The best drive-in theater options in Southern California

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.

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.

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!

This mid-century South Bay swap meet hasn’t consistently screened movies since the ‘80s, but the drive-in experience comes alive on most Friday nights with some old favorites.

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, but you’re allowed to leave if you don’t want to stay for both films. Films include a variety of new releases.

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.