Take a Step Back in Time at One of These 8 Nostalgic Drive-In Movies in Florida
Once upon a time couples and groups of friends met at the drive-in movie theater for an evening of entertainment and socializing. Though drive-in movies in Florida generally fell out of popularity, 10 drive-in theaters still exist in the state. These theaters offer a socially-distanced fun outing for the entire family or make a great car date idea. They even regained a bit of their popularity in the post-Covid years, and drive-in movies are popping up in parks all across the state.
A Brief History of the Drive-In Movie Theater
Head over to driveinmovie.com for a comprehensive resource on all things drive-in movie related, including a history of this American invention. The first drive-in theater opened in New Jersey in 1933. It was called Automobile Movie Theatre. The drive-in experienced its peak popularity in the 1950s and 1960s before rapidly falling into obscurity in the 1970s and 1980s. However, they have seen a resurgence in popularity in the last couple of years, and particularly in 2020. As families seek fun outings that provide a degree of safety, cities across Florida have begun to show drive-in movies in city parks using portable screens.
Where to Find a Drive-In Movie Theater in Florida
Where can you find a drive-in theater in Florida? Mostly, in central Florida while south Florida has three and the panhandle just one. The good news is that you can find drive-in movies, if not theaters, held in small towns all over Florida. Which brings up the first place where you can watch a drive-in movie in Florida.
Local City Parks
That’s right. Check with your city! For example, Dunedin Florida holds drive-ins periodically throughout the year, featuring holiday favorites and other classics. Other cities do the same though you’ll have to check with your city’s calendar of events to find out if it does.
Ruskin Family Drive-In, Ruskin
Ruskin Family Drive-In in Ruskin (south of Tampa) has operated continuously since 1952. Their website calls them the “last family drive-in” in the USA and goes on to say, “We had family values when family values were the rule. We still have family values although by some we’re not considered cool.” Ruskin Family Drive-In shows movies on a 2,000 square foot screen and still uses external speakers for sound. They show two movies and appear to show new releases. Dogs are also considered part of the family, and as long as they (and their humans) are well-behaved, they are welcome at this drive-in theater.
Joy-Lan Drive-In Theater & Swap Shop, Dade City
The last drive-in movie theater in Pasco County (north and west of Tampa), Joy-Lan has been in operation since 1950. Closed briefly in 1995 and slated for demolition, Joy-Lan was saved in 1996 and has been continuously operated since then. This drive-in movie theater in Florida has been remodeled and upgraded. It often offers first run movies with sound from an FM station. They do, however, have some external speakers if you prefer the more nostalgic experience. On Sundays, the Joy-Lan Swap Shop opens at 5 AM and remains open until 1 PM. This theater’s sister theater is Silver Moon Drive-In in Lakeland.
Silver Moon Drive-In, Lakeland
The Silver Moon Drive-In Theater was the first drive-in movie theater to open in Polk County and is the last one left in the county. It opened in 1948 and was called “Florida’s newest, most modern outdoor theater”. The Silver Moon Drive-In has two theaters and shows mostly first run movies with double features every night. In fact, the drive-in has become so popular recently, they recommend arriving at least an hour early to avoid congestion and waiting. Like it’s sister theater, Joy-Lan, this one also has a swap shop and flea market. It’s open on Saturday and Sundays from 5 AM to 1 PM.
Rooftop Cinema Club, Tampa
The Rooftop Cinema Club offers pop-up drive-in movies in Florida, specifically in Tampa. It’s currently located at Armature Works in downtown Tampa. Movies show on a 52 foot screen, two movies each night, with sound coming through on the radio. Unlike traditional drive-in theaters in Florida, Rooftop Cinema Club charges per car rather than per person. And there’s no snack bar so bring your own food!
Ocala Drive-In, Ocala
The Ocala Drive-In offers visitors two screens and new releases. As a bonus for their patrons, every movie is a BOGO double feature. This makes this drive-in movie theater in Florida some of the least expensive entertainment anywhere.
Lake Worth Swap Shop & Drive-In, Palm Springs
This drive-in theater in Florida is a sister theater to FunLan Drive-In. Both theaters show the same movies on the same schedule. This one is open 365 days, even holidays. The swap shop is open Monday, Thursday, and weekends.
Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop & Thunderbird Drive-In, Fort Lauderdale
Better known as the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop, this drive-in movie theater in Florida is so much more than a theater. The Miami New Times named it the best movie theater in 2020 and traveltrivia.com named it the 2nd best drive-in theater in the country. Plan to make a day out of it when you go to Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop. Besides the flea market, there’s a Ferrari Museum, enormous video arcade, and of course, the drive-in which has 14 screens! First runs are often shown as are oldies.
Final Thoughts on Drive-In Movies in Florida
With a resurgence in popularity, drive-in movies are making a comeback thanks to the ability to social distance while getting out of the house and doing a fun activity with the entire family. Drive-in movies in Florida can be enjoyed throughout the state with 10 iconic and trendsetting drive-in theaters providing family-friendly entertainment under the stars. Next time you need something to do, give a local drive-in movie theater a try.
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