A patchwork of seamlessly interwoven cultures, Orange County is a popular tourist destination located in Southern California. Home to everyone’s favorite park, Disneyland, and famous for its warm summer and fall, Orange County is a perfect destination for families, couples, and explorers. However, what makes this city charming, is its mix of classics and modernity, of craziness and serenity, of actions and tranquility. Among its many charms are the city’s drive-in theaters, bringing the classic enjoyment of the ‘90s and a romantic touch to a fun-packed holiday. So, if you are after a full experience of the city, besides Disneyland, here are our recommendations for the best drive-in theaters around Orange County, California.
1. Electric Dusk Drive-In, Los Angeles
Located right off the city’s high way and known for its best homemade hot dogs, corn pop, burgers, and candies, Electric Dusk Drive-In is a perfect idea for an enjoyable weekend. Although the screen is a bit smaller than the usual, you can still enjoy the drive-in with your loved ones if you arrive early and choose a good parking spot. Electric Dusk is a pet-friendly drive-in and allows bringing your own food and lawn chairs. Their movies are family favorites and the ambience is very cozy. You can either watch in your car and tune in your radio for sound, in which case you would pay an extra USD 10 for the car. Or, you can bring chairs and just circle together on the grass. Electric Dusk opens on Saturdays and has some nice offerings for groups.
Electric Dusk Drive-In (Los Angeles)
Address: 2930 Fletcher Dr. Los Angeles, California
Website: Electric Dusk Drive-In
Price: 12 USD per person, 15 USD for cars per person
2. Van Buren Drive-In Theatre, Riverside
The historic Van Buren Drive-In from 1964 is still up and running. It also is a swap meet. With three screens, Van Buren is a double-feature drive-in that works seven days a week all year round. For USD 9 you can watch two movies playing on the same screen which means a movie for half the price. However, you are not allowed to switch between screens. You can either drive-in with your car, bring your lawn chair or sit beside your car as long as you sit within your parking lot. The theater does not allow pets and has its own snack bar. It also screens the latest movies. The place also hosts events at their premises provided that you have a minimum of 20 guests. No additional fees are required but there are entrance fees per person.
Van Buren Drive-In Theatre
Address: 3035 Van Buren Blvd Riverside, California
Website: Van Buren Drive-In Theatre
Price: 9 USD for adults, 1 USD for children aged 5 - 9
3. Vineland Drive-in Movie Theater, Industry
A four-screen drive-in screening the latest movies, Vineland Drive-In is an experience worth trying. Open seven days a week, the theater is a great idea for some recreational time. Besides their very good movies, Vineland’s concession has some nice family offerings and snacks as well as movie souvenirs. The place opens an hour before the movies start and closes at the start of the last movie. Vineland also hosts interesting events that you could check out on their website. So, if you are stuck at home and need a break, you just found your safe place.
Vineland Drive-in Movie Theater
Address: 443 N Vineland Ave City of Industry, California 91746
Website: Vineland Drive-in Movie Theater
Price: 10 USD for adults, 1 USD for children
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4. Mission Tiki Drive-In Theater, Montclair
Mission Tiki Drive-in theater is a Tiki-themed drive-in and a swap meet located in Montclair. Operating since 1956, Mission Tiki drive-in is one of the still-standing drive-ins in California. Not only is a drive-in iconic to Americans’ everlasting passion of automobiles, but it is also an affordable opportunity for family quality time. Mission Tiki has four screens, each playing two of the latest movies per night. The theater is open all year long, and has a nice snack bar and event hosting options. The box office opens an hour and a half before the first show on Fridays and Saturdays and one hour ahead for the rest of the week. In addition, Mission Tiki has a swap meet of over 300 vendors showcasing every week Wednesdays through Sundays. Parking is for free and so is Thursday entrance. The swap meet opens from 6am to 2pm.
Mission Tiki Drive-In Theater
Address: 10798 Ramona Ave Montclair, California 91763
Website: Mission Tiki Drive-In
Price: 9 USD for adults, 1 USD for children
5. Rubidoux Drive-In Theatre, Riverside
Rubidoux Drive-in Theatre is one of the few drive-ins still standing in Southern California while maintaining its original character. Although the theater has been remodeled several times, the place’s decoration is reminiscent of the original Route 66 heritage. Rubidoux is also a swap meet and a member of the United Flea Markets. Starting from USD 15 a session per space, you can make some money yourself by becoming a vendor. The swap meet is open Wednesdays to Sundays with free entrance on Thursdays. Unfourtanetly the place is now closed as a means to protect from the COVID-19 but it is to open soon. So, check their website for updates.
Rubidoux Drive-In Theatre
Address: 3770 Opal St Riverside, California 92509
Website: Rubidoux Drive-In Theatre
Price: 9 USD for adults, 1 USD for children
6. Paramount Drive-In Theaters, Paramount
A double-feature drive-in playing three movies per screen, Paramount Drive-In Theaters reopened after 22 years of intermission. Blending the essence of the past with the modernity of the present, the theater offers a warm, cozy family experience to the families of the 21st century. Whether it is pillows, blankets, hot drinks, popcorn, or even pajamas that would give you the warmth of the experience, Paramount drive-in has it all. The first movie starts at 7:40pm and the box office opens almost one hour earlier. Through rain or shine, Paramount Drive-In Theaters welcomes everyone.
Paramount Drive-In Theaters
Address: 7770 Rosecrans Ave Paramount, California 90723
Website: Paramount Drive-In
Price: 9 USD for adults, 3.50 USD for children
Enjoy the weekend at the OC's drive-ins
Whether you are a drive-in fan, someone with an free weekend, or a family that looking to have a good time, the drive-in theaters of Orange County, California have you covered. Staying warm, safe, and entertained inside your car with your loved ones and your favorite movie in a nice place is heaven.