Retro Drive-In Movie Theaters Across America

If you've ever had the pleasure of watching a movie at a drive-in, then you already know that there's no other moviegoing experience quite like it. Drive-in theaters have been experiencing a resurgence in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic as they allow movie-goers to maintain social distance from others while still having a night out. If you're looking to visit a drive-in, here are some of the best across the country where you can still cruise on up and watch a movie from the comfort of your own car.

Open since 1953, the 99W Drive-In is a single-screen theater just outside Portland, Oregon, that hasn't changed much in its more than 60-year history. It even still screens vintage drive-in ads before features. The theater has both new releases and special screenings of classics, such as "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

Film-lover William D. Beck founded a drive-in theater in Pennsylvania in 1946, and his children continue to run the business to this day. Patrons of this seasonal, pet-friendly two-screen theater can enjoy its mom-and-pop charm along with films old and new.

Washington residents looking for a social distancing date night idea should head to the drive-in. Oak Harbor's Blue Fox Drive-In has a go-kart track, arcade and extensive snack bar with a menu including pizza, cheesesteaks, more than 100 kinds of candy and plenty of gluten-free options. The theater also sells its own custom 64-ounce or 100-ounce "Really Big Mugs" of soda. They also show vintage cartoon shorts before the movies start.

Capri Drive-In is a twin-screen drive-in that opened in 1964. Back then, they charged just $1 for admission. Today, the theater is open seven nights a week from March until late October. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for kids age 5 to 11, while children under 5 are free. Make sure to arrive early for screenings — the line can reach half a mile long during the busy summer months.

Coyote Drive-In is newer but it captures the spirit of drive-ins of yore. Opened in 2013, the theater has four screens, and the Fort Worth skyline peeks through behind them. There's a concession stand and a bar, and guests can order treats to be delivered directly to their car.

The Ford-Wyoming Theater in Dearborn, Michigan, outside the underrated city of Detroit, was once the largest drive-in in the country, with nine screens and a capacity of 3,000 cars. Today, the theater has five screens showing nightly double features seven days a week year-round. During the chilly Midwestern winter months, in-car heaters are available to keep you toasty while your battery is off.

The Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In in Gibson City, Illinois, first opened in 1954 and operated for about 30 years before it closed down and later reopened in 1989. It screens first-run features during the summertime. Children under 4 are admitted free, pets are welcome and outside food and drink is permitted for a fee.

After Hawaii became a state in 1959, the mainland became obsessed with all things Polynesian, from home decor to tiki bars to Elvis' "Blue Hawaii." This retro Hawaiian aesthetic is what gives Mission Tiki Drive-In Theater in Montclair, California, its charm. It opened in 1956 and fell into disrepair before getting a second life through a 2006 remodel. The theater shows new movies seven days a week on four screens.

A newer addition to the drive-in scene, Sauerbeck Family Drive-In opened in 2018 and operates seasonally from April through October. The theater shows double features of first-run blockbusters as well as concerts and even live comedy performances. Concessions may be ordered online and in advance or you can pay a fee to bring in your favorite retro snacks.

The Spud Drive-In outside Driggs, Idaho, pays tribute to Idaho's most iconic food and its potato-farming surroundings through its name and its appearance. The theater's entrance sign is an old Chevrolet truck with a giant potato in the bed. Movies are projected on a rustic-looking screen with majestic mountains as a backdrop.

One of the largest drive-ins in the United States is Florida's Swap Shop Drive-In, a complex with more than a dozen screens as well as an indoor and outdoor flea market, an arcade and carnival rides. You don't have to leave your car to get concessions during a flick — employees drive around on golf carts selling drinks and classic snack foods during the show.

First opened in 1957, this Massachusetts drive-in theater still has its original speaker box stands, but modern moviegoers can also get crisp sound through their vehicle's speakers. Wellfleet Drive-In has upgraded digital projectors, a mini-golf course and a snack bar.