Who doesn’t enjoy going to the movies? Think back to those childhood memories of family movie nights getting together to watch the blockbusters of the day. However, nothing evokes those nostalgic memories more than a trip to an outdoor cinema – that’s why this summer, we’ve put together our shortlist of the top drive-in movie theatres you should visit.
If you love classic movies such as E.T., Star Wars, and the Back to the Future series, join us as we head on a road trip to explore our top drive-in movie theatres across the U.S. and Canada. So, grab your car keys and head to the popcorn stands for a timeless retro movie night out with your friends and family to enjoy the drive-in revival.
The Bengies Drive-In movie theatre in Middle River, Maryland is our first port of call on our shortlist of top drive-in movie theatres. Principally because the iconic Bengies Drive-In movie theatre not only boasts the largest theatre screen in the USA, but it’s also been the home of many a family movie night since it was built in 1956.
Having recently overseen several modern upgrades, including a digital projection and new sound system, The Bengies Drive-In continues to fuel the recent drive-in revival. This historic open-air cinema is ideal for families who want to watch today’s blockbuster films and re-runs of their favorite classic movies in style.
Complete your night out by booking your stay at the Best Western Plus BWI Airport Hotel – Arundel Mills, in Elkridge, Maryland.
For families and movie-goers visiting the west coast, we’re heading next to Shelton, Washington, and the celebrated The Skyline Drive-In theatre. The Skyline Drive-In is a must-visit for those seeking an outdoor cinema with the best views of the stars and a great venue on our list of top drive-in movie theatres in North America.
In fact, the Skyline Drive-In theatre has remained a beloved destination for families for almost 70 years. First opened in 1964 with the screening of Walt Disney’s Lady and The Tramp, it has since become a cultural icon of the drive-in movie theatre experience. Located in Shelton, it offers a unique and nostalgic movie-watching experience that families and avid film enthusiasts continue to cherish.
Complete the evening’s experience by staying locally at the Best Western Tumwater-Olympia Inn in Tumwater, Washington.
Did you know Canada has a rich history of people flocking to the drive-in movie theatre too? So, our first Canadian outdoor cinema in our North American top drive-in movie theatres shortlist must be the Mustang Drive-In in London, Ontario.
First opening in 1953, the Mustang Drive-In theatre was one of the first Canadian open-air cinemas to offer guests stereo sound and is also pet-friendly. In addition, the Mustang Drive-In comes complete with an iconic neon sign and a fantastic popcorn concession stand. This beloved institution in London has played host to generations of family movie nights out, which continues to this day.
Enjoy a show and rest up afterward at the Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre in London, Ontario.
Bringing a piece of Hollywood to Canadians since 1955, the Stardust Drive-In Theatre is our next stop on our tour of the top drive-in movie theatres in the U.S. and Canada. Cherished by locals, the Stardust Drive-In Theatre in Newmarket, Ontario, hosts regular retro movie nights replicating the nostalgic era for its movie-going guests.
With three huge screens, this open-air cinema is perfect for those wanting to watch movies under the stars. Benefiting from its new digital sound system, you can enjoy all the current box office hits and a host of classic movies from your past. In addition, the Stardust Drive-In provides the perfect venue for a night out at the pictures, which is why it makes it onto the recommendation of top drive-in movie theatres.
Get a sound night’s sleep after movie night when you stay at the Best Western Voyageur Place Hotel in Newmarket, Ontario.
The final establishment on our list of top drive-in movie theatres has to be the iconic Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. As Cape Cod’s only drive-in theatre, the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre has been a treasured family movie night setting since its opening in 1957.
As one of the oldest continuously operated drive-in theatres in the United States, the Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre also boasts a vintage 18-hole mini golf course, dairy bar, and Cape Cod’s biggest flea market. However, the outdoor cinema truly steals the show and makes for a superb final venue for our select list of top drive-in movie theatres in the U.S. and Canada.
After an evening under the stars and sleep well nearby at the Aiden by Best Western @ Cape Point in West Yarmouth, Massachusetts.