This California drive-in movie theater is one of the best in the country, USA Today says

A California drive-in theater is one of the best spots in the nation to watch movies under the stars, according to USA Today.

Sunset Drive-In in San Luis Obispo was No. 9 on the publication’s list of the top 10 drive-in movie theaters in the United States in 2024, published May 22.

It was the only California drive-in on USA Today’s list — and, in fact, the only one on the West Coast.

“The rise of home entertainment led to the decline of the classic American drive-in,” USA Today said, noting that there are fewer than 400 in operation across the country. “Still, this great American pastime is undergoing a revival, with many drive-ins converting to digital projection and offering innovative concessions.”

What is Sunset Drive-In in San Luis Obispo?

Drive through San Luis Obispo on Highway 101 and you’ll spot the massive concrete screen of the Sunset Drive-In, which opened in 1950.

The drive-in at 255 Elks Lane shows movies seven days a week, with double features on most nights, and hosts a popular swap meet on Sunday mornings.

You can bring your own food, or buy candy, popcorn, soda and other treats at the snack bar.

As of Wednesday, Sunset Drive-In was offering film screenings of “The Garfield Movie” and “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes,” with “Inside Out 2” and “Despicable Me 4” listed as “coming soon.”

What are the top 10 drive-in movie theaters in the US?

These are the top 10 drive-in theaters in the nation for movie lovers, according to USA Today:

1. Skyview Drive-In in Belleville, Illinois
2. Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Theatre in Gibson City, Illinois
3. Bengies Drive-In Theatre in Middle River, Maryland
4. The Family Drive-In in Stephens City, Virginia
5. Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Orefield, Pennsylvania
6. Evergreen Drive-In Theatre in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania
7. Hull’s Drive-In in Lexington, Virginia
8. Park Place Drive-In in Marion, Virginia
9. Sunset Drive-In
10. Stars & Stripes Drive-In Theatre in New Braunfels, Texas

How did USA Today come up with rankings?

To come up with USA Today’s Best 10 Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024, a panel of experts selected nominees across a number of categories.

The publication’s readers then voted for their favorites.

So far, USA Today has ranked the nation’s best campgrounds for recreational vehicles, national park lodges, vintage trailer hotels, glamping spots and other options for travelers.

The publication also announced its top picks for things to do this summer, including hiking trails, outdoor concert series and scenic train rides.

This story was originally published May 29, 2024 at 12:30 PM with the headline "This California drive-in movie theater is one of the best in the country, USA Today says."

Sarah Linn

The Tribune

805-781-7907

Sarah Linn is an editor and reporter on the West Service Journalism Team, working with journalists in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno, Merced and San Luis Obispo in California and Bellingham, Olympia and Tri-Cities in Washington, as well as Boise, Idaho. She previously served as the Local/Entertainment Editor of The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, working there for nearly two decades. A graduate of Oregon State University, she has earned multiple California journalism awards.