Southern California is a great place to enjoy a night out at the movies, and drive-in theaters are a great way to do it. Whether you're looking for a fun family outing or a romantic date night, there are plenty of drive-in theaters in the area that offer double features and more. From the South Bay Drive-In Theater in San Diego to the Mission Tiki Drive-In in Montclair, there are plenty of options for moviegoers in Southern California. The South Bay Drive-In Theater has been operating in San Diego since 1958 and offers a double feature every day on each of its three screens.
It's open rain or shine (but normally closed during the winter) and emits Dolby Stereo FM sound, so you'll need a radio to hear the movie. The theater also has a food stand that sells pizza, popcorn, soft drinks and more. The Rubidoux Drive-In is the last of the classic drive-in theaters left in Southern California. It opened its doors in 1952 and has been renovated to modern movie-going standards, giving it a vintage Route 66 feel.
It's quite an experience watching a movie on its 52-foot-long inflatable screen with surround sound. The Mission Tiki Drive-In is another popular option for moviegoers in Southern California. This tiki-themed theater has lockers that look like tiki huts and Easter Island-type garden statues. It's equipped with the latest technology available for outdoor movie theaters, such as a large digital screen and an FM sound transmitter.
The Vineland Drive-In is an icon of Southern California, having opened in 1955 with James Mason on 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. It expanded to become a 4-room theater in 1981 and is still going strong today. The Costa Mesa camp hosts live concerts with lots of local and regional talent in the spotlight every week. Guests are asked to stay in their cars throughout the concert and for the audio to arrive via FM radio.
Masks are required if guests leave their vehicles and social distancing must be observed in the cafeteria. With the closure of theaters and concerts due to the continued spread of COVID-19, there has been a resurgence of car entertainment in Southern California. Locals have gotten creative with their programming to present movies, live concerts and even transvestite shows in a safe and socially distanced way. So if you're looking for a fun night out at the movies, there are plenty of drive-in theaters in Southern California that offer double features and more. From classic drive-ins to modern outdoor movie theaters, there's something for everyone.
