There was a time—and it would be right about now, late afternoon. The sun would be setting and the weather would invite the family to pack up head to a drive-in theatre. There was a playground in front of the screen, seated in a a small sand box and once the movie began, every child was summoned back to the car. Drive-in theaters emerged in the 1930s, peaking in popularity during the 1950s and 60s. They provided a perfect blend of the automotive culture and the burgeoning film industry, creating a social hub for communities. Families piled into their cars, packed with blankets and pillows, eager to enjoy the latest Hollywood offerings from the cozy confines of their vehicles.
The experience of a drive-in theater was more than just watching a movie. It was a full-sensory journey: the soft hum of car engines, the crackling sound of the film reel, and the mingling aromas of popcorn, candy, and night air. It was the anticipation as the sun dipped below the horizon, signaling the start of the show, and the collective excitement that spread through the crowd as the first frames flickered on the giant screen and all eyes looked forward.
That was then—this is now and not all the theaters are gone—here is a shortlist of drive-in’s in th eSouthern California region. If you’ve not had this experience, it is one to partake: fun, unique and oddly entertaining.
- Paramount Drive-In Theatre (Paramount, CA): Originally opened in 1947, this drive-in was revived in recent years with modern amenities, including digital projection and a full snack bar. It’s a classic drive-in experience with two 75-foot screens showing double features (Time Out Worldwide) (Kidsguide).
- Electric Dusk Drive-In (Glendale, CA): Known for its retro vibe, this drive-in offers a mix of cult classics and recent favorites. It even provides an option to sit on the grass if you prefer not to stay in your car (Time Out Worldwide) (MomsLA).
- Van Buren Drive-In Theatre (Riverside, CA): This drive-in has been operating since 1964 and features an old California orange grove theme. It now has three screens and shows double features every night (Time Out Worldwide) (PBS SoCal).
- Vineland Drive-In Theatre (City of Industry, CA): With four screens, this drive-in offers a variety of films and is a popular choice for families. It’s known for its traditional movie snacks and family-friendly atmosphere (MomsLA)(Kidsguide).
- Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre (Montclair, CA): This drive-in has a unique tiki theme and offers a fun, themed environment. It opened in 1956 and continues to be a favorite for many in the area (PBS SoCal).
- South Bay Drive-In (Imperial Beach, CA): Operating since 1958, this drive-in features nautical-themed decor and modern upgrades, making it a popular spot in the San Diego area (MomsLA).
The Olympic Theatre This former drive-in originally opened in 1934 as the 500-car capacity Drive-In (the first drive-in in California) at Pico Boulevard and Westwood Boulevard. It was soon re-named Pacific Drive-In (the operators were Pacific Theatres) and had become the Pico Drive-In when it was closed on October 1, 1944. (A separate page on Cinema Treasures covers this theatre)
It moved 2 miles to the west from that location to Olympic Boulevard and Bundy Drive, (re)opening on April 4, 1945 with Edward G. Robinson in “The Woman in the Window” & Bud Abbott & Lou Costello in “Lost in a Harem”. It was renamed the Olympic Drive-In on October 3, 1945. This drive-in had a screen tower with a mural of two surfers (a boy and a girl) riding a wave. Opened with 775 car spaces, it lasted until October 14, 1973 when it was screening adult movies. The final program being “School Girls”, “School Girls Growing” and Swinging Wives”
These theaters provide a nostalgic and enjoyable way to watch movies under the stars, making them a cherished part of Southern California’s cultural landscape. For more information on showtimes and locations, you can visit the respective theater websites or check local listings.
Footnote: And just like that, TMC last week showed the 1968 Peter Bogdanovich film, Targets. A profoundly disturbing film with a subplot featuring Boris Karloff, Bogdanovich‘s ingenious climax brings the two worlds together as a shooter takes pot-shots at a cinema audience from behind the screen of a drive-in showing a ‘Byron Orlok’ movie (The Terror – what else?). The outdoor picture house was the Reseda Drive-in Theater on Reseda Boulevard at Vanowen Street, Reseda. It closed in 1985 and has since been demolished.
