The best drive-in theater in every state
- As many indoor movie theaters remain closed during the pandemic, drive-in theaters offer a socially distant way to enjoy a film with family and friends.
- Insider teamed up with Yelp to find the best drive-in theatre in every state. Its rankings were based on factors including the capacity of the drive-in and the number of top-rated reviews.
- The list includes a newly opened theater in Lewes, Delaware, and an old favorite in Wichita, Kansas.
Though indoor movie theaters might not be an option this summer, the nostalgic drive-in is making a comeback.
Since drive-in theaters allow moviegoers to remain distant from one another in their own cars, it's a good way for friends and family to enjoy films together while staying safe.
Yelp helped Insider compile a list of the best drive-in theater in every state, based on metrics like the number of cars allowed and how many positive reviews each venue received.
Hawaii, Louisiana, and North Dakota do not have drive-in theaters, and Mississippi's only drive-in has not reopened this year, so those states do not feature on our list. Yelp did not have reviews for theaters in Delaware, New Mexico, or Wyoming, but Insider determined the best theater based on Google reviews.
Take a look at the best drive-in theater in every state.
ALABAMA: Blue Moon Drive-In Theater in Gu-Win
"A really fun place to go on dates. If you have a truck throw some pillows in the back and post up under the stars. Family friendly also. Great place for kids to go to watch a movie and not have to be quiet and still. Plenty of room for them to play around the car," wrote Yelp user Shaelyn S.
ALASKA: Gold Town Nickelodeon pop up drive-in in Juneau
Though Alaska didn't have any drive-in theaters before the pandemic, Gold Town Nickelodeon is one of the few pop-ups in the state. However, according to Anchorage Daily News, the shows will only be running for the next few weeks, as the "projectors can't compete with the midnight sun."
ARIZONA: Drive-In Glendale in Glendale
"This drive-in theater is a great way to get out of the house and do something (safely) during this pandemic lockdown. They have nine screens showing a variety of movies at a time, and each screen is a double-feature for anyone who wants to stay late to watch a second movie at no extra cost," wrote Yelp user John L.
ARKANSAS: Kenda Drive-In in Marshall
"What a wonderful place! We enjoyed everything about it! The lady at the gate was very friendly and helpful. The bathroom was very clean. The concession stand had a wide variety and was very inexpensive — we were shocked at the prices. At a regular theater, this date night would have cost us $30 and we only spent $16," wrote Yelp user Jo D.
CALIFORNIA: Sunset Drive-In Theater in San Luis Obispo
"This place is so cool! I want one in my town. Wife and I watched Aladdin and really enjoyed it. If your car has comfortable seats and a good sound system, it is hard to beat," wrote Yelp user Selwyn L.
COLORADO: Star Drive-In Theatre in Montrose
"Awesome place. Gone since I was little! Now I bring my family. Can't beat the French fries and cheeseburgers," wrote Yelp user Keeli W.
CONNECTICUT: Mansfield Drive-In Theatre in Mansfield Center
"It really is a wonderful place to visit. Lots of people get there over an hour early to get good spots and bring camping chairs. It's a must for summer!" wrote Yelp user Kimber R.
DELAWARE: Lefty's Drive-In Theater in Lewes
Lefty's recently opened a drive-in to help bring in customers during the pandemic. It is currently the only drive-in in Delaware.
"With COVID-19, we felt that adding the drive-in would enhance our everyday business and give us another area to host guests," general manager Gary Foley told Delmarva Now.
FLORIDA: Silver Moon Drive-In Theatrein Lakeland
"Had the chance to visit this place for the first time and loved it! You really can't beat the price for a double feature and the food was great. After being stuck in quarantine this was a great treat and something fun to do. The entire place was super well kept and the bathrooms were spotless," wrote Yelp user Crystal B.
GEORGIA: Swan Drive-In in Blue Ridge
"Price is only $8 a person, sound quality is amazing, and movie quality is just like in a normal theater as well. Even the concession stand prices are reasonable prices, unlike a typical movie theater. To top it off, you can bring in snacks and drinks in your car as they don't check your car or anything," wrote Yelp user Nicole B.
IDAHO: Teton Vu Drive-In in Rexburg
"Great drive in. Come hours early to get front row. Bring lawn chairs and radio. Also get your food early before the lines form. Generous portions, especially fries. Shakes are made from hard scoop, not soft serve," wrote Yelp user Greg N.
ILLINOIS: Route 34 Drive-In Theater in Earlville
"It's historic. It still encapsulates so much of my childhood growing up here. Nothing much has changed except for my appreciation of this fine establishment," wrote Yelp user Steve K.
INDIANA: Georgetown Drive-In Theaterin Georgetown
"Georgetown Drive-in is an awesome spot for a family night, a date, or a group activity! The concession stand is legitimately the best movie food you can find anywhere. They have everything from your average popcorn and candy to cheeseburgers, fried pickles, and mac-n-cheese balls," wrote Yelp user Ember M.
IOWA: 61 Drive In Theatre in Delmar
"I come here every summer because it's one of my favorite things to do! Perfect for everyone-families, friends, or couples. Get there early for a good spot and to set up camp!" wrote Google user Adrianna Schroeder.
KANSAS: Landmark Starlite Drive-In Theatrein Wichita
"This place is a real gem. You can see two movies for $9. The snack bar prices are reasonable with good variety. The place is just plain fun. They have speakers or you can listen on your car sound system. We brought lounge chairs & blankets, snacks and drinks," wrote Yelp user William B.
KENTUCKY: Franklin Drive-Inin Franklin
"Old school fun! We have been going for over 14 years, even before we had kids! Love this place!" wrote Yelp user Tracie B.
MAINE: Prides Corner Drive-In in Westbrook
"It was a great experience: easy to find, a bargain for two movies, clean and well-kept and maintains its vintage vibe. The restroom is basic, but clean. The snack bar is super reasonable with lots of options. My crinkle cut fries did not disappoint," wrote Yelp user Lisa P.
MARYLAND: Bengies Drive-In Theatre in Baltimore
"We really enjoyed. Haven't been here since I was a little girl more than 45 years ago! The old fashioned snack bar was also good," wrote Yelp user L.A. F.
MASSACHUSETTS: Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre Flea Market in Wellfleet
"We try to get to the Wellfleet Drive every summer. This is a great place to end the evening on a warm Cape Cod summer day. I highly recommend you come here at least once. There is designated parking for Trucks and SUVs, beer garden, and concession stand," wrote Yelp user Dana W.
MICHIGAN: US 23 Drive-In Theater in Flint
"My favorite place to go in summer! So grateful we have a drive-in close by. They do a nice job also. Concessions are good, staff is friendly, and prices reasonable. They have bug spray for sale as well as radios to rent if you need one to hear the movie," wrote Yelp user Julianne C.
MINNESOTA: Long Drive-In in Long Prairie
"Families gather there a couple hours before the film. The grassy area in front of the screen was completely filled with families and children playing catch, tag, and just having fun. It was very family-friendly," wrote Yelp user Tim D.
MISSOURI: 66 Drive-In Theatre in Carthage
"This drive in is one of the best I have been to. Their screen appeared to be made of vinyl, which I have not seen before. But the picture was good. And prices were reasonable," wrote Yelp user Clara E.
MONTANA: Silver Bow Drive-In in Butte
"The experience was enriched by the brand-new digital projector. The picture looked just as bright and bold as any movie theater screen, only you can watch the film from the comfort of your own car! Some teens parked in a pick-up truck behind us had the great idea of watching the movie from the back of the truck in sleeping bags. On cool Montana nights, it really doesn't get any better," wrote Yelp user Jamie N.
NEBRASKA: Starlight Drive-In in Neligh
"What a pleasant piece of nostalgic pie! Starlight Drive-In is a great Nebraska attraction! It is a mainstay in Neligh, and we love to take our family to the drive-in," wrote Yelp user Greg P.
NEVADA: Drive-In Las Vegas in Las Vegas
"There are double feature options! So affordable! You have five screens to choose from so know what movies you want to see before arriving. All the screens share the same parking lot and concession/restroom building. The parking spots are clearly painted on the ground and easy to maneuver in the lot if you have a truck or SUV," wrote Yelp user Natasha T.
NEW HAMPSHIRE: Milford Drive-In Theater in Milford
"Went multiple times over summer of 2019. Been coming here since I was kid. It's a great place to go and watch two movies," wrote Yelp user James W.
NEW JERSEY: Delsea Drive-In in Vineland
"My significant other and I had a great movie date at this drive in theater during the quarantine. It was his very first time attending, and it was great," wrote Yelp user Keyahah M.
NEW MEXICO: Fort Union Drive-In Movie Theatre in Las Vegas
"The Fort Union Drive-In is a really great place. Prices are reasonable, people are very friendly. Two first run movies for a fraction of the cost to take the family to a theater!" wrote Yelp user Martin S.
NEW YORK: Warwick Drive-In in Warwick
"During a time when we are required to social distance from others, Warwick Drive-In theater is a perfect outing for families, friends, and couples. Attended the Saturday showing for Memorial Day weekend and had a wonderful time," wrote Yelp user Latia C.
NORTH CAROLINA: Badin Road Drive-In Theater in Albemarle
"We had our first drive-in movie experience here a couple of weeks ago. The double feature is nice, but we only made it through the first one. A 9 p.m. start time means a late night with two kiddos. So awesome to lay in the back of the truck with blankets under the stars watching a movie," wrote Yelp user Sheila J.
OHIO: Midway Drive-In Theater in Ravenna
"Overall, Midway is a really nice drive-in theatre. The staff is friendly, the screens are good quality, and they have a good selection of food. Definitely give it a try if you're looking for a fun time," wrote Yelp user Matthew P.
OKLAHOMA: Winchester Drive-In in Oklahoma City
"This was just good old fashioned fun! We took the family this weekend, and everyone thought it was great fun. I haven't been to the drive-in since high school, and it hasn't really changed," wrote Yelp user Christy S.
OREGON: 99W Drive-In in Newberg
"After the drive-in in Dallas closed, I was worried I wouldn't find another one. Luckily, I live close enough to this one. Good prices on food. Just make sure to get there early for a good spot!" wrote Yelp user Kathryn S.
PENNSYLVANIA: Becky's Drive-In in Walnutport
"Best drive-in theatre I've ever been to. The two screens make it so much better than most other ones. Plus they have a great tiered row system that just makes viewing that much better. Plus they have great events and awesome food," wrote Yelp user Kevin B.
RHODE ISLAND: Rustic Drive-In Theatre in North Smithfield
"Well organized and great snacks. Be sure to get there 45 [minutes] - an hour before movie time starts, to get a good spot. Overall, the staff were friendly and everything was great," wrote Yelp user Maggie B.
SOUTH CAROLINA: Plaza 21 Drive-In in Beaufort
"It's always awesome to drive from Savannah and enjoy the ole time movie watching way. Drive up in your car and park and watch a movie on the outside screen. Enjoy the concessions at a cheaper rate than modern theaters, even the movie ticket prices are cheaper and more affordable," wrote Yelp user Frank F.
SOUTH DAKOTA: Starlite Drive-In Theatre in Mitchell
"If you want a great, nostalgic, authentic, drive-in movie experience, plus a fun, overnight, weekend, or a stopover on your cross-country trip, go to the Starlite Drive-In Theatre," wrote Yelp user Itsclose X.
TENNESSEE: Stardust Drive-In Theatre in Watertown
"I am thrilled to have this drive-in an hour away from me. I saw The Lion King, and it was one of the best movie experiences I've had since being a child," wrote Yelp user Grace B.
TEXAS: Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theaters in New Braunfels
"Love this place! Of course the movies are mostly older movies, but not a problem because it is still fun," wrote Yelp user Kassie M.
UTAH: Redwood Drive-In Theatre in West Valley
"This is the only reason worth coming to West Valley City. You just can't beat 2 movies for $9," wrote Yelp user MicahAnna M.
VERMONT: Bethel Drive-In in Bethel
"My family and I have been coming here for 20 years, and we are so glad they are still open!" wrote Yelp user Kim F.
VIRGINIA: The Family Drive-In Theatre in Stephens City
"Best Drive-In Theater I have been to – I usually go to this place about a dozen times each year – Clean, family friendly, and the owner is top notch. I always have a good time while at the Family Drive-In," wrote Yelp user Jim M.
WASHINGTON: Blue Fox Drive-In Theatre in Oak Harbor
"How have I never taken part in a drive-in movie theater? Took the family to Blue Fox in Oak Harbor on a Saturday night for a double feature, "Abominable" and "Joker". Where else can a family of four go see two new release movies for only $15?" wrote Yelp user Trang W.
WEST VIRGINIA: Pipestem Drive-In Theatre in Athens
"Great family fun! Good movie selections. Sound quality was clear! Good selection at the snack bar, and the movies they had were very family friendly," wrote Yelp user Amy H.
WISCONSIN: Skyway Drive-In Theatre in Fish Creek
"I love the nostalgia of drive-in theaters, and Skyway preserves the tradition well. Everyone is very friendly, both the staff and patrons," wrote Yelp user Chy R.
WYOMING: American Dream Drive-In in Powell
"So lucky to have a place like this in the community! The workers are really nice, and it's such a great thing to do with the fam," wrote Google user Rachel Knights.
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