In today’s world where taking pictures is as easy as opening a phone, vintage photo booths give a reason to put phones down, squeeze into a tiny booth with friends or loved ones and strike a pose like it’s the ‘90s.

From digital cameras to thrifted fashion, Generation Z has embraced nostalgic trends and photo booths are making a comeback as a part of this revival, offering a different method of capturing memories. 

For Cal State Fullerton students looking for a fun activity, photo booths make a great memorable addition to any hang out. Here are five places in Fullerton and Orange County to visit for the best nostalgic photo booth experience.

1. New Here Coffee X The Vintage Photo Booths Pop-Up Collab in Fullerton

New Here Coffee is partnering with The Vintage Booths for a limited-time photo booth pop-up near CSUF. 

Just down the street from CSUF, the pop-up is located inside Hub Fullerton, a student apartment complex, making the location convenient for students who live nearby or are looking for a fun activity to do before or after class.

The New Here Coffee’s collaboration with The Vintage Booths is available from Sept. 21 through Sept. 27, giving students just one week to try the vintage-style booth.

The pop-up combines a coffee run with a photo booth experience that costs $5 for two photo strips, making it an affordable activity for students who want to do something fun without breaking the bank.

2. BOOTH BY BRYANT in Costa Mesa

Those who have spent any time scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, have a good chance at already having seen the BOOTH BY BRYANT photo booths. The photo booth was created by photographer and content creator, Bryant Eslava, whose vintage photo booth gained major traction on social media.

Located inside Camp Out at 2944 Randolph Ave. in Costa Mesa, the location has 19 photo booths, including vintage analog booths and digital booths.

BOOTH BY BRYANT is a walk-in experience that does not require a reservation and is open every day. Hours vary depending on the days, from noon to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday.

The vintage analog booths cost $5 per strip, while the digital booths cost $4 per strip and include a digital copy.

For students, BOOTH BY BRYANT is a great, affordable and trendy activity to do with friends, loved ones or anyone itching to have a photo booth experience.

3. PHOTOGRAM OC in Buena Park

For something a little different from the traditional enclosed booth, PHOTOGRAM OC offers a self-portrait studio experience at The Source in Buena Park.

Located on the first floor of The Source at 6940 Beach Blvd., Suite D129, PHOTOGRAM OC lets visitors take control of the camera and choose when to take their photos with a wireless button. 

PHOTOGRAM OC is open every day, but the hours vary depending on the days. The studio is open from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The self-photo studio has several different photo booth rooms with different setups, along with props that visitors can include in their pictures. 

The standard price is $5 for two small photo strips, with an additional $10 to upgrade to the XL size. However, prices can vary depending on the photo station and visitors can check with the studio for the latest prices.

4. Balboa Booth on Balboa Island

For a photo booth stop with a beach-day atmosphere, Balboa Booth is a hidden gem that sits outside Sundance Thrift Shop on Balboa Island in Newport Beach.

The booth is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 331 Marine Ave. For $6, visitors can walk in anytime, take three poses and receive two photo strips.

The booth also offers a deal for shoppers: Take a photo strip and get $5 off a $25 or more purchase at Sundance Thrift Shop. This promotion combines two fun activities of taking photos and shopping all in one place.

5. District Lounge in Orange

It’s unexpected to find a photo booth inside a dive bar, but that is exactly what makes District Lounge in Old Towne Orange so unique.

Located at 223 W Chapman Ave., District Lounge is a 21+ bar atmosphere with an active brunch and nightlife. Tucked inside is a digital print photo booth that gives visitors a way to capture a night out.

For $5, the booth offers six poses that can be printed together or split into two strips. 

District Lounge is open from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The late hours make the photo booth an additional bonus feature for visitors looking to document a hang out.

The booth offers an inexpensive way to capture memories while enjoying a drink with friends. Just be sure to bring cash, as the photo booth is cash only.