There is something so nostalgic about a drive-in movie theater. Replaced by the rise of VCRs and home theaters, the last of the Main Line area drive-ins closed in the mid-1980s. However, some still remain in other parts of Pennsylvania (many in the Lehigh Valley) and southern New Jersey. There are a grand total of just over 300 remaining operational drive-in movie theaters in North America. Your next road trip can include these nearby drive-ins, along with an overnight stay. Here are seven to consider within a few hours’ drive for some family road-trip fun. Download this handy map, and visit them all!
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre
4540 Shankweiler Rd., Orefield
Established in 1934, Shankweiler’s is the oldest operating drive-in in the world. This Lehigh Valley institution offers double features. Shankweiler’s was recently awarded the title of “Best Drive-In Theater” in the 2026 USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Open year-round with a snack bar onsite, Shankweiler’s is only about an hour away from Wayne.
Stay: If you want to stay the night after your double feature, Orefield has plenty of chain hotels to consider. Looking for a unique stay instead? Check out the Glasbern Inn, a historic hotel named one of Travel + Leisure‘s Best Getaways in Pennsylvania. It’s worth the short (less than five-mile) drive from the theater to this sustainable hotel with authentic historic cottages, a farmhouse, restored stables and a barn.
Dine: Movies call for pizza! The Red Tomato Pizzeria is a popular spot for pizza, pasta and Italian dishes before the show. Norma J’s Restaurant, just over a mile away, is a beloved American diner perfect for classic comfort food.
4548 Lehigh Dr, Walnutport
Featuring two screens and a popular concession stand and surrounded by scenic farmland, Becky’s Drive-In offers audio via your car radio and even weekend pony rides for the little ones. Also located in the Lehigh Valley, Becky offers admission prices ranging from $12 per adult to $8 per child under 13 and free admission for kids three and younger.
Stay: Less than a few miles from Becky’s Drive-In, Filbert Bed & Breakfast is a great choice to stay after a night at the drive-in. The early 1800s Victorian farmhouse and general store is located at the foothills of the Blue Mountains in the Lehigh Valley.
Dine: The Berlinsville Hotel offers daily food specials along with elevated pub fare like wonton tacos and perogi. It also has a full-service bar for a post-flick cocktail or beer.
635 Seneca Rd., Lehighton
Nestled in the scenic Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, Mahoning Drive-In Theater has been presenting cinema under the stars since 1949. This retro-focused drive-in specializes in 35mm film screenings and themed weekends at its Lehigh Valley location. It offers a stocked concession stand and allows leashed pets in all areas except concessions.
Stay: The Inn at Jim Thorpe is just a few miles from the theater and offers an onsite restaurant and bar in addition to unique guest rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi access. Guests can visit the spa to relax with a massage or other body treatments. The inn also offers a game room, as well as a fitness center.
Dine: Sit down for a meal at the Inn at Jim Thorpe’s Broadway Grille and Pub, or head over to enjoy the 1930s atmosphere at Lehighton’s Bonnie & Clyde Pub and Grill.
2203 S. Delsea Dr., Vineland, NJ
Delsea Drive-In is New Jersey’s only remaining drive-in movie theater and, depending on your location, the closest to the Main Line. With a current movie lineup and a snack bar offering more than just popcorn and nachos (think burgers, cheesesteaks, pizza and wings), this spot is a great place for a date or family outing.
Stay: The Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express are both Vineland hotel options to consider. With its proximity to the Delaware Bay, the Charlesworth Hotel in Fortescue is a great choice if driving farther is a possibility. Located about 30 miles (45 minutes) southwest of Vineland, this historic fishing village sits right on the bay and features a highly rated onsite seafood restaurant with a panoramic bayfront deck.
Dine: Scratch-made Italian classics are on the menu at Maplewood III and Martino’s Trattoria and Pizzeria. Visit Outlaw’s Burger Barn & Creamery for a classic cheeseburger and milkshake combo.
185 Logan Rd., Dillsburg
Located near Harrisburg, this is a popular spot in central Pennsylvania. Pull up and watch current releases on the big screen while enjoying the great outdoors at Haar’s Drive-In.
Stay: Allenberry Resort & Spa is 15 minutes from Haar’s Drive-In and features 75 acres of countryside with fly fishing, a wellness spa, dining and even a playhouse offering live theater.
Dine: The Pickle Nickel is the spot for classic sirloin patty burgers, fresh-cut fries and creamy milkshakes. Baker’s Diner offers the menu variety you would expect from a classic diner, including all-day breakfast.
1911 Scranton Carbondale Hwy., Scranton
Open since 1949, Circle Drive-In Theatre is an iconic drive-in showing movies from spring to fall, including first-run flicks and retro classics on its two giant outdoor screens. Nosh on popcorn and candy as well as freshly made pizzas and items from the grill.
Stay: Radisson Lackawanna Station Hotel Scranton is a bigger hotel in the downtown area with all the amenities. For a smaller hotel experience, try the Colonnade, which features three upscale boutique suites.
Dine: Bar Pazzo features wood-fired ovens, house-made gelato and an espresso bar café. Cooper’s Seafood is the spot for seafood with a side of spectacle at this sprawling restaurant complex, which also features a microbrewery onsite.
20 State Rte. 11, Hunlock Creek
A two-screen drive-in located in Luzerne County, the Garden Drive-In is a first-run theater also featuring fairs and flea markets on its grounds during the day.
Stay: The Frederick Stegmaier Guest House is the place to stay in nearby Wilkes-Barre for luxurious overnight accommodations 15-20 minutes from the drive-in.
Dine: Stone Creek Bar & Grill is a cozy, casual tavern serving cheesesteaks and pizzas, along with cold brews and mixed drinks. If you are looking for breakfast in the morning, Red Rooster Pancake House is a diner and breakfast spot famous for hearty portions and a vintage, rooster-themed interior.