There were over 70 drive-ins across Los Angeles, including one within the fields of what we know now as The Grove. According to LAist, going to the drive-in theater was a popular activity for families across Los Angeles from the late 1940s to the late 1970s. Technology advancements, changing consumer tastes, and unrestrained teenagers lead to the industry’s downfall. By 2020, there were two permanent drive-in movie theaters in Los Angeles County: Mission Tiki Drive-in and the Paramount Drive-in. KCET lists even more drive-in movie theaters in Southern California if you’re up for a drive.

Luckily, the precautions taken during the pandemic led to a re-emergence of outdoor movie pop-ups across Los Angeles and many businesses have already perfected the screening experience for rooftops. Time Out Los Angeles has an up-to-date calendar of almost every outdoor movie screening in Los Angeles.

If you go to a drive in movie theater, here is some advice.

• Plan to arrive to the drive-in at least 30 minutes before show time to secure a good spot.
• Ask the organizers before bringing the dog. Sometimes drive-ins can’t allow pets for insurance restrictions.
• Create a sitting area with sleeping bags, beanbags and pillows in your trunk.
• Ask the people around you if you are blocking their view if you are sitting on the car.
• Keep your headlights off during the movie and figure out how your lights work in advance.
• You can leave your car and bring a portable radio.
• Similar to a movie theater, don’t bring food and drinks. Drive-ins earn their profits from their concession stand.
• If you plan to make out, park in the back.