1, they were the best deal in town, offering a space where social hierarchies melted away.

I remember the buzz of excitement, the chance to be someone else for a night. These gatherings are now relics of the past, replaced by more structured activities.

Fun fact: The YMCA has been hosting youth programs since the 19th century, but the ’70s disco nights hold a special place in history. They were the ultimate in affordable entertainment.

12. Video Rental Stores

Okay, these peaked in the ’80s and ’90s, but even in the late ’70s, you could find a hole-in-the-wall shop renting Beta tapes. Video rental stores were a precursor to the movie-streaming services we rely on today.

I recall the thrill of picking a movie, a decision that felt monumental. Blockbuster may have taken over, but the intimate charm of a mom-and-pop rental shop is unmatched.

Did you know? The first video rental store opened in 1977 in Los Angeles, paving the way for a home entertainment revolution. These stores were the ultimate escape into cinematic adventures.

13. The Diner That Never Closed

Midnight fries and bottomless coffee while classic rock played from a tabletop jukebox—diners that never closed were a sanctuary for night owls. They were the perfect spot for late-night soul searching or just a post-movie snack.

I cherish memories of those late-night chats, the world quiet except for the clinking of diner plates. Today, such places are rare, replaced by 24-hour chains lacking that personal touch.

Fun fact: The 24-hour diner became popular post-WWII, serving shift workers and travelers. Sadly, the charm of a classic diner is hard to find in today’s fast-paced world.

14. The Local Bookmobile

A truck full of paperbacks that came to you, the local bookmobile was a literary delight on wheels. Its arrival meant new adventures and stories, right at your doorstep.

I can still remember the thrill of stepping inside, the smell of books mingling with anticipation. Kindles may be convenient, but the bookmobile had soul.

Did you know? Bookmobiles started in the early 20th century to bring literature to rural areas. Their charm was in their mobility, offering surprises with each visit.

15. Record Huts in Department Stores

Kmart, Sears, Montgomery Ward—each had their own little corner of vinyl and headphones dangling from a plastic arm. Record huts in department stores were unexpected havens of sound.

I relished the chance to sneak away and browse, discovering albums while my parents shopped. They’re gone now, but those small corners rocked my world.

Did you know? Department store record sections were instrumental in bringing music to the masses, making them an essential part of shopping trips in the ’70s.

16. The Front Porch (Yes, Really)

Back before central AC and 300 channels, the front porch was the social media of its day. We sat outside, conversing with neighbors and sipping lemonade.

I fondly remember evenings spent watching the world go by, each conversation a thread in the tapestry of daily life. Now, everyone’s inside, bingeing and scrolling.

Interesting insight: The American front porch has been a cultural symbol of community since the 19th century, embodying the spirit of togetherness that’s hard to replicate today.