You can see movies on rooftops and in parks across New York City, but nothing beats the old-fashioned drive-in experience.
What might seem like a 20th-century relic is in fact still very much alive throughout the Northeast. These are some of the top drive-ins within a day’s ride of New York City (all distances calculated from midtown Manhattan):
Sunset Drive-In
This beautiful four-screen drive-in on a pastoral northern Vermont setting offers a double feature of big Hollywood movies each night, plenty of space for cars and a snack bar with incredibly affordable grub. It’s an essential part of any trip to the Burlington area.
Where: 155 Porters Point Rd., Colchester, Vermont
How far: 5.5-hour drive
More info: Sunsetdrivein.com
Warwick Drive-In
A bit closer to home is this Orange County spot, sitting on 11 acres, playing all the hits and featuring the advantage of being open every night. Plus, admission is just $10 for adults.
Where: 5 Warwick Turnpike, Warwick, New York
How far: 1.5-hour drive
More info: Warwickdrivein.com
Becky’s Drive-In
This family-friendly institution offers the blockbusters you’d expect, plus pony rides, firework shows and other accoutrements that collectively make this a special place to go to the movies. It’s typically mentioned among the best in the country.
Where: 4548 Lehigh Dr., Walnutport, Pennsylvania
How far: 2-hour drive
More info: Beckysdi.com
Delsea Drive-In
There’s only one drive-in theater left in New Jersey, though the Garden State opened the first one ever in Pennsauken Township in 1933. The South Jersey-located Delsea is it, which reopened in 2004 by a pediatrician and offers all the hits and an extensive menu that features low-carb options.
Where: 2203 South Delsea Dr., Vineland, New Jersey
How far: 2-hour drive
More info: Delseadrive-in.com
Overlook Drive-In and the Hyde Park Drive-In Theatre
The Hudson Valley is one of the most beautiful regions in New York State, so why not make a day of it by heading to the Poughkeepsie area to visit either of these classic drive-ins, still owned by the Cohen family that started them both some 60 years ago? The Hyde Park Drive-In sits across the street from the amazing FDR home and the Overlook features a six-story screen.
Where: Overlook: 126 Degarmo Rd., Poughkeepsie, New York; Hyde Park: 4114 Albany Post Rd., Hyde Park, New York
How far: 2-hour drive
More info: Overlookdrivein.com and
