Photo of WE Drive-Ins in California1 / 2
Cinemas

WE Drive-Ins

πŸ“ Santa Monica, CA

β˜…3.7(21 Google reviews)

Santa Monica drive-in cinema where families can watch movies from their cars. Best experience for those with SUVs or convertibles who can secure back row spots for lounging.

βœ“ Great atmosphereβœ“ Bring own snacksβœ“ Back rows best
β€œ
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by Jess C

Perfect size drive in, on the smaller size for parking but this guarantees every parking spot has a great view! This is awesome place to catch a movie !! I suggest the back row so that you can pop open the trunk and lounge in the back . Bring your own boombox so battery is not drained . Note that in both e and f rows can have trunk open. Great spot would come back again !

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with SUVs or convertibles who can secure back row spots (rows E and F) where you can open trunks and lounge. Skip the overpriced VIP package and bring your own snacks and portable radio to preserve car battery. The intimate venue creates a nice community feel, but sightline issues make this hit-or-miss depending on your parking spot.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Arrive early and request back rows (E or F) where you can open your trunk and have better views
⏰Bring your own boombox/radio to avoid draining your car battery during the movie
🎟️Skip the VIP package - reviewers say it's just overpriced water and popcorn with no real perks
πŸš—Bring your own snacks and drinks as concessions are expensive and limited

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
3.7
β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

21 Google reviews

View obstruction problems60%
VIP package disappointing40%
Friendly staff and atmosphere40%
Parking positioning matters80%
Good screen and sound quality20%
J

Jess C

5 years ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œPerfect size drive in, on the smaller size for parking but this guarantees every parking spot has a great view! This is awesome place to catch a movie !! I suggest the back row so that you can pop open the trunk and lounge in the back . Bring your own boombox so battery is not drained . Note that in both e and f rows can have trunk open. Great spot would come back again !”

D

David Jammy

5 years ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œMy wife and I were at the opening night to celebrate our wedding anniversary ... it couldn't have been a more enjoyable experience. Screen and sound quality were great, but more importantly it felt like a warm, celebratory, neighborhood event - a perfect antidote to Covid blues! Nancy and her team were wonderful, personable hosts.”

C

Cole Root

5 years ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œI enjoyed the experience overall. My only real complaint is the phony β€œvip” cash grab. $30 for β€œpremium refreshments”. It’s a bottle of water and a bag of gas station pop corn. It might be important to note that once we arrived and checked in there is no distinction between VIP and not. You just get placed to park first come first serve. I think that the view was okay and not obstructed. The location has a lot going on and atmospheric noise and traffic, so if you need to crack a window (it gets steamy) you’ll question if the sirens are in the movie or just SM traffic. I would maybe go back, sans VIP package, but more intersected in seeking out other drive in experiences.”

T

Tony Tobey

5 years ago

β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…

β€œVIP. Not really. 2 waters, 2 kettle corn bags for 3 paid tickets VIP. Good if you have a convertable. Literally, was told the spot we reserved was for handicap. Then told to position our vehicle to the far right. When we couldn't see the screen my wife asked me to request another spot and we were positioned behind the spot we originally booked. Only to have another car from that had a convertable with colorful-haired girls take our (handicap) spot so the company could have a photo-op with them getting there popcorn. The whole scene made the experience less than what I would call VIP.”

Reviews from Google

Overview

WE Drive-Ins is a Santa Monica drive-in cinema offering outdoor movie screenings from your car. The venue features parking spots arranged in rows, with back rows E and F providing the best experience for families with larger vehicles. The intimate setting creates a community atmosphere, though sightlines can be obstructed depending on your parking spot and vehicle type.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday19:00 – 23:45
Thursday19:00 – 23:45
Friday19:00 – 23:45
Saturday19:00 – 23:45
Sunday19:00 – 23:45

πŸ“ Other Cinemas in Santa Monica

View all β†’

πŸ“ Similar Activities Nearby

View more in California β†’