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Even Hollywood’s biggest names need some time to relax in the sun when summer rolls around. Vintage beauties like Liz Taylor, Grace Kelly, and Sophia Loren were no strangers to hitting the beach, and were often snapped lounging in the sand or cooling off in the water. Whether they were filming a movie poolside or vacationing on a private island, these stars knew how to keep busy in the warmer months—and these photos are proof.
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Twiggy
While on a 1973 modeling assignment, the star relaxes on the shores of Nassau, Bahamas.
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Grace Kelly
The actress-turned-royal snaps a photo at a 1972 swimming competition in Palm Beach, Monte Carlo.
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Diana, Princess of Wales
Lady Di looks gorgeous in a leopard swimsuit and cover-up during a vacation on Richard Branson’s Necker Island in 1990.
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Farrah Fawcett
The Charlie’s Angels actress looks stoic on the beach while filming a 1978 episode.
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Joan Crawford
Standing on a diving board, the Old Hollywood actress looks ready to dive into the pool in 1930.
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Ali MacGraw
The Love Story actress takes in some sun next to a row of colorful flowers in 1983.
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Sophia Loren
In 1957’s Boy on a Dolphin, the actress rides the waves aboard a boat.
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Elizabeth Taylor
Rocking a polka dot swimsuit, Taylor looks stunning during a 1956 photoshoot in Malibu, California.
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Brigitte Bardot
The blonde beauty checks her reflection in a mirror, while filming in Lake Geneva in 1961.
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Francoise Hardy
Dressed in jean shorts and a T-shirt, the French singer looks effortlessly cool during a photoshoot in 1966.
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Joan Crawford and Douglas Fairbanks
The newlywed couple try to find some shade at Catalina Beach with their dog in 1929.
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Sophia Loren
Holding an adorable basset hound, Loren takes in the view of Cannes, France in 1955.
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Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal
Costars MacGraw and O’Neal film on the beach for 1970’s Love Story.
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Marilyn Monroe
Monroe goofs around on the beach, while filming for a project in Los Angeles, California in 1950.
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Audrey Hepburn
In 1955, the actress aves a scarf in the breeze while wearing a pair of her iconic capri pants.
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Jacqueline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy
The future President and First Lady have fun on their sailboat in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts in 1955.
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Ava Gardner
In 1940—one year before signing with MGM Studios—Gardner takes a dip in the water.
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Sophia Loren
The actress playfully jumps on the shores of Greece, while filming 1956’s Boy on a Dolphin.
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Jacqueline Kennedy and John F. Kennedy
The Kennedys enjoy a game of tennis in 1955 at their Hyannis Port, Massachusetts home.
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Elizabeth Taylor
Taylor waves to onlookers, while riding a horse on the beach in 1949.
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Julie Christie
The British actress poses by the River Thames in 1963.
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Sophia Loren
In a promo shoot for 1955’s The Miller’s Beautiful Wife, Loren poses barefoot on a rock.
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Audrey Hepburn
The actress smiles aboard a sailboat while on set of 1954’s Sabrina Fair.
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Joan Crawford
Crawford plays with her ankle bracelet, while relaxing in the sun circa 1930.
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Brigitte Bardot
The actress takes in the sights, while vacationing in St. Tropez, France in 1968.
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Sophia Loren and Cary Grant
While filming a movie in 1957, the costars take advantage of the nice weather in Lafayette Park, across the street from the White House.
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Brigitte Bardot
Bardot made fashion history in 1958 by wearing this bikini in The Girl in the Bikini.
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Elizabeth Taylor
The starlet poses near the water for 1959’s Suddenly, Last Summer.
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Diana, Princess of Wales
Princess Diana embarks on a boat ride in St. Tropez, France in 1997.
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Grace Kelly
Kelly looks graceful aboard a boat on the Magdalena River. She was filming 1954’s Green Fire.
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Associate Editor
Victoria Hoff is the associate editor at ELLE.com, covering everything from fashion to beauty to wellness.
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