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Pull Up to the Best Vintage Drive-In Theaters
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items I just love drive-in theaters (particularly one that have operated for decades)! Back in the mid-20th century, drive-in theaters (in an effort to compete with television) became a massively popular (and economical) way to watch first-run movies, with...
Map
Sections
4
Out East
Down South
In the Midwest
Out West
Out East
New York and Pennsylvania are two states with the most drive-in theaters in the country, so it's no surprise that there are so many drive-ins to choose from on the East Coast, many continually operating since the 1950s.
Dating back to 1934, this year-round spot is the oldest operating drive-in theater in the world and the second-ever drive-in theater ever built, which is crazy to think about! It shows first-run double-bill features on a single screen and operates an...
Shankweiler's Drive-In (Orefield, PA)
This longstanding cult drive-in, which dates back to 1949, is especially beloved by the tristate area film community for its seasonal 35mm repertory film program—projected on a CinemaScope screen via an original Simplex projector—and a concession sta...
The Mahoning Drive-In (Lehighton, PA)
Cape Cod’s sole, circa 1954 drive-in theater, which exhibits double features during the summer season, is part of a larger entertainment complex that offers several onsite activities—which was a popular configuration back in the drive-in heyday—like ...
Wellfleet Cinemas (Wellfleet, MA)
Located creekside outside of Balitmore, this drive-in theater from 1956 shows several matinees on a single, 52 feet high by 120 feet wide screen, which they claim to be the biggest in the country—meaning films shot in widescreen formats (which is tru...
Bengies Drive-In (Middle River, MD)
Back in the heyday of drive-in theaters, it was not uncommon for lots to sit adjacent to motor lodges, providing visitors with a unique lodging experience. Today, only three of these kinds of spaces remain, which makes this circa-1950 drive-in / mote...
Fairlee Motel & Drive-in (Fairlee, VT)
First opened in 1946 as Route 45 Drive-In, this historic Lehigh Valley drive-in theater was the brainchild of William D. Beck, nicknamed “Becky,” hence the new tag for this lot after the state changed the name of the highway it was located on in 1971...
Becky's Drive-In (Walnutport, PA)
New Jersey's only drive-in, located an hour outside of Philly and Atlantic City, this beloved, two-screen theater shows first-run features and boasts an impressive concession menu with gluten-free options, making it a bit unusual. The original Delsea...
Delsea Drive-In (Vineland, NJ)
Continually operated by several generations of the same family since 1957, this Buffalo-area, popular drive-in shows first run movies across multiple screens in a complex that includes mini-golf and a snack bar with pizza (and “apple pie logs”).
Transit Drive-In (Lockport, NY)
This circa 1948 drive-in is neat, because it sits next door to a longstanding Hollywood-themed motel (with an Elvis Presley Suite), the Starlight Inn, which lets its guests enter the drive-in (open April-October) for free. It also features an onsite ...
Sunset Drive-In (Colchester, VT)
Down South
The South is prime Car Country, so it's no surprise that the drive-in theater format is still (somehow) alive down South.
Dating back to 1950, when it opened as the “Lee Drive-In,” this nonprofit, community-owned drive-in theater exhibits first-run movies on a double feature bill from the spring-fall season, in addition to hosting local events like concerts. One cool to...
Hull's Drive In (Lexington, VA)
This South Carolina drive-in, which first opened in 1945, has fallen through a lot of different hands over the years, opening and closing as the drive-in theater phenomenon waxed and waned. Its latest owners came from the restaurant industry, meaning...
25 Drive-In (Greenwood, SC)
Called “The Big Mo” by locals, this too-cute retro-style drive-in, which includes a children's playground, originally opened as “Monetta Drive-In Theater” in 1951. After closing for a period of time, it reopened in 1999, expanding to three screens. I...
The Big Mo (Monetta, SC)
Located outside Fort Worth off the Brazos River, this historic, popular drive-in dates back to 1952 and shows first-run, double-bill features on a single screen. The film's onsite concession stand includes frito pie, a Tex-Mex staple.
Brazos Drive-In (Granbury, TX)
Family-owned and operated since 1956, this drive-in shows first-run movies on the weekends summer-fall and is particularly beloved for its concession stand, which slings (local favorite) funnel cakes.
The Bourbon Drive-In (Paris, KY)
One of the few remaining drive-in theaters in North Carolina, this super-cute drive-in, established in 1949, features two screens and shows second-run features at discounted prices.
Eden Drive-In (Eden, NC)
In the Midwest
I love that the Midwest still has so many drive-in theaters, because they all seem to sell the best midwestern grub at the concession stand, like cheese curds, bratwursts, and polish sausage (!)
Indiana's only remaining drive-in, this circa 1956 drive-in theater has had little renovations since its original incarnation, showing first-run double-features in a space that includes a concession stand with a “diner” menu that includes polish saus...
49'er Drive-in (Valparaiso, IN)
Located off Route 66, this historic drive-in theater, which shows a single double feature of first-run movies on it single screen, first opened in 1949, meaning it predates local television. Despite closing for several years, it reopened in 1998 with...
66 Drive-In (Carthage, MO)
Dating back to 1949, this first-run drive-in theater is also a community hub, hosting live events in addition to weekend film screenings. Sadly, the theater's original projection booth and concession stand, while still standing, are no longer “bloome...
Skyview Drive-In (Belleville, IL)
Open April-October, this longstanding, two-screen Central Illinois drive-in plans to celebrate its 71st season this year, dating back to 1954 (it reopened in 1986 after shuttering for many years in the 70s, an echo of nationwide trends). In addition ...
Harvest Moon Drive-In (Gibson City, IL)
Dating back to 1952, this historic drive-in shows first-run double-features on a single screen with an adjacent indoor theater and a concession stand with an extensive, tasty-looking menu (including cheese curds)!
Starlite 14 Drive-In (Richland Center, WI)
This first-run, double-feature theater dates back to 1948 and, unlike a lot of contemporary theaters, gives drivers the option to use portable car speakers in addition to the radio-based stereo system most drive-ins use today. A sizeable concession m...
Skyview Drive-In (Lancaster, OH)
Out West
The temperate climate out west makes it ideal for outdoor movie theaters, with several drive-ins managing to operate year-round.
One of the coolest movie-going experiences I've personally ever sat through, this valley drive-in, which first opened in 1967, is nestled in the mountains of Buena Vista, a drop-dead gorgeous backdrop for first run features in the summer months. We w...
Comanche Drive-in (Buena Vista, CO)
This continuously San Diego drive-in dates back to 1958 and has gone a series of renovations in the years since, showing first-run double-features. Located inland from San Diego Bay, the theater is a popular space for its sea air smell, concession st...
South Bay Drive-In (San Diego, CA)
One of the few remaining drive-in theaters in California, this longstanding first-run, two-screen theater operates year round and dates back to 1950. In addition to an onsite concession stand and a massive, 600-car lot, the space hosts a weekly swap ...
Sunset Drive-In (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Purporting to be Colorado’s oldest family-owned and operated drive-in theatre, this circa 1950 drive-in operates seasonally as a first-run theater, showing double-features on a single screen, and was designated a historical landmark by the community ...
Star Drive-in (Montrose, CO)
Dating back to 1948, this historic drive-in sits in something of a self-contained complex, with a retro-style concession stand (complete with checkered floors) and a regular onsite swap meet. Its notable for its original Art Deco screening tower, sti...
Rubidoux Drive-In (Riverside, CA)
This new-concept drive “inn” theater, so-named because it also offers onsite lodging (a popular mid-century configuration that's incredibly rare today) gives visitors to San Luis Valley the chance to sleep in yurts or steelmaster sheds while taking i...
Frontier Drive-Inn (Center, CO)