San Diego Drive-In Movies: The New “Old Fashioned” Way to See Films
Drive-In’s may seem like an old-fashioned tradition, but they sure have made a comeback! It’s a great date night idea as well as a super fun family excursion. San Diego has two awesome Drive-In movie options.
So, pick up your favorite treat and check out the newest movie releases at these drive-in theaters!
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When was the last time you went to a drive-in movie?
One of the first theaters to open for the summer season was in Warwick, N.Y. and many more are soon to follow.
Related Article: 52 Fun Things for Families in San Diego
San Diego Drive-In Movies
One summer tradition is moving ahead: drive-in movie theaters and San Diego is no exception. As the sun sets San Diegans will find that an old-fashioned way to get out of the house for some nighttime fun.
Theaters are back to to showing movies 7 nights a week and many offer double features. You may still be asked to wear a mask in the snack bars, but you can also bring your own homemade buttered popcorn, candy, and drink.
Plan to watch the movies from the comfort of your car and plan to arrive early especially on the weekends.
In a recent poll of 425 movies goers on Twitter drive-ins coming back was the most popular way to see movies.
Related Article: Hidden Bridges in San Diego
Santee Drive In Movie Theater
The Santee Drive-in theater is open. This outdoor drive-in has two theaters. Each theater has a feature that is shown twice and a co-feature that plays between the screenings of the main feature. Click here for up to date listings of movies.
They accept cash only.
What you need to know: Box office opens at 8pm and movies start at 8:30. The Snack Bar will remain closed, bring your own snacks.
Santee Drive-in rules
- You must view the movie from within your vehicle.
- Do NOT block the fire/exit lane when entering the movie theatre.
- Please remember to turn off your headlights before the movie starts!
- Hatchbacks or rear-windowed vehicles cannot be opened above the roof of the vehicle.
- No barbecues allowed.
Santee Drive-In Prices: Tickets must be purchased in-person upon arrival
Adults= $12, Juniors = $5, Kids 4 and under are free.
Santee Drive-In Address: 10990 Woodside Ave. North, Santee, CA 92071
Santee Drive-In phone number: 619-448-7447
South Bay Drive In Theater
The drive-in theater is open nightly. They are open 7 nights a week, 365 days a year.
Admission includes two movies playing on the same screen. This outdoor drive-in has two theaters. Each theater has a feature that is shown twice and a co-feature that plays between the screenings of the main feature. Click here for up to date listings of movies.
South Bay Drive-in rules
- You must view the movie from within your vehicle.
- Masks are required inside the snack bar and restrooms.
South Bay Drive-In Prices: Adult: – (13+) Price: $10.00, Juniors: Ages (5 – 9) with parent $1.00, Children 4 and under free. All major credit and debit cards accepted.
South Bay Drive-In Address: 2170 Coronado Ave, San Diego, CA 92154
South Bay Drive-In phone number: 619-423-2727
Want dinner and a movie? Pick up one of the best burgers in San Diego as take-out!
Additional Southern California Drive-In Movie Theaters
Additional drive-in cinemas in Southern California include:
Van Buren Drive-in in Riverside
Vineland Drive-In : 43 Vineland Ave, City of Industry, CA 91746
Paramount Drive-In Theatres in Paramount
If the above drive-ins aren’t near you, the best thing to do is a Google search for “drive in movie near me” to find a list of the closest theaters to your zip code.
Since the world is in a state of flux at the writing of this article, make sure to call the theater to verify they are open before you make the drive!
Top 10 Best Movie Candy
No movie is complete without some snacks, popcorn, and candy. Here are a few candy classic favorites! The below candies all link to Amazon.
- Necco Wafers
- Good & Plenty
- Sugar Daddy
- Pop Rocks
- Abba-Zaba
- SnoCaps
- Cracker Jack
- Bit-O-Honey
- Bottle Caps
- 100 Grand Bar
San Diego Drive-In Movies are a super fun way to spend a summer night. What other fun nighttime things do you know of that are currently open in San Diego?
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This is such a good idea! I don’t think we have the same in the U.K. (and I don’t have a car anyway ?)
I’ve only been to a drive-in movie once — “Monster’s University” on Cape Cod — but it was quite the experience!