The Best Drive-In Movie Theaters In The LA Area

If you’re in the mood for a nostalgic experience, bring your loved ones to a drive-in theater near you for a night of cuddling up under a blanket while watching a classic movie and eating some tasty snacks. Check out one of these classic venues in the Los Angeles area to enjoy the experience.

Electric Dusk Drive-In

Theater

If you’re looking for a truly premiere experience, head on over to Electric Dusk Drive-In. This theater is conveniently located in Downtown Los Angeles, easily accessible via the 10, 5, 101, or 110. Electric Dusk is known for screening classic flicks like Pulp Fiction, Dirty Dancing, Coming to America, Wayne’s World, and Grease, and you have the option to watch from your car or sit up close on the venue’s AstroTurf while enjoying a treat from the Snack Shack. What really sets this theater apart, though, is the gorgeous view it offers of the Downtown LA skyline.

Mission Tiki Drive-In

Theater

For a more classic American drive-in experience, check out Mission Tiki Drive-In. This theater has been around since 1956, when it opened with a single screen. Since then it has been renovated several times, expanding to include four screens as well as modern projection and sound systems. The renovations were also responsible for adding the tiki theme and 50s vibes. In addition to wholesome, family-friendly films, you can enjoy some classic American and Mexican food from the concession stand.

Vineland Drive-In

Theater

For an even more retro experience, make your way over to Vineland Drive-In in City of Industry. This theater is designed to make you feel like you’re in the 1950s, while still enjoying the most up-to-date visual and audio sound systems on a total of four screens. The movies are all the newest releases, and there is a snack bar and hot dog stand to boot. What makes this place exceptional is its value: you can explore multiple screens and enjoy two movies for the price of one. Standard tickets are $9 Sunday through Thursday, and $9.50 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Paramount Drive-In

Theater

If you can make it out to the city of Paramount, be sure to spend an evening at the Paramount Drive-In. Following a trend of drive-ins across the country closing, this theater underwent a closure for 22 years before recently reopening. Now, Paramount is back in full force, hosting two massive screens with updated sound and projection systems, all promising to be ‘bigger, brighter, and better than ever before’. The food menu has also been expanded, and the drive-in promises to be a safe, family-friendly place to visit.

Van Buren Drive-In

Theater

If you make your way out to Riverside, you can enjoy a night at the Van Buren Drive-In. This outdoor theater was built on the site of a former orange ranch, opening in 1964 with just one screen. Since then the theater has expanded, now boasting four screens as well as top of the line audio and visual systems. The renovations also created a new theme called ‘Old California, Orange Ranch’, embodying the local culture and the site’s history to charming effect. Movie tickets are $9, or $1 for children aged five through nine.

Rubidoux Drive-In

Theater

Another great option in the Riverside area is the Rubidoux Drive-In. This place has been around even longer than Van Buren, originating in 1948. It offers bucket loads of historic charm, despite the fact that it has been renovated with updated sound and projection systems since the turn of the century. There are three screens, in addition to recently upgraded bathrooms and a snack bar. As a bonus, check out the theater website to snag some discount coupons for the snack bar.

About the author

Courtney Holcomb

Editor of The Culture Trip's San Francisco section, Courtney is a writer, manager, yoga instructor, feminist, and arts enthusiast. Attempting to fill her days with as much creativity and humanity as possible, she loves to explore the unique spaces and cultural happenings taking place around her, taking inspiration from them to fill these pages with topics like travel, art, literature, music, wellness, and nature along the way.