The dog days of summer might be dwindling, but then again, it’s practically always summer in LA, isn’t it? Whether you’re in town for a visit or are a born and bred local, it’s always fun to get out and enjoy the California skies (and unbeatable weather) and swaying palm trees as a backdrop for an evening out at the movies.
With the pandemic showing no signs of slowing down to a point that will allow us to get back to our “normal” lies any time soon, outdoor movie theaters seem to be a thing that’ll stick with us for many months to come. And, honestly, we’re not complaining. Here are our picks for five of the best drive-in theaters in and around Los Angeles.
‍
Best Drive-In Theaters Near Los Angeles
1. Electric Dusk Drive-In
🎬Address: 3 locations (1 in Glendale and 2 in Downtown Los Angeles on South Main Street and South Flower Street)Â
With various locations around Los Angeles and Glendale, Electric Dusk Drive-In is easily one of the best drive-in theaters in Los Angeles. Enjoy a delightfully enchanting backdrop of city lights and LA buildings at each of their locations from the cozy comfort of your own car. Load up blankets, fairy lights, and all of your favorite snacks, pop the trunk, and enjoy watching movies on a big screen but with all of the comforts of home.
2. Street Food Cinema
🎬Address: Various locations around Los Angeles County
Interested in a truly unique cinema experience? Streed Food Cinema combines the best of theatrics and dining to offer foodie-focused visitors a chance to dive into the unique street food culture of Los Angeles. If you’re looking for date night ideas in LA, pull up to one of Street Food Cinema’s locations and prepare to indulge; some of the city’s best food trucks frequent the cinema’s grounds, including Poutine Brothers and After’s Ice Cream.
3. Vineland Drive-In
🎬Address: 443 Vineland Ave, City of Industry, CA 9174
You’ll have to head a bit outside of the Los Angeles city limits for this one, but it’s well worth the drive. Vineland Drive-In is open nightly and showcases mostly new movies with a few classics thrown into the mix from time to time. Nachos, popcorn, and hot dogs are on the concession menu, adding to the retro vibes of the drive-in theater.
4. The Drive-In at Hotel Figueroa
🎬Address: 818 James M Wood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90015
Sweeping city views and Old Hollywood vibes make The Drive-In at Hotel Figueroa easily one of the best drive-in movie theaters in Los Angeles. Nestled between the Fashion District and MacArthur Park, this drive-in theater the spot to be on a weekend night. Take the top off, pop the trunk, or lay some blankets out on the top of your car; things are going to get cozy here. Films shown here tend to be more independent and almost always feature a live DJ set or virtual set from an artist.
5. Mission Tiki Drive-In Theatre
🎬Address: 10798 Ramona Ave, Montclair, CA 91763
In the mood for something themed? Mission Tiki Drive-In is tiki-themed, which will make you feel as though you’ve jetted off to Hawaii and are enjoying an outdoor film along the shores of Oahu (okay, maybe not quite, but pretty close). With four screens and multiple showings per day, you’re almost always guaranteed to find something to watch at this drive-in theater.
‍
Saving Money for Movies
Heading out to one of the best drive-in theaters in Los Angeles is a great way to get out of the house while still practicing social distancing. However, you’ll need to make sure it fits into your monthly entertainment budget.
The Cheese Debit Card allows you to earn cashback on every purchase and transaction you make. This means you won’t ever have to worry about whether or not you can afford that Saturday matinee. Sounds good, right? Sign up today to start saving.Â
‍
Saving money doesn’t get easier than that. Interested in learning more? Sign up today.
❌ No Monthly Fee                  🧀️ $5 cash bonus   Â
❌ No ATM Fee                      🧀️ Up to 10% cashback with every purchase/transaction
❌ No Overdraft Fee                  🧀️ Potential Double Cheese Cashback
❌ No Insufficient Fund Fee            🧀️ Up to 3% Saving Bonus
❌ No Minimum Balance Requirement   🧀️ Early Paycheck
