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7 Retro Drive-in Theaters in Florida That Will Take You Back In Time

Offering unique family entertainment under the stars with admission prices that hover around $5 for adults and even less for children, both the nostalgia and ambiance are what attracts moviegoers to retro-style theaters. For a real throwback to the 50’s era of movie-going, visit one of these classic drive-in movie theaters that are still lighting up the big screen in the Sunshine State.

The Lake Worth Swap Shop & Drive In, Lake Worth Lake Worth Drive-In Theater
Credit: Lake Worth Drive-In Theater by Lake Worth Drive In

The Lake Worth Swap Shop & Drive In, Lake Worth

Opening in 1967 with a solo screen playing to more than 400 cars, this outdoor cinema is the last remaining in Palm Beach County. Here you can enjoy one nightly feature for $7 per adult and $2 per child, or browse through the theater’s flea market, The Swap Shop.

Silver Moon Drive-In, Lakeland Silver Moon Drive-In
Credit: Silver Moon Drive-In by silvermoondrivein via Flickr

Silver Moon Drive-In, Lakeland

In continuous operation since 1948, the Silver Moon Drive-In has two screens that show movies 365 days a year. Located an hour West of Orlando, this popular movie destination has kept up with the times by converting to digital technology.

Ocala Drive-In Theater, Ocala Ocala Drive In
Credit: Ocala Drive In by Ocala Drive-In Theater

Ocala Drive-In Theater, Ocala

Standing strong, the Ocala Drive-In was opened in 1948 and surprisingly resurrected twice, once in 2003 and again in 2011. New owners improved the audio and visual technology, creating even more appeal to this beloved attraction.

Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre, Ruskin Drive-In Theatre, Ruskin
Credit: Drive-In Theatre, Ruskin by Ruskin Family Drive-In

Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre, Ruskin

Located in between Brandon and Tampa, the Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre is the quintessential drive-in experience. Showing flicks since it’s opening in 1952 with “Singin’ in the Rain”, this traditional theater with a 60-foot wide screen is a generational family favorite.

The Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop & Drive In Theater, Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop Drive-In
Credit: Swap Shop Drive-In by Matthew Hurst via Flickr

The Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop & Drive In Theater, Fort Lauderdale

Often referred to as a theater complex, the Fort Lauderdale Drive In is one of America’s largest outdoor cinemas. Boasting 13 screens and a range of activities such as an arcade and car museum, this cinema from the 1960s is certainly impressive.

The Funlan Swap Shop & Drive In, Tampa Fun Lan Drive-In Theatre
Credit: Fun Lan Drive-In Theatre by marianne muegenburg cothern via Flickr

The Funlan Swap Shop & Drive In, Tampa

A Tampa landmark for 66 years, Funlan is a fantastic spot to enjoy a night under the stars. Open 7 nights a week, the theater shows 3 sets of double features with the choice of traditional speakers or an FM broadcast.

Joy-Lan Drive-In Theater, Dade City Joy-Lan Drive-In
Credit: Joy-Lan Drive-In by commons.wikimedia.org

Joy-Lan Drive-In Theater, Dade City

Boasting the largest digital screen in Pasco County, here you can enjoy feature movies for $6 throughout the week, except on Wednesdays when they charge just $4. Food is available at the on-site snack bar, and on Sundays, the grounds are transformed into a market, where you can find antiques, clothes, produce, and more.

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