Full guide to Drive-in theaters in the U.S.: Locations and details

Drive-in theaters offer a nostalgic yet modern movie experience.

From having a projection booth, and concession stand to ample parking, these theaters are there from the early 20th century.

In 1915, Theater de Guadalupe, the first known drive-in, was established in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Drive-in theaters got popular in the 1930s and the first patented drive-in opened in 1933 in Camden, New Jersey, Richard Hollingshead. Sound was originally transmitted through screen speakers in drive-in theaters. However, in-car speakers and FM radio transmission followed.

Over 4,000 drive-in theaters existed in the U.S. by 1958, during its peak popularity. Families liked the informal atmosphere and lower costs of building and maintaining them than indoor cinemas.

Bottle warmers, diaper vending machines, and mini-golf courses were available at drive-ins. They were also known as "passion pits." The 2000s saw a decline due to economic issues and digital conversion costs. In 2013, drive-ins comprised 1.5% of movie screens in the United States, and by 2018, there were fewer than 300 locations worldwide.

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Drive-In Theaters in the U.S.: A list for the moviegoers

Drive-in theaters are undoubtedly nostalgic and modern. This guide will show you the best places to watch a movie under the stars, from historic to modern.

1) South Bay Drive-In Theatre, San Diego

Open since 1958, it offers a double feature daily on three screens and hosts an outdoor swap meet weekly.

2) Santee Drive-In Movie Theatre, Santee

Features two screens, it shows digital format movies every night of the week.

3) Paramount Drive-In Theatres, Paramount

Located near the junction of I-710 and I-105, it has two 75-foot screens and offers venue rentals for private screenings.

4) Electric Dusk Drive-In, Glendale

This offers showings of vintage blockbusters with a spectacular view of the Los Angeles skyline.

5) Vineland Drive-In, City of Industry

Hailed as one of the best drive-ins in the Los Angeles area, this theater opens nightly with four screens.

6) Van Buren Drive-In Theatre, Riverside

This drive-in theater features FM radio transmitters and a state-of-the-art digital projection system on three screens, and doubles as a daytime swap meet.

7) Rubidoux Drive-In Theater, Riverside

It retains its original 1948 screen tower, transformed into a modern outdoor theater with three screens.

8) Mission Tiki Drive-In Theater, Montclair

This drive-in theater offers double features with tiki hut-style ticket booths and concession stands, and a Maui statue garden.

9) Skyline Drive-In Theater, Barstow

It features four screens, screening new releases and older films as double features.

10) West Wind Santa Barbara Drive-In, Goleta

This theater offers the latest releases on six screens, with a play structure near the snack bar.

11) Sunset Drive-In, San Luis Obispo

Open seven days a week with two showtimes per evening, it provides a true outdoor movie-viewing experience.

12) Madera 2 Drive-In, Madera

It's open Wednesday through Sunday from May through September and billed as the oldest drive-in still operating in California.

13) West Wind Capitol Drive-In, San Jose

This San Jose theater has new releases on six screens, following a variety of movie genres.

14) West Wind Solano Drive-In, Concord

This drive-in theater offers first-run movies with digital projection and FM radio audio on two screens, with family fun nights on Tuesdays.

15) West Wind Sacramento Drive-In, Sacramento

Recently reopened after a fire, it includes six screens, a snack bar, play area, and arcade.

16) 66 Drive-In, Carthage, Missouri

Located on U.S. Route 66, this historic 66 Drive-In opened in 1949.

17) 88 Drive-In Theatre, Commerce City, Colorado

This is the only original drive-in still open in the Denver area since 1972.

18) Holiday Twin Drive-In, Fort Collins, Colorado

This theater shows both classic and modern movies, with a pet-friendly policy.

19) Silver Moon Drive-In, Lakeland, Florida

Operating since 1948, this historic drive-in has two screens.

20) Ocala Drive-In, Ocala, Florida

A longstanding drive-in theater it is perfect for family outings.

21) Starlight Drive-In Theatre, Atlanta, Georgia

Operating since 1949, it's known for its robust audio systems and family-friendly environment.

22) Swan Drive-In, Blue Ridge, Georgia

This drive-in theater is known for its scenic location and family-oriented policies.

23) Parma Motor-Vu, Parma, Idaho

It's a historic drive-in offering a classic movie experience.

24) Spud Drive-In Theater, Driggs, Idaho

Famous for its giant potato landmark, the drive-in is a quirky and fun destination for movie lovers.

25) Georgetown Drive-In, Georgetown, Indiana

Opened in 1951, Georgetown Drive-In theater features a mix of classic and new films.

26) Tibbs Drive-In, Indianapolis, Indiana

Family-owned and operated since 1967, Tibbs Drive-In is the last drive-in in Indianapolis.

27) Finger Lakes Drive-In, Auburn, New York

It's counted among the oldest New York drive-in theaters, offering a vintage charm.

28) Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In, Austin, Texas

Unique for its small capacity, it provides an intimate movie experience.

29) Boulevard Drive-In, Kansas

This drive-in theater is known for being the first to install digital sound and 4K resolution digital projection.

30) Knox Drive-In, Barbourville, Kentucky

Located in Barbourville City Park, it offers a unique drive-in experience as it allows pets. It is a family-friendly drive-in and allows people to watch movies from their vehicle.

31) Hilltop Drive-Inn, Gregory, South Dakota

The Hilltop Drive-Inn, one of the few outdoor theaters left in South Dakota, opened in 1946 and holds 240 cars. It offers sound through car radios and speakers, with a season running from May to October.

These U.S. drive-in theaters combine nostalgia and modern amenities. You can watch movies under the stars in charming, family-friendly venues.