When you think of the sunshine state you think of beaches and Disney World but there is more to do than that. Drive In Movie Theaters in Florida are alive and well.
Drive In Movies are making a big comeback as a result of social distancing due to the pandemic. Sooner or later we all go stir crazy and need a place to go away from home. Drive In movies are helping with the problem.
You will find that Drive In Movie Theatre owners tend to be passionate about keeping the opportunity alive despite the ups and downs sure to come with changing times. Adapting has meant creating more opportunities to appeal to the general public. That is why you will find many with Flea Markets, Swap shops, Car shows, Live concerts, Arcades and all sorts of attractions.
Ocala Drive In
4850 S Pine Ave Ocala, Florida 34480
Open 7 nights per week. Two movies for one price. There is a Concession stand and a game room. Check their Facebook page for Flea Market information.
At Ocala Drive-In, get ready for a trip down Memory Lane as you experience movies the way they were meant to be seen — outside and on the largest screen in the state of Florida with your friends and family!
Pull in, kick back, and crank up the sound for tonight’s movie premieres and don’t forget to hit the game room before or after the show. Since they screen two movies for the price of one, you’ll want to fill up at the concession stand with all of your favorite snacks, but also a full menu with freshly-made food like pizza, burgers, fries, and salad.
They are participating in the Live Concert series during the summer of 2020 so check their Facebook page for details including dates and times.
Silver Moon Drive In Theatre & Swap Shop
4100 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland, FL 33803
Owned and operated by the same company that owns Joy-Lan in Dade City. I would like to mention, they have a nice website, easy to navigate. Very interesting history is shared of both theatres on their sites. These are an excellent example of how Drive In Theatres have been saved and what they went through to make it happen. Here we are in uncertain times of social distancing in 2020 and thrilled for the opportunity to go to a Drive in Movie theatre thanks to these folks with a vision.
The Silver Moon has two screens usually showing first-run movies – with double features seven nights a week. Listen to the movie through your FM car radio.
Arrive early as this is a popular spot right now! Be sure to visit the Snack Bar.
Swap Shop on Saturday and Sunday’s.
Fun-Lan Swap Shop and Drive In UPDATE PERMANENTLY CLOSED
2302 East Hillsborough Avenue Tampa, Florida
I am sorry to say that Fun-Lan was sold and closed in December 2021. I am leaving it here just in case someone buys it and reopens. You never know. I will check again in a few months to see what the new owners do with the property.
A swap shop, flea market by day, and an active Drive-In theatre by night. Fun Lan has been around a while. Check their site for movie times and hop over to their Facebook page for what’s showing.
Joy-Lan Drive In Theatre and Swap Shop
16414 US 301 Dade City, Florida 33523
Joy-Lan Open 7 nights per week through the summer. First run movies with double features.
Bring your lawn chairs and sit outside of your vehicle. Plan a trip to the snack bar where there is plenty to choose from for a dinner and a movie date night.
Sound is through your FM radio. They have several rows of speakers for those vehicles whose FM radio may not be working properly.
Swap Shop on the weekends during the day.
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The Lake Worth Swap Shop and Drive In Theatre
3438 Lake Worth Road Lake Worth, FL 33461
Drive In Swap Shop is the last remaining drive-in theater in Palm Beach County. The Swap Shop Lake Worth Drive-in opened in 1967 as a solo screen playing to more than 400 cars. They later added a second screen. The theater also runs a large swap meet on the weekends. It is part of the Swap Shop drive-in chain of Florida which owns and operates 3 different drive-ins in Florida including Fun Lan listed above in Tampa. Open 365 days a year.
Check their Facebook page for movie times and details.
Ruskin Family Drive In
5011 U.S. Hwy 41 North, Ruskin, Florida 33572
The Ruskin Family Drive-In Theatre offers great movies, good food, and a family atmosphere.
They call it the “Last family drive-in” in the U.S.A. because families, dating couples, single parents with children and everyone else young and old can come and visit.
Cash only, no cards or checks are accepted. It is good to know that before you go. All movies are Double features. Full Snack Bar. Reduced prices for children 5-8. Sound is broadcast over FM radio in your car. You can bring a portable radio if you can’t use the one in your car.
Ft. Lauderdale Swap Shop and Drive In Movie Theatre
3291 West Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311
This location, one of three owned by the Swap Shop Drive In chain of Florida has the most entertainment. You will find an 88 acre Flea Market, a giant video arcade, a free Ferrari museum and the Drive In Movie theatre.
Visit their Facebook page for details about movies times and what’s playing.
