San Luis Obispo's Sunset Drive-In Speaks to a Bygone Era in the History of Cinemas (Photo Essay)

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BY JUDY SCOTT

San Luis Obispo’s Sunset Drive-in opened in June 1950 and today it maintains most of its original charm. 

The bright neon signs are just as eye catching as they were 75 years ago. Showing a double-feature every night of the week, moviegoers recently came out for “Dog Man,” an animated action/comedy for kids at 7 p.m., and “Wolf Man,” a woodsy horror movie at 8:50 p.m. for an older audience. Customers can enjoy a night at the drive-in complete with classic snacks, thrilling entertainment, and a unique moviegoing experience. Since the 1980s the number of drive-in theaters has dwindled, from over 4,600 to around 300 today. The Sunset Drive-In still draws a sizable crowd – with 12 cars in the lot filled with families and friends on a Saturday night in February.

Sunset Drive-In marquee sign
Open seven days a week, SLO’s Sunset Drive-in always has a double feature and a swap meet on Sunday mornings.

shadowbox displaying old Sunset Drive-In memorabilia.
Ticket prices have increased since this sign was printed to $12 per person. Vintage decorations are displayed in a shadowbox in the Snack Bar.

A cutomer leaving the snack bar with her snacks in hand excited for the movie ahead.

Before the showing starts, viewers are sure to stop in and get a few snacks to enjoy.


signs depicting a dancing hotdog, soda cup and popcorn inside the snack bar
Equipped with popcorn, soda, hot dogs and nachos, there’s something for everyone at the snack bar.

A drive-in worker filling up popcorn bags.

Popcorn tends to run low as it’s a fan favorite and classic movie snack.


The candy display behind the snack bar counter.
Customers can get a variety of candy – including movie theater classics, like Milk Duds, Junior Mints, Red Vines and more.

The neon clock that hangs in the snack bar.

A neon clock in the snack bar shows the second feature is about to start.


The drive-In sign displaying the radio station to tune in to.
Viewers tune into station 100.7 to hear the movie soundtrack from the comfort of their vehicles.

A viewer caught in with a frightened look on their face after a scary scene in the movie.
Being a horror/thriller movie, “Wolf Man” led to a few jump scares for viewers.

Location: San Luis Obispo, CA, USA

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