5 Drive-In Movie Theaters In Washington Worth Visiting

Gourmet meals and Hollywood-inspired cocktails may be standard at Washington’s many multiplex movie theaters. While these enticing amenities are a draw, nothing beats a cool summer night at the drive-in theater.

Eighty-five years ago, at America’s first drive-in movie theater in Camden, New Jersey, there was a surprisingly low turnout. It was advertised as the perfect cinematic experience for singles, couples, groups, and families with noisy children. Despite the disappointing turnout, outdoor screens popped up all over the U.S. in the 1950s, amassing 4,000 theaters across the country. A number of those were in Washington, where moviegoers took advantage of the summer months to attend these outdoor screenings.

Today, there are only around 300 drive-in theaters left in America, but Washington State is still preserving its favorite drive-ins, complete with all of the nostalgic nuances of the Sandy-Danny door slam in Grease. Only five drive-ins remain in the state, but each is worth a visit.

Blue Fox Drive-In Theater

Whidbey Island is a popular travel destination. With clifftop views of the Puget Sound and local wineries, it’s a hot spot for tourists and Pacific Northwest natives alike. And one of its beloved hidden gems is the Blue Fox Drive-In Theater. The drive-in sits in flat farmland about two miles (3.2 kilometers) southwest of the island’s city center. Its parking spots fan the field, meaning there’s isn’t a bad seat in the house. From Ant-Man to the upcoming Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, the Blue Fox Drive-In screens all the latest blockbusters sure to please crowds of all ages.

Blue Fox Drive-In Theater, 1403 N Monroe Landing Rd, Oak Harbor, WA, USA, +1 360 675 5667

Rodeo Drive-In Theatre

The Rodeo Drive-In Theatre is a Bremerton, Washington, staple. The venue, built in 1949, is unlike other outdoor theaters in the state because it’s not just a single-screen drive-in; it has three screens and can host up to 1,000 cars and people. Each screen sits in the corners of the rectangular field outlined by oversized trees. The Rodeo Drive-In Theatre curates an assortment of genres that include romance, action, comedy, and more. Between the variety of films and its concession stand that offers everything from Philly cheesesteak sandwiches to fish and chips, the Rodeo Drive-in Theatre is a great place to spend a night out.

Rodeo Drive-In Theatre, 7369 WA-3, Bremerton, WA, USA, +1 360 698 6030

Wheel-In Motor Movie

Out on the Olympic Peninsula, wedged in the woods of the small Victorian-style town of Port Townsend, is the Wheel-In Motor Movie. This drive-in is definitely on the smaller side in comparison to the other venues scattered around Washington. Established in 1965, the one-screen outdoor theater sits in a triangular-shaped forest clearing, making the experience intimate, and when it screens horror movies like Hereditary, scary. Visitors can expect tasty concession food and the best of Hollywood cinema at this local drive-in.

Wheel-In Motor Movie, 210 Theatre Rd, Port Townsend, WA, USA, +1 360 385 0859

Skyline Drive-In Theater

The Skyline Drive-In Theater has been drawing film enthusiasts from all over since 1964. The one-screen theater sits on farmland in Shelton, Washington, halfway between Olympia and Bremerton. Unlike some of the other drive-ins on this list, the Skyline Drive-In Theater is seasonal, usually opening at the end of March and blanketing its screen at the end of September. This family-friendly environment hosts everything from action-packed movies like Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom to sing-along screenings of animated features like Frozen.

Skyline Drive-In Theater, 182 SE Brewer Rd, Shelton, WA, USA, +1 360 426 4707

Auto-Vue Drive-In Theatre

On the Eastern side of Washington State, in Colville, is the Auto-Vue Drive-In Theatre. And just like the rest of the drive-ins on this list, it’s been bringing the best of cinema to the public since the mid-20th century. As advertised by the venue, the drive-in is the only one of its kind on that side of the state, meaning it draws crowds from all of the surrounding towns and cities. Situated in a small field, the screen stands in front of the beautiful rolling hills surrounding the area. Between its views and circulation of Hollywood hits, the Auto-Vue Drive-In Theatre is not one to miss.

Auto-Vue Drive-In Theatre, 444 Auto View Rd, Colville, WA, USA, +1 509 684 2863

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.