You’re not the only one who’s missed the experience of watching a movie on the big screen; the smell of buttery popcorn, the excessive amount of candy options and the high definition surround sound that catches even the slightest of sounds. 

Although digital streaming is convenient, this past year has taught us that there’s nothing better than laughing, cheering, cringing, and even crying with a room full of strangers. 

Because movies are meant to be immersive experiences. The screen is larger-than-life (duh) to make each scene feel more realistic. You can not only SEE the boat in Titanic sinking to the bottom of the Atlantic, but you actually feel as if you’re on it yourself. The high definition surround sounds turn the faint hum in a horror film into shivers down your spine, hinting that the killer could actually be behind you. 

And for most of the time, you can sit for 2 hours, eating every kind of M&M imaginable, and not be interrupted by a dog barking or an unexpected Zoom call. Instead, you can be transported to a far-off land of make-believe or 50 years into the future on the brink of a natural disaster. 

With new movies like Marvel’s The Black Widow and Purge and Conjuring sequels, many of us will venture back to the movie theater this summer. Below is a list of 4 San Diego movie experiences you won’t want to miss out on this summer! (plus a bonus for those who still enjoy a movie night in)

1. Movies on the Beach at Hotel Del

Perfect for a family night out with the kids!

Enjoy family-friendly movies and cult classics while snuggled up on Del Beach.

Their schedule includes hits like Grease 1978, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, and Minions.

Tickets are $25/person but they also have a Family Movie Package that includes a private bonfire pit, s’mores for 4 people, chairs, and a daybed.

Doors open at 8pm and movies start at 8:30pm giving you plenty of time to find spot to get comfortable.

2. Sunsetflix

A Private movie session perfect for date night or a double date with friends!

Love the feel of the movie theater but hate when kids kick you in the back of your seat or strangers talking during the good parts?

Need some romantic alone time after a year spent cooped up indoors?

Sunsetflix offers a wonderful private outdoor movie experience without the stress of having to plan it yourself.

Pick locations around San Diego like Sail Bay, Fiesta Island, or even your home backyard!

Bring the device with the movie of your choice, and even your furry pal, and enjoy a night under the stars with snacks and beverages galore!

Want even more food? Add s’mores, chocolate-dipped strawberries, pastries, or a charcuterie box for extra personalization.

Packages start at $200 for a set up for 2 people but additional seating can be added for just $25 per person.

3. Rooftop Cinema Club

Perfect for a night on the town!

After hitting happy hour with some friends in downtown, head to the roof of the Manchester Grand Hyatt for a movie with a skyline backdrop.

Wireless headphones allow you to hear all of the movie, without any of the noise from the cityscape.

All of your favorite movie snacks can be found at the box office along with a full bar and food menu provided by the Manchester Grand Hyatt.

Movies range from classics like The Sandlot to romcoms like The Notebook to Raya and the Last Dragon during their Family-Friendly Sundays.

Tickets sell out extremely fast so plan ahead!

4. Santee Drive-In Theater

Kick it old school and get more bang for your buck!

The Santee Drive-In the perfect option for escaping the close quarters of a normal movie theater.

They are open 7 days a week and have two “theaters” playing two different movies every night.

For just $10 you can pick from a selection of new releases like Cruella and The Conjuring and stay for a double feature at no extra cost!

There’s no need to bring a radio, just use your car stereo system, sit back, and relax until the movie starts.

*Bonus: Cinemationship Subscription Box

Bring the movie theater to your house!

I understand there are some people who don’t see going to the movies in the same light that I do……

You can’t take your socks off and put your feet on the coffee table at a movie theater without getting some weird looks. Thankfully subscription services are making it easier and easier to never have to leave your house (for anything).

Cinemationship brings the snacks and movie straight to your door to homes all over the country.

Purchase a subscription or a single box experience and host your own movie night at your house with half the effort.

Check out our other blog posts for more activities to do this summer.

Or head to our socials for more content by us!