What Is the Oldest Drive-in Movie Theater in the United States?

Movie Theater|Theater

Drive-in movie theaters are a classic staple of American culture, having been around for over a century. The first drive-in theater was opened in 1933 in Camden, New Jersey, and by the 1950s, there were over 4,000 of them scattered across the United States.

In the decades since then, the number has plummeted to around 300. But despite this decline, some drive-ins have managed to stick around for decades and even centuries. One such theater is the oldest drive-in movie theater in the United States.

Located in Camden County, New Jersey, the Garden State Drive-In has been open since 1933 and is still going strong today. This iconic theater has been operated by the same family for three generations and has a long history of showing classic films on its big screen. Despite its age, it has managed to stay up to date with modern technology; it offers digital projection as well as FM radio sound systems for viewers who don’t want to use their car’s stereo system.

The Garden State Drive-In is open year round and offers a wide selection of films from blockbuster hits to independent films and cult classics. It also hosts special events such as car shows and fireworks displays on certain nights throughout the year. The theater also has an interesting tradition known as “Switch Night” which occurs on certain Thursdays during summer months; instead of watching a movie from start to finish, viewers can switch movies midway through the night if they get bored.

In addition to its nostalgic appeal, what makes this drive-in so special is that it was one of the first outdoor theaters ever built in America. During its heyday in 1933, there were only 11 other outdoor theaters in operation across America – making it one of 12 original drive-ins that started it all.

Today, this landmark is still going strong after 87 years and continues to provide entertainment for moviegoers from all over New Jersey and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a classic drive-in experience or just want to see something new on the big screen, there’s no better place than The Garden State Drive-In.

In conclusion, The Garden State Drive In located in Camden County New Jersey is the oldest drive-in movie theater in the United States having been open since 1933. Despite being nearly 90 years old, it still manages to provide customers with an enjoyable experience by staying modern with digital projection systems and FM radio sound systems while also offering classic films along with special events like Switch Night.