Life was sure different in Southern California back in the 1930s. These photos capture the simplicity of everyday life during a time when the world moved at a much slower pace. As you look at these pictures you will notice just how much has changed over the past 80+ years – it’s absolutely mind blowing. If you enjoy taking a step back in time, you might also like seeing photos of SoCal from 100 years ago. Enjoy the picture show!

1. Surrounded by doves at Mission San Juan Capistrano.
flickr/Orange County Archives
2. Training for the USC Men's relay in 1934 at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
flickr/The Happy Rower
3. A migrant farm family making their way through Southern California.
Wikimedia Commons
4. Jayne Wyman, a major celebrity in her day, hanging out on a SoCal beach.
wikimedia commons
5. Hanging out on the Huntington Beach Pier doing some fishing.
flickr/Orange County Archives
6. Just another day in SoCal surrounded by citrus trees and boxes of oranges for 50 cents.
flickr/Boston Public Library

Related Stories

6 Places From The Past That You Wish Would Come Back To Southern California

6 Places From The Past That You Wish Would Come Back To Southern California

 Southern California Schools In The Early 1900s May Shock You. They're So Different.

Southern California Schools In The Early 1900s May Shock You. They're So Different.

 8 Retro Places In Southern California That Will Take You Back In Time

8 Retro Places In Southern California That Will Take You Back In Time
7. Before it was Knott's Berry Farm, it was known as Knott's Berry Place.
flickr/Orange County Archives
8. Hard at work at the Ford assembly line in Long Beach.
Wikimedia Commons
9. Taking a scenic drive through Brea Canyon.
flickr/Orange County Archives
10. Young kids spending time at the library in San Clemente.
flickr/Orange County Archives
11. Officials doing a little scouting at the site where Dana Point would eventually be developed.
flickr/Orange County Archives
12. Local folks hanging out at the beach under umbrellas and doing a little shopping at the Newport Pier fish market.
flickr/Orange County Archives

Isn’t it fascinating to see these vintage photos of how life used to be in SoCal in the 30s? It makes me long for a simpler time, but also makes me appreciate all of our modern conveniences. If you enjoy seeing these historic photos of Southern California, please let us know on our Facebook page.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore Southern California