Drive-Ins Near San Francisco Bay Area
Two drive-in theaters operate in the San Francisco Bay Area, both run by the West Wind chain. The Capitol Drive-In in San Jose sits on the South Bay side, and the Solano Drive-In in Concord serves the East Bay.
View Drive-InsThe Capitol is one of the largest drive-ins in California with six screens, open since 1952 on Hillcap Avenue. It runs year-round with digital projection on all screens and doubles as the Capitol Flea Market during daytime hours. From San Francisco, it's about a 50-minute drive south on US-101. From Oakland, roughly 40 minutes via I-880.
The Solano in Concord has two screens and also runs year-round, making it the closer option for anyone in the East Bay or North Bay. It's about 35 minutes from downtown San Francisco via the Bay Bridge and I-680, or 20 minutes from Oakland.
Both theaters broadcast sound on FM radio, show first-run double features, and accept online ticket purchases through the West Wind website. Gates typically open an hour before showtime. Spring and fall are the sweet spot for Bay Area drive-in moviegoing, as summer fog can roll in late and winter nights get cold quickly. Bring layers regardless of season.
Beyond the Bay Area, the Sunset Drive-In in San Luis Obispo and Lakeport Auto Movie Theater in Lake County are within a few hours' drive for a weekend road trip.
Drive-In Theaters Near San Francisco Bay Area
Capitol Drive-in Theatre
San Jose
A six-screen West Wind drive-in on Hillcap Avenue in San Jose, operating...
View Drive-InWest Wind Solano Drive-in
Concord
A two-screen West Wind drive-in on Solano Way in Concord, in the...
View Drive-In