8 Drive-In Movie Theaters In And Around New Jersey

While drive-in movie theaters are becoming increasingly harder to find in the United States, there's still an impressive selection to choose from both in and around the Garden State.

Though there were drive-ins as early as the 1910s, the first patented drive-in was opened on June 6, 1933, by Richard Hollingshead in New Jersey, according to the New York Film Academy.

The success of Hollingshead’s drive-in caused more to appear in every state. Drive-ins gained popularity during the 1950s and ‘60s, when there were more than 4,000 drive-ins throughout the U.S., most of which were in rural areas.

While drive-ins aren't as popular as they used to be, about 300 remain in operation today.

If you're craving a night of entertainment and nostalgia, here are eight drive-in theaters in and around New Jersey:

Delsea Drive-In, Vineland

The Delsea Drive-In is New Jersey’s only drive-in movie theater that originally opened in 1949. After 38 years, the drive-in was closed for 17 years and reopened in 2004.

If you go: 2203 S. Delsea Dr., Vineland. The Delsea is easily accessible on Route 55 in Cumberland County.

Mahoning Drive-In, Lehighton, PA

The Mahoning Drive-In Theater was built in 1948 and opened for its first season the following year. Since then, it has entertained moviegoers for over half a century on the largest CinemaScope screen in Pennsylvania.

If you go: 635 Seneca Rd., Lehighton, PA. Located about 90 minutes from Trenton.

Shankweiler's Drive-In, Orefield, PA

Shankweiler's Drive-In, established in 1934, is the oldest operating drive-in theater in the world and the second ever built. For over 90 years, it has delighted audiences with double features on its large outdoor screen.

If you go: 4540 Shankweiler Rd., Orefield, PA. Located less than 90 miles from Trenton.

Becky's Drive-In, Walnutport, PA

Becky's is a family-owned drive-in theater that has been in operation since 1946, providing the Lehigh Valley with first-run movies and a great place for family fun.

If you go: 4548 Lehigh Dr., Walnutport, PA. Located about 90 miles from Trenton.

Circle Drive-In, Scranton, PA

The Circle Drive-In features two giant screens (one being the largest movie screen in Pennsylvania) and is one of the longest-running drive-ins in America, opening in 1949.

If you go: 1911 Scranton-Carbondale Highway, Scranton, PA. Located just over an hour from Blairstown.

Bengies Drive-In, Middle River, MD

Bengie's Drive-In opened in 1956 and boasts the largest movie screen in the United States. Located in a suburb of Baltimore, Bengie's shows double features and triple features on the weekend.

If you go: 3417 Eastern Blvd., Middle River, MD. Located about 90 minutes from the Delaware Memorial Bridge.

Moonlite Drive-In, West Wyoming, PA

The Moonlite Drive-In opened in 1951. It closed in 1988 and reopened more than 30 years later on Oct. 4, 2019. The theater features a 100-foot screen and a full snack bar.

If you go: 1190 Shoemaker Ave., West Wyoming, PA. Located about two hours from Trenton.

Garden Drive-In, Hunlock Creek, PA

The Garden Drive-In offers movie showings on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. It is also home to one of the area's largest flea markets.

If you go: 20 US Route 11, Hunlock Creek, PA. Located about 90 minutes from Blairstown.