Drive-in theaters may feel like a thing of the past, but a few hundred across the U.S. are still going strong. From small, no-frills single-screen lots to massive venues accommodating thousands of cars and multiple screens, each one offers its own character and charm — and a healthy dose of nostalgia. Here are five U.S. cities with standout theaters where you can still catch a drive-in movie under the stars.

Paramount, California

Paramount Drive-In Theatres is one of the last classic drive-ins in the Los Angeles area. Opened in 1947, it has a capacity of around 1,000 cars and two 75-foot screens offering several movie options each night, broadcast through FM radio. While a revamped snack bar adds to the nostalgic feel, Paramount also lets guests bring their own food. The venue is located in a small, primarily residential city in southeast L.A. County that isn’t typically a destination in its own right, making the theater feel like a true hidden gem.

Dearborn, Michigan

The Ford Wyoming Drive-In in Dearborn, Michigan, is considered the largest drive-in theater in the country. A local landmark since opening in 1950, the theater has an expansive layout with multiple screens that can accommodate approximately 3,000 cars in total, allowing for a lively atmosphere on busy summer nights. Compared with more rural drive-ins, its location within the Detroit metro area gives it a unique urban backdrop.

Dearborn itself is closely tied to America’s automotive history as the home of the Ford Motor Company, and visitors who come to Motor City for the museums and historic industrial sites shouldn’t miss this opportunity to catch a flick at the city’s historic theater. 

Orefield, Pennsylvania

Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre in Orefield, Pennsylvania, is the oldest continuously operating drive-in in the United States. It opened in 1934, one year after America’s first-ever drive-in theater opened in Camden, New Jersey. Long after the closure of Camden Drive-In, Orefield lives on, quietly surviving decade after decade in this small rural community in Leigh Valley. Today, the theater still closely resembles its original form, without relying on flashy upgrades or modern bells and whistles. Patrons return time and time again for the relaxed atmosphere under the stars.

Middle River, Maryland

Bengies Drive-In Theatre, located just outside Baltimore along the Chesapeake Bay, is another one of America’s most famous drive-ins. The venue is best known for having the country’s largest outdoor movie screen, measuring about 120 feet wide and 52 feet tall. Open since 1956, Bengies has kept the old-school moviegoing experience alive, showing double and often triple features in a single night, complete with vintage intermission trailers and a full snack bar. Every night kicks off with the national anthem, which adds to its nostalgic, vintage Americana feel.

New Braunfels, Texas

The Stars and Stripes Drive-In Theatre in New Braunfels originally opened in Lubbock, Texas, in 2003 and later expanded to New Braunfels. Each is famous for its three-screen setup, which allows for multiple films to be shown simultaneously each night. The theater also features a 1950s-inspired cafe serving classic American fare such as burgers, milkshakes, and funnel cakes, along with a playground that makes it especially family-friendly.

Though the retro vibes are strong, the Stars and Stripes also uses modern digital projection and FM radio sound for consistent viewing quality. It’s open year-round and frequently offers double features. Beyond the drive-in, New Braunfels is known for its strong German heritage, celebrated through its food, culture, and beer festivals.