California Drive-in Theaters

The Solano 2 Drive-in Theater located in Concord, California. West Wind opened its first drive-in back in 1952, and now owns and operates the largest chain of drive-in theaters in the world, four of which are in the state of California. The outdoor theater has a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere with an old-school drive-in kind of vibe. This is combined with the latest in movie theater technology. The drive-in shows current releases at the very same time that indoor theaters are showing them. The theater even does midnight showings of major movie releases, as well as early openings.

1611 Solano Way, Concord, CA 94520, Phone: 925-825-1951

The South Bay Drive-in theater first opened in 1958, quickly becoming a popular destination for families with children in the San Diego area, as well as young adults wanting an easy date night beneath the stars. By introducing very bright digital projectors, the drive-in movie theater is able to screen first-run current releases at a quality similar to indoor movie theaters. The South Bay offers a great experience for quality family time, as well as an affordable night out for people of all ages. The drive-in is open every day of the week, open 362 days out of the year.

2170 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154, Phone: 619-423-2727

The Vineland Drive-in theater, located in the City of Industry, is open seven days each week, including holidays, no matter what the weather may be. The outdoor movie theater accepts both cash and credit cards, and tickets are slightly cheaper Sunday through Thursday. Since it originally opened in 1950, the theater has upgraded to using FM radio for audio and digital projection. The four-screen drive-in can accommodate up to 1,700 cars and features a snack bar with a variety of treats available. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, the first film is typically shown again after the second film of the double feature.

443 N Vineland Ave, City of Industry, CA 91746, Phone: 626-961-9262

The Lakeport Auto Movie Theater is a basic classic drive-in movie theater that shows double features of mainstream films. The grounds also include a snack bar where guests can purchase a variety of movie treats and drinks, such as candy, popcorn, and soda. The Lakeport Auto is newer than several other drive-ins in California, having opened in the year 1974, and is open from May through September. The drive-in theater provides residents of the Lakeport community, as well as visitors, with a chance to enjoy the American tradition of experiencing movies in their own car. Audio is accessed through radio.

52 Soda Bay Rd, Lakeport, CA 95453, Phone: 707-263-5011

The Madera Drive-in theater is a cash-only outdoor movie theater that first opened back in the year 1948 under the name El Rio Drive-in. The drive-in theater features two large outdoor movie screens and is only about thirty minutes away from Fresno in Madera, California. Of all the remaining drive-in theaters in California, the Madera Drive-in is the oldest in the entire state. The outdoor theater is open on a seasonal basis every year, from the month of May through the month of September. Customers can watch two movies as a double feature for the price of one.

201 E Lincoln Ave, Madera, CA 93638, Phone: 559-673-5381

The Paramount Twin Drive-in movie theater features two large seventy-five-foot outdoor movie screens that are used to show first-run movies. The drive-in theater received some major renovations and improvements after being closed for twenty-two years. After this “intermission,” the Paramount started using sound through FM radio, Barco Digital projection, expanded the food menu served at its concession stand, and overall created a cleaner, safer, and friendlier environment at the bigger and brighter theater. Movies are shown at the Paramount Twin Drive-in no matter what the weather is like. Pets are not allowed on the property, unless they are service animals.

7770 Rosecrans Ave, Paramount, CA 90723, Phone: 562-630-7469

The Rubidoux Drive-in theater boasts a history that dates back to the year 1948. Since then, new sound systems and digital projection has been added to the outdoor movie theater. The bathrooms and the concession stand have also been renovated, yet much of the drive-in still possesses its original character, offering a more nostalgic setting in which customers can enjoy a movie or two. The Rubidoux features three large outdoor screens that used to show currently released movies in Riverside, California. The drive-in theater also sometimes has coupons on its website for snacks at the on-site concession stand.

3770 Opal St, Riverside, CA 92509, Phone: 951-683-4455