- Arlington, California
see: Van Buren Drive-in (Riverside, CA)
- Azusa (Los Angeles County) California
Azusa Foothill Drive-in: DARK
located at 675 East Foothill Boulevard @ Alosta
The lovely Azusa, first lit in 1955, was the largest
of California's solo screen Drive-ins and one of two
Dr'ins which remained in operation in L.A. County
into the New Millenium. The future of this handsome
and unique classic and its 17acre site however was
overshadowed and finally eclipsed by the sale of
the property to Azusa Pacific University- so that this
gem of a Drive-in could be razed to provide room for
the University's expansion plans. Partial demolition
has proceeded, including removal of the outer walls,
but some elements of the Azusa remain to be seen ..
briefly, before it's just a memory (and a parking lot).
Photo: Jeff Edling
- Bakersfield (Kern County) California
Crest Drive-in: DARK
formerly located on Pacheco Road
- Barstow (San Bernardino County) California
Skyline Drive-in: 760-256-3333
located at 31175 Old Highway 58 - 1mi north of town
The Skyline came late to the party, opening several years
after the peak of America's Drive-in boom (in 1966), and
went dark after a run of two decades, going dark in 1987.
It remained dark for nine years .. it was then resurrected
and relit in '96 as a solo screen venue. During Season 2k
another screen was added. Each of their two screens is
lit with a double feature throughout the year; with some
occasional special event screenings being hosted such as
a Midnite Special, featuring such films as the neo-classic
Texas Chainsaw Massacre (best appreciated on Halloween).
Admission: $6 per adult; children 11 & under admitted free.
- Bassett (Los Angeles County) California
see: Vineland Drive-in (City of Industry, CA)
- Burlingame (San Mateo County) California
Burlingame Drive-in: DARK
formerly located at 350 Beach Road (off Bayshore Hwy)
- Carson (Los Angeles County) California
South Bay Drive-in: DARK
formerly located at 20151 South Main Street
- Ceres (Stanislaus County) California
Ceres Twin Drive-in: 209-537-0832
located on East Whitmore Avenue @ Blaker St.,
(40 mins s. of Stockton / 45 mins n. of Merced, CA)
Originally a solo screen venue that was first lit in 1947,
the Ceres is currently a very well-maintained deuce,
which operates March thru October; weekends only,
early and late in the season; 7 nites in peak season.
They are screening a double feature on each of their 2
screens. Movie audio provided via FM radio broadcast;
Screen 1: 104.5 FM / Screen 2: 107.9 FM. Between both
the screens the Ceres has a capacity for up to 600 cars.
Admission: $10 per carload will cover all passengers
and includes 2 movies- on same screen (no switching).
There is also a flea market hosted here on Sundays
(6am-3pm) year-round; admission/parking: $1 per car.
Vendor/seller info (Sat/Sun 7am-2pm): 209-537-0832.
- Chula Vista (San Diego County) California
see: South Bay Drive-in (Imperial Beach)
- City of Industry (Los Angeles County) California
Vineland Drive-in: 626-961-9262
located at 443 North Vineland Avenue
(¼ mile west of East Temple Avenue)
Classic Drive-in that was expanded to 4 screens,
with an overall capacity for over 1500 cars, which
still draws fantastic crowds on most weekends,
as the Los Angeles area's nearest operating Drive-in.
Open year-round, with 4 sets of double features,
and audio provided by FM stereo radio broadcast.
Admission: $7.00 (ages 12&UP); ages 11&under free.
- Concord (Contra Costa County) California
Solano Drive-in Theatre: DARK
1611 Solano Way (Solano-A exit off Hwy.4)
The Solano has two screens, lit with a double feature
on each one, seasonally, April thru October. Capacity
between the 2 lots is for approximately 800 cars, and
audio is provided with local FM stereo radio broadcast.
The screens remained lit through Season 2004, and the
last movie sked tape indicated that the Drive-in would
be reopening "after the winter" but as of July 2005 it
was still dark, altho apparently Solano's "year-round"
FleaMarket is still operational Sat/Sun from 6am-4pm.
If you know more about the situation than us, do tell!
- Crescent City (Del Norte County) California
Red's Crescent Drive-in: 707-464-1813
located at 2303 Elk Valley Cross Road
(4 miles north of the town of Crescent City)
Tucked way up in the northwest corner of California, this
solo screen is lit-up seasonally- April-Oct, weekends only
(Fri-Sat-Sun) during spring and fall; and then, open 5 nites
during peak summer months (Wed-Sun) when school is out.
Almost in Oregon, and one of California's smallest Drive-ins,
the Crescent is a classic Drive-in experience in a pleasant
setting, operating since 1959. Parking capacity for 280 cars;
movie audio provided with both AM & FM radio broadcasts,
plus: there are still classic pole-speakers for the nostalgia
minded. Admission: $8 per carload (covers all passengers).
- Daly City (San Mateo County) California
Geneva 4 Drive-in Theatre:
DARK
formerly located on Carter Street, off Geneva
(next to the 'Cow Palace')
- El Cajon (San Diego County) California
Aero Drive-in: 619-444-8800
DARK
located at 1470 East Broadway
The Aero is no longer operating as a picture show,
but a Flea Market SwapMeet is still being held here
Saturdays & Sundays year-round; sked: 6am-3pm.
- El Centro, California
see: Imperial
- Fair Oaks (Sacramento County) California
Sunrise Drive-in: DARK
located at 8149 Greenback Lane
- Fresno (Fresno County) California
see also: Hanford (nearest open Drive-in)
- Fresno (Fresno County) California
Sunnyside Drive-in: DARK
located at 5550 East Olive Avenue;
The Sunnyside is still there, but it functions now
only as a site for a flea market: 559-251-1363 /7373
- Fresno (Fresno County) California
Woodward Park Drive-in: GONE
formerly located at 7150 North Abby Street
The Woodward Park had operated here for 22 years,
lighting-up four screens to provide cinema al fresco
as the last of Fresno's six area Drive-ins which had
managed to remain lit .. until it went dark in the 1st
year of the new millenium. It was also the last outdoor
"quad" in California. The Woodward went southward
during May & June of 2002, as it was demolished to
make way for (BIZ@usual) Costco and Home Depot.
- Gardena (Los Angeles County) California
Vermont Drive-in: GONE
formerly located at 17737 S. Vermont Avenue
(the site is now a housing development).
- Hanford (Kings County) California
Kings Drive-in: 559-584-5425
located at 14th Avenue & Lacey Boulevard
One of the largest movie screens in California
(100' wide) is situated right in the center of the
state— between Bakersfield & Fresno, a screen
which has remained lit every season since 1948.
There are Drive-ins in other states with screens
this large, and even some a little larger, but this
just may be the only case of a screen of this size
for the benefit of so few cars (no more than 300),
which adds-up to everyone being able to get the
BIG picture. Two, in fact, since they're screening
a double-feature every nite of the week during a
season that lasts from March thru October. Movie
audio is provided with radio (91.1 FM) broadcast.
Admission— the lowest of any California Drive-in:
$5 per carload, every nite (for up to 6 passengers).
- Imperial (Imperial County) California
Motor Vu Twin Drive-in: 760-352-4385
located at 385 West Aten Road (off Highway 86)
One of the oldest of California's remaining Drive-ins,
this was originally a solo screen - first lit back in 1940,
and now a deuce, with a capacity for up to 500 cars.
Bordered now by industrial sites, but not to the extent
that it impairs the experience, the Motor Vu remains
an oasis perpetuating the presence of The Past. They're
operating year-round, screening a pair of double features.
- Imperial Beach (San Diego County) California
South Bay Drive-in: 619-423-2727
located at 2170 Coronado Avenue, off I-5
(1 mile north of the Mexican border)
Large tri-screen venue with a capacity for up to
1500 cars throughout, lighting each of its three
screens with a double-feature all year long. The
audio is provided via AM & FM radio broadcast.
TRIVIA: Legend has it .. that a long time ago, in a galaxy
not far away, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill), who was born
September 25th, 1951, in Oakland, had been working here
San Diego nites, prior to hooking-up with the Jedi Knights.
- Industry, California
see: City of Industry
- La Habra (Orange County) California
La Habra Drive-in: GONE
formerly located at Idaho Street & Imperial Hwy.
HELLO K-MART SHOPPERS: in aisle-7 today, we have
a real Kmart special .. Deja Vu .. stock-up on those
sensations that maybe you've been there before ..
and maybe you were .. when this was a Drive-in.
- Lakeport (Lake County) California
Lakeport Auto Movies Theatre: 707-263-5011
located at 52 Soda Bay Road
Solo screen, lit with a double-feature every nite
during peak summer season
Movie audio provided with AM (530) and FM (81) radio
broadcasts; radios can also be rented for 75¢
Admission: $15 per carload (for up to six persons);
- La Puente (Los Angeles County) California
see: Vineland Drive-in (City of Industry, CA)
- Loma Linda (San Bernardino County) California
Tri-City Drive-in: GONE
formerly located at 25352 Redlands Boulevard
- Lompoc (Santa Barbara County) California
Valley Drive-in: DARK
Located at 2222 North H Street (Route 1)
- Madera (Madera County) California
Madera Drive-in Theatre: 559-673-5381
located at 201 East Lincoln Avenue (off Hwy 99)
* two screens
- Marysville (Yuba County) California
Marysville Drive-in: 530-743-2342
located on Route 70 - 1 miles outh of Marysville
(Chestnut Road) Exit Highway 70 at Erie Road
opened-up in June of '66 as the Sierra Drive-in
- Modesto, California
see: Ceres
- Montclair (San Bernardino County) California
Mission Drive-in: 909-627-3564 / 628-0511
located at 10789 Ramona Avenue (Mission Blvd)
The Mission has four screens lit with double features
seasonally, May through September, and a capacity for
up to 1450 cars. There is also a flea market swapmeet
held here throughout the year Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun 6am-2pm.
- National City (San Diego County) California
Harbor Drive-in: 619-477-1392
located at 32nd & D Avenue,
(National City Blvd., off Freeway 54)
- Oakland (Alameda County) California
Coliseum Drive-in Theatre:
DARK
formerly located at 5401 Coliseum Way
- Oceanside (San Diego County) California
Valley Drive-in: DARK
located at 3480 W. Mission Avenue
(2 miles east of Interstate 5)
Originally a large solo-screen venue when it first
opened, at the tail end of America's Drive-in boom
in 1967, the Valley was lighting 4 screens up-thru
the last season of the old Millenium. Those screens
have remained dark for the past six seasons, and
management says, will remain so "until further notice."
There is activity here on the weekends in the form of
a Flea Market SwapShop (7am-3pm) Saturdays and
Sundays, year-round. Admission: 75¢ Sat; $1.25 Sun.
Phone number (for FleaMarket only): 760-757-5286
- Pico Rivera (Los Angeles County) California
Fiesta Drive-in:
GONE
formerly located on Paramount, south of Whittier
(8462 East Whittier Boulevard)
- Pomona (Los Angeles County) California
see: Mission Drive-in (Montclair, CA)
- Porterville (Tulare County) California
Porterville Drive-in Theatres: 559-784-4883
located at 155 North Newcomb Street
* two screens
- Riverdale, California
see: Hanford
- Riverside (Riverside County) California
Rubidoux Drive-in: 951-683-4455
located at 3770 Opal Street @ Mission Blvd
¾mile w. of Valley Blvd. off-ramp on {60} Freeway
One of California's oldest continually-operated
Drive-ins, the Rubidoux was a solo screen venue
(with amusement park rides beneath the screen),
when it was first lit- back in 1948. Presently, there
are 3 screens lit-up with a double feature on each.
Movie admission: $5 for ages 12&UP (11&under free).
Open seasonally (May thru Sept), the old picture show
shuts down for the fall and winter months .. while the
FleaMarket SwapMeet held here operates year-round
on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday, from 6am.
- Riverside (Riverside County) California
Van Buren Drive-in: 951-688-2360
located at 3035 Van Buren Blvd., ½mi s. of {91}
(Van Buren Blvd exit off the {91} Freeway)
Southern California's largest operating Drive-in
has 3 screens (each lit with a double-feature),
and an overall capacity to park up to 1500 cars.
The VanBuren is open year-round and provides
movie audio with FM-stereo radio broadcasts.
Admission: $5 for ages 12&UP; 11 & under free.
Flea Mkt SwapMeet here on weekends (FFI: 688-2829).
- Sacramento (Sacramento County) California
49'er Drive-in:
DARK
located at 4450 Marysville Boulevard
(I-80 & Raley Boulevard)
* six screens
- Sacramento (Sacramento County) California
Sacramento 6 Drive-in: 916-363-6572 /6573
located on Freeway 50 @ Bradshaw Road
* six screens
- Sacramento (Sacramento County) California
Sunrise Drive-in:
DARK
located at 8419 Greenback Lane
- Salinas (Monterey County) California
Skyview Drive-in:
GONE
formerly located at
North Sanborn Road & Garner Ave
History Lesson: The Skyview had a date with the 'dozer on
Monday, July 9th, 2001 .. and was swept into the dustbin of
Oblivion, to make way for construction of a school building.
- San Diego (San Diego County) California
South Bay Drive-in: 619-423-2727
located on Coronado Avenue, west of I-5
* three screens
- San Jose (Santa Clara County) California
Capitol Drive-in Theatre: 408-226-2251
located at 3630 Hillcap Avenue;
(Capitol Expressway & Monterey Road)
Chain-owned venue with 6 screens of varying sizes
and a capacity for more than 600 cars throughout.
Open all year long, screening double features on
each screen. Audio provided with FM stereo radio
broadcast (some traditional Dr'in speakers remain).
Admission: $6 per person (11&under admitted free).
Pizza is popular here, and it can also be delivered to
your car! FleaMkt swapmeet held here on weekends.
- San Luis Obispo (San Luis Obispo County)
Sunset Drive-in: 805-544-4475
located at 255 Elks Lane
- Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz County) California
Skyview Drive-in: 831-475-3405 /2405
located at 2260 Soquel Drive (@ Highway 1)
* two screens
- Santa Fe Springs (Los Angeles County) California
Santa Fe Springs Drive-in: 714-523-9310
located at 13963 Alondra Boulevard
Before the Santa Ana (I-5) came through these parts,
back in '48, when about all you found here was dairy
farms and orange groves, a parcel of 18 rural acres
was acquired on which to build the La Mirada Drive-in
Movie Theatre. The Drive-in opened two years later;
one of America's largest at the time (1950), with its
capacity for more than 1,000 cars. In 1965 La Mirada
became one of the first Drive-ins to host an ongoing
Flea Market Swapmeet (possibly the longest-running).
The screen at La Mirada (subsequently renamed) went
dark in 1990 and has remained so, with the exception
of occasional events and an annual two-nite stand ..
i.e., the double-feature on August 28-29th ($5 per car).
The Swapmeet, in its 36th consecutive year, continues;
during the day, on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday;
and in the evening (5-10PM) on Sunday and Friday.
- Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) California
HiWay Drive-in: 805-937-3515
located at 3085 Santa Maria Way
- Santa Maria (Santa Barbara County) California
Park Aire Drive-in:
GONE
formerly located on East Donovan Road
- Santee (San Diego County) California
Santee Drive-in: 619-448-7447
located at 10990 Woodside Avenue (off 67)
* two screens
SwapMeet tel: 449-7927
- Simi Valley (Ventura County) California
Simi Valley Drive-in:
GONE
formerly located on Tierra Rejada Road
- South El Monte (Los Angeles County) California
Starlite Drive-in: 626-448-7631
DARK
located at 2540 Rosemead Boulevard
The Picture Show is no longer operating here;
lot is being used to host a FleaMkt Swapmeet.
- Stockton (San Joaquin County) California
Valley 99 Drive-in:
GONE
formerly located at 4100 Route 99 South
- Twentynine Palms (San Bernardino County) California
Smith's Ranch Drive-in: 760-367-7713
located on Adobe Road
photo: Alex Vosicka
- Union City (Alameda County) California
Union City 6 Drive-in: GONE
formerly (6 screens) located at
Alvarado & Highway 880
At the time that the Union City IMG above was captured
by Alex Vosicka, on the 22nd of August 1998, all aspects
with the exception of 1 screen and a lot of memories, had
been totally bulldozed into the dumpster of Oblivion .. finally,
the last screen went, and presently there's a huge shopping
plaza alongside the Nimitz Freeway (I-880) over there where-
where, you know, where that Drive-in Picture Show used to be.
Thanks Alex, for giving us all a last glimpse as she went down.
- Ventura (Ventura County) California
101 Drive-in: GONE
formerly located at 4826 Telephone Road
*
California needed another shopping plaza!
- Visalia (Tulare County) California
Mooney Drive-in: 209-733-0380
located on South Mooney Boulevard
* two screens
- Westminster (Orange County) California
Hi-Way 39 Drive-in: GONE
formerly located on Trask Avenue, off Freeway 22
* had four screens and the largest parking lot
of any California Drive-in ... now, a WalMart!
- Yucca Valley (San Bernadino County) California
Sky Drive-In: DARK
located on Theatre Road
|
