Southern California c1950s Santa Fe Railway Travel Poster

Capture the carefree glamour of mid-century American travel with this striking c.1950s Southern California Santa Fe Railway travel poster. Radiating sunshine, style, and a distinctly modern edge, the artwork features a bold, stylised figure in sunglasses and swimwear patterned with the iconic Santa Fe cross logo—an unmistakable nod to the railway’s celebrated branding. The vibrant yellow backdrop and exaggerated pose embody the exuberance and optimism of post-war California, enticing travellers to experience its beaches, leisure, and year-round warmth.

The Santa Fe Railway (officially the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway) was one of the most influential railroads in American history. Renowned for its superb passenger service and imaginative marketing, Santa Fe helped define the visual language of 20th-century travel advertising. Its posters often highlighted aspirational destinations across the American West, and its distinctive shield emblem became a hallmark of reliability, innovation, and adventure. During the 1950s, Santa Fe’s promotional campaigns embraced bold colour, playful design, and a modern aesthetic to appeal to a new generation of leisure travellers.

This poster is a superb example of that era’s graphic brilliance—lively, eye-catching, and instantly engaging. A perfect choice for collectors of railway memorabilia, mid-century design, or Californian cultural history, it brings a joyful burst of West Coast sunshine to any interior.

This vintage travel poster is sized 18 x 24 inches. It will be sent rolled (unframed). 

• Year: c1950s
  
• Poster Type: American Travel Poster
  
• Style:
  
• Art By: -
  
• Rolled/Folded/Other: Rolled
  
• Condition: Near Mint/Mint
  
• Condition Details: Just paper darkened with age very slightly, really amazing condition.