Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre
Photograph: Stephanie Breijo
Photograph: Stephanie Breijo

The best drive-in theater options in Southern California

There’s just nothing quite like a drive-in theater. Luckily for us, Southern California still has several in operation.

Michael Juliano
Written by: Stephanie Morino
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Looking for a fun date idea? Travel back to a time when going to a movie was a major Friday night activity and enough to land you a second date. We’re not talking about the local multiplex or a plush dine-in theater: We’re talking about drive-in theaters.

Yes, they still exist—as many of us were reminded were reminded of a few years ago. In fact, there are a number of drive-in theater options in Southern California that have never gone away and stayed true to those mid-century ways (including no options to buy tickets online, so make sure to show up early if you want a prime parking spot).

Skip a romantic restaurant and instead pack a picnic or stock up at the snack bar while you enjoy a (mostly first-run) flick at one of these classic drive-in theater locations. Enjoy your movie!

Looking for even more cinema options? Try one of the best movie theaters in L.A., or consider an alfresco evening at an outdoor screening.

The best drive-in theaters for movie-watching around L.A.

  • Movie theaters
  • Drive-in
  • Southeast Cities
  • price 1 of 4

If you’re looking for a classic drive-in movie theater experience, this is your spot. Paramount Drive-In first opened back in 1947 and operated as a drive-in theater until 1992, when it turned into a swap meet. But the area returned to its roots in recent years, opening with two new 75-foot screens and digital projection. There’s a full snack bar, but you can also bring in food and drink—though no alcoholic beverages are allowed. You’ll see some people watching from inside their cars while others bring chairs and watch from the bed of their truck—no matter your preference, it’s always a good time.

  • Movie theaters
  • Drive-in
  • Glendale
  • price 1 of 4

Somewhere between an outdoor screening and a drive-in movie, this seasonal series formerly hosted showings in the heart of Downtown but has since moved to Glendale. The schedule includes a mix of cult classics and recent favorites from the past decade—expect a steady stream over screenings over the summer and some more infrequent ones the rest of the year, typically clustered around holidays. It even has an option for an astroturf ticket, where you can sit on the grass sans car. As if this didn’t sound cool enough already, Electric Dusk is also pet-friendly, so bring your pups!

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  • Movie theaters
  • Drive-in
  • Inland Empire
  • price 1 of 4

Built in 1964 as a single-screen drive-in, this Riverside staple now boasts four screens. According to the theater’s website, the drive-in underwent a complete renovation in 2006 that included installing FM transmitters and a Technalight projection system. The drive-in features an old California, orange ranch theme which can be seen in the marquee, box offices, snack bar, landscaping and a mural of 1930s Riverside. Like many drive-in theaters, admission is for a double feature (unless billed otherwise), but you’re allowed to leave if you don’t want to stay for both films. Films include a variety of new releases.

  • Movie theaters
  • Drive-in
  • Inland Empire

Today, this drive-in in Riverside features multiple screens showing the biggest Hollywood films. It started life back in 1948 as a single-screener, and that original, Art Deco-inspired screen is still at the center of the theater today, though the petting zoo, minature railroad and other attractions that drew in the crowds in the early years have gone by the wayside. A full renovation in 2000 brought the theater up to modern movie-going standards and gave the place a bit of vintage Route 66 flair.

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  • Movie theaters
  • Drive-in
  • San Gabriel Valley
  • price 1 of 4

Temporarily—possibly permanently?—closed. We’ll let you know once we’ve been able to confirm its status.

This seasonal drive-in theater, which opened in 1952, shows a wide selection of new releases on multiple screens. Depending on the billing, your ticket might get you in for two movies, but you can’t switch screens—so plan accordingly if you’re there to watch more than one film. Open rain or shine (but typically closed for the winter), the drive-in broadcasts in FM Dolby Stereo sound, so a radio is needed. Don’t have one? You can rent one from the snack bar—yes, there’s a concession stand selling pizza, popcorn, soda and more.

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