The drive-in theater is a piece of Americana that feels out of place in a world of streaming and smartphones. Paper bags of popcorn and scanning the FM airwaves to find your movie’s audio is undeniably quaint—but sitting in your car, separate from other moviegoers, became one of the safest ways to entertain yourself during COVID-19. Even as restrictions have been lifted in many parts of the country, the pull drive-ins had over the last year remains, if not for safety reasons, than for nostalgic ones. The experience has gotten better, too, with many theaters going digital for their video and their audio, and even those butter-soaked bags of popcorn getting some upgrades here and there. Even if you feel ready to watch your movies in an air conditioned theater this summer, you should still make for a double feature at one of these drive-in theaters near cities all over the U.S.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Paramount drive-in Theatre – Paramount, CA

In a part of America known for its posh movie theaters full of craft beer and house-made caramel corn at the concession stand, the Paramount is a bit of renovated, but retro, fun. Movies are first-run showing as double features on two screens nightly. (About 20 minute drive from Los Angeles)

Showboat Drive – Hockley, TX

The drive-in theater is not simply a kitschy throwback. The two-screen Showboat only opened in 2006 and shows a mix of classic and new movies (look for Cruella in 2021). Waiting for the sun to set across the wide open Texas sky and the opening credits to roll is what summer is all about. (About 45 minute drive from Houston)

Saco Drive-In – Saco, ME

Just outside of Portland, Maine and a short three miles from the airbrushed t-shirts of the Old Orchard Beach pier, the Saco Drive-In shows a single film a weekend—a mix of first run and classics, like Back to the Future. They’ve been doing it successfully since 1939, so they’re definitely doing something right on those warm New England nights. (About 20 minute drive from Portland, ME)

Coyote Hill drive-in – Ft. Worth, TX

The Coyote pulls double duty as a drive-in movie theater and outdoor concert venue. For movie goers, there are four screens running double features, and a snack and drink menu that doesn’t resemble the Raisinets and butter-soaked popcorn of most drive-ins. There are two dozen beers, half a dozen wines, and, because this is Texas after all, Frito pie. (About 45 minute drive from Dallas)

99W Drive-In – Newberg, OR

The popular 99W drive-in just outside of Portland has been family-owned since the ‘50s. Weekend shows can regularly sell out, so plan ahead to grab a spot. Also make sure you swing by the nearby Burgerville for a marionberry milkshake and Walla Walla onion rings—the 99W is one of the rare drive-ins that still lets you bring in outside food. (About 30 minute drive from Portland, OR)

Skyway Drive – Fish Creek, WI

An absolute classic Midwest experience, the Skyway near the northern tip of Wisconsin’s favorite summer getaway, Door County, screens everything from blockbuster classics (E.T.) to horror movies (It) in double features every night of the week during June, July, and August. Combine that with another Wisconsin classic, Tombstone pizza, along with some chilled Door County cherry juice and you’ve got yourself an evening. (About 3 hour drive from Milwaukee)

Starlight 6 – Atlanta, GA

Atlanta’s only drive-in theater has six screens running seven nights a week. You’ll find a mix of first-run action and horror, but it’s a great place for a family outing. Lots of kid-friendly features and anyone five to nine-years-old gets in for just $1. (About 15 minute drive from downtown Atlanta)

Warwick Drive-In – Warwick, NY

Rolling farmland serves as the backdrop for this family-owned, three-screen theater that feels like a drive-in classic (it’s been around since 1950), but runs double features of new movies all summer. Grab a pizza roll and some Jujyfruits, turn on the FM radio, and settle in. (About 90 minute drive from New York City)

McHenry Outdoor Theater – McHenry, IL

Chicagoland’s last remaining drive-in is a single-screen theater, just like it was in 1951. Come for double features that are a mix of classics and cult classics, like Uncle Buck, Jaws, or Tommy Boy. (About 1 hour drive from downtown Chicago)

Swap Shop – Ft. Lauderdale, FL

The self-proclaimed world’s largest drive-in has 14 screens—more than most indoor theaters. But that barely begins to describe what’s here. There’s a car museum full of Ferraris, Porsches, and McLarens because … you have to do something if you show up before it’s dark enough for show time. There’s also a flea market and arcade. You could spend a full day here and barely notice the time go by. (About 30 minute drive from Miami)

Shankweiler’s – Orefield, PA

The oldest drive-in theater in the United States, opened in 1934, is a little more than an hour’s drive from Philadelphia. While there’s still a throwback feel from the Shankweiler’s marquee as you arrive, the movie-going experience is definitely not your grandparent’s evening at the drive-in anymore. As of 2013 the projection system is all HD digital. (About 75 minute drive from Philadelphia)

Rustic Tri-View – North Smithfield, RI

The last drive-in left in Rhode Island (perhaps not surprising for the smallest state in the union) has three screens showing first run movies all summer long. How Rhode Island is this theater? It may be the only one in the country that serves clam cakes at its snack bar. (About 1 hour 20 minute drive from Boston, about 20 minute drive from Providence)

Las Vegas Drive-In – Las Vegas, NV

This one’s not a nostalgic throwback. Westwind, which has operated drive-ins since the ‘50s has embarked on a project of updating a number of theaters around the country for the 21st century. They have put up some of the largest movie screens anywhere with films coming through high-end digital projectors. They have seven locations throughout the western U.S, but perhaps nowhere is more appropriate for a supersized drive-in than Vegas, where everything is bigger just because it can be. (About 15 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip)

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