Nostalgic viewing: The best drive-in movie theaters in America

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Despite a sweltering hot summer in most of the country, drive-in movie theaters and allure of watching a movie under the stars still holds a special place in the hearts of many Americans. Are there still may of these charming venues around? The answer is yes, and Nationwide Vehicle Contracts found the best ones. They analyzed pricing, Google reviews, and the ability to bring your own food and your own pets.

These are the top drive-in movie venues across America.

Skowhegan Drive-In
Skowhegan Drive-in

Skowhegan Drive-in

Skowhegan, Maine

Cost for family of four: $20

This dog-friendly drive-in has a large range of choices at its snack bar, but moviegoers can still bring in their own food to save a few bucks. You can enjoy both single showings or double features, for a fun afternoon in the fresh air.

Silvermoon Drive-In
DanTD/WikimediaCommons

Silver Moon Drive-in

Lakeland, Florida

Cost for family of four: $22

Silver Moon Drive-in Theater has been around for more than 75 years and offers up two screens showing first-run movies with double features available. If you don’t want to bring your own food, pizza, hot dogs, and of course popcorn, are just some of the options available at the snack bar.

Misquamicut Drive-In Theater
Misquamicut Drive-In Theater

Misquamicut Drive-In Theater

Westerly, Rhode Island

Cost for family of four: $25

This is perhaps one of the most scenic theaters on the list, with the beach in full view from the movies. There’s a full snack bar, and some people even grab fish and chips from the restaurant next door to chow down on. Bring Fido, because dogs are welcome.

Stone Drive-In
Stone Drive-In

Stone Drive-in

Mountain View, Arkansas

Cost for family of four: $16

This drive-in plays movies rain or shine, so weather isn’t stopping the show. One other perk is that the drive-in accepts credit cards, as many on this list are cash-only, so if you forgot to carry cash (who doesn’t these days?) you’re out of luck.

Showboat Drive-In
Showboat Drive-in

Showboat Drive-in

Hockley, Texas

Cost for family of four: $22

Bring your snacks, your dog, and your cash — this drive-in accepts them all. The venue recommends viewers bring their own seating, going as far to admit that some people even bring sofas with them to watch the show!

South Drive-In
South Drive-in

South Drive-in

Dodge City, Kansas

Cost for family of four: $15

This iconic drive-in theater has been entertaining generations of film lovers since 1947. The 300-space capacity means there’s tons of room for all. Plus, it’s one of the cheapest on the list.

Wes-Mer Drive-In
Wes-Mer Drive-in

Wes-Mer Drive-in

Mercedes, Texas

Cost for family of four: $10

This historic drive-in theater has been a local favorite since 1952. The drive-in has a capacity for 400 cars with special discounts on Tuesday nights for $5 per vehicle. Dogs are welcome, so bring your furry friend.

Portville Drive-in Theater
Portville Drive-in Theater

Portville Drive-in Theater

Portville, New York
Cost for family of four: 
$22

With two screens and a great snack bar, this drive-in does not disappoint, not to mention the huge parking area, where you can pick any spot that suits you without having to worry about obstructed views.

Star Drive-In
Star Drive-In

Star Drive-in

Monte Vista, Colorado

Cost for family of four: $22

This family-run outdoor movie theater has been open for 74 years. The snack bar is plentiful, but you can bring your own food in, too. And don’t forget your pup, as they’re welcome to join the fun.

Joy Lan Drive-In
Joy Lan Drive-in

Joy Lan Drive-in

 

Dade City, Florida

Cost for family of four: $20

This drive-in has been around for 74 years and is one of only a few drive-in’s left in Florida. It is also dog-friendly, so bring your best buddy with you. The snack bar has everything from corn dogs to the usual popcorn, so come hungry.

Solano 2 Drive-In Theater
James S./Yelp

Solano 2 Drive-in Theater

Concord, California

Cost for family of four: $21

This drive-in not only offers a concession stand for snacks, but also a playground for kids, which isn’t available at any others on this list  — no wonder it came in tops. Visitors also have the option to purchase food there or bring their own.

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