Worth the Drive: 10 Classic Drive-In Movie Theaters

Catching a movie under the stars is a nostalgic throwback to the simple joys of Americana — no time-traveling DeLorean required. What’s not to love about cozying up with a blanket, pillows and maybe even your PJs to watch a movie from the comfort of your car? 

At their peak popularity in the 1950s, you could find more than 4,000 drive-in movie theaters across the country. Today? We’re down to under 200 drive-ins scattered across 25 states. So while you may not have a drive-in in your neck of the woods, we’d argue that these iconic throwbacks are well worth a drive … maybe even across state lines.

Here are 10 classic drive-in theaters across the country that we think are well worth a road trip:

1. Shankweiler's Drive-In Theatre — Orefield, Pennsylvania
Shankweiler’s may not boast the biggest movie screen, but this is about as authentic as you get. Not only is Shankweiler’s the oldest operating drive-in theater in the world, it was the country’s second drive-in theater ever built, dating back to 1934. It was also the first to introduce FM stereo audio for movies. Today you can fill up on burgers, dogs and ice cream and catch a double feature without breaking the bank. Check the events calendar and time your trip around a special event or theme night. 

2. Paramount Drive-In Theatres — Paramount, California
Located not far from the movie capital of the world (Los Angeles), this storied drive-in south of the city features a pair of 75-foot screens, state-of-the-art digital laser projection and ample parking for up to 800 cars. Founded in 1948, when it was called Roadium, the theater was nearly lost forever when it closed in 1991. But the drive-in got a second life when Glenn Bianchi, the son of original owner Joseph Bianchi, spearheaded a $1 million renovation that led to its reopening in 2014. 

3. Bengies Drive-In Theatre — Middle River, Maryland

If you want big, Bengies fits the bill, boasting the largest outdoor movie screen in the country, clocking in at a whopping 52 feet high and 120 feet wide. Family-owned since 1956, Bengies also serves up a heaping helping of nostalgia with vintage intermission trailers and ample retro vibes. If you’re lucky, you may catch a triple feature or dusk-to-dawn movie marathon. Bengies also keeps the projector rolling beyond the summer months, when it provides in-car heaters on chilly nights.

4. Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Theatre — Gibson City, Illinois
We’re partial to this classic drive-in because it’s in PEAK’s neck of the woods in the heart of Central Illinois. Established in 1954, the ‘50s throwback screens new and classic movies with fun interactive and themed events. Visit for “Adventure Weekend” on the anniversary of The Goonies and Jumanji and you can take part in a treasure hunt. And don’t miss the annual Retro Luau Party, with all of the tropical fun and photo opps you can handle. The themed fun often spills over to the fantastic snack bar, which goes well beyond typical movie fare with everything from chargrilled burgers and mini-donuts to cheese curds.

5. Hull’s Drive-In — Lexington, Virginia

Hull’s is the country’s first community owned and operated, non-profit drive-in movie theater. Opened in 1950, it started as the Lee Drive-In until it was purchased by the Hulls in 1957. When Mr. Hull passed away in 1998, the theater faced possible closure due to the high cost of necessary upgrades. The community rallied together and formed the non-profit Hull’s Angels to save their beloved drive-in. By 2020, the group had raised enough funds to reopen the beloved theater. In addition to new movie releases, Hull’s also hosts a popular concert series.

6. Sandell Drive-In — Clarendon, Texas
At the height of popularity in the ‘50s, Texas boasted more drive-ins than any other state, with more than 400. Today, the Lone Star State still has around 20 working drive-ins, from modern new facilities to old standbys. We’re partial to the latter, and Sandell delivers a nostalgic night out that dates back to 1955. Located southeast of Amarillo in the Texas panhandle, this throwback serves up stellar sunsets, homemade chili and movies under the stars Friday and Saturday nights. 

7. Mahoning Drive-In — Lehighton, Pennsylvania
Tucked away in the Pocono Mountains, Mahoning celebrated over 75 years of operation in 2024. Built in 1948, the theater features one of the largest drive-in screens in the country — a 120-foot-wide CinemaScope. And while others have digitized in recent years, this drive-in has stayed true to its roots and only screens 35mm film prints. Expect cult classics, horror marathons and fun theme nights, plus a playful concession menu that includes Pop Tarts, pierogies, tater tots and a whole lot more.

8. Silver Moon Drive-In — Lakeland, Florida
Located between Tampa and Orlando, this Florida drive-in has been screening movies under the stars since 1948. You’ll find two screens, nightly double features seven nights a week, classic concessions, and laser projection (since 2022). Silver Moon is also home to a weekend flea market, the Silver Moon Swap Shop, where you can buy, sell and trade all manner of finds from the early morning hours until around noon.

9. 99W Drive-In — Newberg, Oregon
Three generations of the Francis family have run this cozy single-screen drive-in about 20 miles from Portland since 1954. And while high winds have claimed the screen two different times over the years, original details like the neon sign, ticket booth and snack bar remain in all their mid-century Googie-style glory. Double features, intermissions and vintage snack bar reels draw fans from far and wide, along with fun events like car club nights and pajama parties. 

10. South Drive-In — Columbus, Ohio

Once home to nearly 20 drive-in theaters, Columbus is down to just one: South Drive-In. Opened in 1950, the theater started out as a single screen, but added a second in 1979. Today, you can fill up on fried pickles, chili dogs, Slushies and deep-fried Oreos and settle in for a double or even triple feature (including new releases!), making this a budget-friendly night out with a heaping helping of nostalgia. The site also plays host to a huge flea market with over 200 vendors on weekends, where it has operated since the 1970s.

Ready to pack up your blankets and pillows and head to a drive-in? Summer is the time to do it. Not only is road trip season in full swing, a lot of drive-ins only operate in the warmer months. We’ll see you under the stars!