7 Outdoor Movie Theaters & Pop-Up Cinemas in San Diego
Be honest—how often did you hear “It’s too beautiful outside to be indoors watching TV” as a kid? (Maybe you’re even hitting your own little ones with that line now.) But here’s some good news for movie buffs who still want to enjoy the increasingly warm weather: San Diego County is flush with options for catching a flick under the stars. Whether you and your fam want to watch something poolside or seaside, on a roof or at a park, there’s a pop-up or permanent open-air theater for you. Here are seven of the county’s best:
Rooftop Cinema Club
The only way to improve a fresh summer evening in San Diego with views of the downtown skyline? A screening of La La Land and a giant bucket of buttery popcorn. Founded in London in 2011, the Rooftop Cinema Club now has seven different locations across the United States, including one at San Diego’s Manchester Grand Hyatt Hotel. The club emphasizes the idea of a “social cinema” environment, encouraging customers to chat away to their heart’s content. But, attentive and easily annoyed moviegoers, don’t fear—each seat comes with a pair of soundproof headphones to ensure that every attendee can enjoy their movie experience how they desire.
With a handpicked monthly program and showings seven days a week, the club offers ticketholders nostalgic 2000s hits, blockbusters, and independent artsy films. Get your ticket online beforehand to skip the box office and choose between a single or double chair with varying packages that can include popcorn and a footrest, starting at $19.
1 Market Place, Downtown
Summer Movies in The Park
Free summer movies in the park are back again in 2025 through October. And the best part? “The park” isn’t just a park but rather an expansive list of ’em all over San Diego County. Locals can catch more than 100 movies on various big screens this summer. The majority will be G- and PG-rated but can still appeal to adults (yes, we’re talking about you, Inside Out 2). Visit the website to see the movie schedule for the summer and find the park nearest you. Grab a blanket, friends, and snacks to enjoy an evening in the grass, not far from home.
Various locations
South Bay Drive-In Theatre
Opened in 1958, the South Bay Drive-In is a longtime staple in San Diego cinema. In 2013, it underwent a third renovation and now boasts a fully digital projection system. As the only drive-in still running in San Diego, it is the perfect place to take a car packed full of too-loud-for-the-theater kids at an appealing price ($10 for adults and just a buck for kids ages 5 through 9).
It is open Friday through Sunday, with showings becoming available each Wednesday for the coming weekend (which can create a fun guessing game at the start of each week for what might be next—but if you want a hint, the drive-in’s site displays a “coming soon” page with several films, many of which are currently in theaters). There’s also a snack bar (cash only) onsite with classic movie theater bites, or you can come equipped with an armada of your favorite treats, no sneaking around needed.
2170 Coronado Avenue, Nestor
The Pearl Hotel’s Wednesday Night Dive-Ins
“Dinner and a movie” might be the most conventional date ever—but not so at The Pearl Hotel in Point Loma. On Wednesday nights, the hotel sets up a big screen over its iconic oyster-shaped pool. Though not a true “dive-in,” as the event is called, (the pool closes at 8 p.m, the same time the films begin, so you can’t cannonball in for a long, leisurely float), you can sip a drink from the patio at The Pearl’s midcentury-themed restaurant, Ponyboy, while you catch a classic film. Make reservations at Ponyboy online beforehand to get a taste of twists on Cold War–era bites like tuna casserole and fondue, or just show up and grab a cocktail at the poolside bar and let the show begin.
1410 Rosecrans Street, Point Loma
Cinema Under the Stars
You’ll find Cinema Under the Stars nestled in Mission Hills behind Tops Salon. With zero-gravity recliners, a weather-proof retractable covering, and space heaters, this cinema creates a cozy space where guests trade bustling San Diego for a fortress of film. The summer schedule is filled with classics, with titles like Casablanca, The Princess Bride, 10 Things I Hate About You, and Pretty Woman. Oh, and did we mention $3 popcorn?
The summer schedule runs through September 2nd, and screenings will take place Thursday through Sunday with films beginning at 8 p.m. You can make a reservation online beforehand and pay at the door, or just buy a seat for $18 when you arrive. Note that only cash, checks, or Venmo are accepted.
4040 Goldfinch Street, Mission Hills
Movies on the Beach at the Hotel Del Coronado
Like your flicks with a side of sea air? The Hotel Del Coronado is hosting its Movies on the Beach summer series from June 14th to October 25th, showing family-friendly films at 8 p.m. every weekend on either Saturday or Sunday. Although priority seating is given to hotel guests, those who aren’t staying the night are also welcome to reserve a beach chair. Or, if you and another five guests are looking to treat yourselves, you could opt for the Roast Family Movie Package, which not only comes with film tickets but also a bonfire and s’mores supplies.
1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado
Flicks at the Fountain
Keep the kids busy for the very doable price of zero dollars with Carlsbad Village’s Flicks at the Fountain, taking place every Thursday from July 10th to August 7th. Local businesses sponsor zero-cost, open-air screenings of family-friendly films like Moana 2 and Ratatouille. Bring a beach chair, picnic blanket, or whatever your heart (and bum) desires to sit on. First-come, first-serve seating begins at 6 p.m. and the movie starts at 8 p.m. Feel free to bring a picnic or have dinner at one of the several restaurants nearby.
Carlsbad Village fountain at the corner of State Street & Grand Avenue
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