Drive-In Theaters in California
California has 12 drive-in theaters still showing movies, spread across 11 towns. Paramount Drive-In Theatres in Paramount is in the Los Angeles area. West Wind Capitol Drive-In in San Jose and West Wind Sacramento 6 Drive-In in Sacramento have the most screens, 6 each. Adult tickets run $9 to $14. 9 of them stay open year-round. The rest close for the winter.
All 12 drive-ins in California
Near Los Angeles3
Area guide →Elsewhere in California9
Skyline Drive-In
BarstowSeasonal
2 screens · $13 adults
West Wind Solano Drive-In
ConcordOpen
2 screens · $11.50 adults
South Bay Drive-In Theatre & Swap Meet
Imperial BeachOpen
3 screens · $10 adults
Lakeport Auto Movies
LakeportSeasonal
1 screen · 89.7 FM
Madera Drive-In
MaderaSeasonal
2 screens · 103.5 / 104.3 FM · $13 adults
West Wind Sacramento 6 Drive-In
SacramentoOpen
6 screens · $9 adults
West Wind Capitol Drive-In
San JoseOpen
6 screens · $10.50 adults
Sunset Drive-In
San Luis ObispoOpen
1 screen · 100.7 FM · $13 adults
Smith's Ranch Drive-In
Twentynine PalmsOpen
1 screen · 89.1 FM · $10 adults
Planning Your Visit to a California Drive-In
Arrive Early
Gates typically open 1–2 hours before showtime. Arrive early for the best center spot, especially on busy weekend nights.
Tune Your FM
Sound is broadcast over FM radio — California drive-ins use frequencies from 89.1 FM to 103.5 FM / 104.3 FM. The exact frequency is listed on each theater's page.
Support the Snack Bar
Most California drive-ins welcome outside food, though a few prefer you use their snack bar. Either way, concessions help keep these theaters open.
Check the Season
3 of California's 12 drive-ins are seasonal (spring–fall) and 9 run year-round. Verify hours for 2026 before heading out.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many drive-in theaters are left in California?
- California has 12 drive-in theaters left as of 2026, spread across 11 towns. Many open only for the summer season, so check each theater's page for current dates and showtimes.
- Are drive-in theaters in California open year-round?
- 3 of California's 12 drive-ins are seasonal (typically spring through fall), while 9 operate year-round. Check individual theater pages for current 2026 schedules.
- How much does it cost to go to a drive-in theater in California?
- Adult admission at California drive-ins ranges from $9–$14, with children's tickets from $1–$7. Kids under 5 are often free, and double-feature nights add extra value. Check individual theater pages for current 2026 pricing.
- What FM frequency do California drive-ins use?
- Each California drive-in has its own FM frequency. Theaters in the state use frequencies ranging from 89.1 FM to 103.5 FM / 104.3 FM. The exact frequency is listed on each theater's page — tune in before the movie starts.
- Can I bring my own food to a drive-in in California?
- Most California drive-ins welcome outside food, but a few prefer you support their snack bar. Check the outside food policy on each theater's listing page before packing your cooler.
Explore All States
Planning a road trip? Browse drive-in theaters across all 50 states.
Browse All States →