4 Nostalgic Florida Drive-In Movie Theatres Still Exist In 2024

When I think drive-in movies at my age, I instantly think of one of my all time favorite movie, Grease! Danny making the moves on Sandy while they watched Streetcar Named Desire with Marlon Brando, that's basically my experience with drive-in movie theatres at age 40.

The Northside Drive-In Theatre was actually open here in North Fort Myers up until their last showing back around 2005. According to Cinema Treasures, the big screen was eventually demolished back in 2020. The Northside Drive-In was located at 2521 N. Tamiami Trail in North Fort Myers. The location went on to be used as a flea market space and today is home to storage units, Storage Sense.

I think I might have attended an outdoor party at the abandoned location at some point in my life...maybe. Wink, wink 😉

Something sparked my interest in the last few days and I went on a search to find out how many Florida drive-in movie theatres are still open today, in 2024. Visit Florida lists four locations throughout the Sunshine State that are still open for business. I was actually surprised there were four. I was thinking less.

Of course, these theatres aren't located here in Southwest Florida, but they're not too far off and would make for a fun, summer road trip pit stop.

Here are the four remaining Florida Drive-In Movie Theatres:

I may have to make a trip up to Ocala. They've got a drive-in movie theatre there AND they are going to be the next location for Buc-ee's in Florida! Ocala is becoming a destination of it's own.

When driving down the road in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Naples, there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of popular fast food options.  There’s a McDonald’s, Chick-Fil-A, Taco Bell or some other drive-thru fast food stop on pretty much every corner.

I've mentioned before that I am an avid TikTok user. I follow a ton of foodie influencers from other parts of the country and it seems like we might be missing out on some popular fast food joints here in Southwest Florida.

The folks over at TimeOut released their list of the 15 best fast food restaurants in America, and it's confirmed that some of the most popular locations aren't in Southwest Florida or even in Florida or the Southeast Region of the United States, for that matter.

One popular fast food joint, in particular, currently trending on social platforms; In-N-Out. The Flying Dutchman, one of their most popular menu items, is all the rage right now.

I have to admit, I have tried a copy cat version at home and I can't wait to get my hands on the real thing. It's messy, but worth it. On the inside you'll get a two beef patties with two slices of cheese, there is no bun. It's become more popular as of late as people have started using grilled onions as the bun, with a squeeze of pepperoncini to give it a little extra kick.

Unfortunately, the closest location to us here in Fort Myers is in Houston, Texas. So unless you have plans to travel out west, the copy cat version will have to do for now.

In addition to In-N-Out, there are other fast food joints we are definitely missing out on. I've tried a few, but not all.

Let's take a look at some of these popular fast food joints in other parts of the country, that we are missing out on in Southwest Florida.

I think this one goes without saying.  Raising Cane's has gained so much popularity from social media recently, and with huge collaborations, like Post Malone and Barstool Sports.  According to The Raising Cane's website, their concept is simple and unique.  They say they only have ONE LOVE – quality chicken finger meals!

Raising Cane's is inching closer to Fort Myers.  They've got 16 locations in Florida, the closest to us is in Clearwater, FL.

OK!  I have been to Whataburger and it is delicious.  Think drive-thru really late at night when you need something greasy in your belly.  There are 45 locations in Florida, but the closest to us in SWFL is all the way in St. Augustine.

Another chicken joint.  I've stopped at a Bojangles many, many times for breakfast in North Carolina and the country ham biscuit is my go to!!!  Another must try, the Bo-Berry.

Right now, they've got one Florida location located in Clermont, about three hours north of us in SWFL.

I think I went to a Jack In The Box while on vacation in Hawaii like 20 years ago and I don't recall it knockin' my socks off.  But, I do see Jack In The Box getting some love on TikTok, so we might be missing out.  They stay open late with a typical fast food menu of burgers, chicken sandwiches, CURLY FRIES, chicken fingers and shakes.

Like In-N-Out, no Jack In The Box locations in Florida or even close by.  The closest store is in California...whomp, whomp.

Another fast food place I haven't tried, but I can bet I would love.  What's not to love?  It's Mexican fast food, what could go wrong.  As all of the other places I've mentioned, I learned about Del Taco on TikTok, from one of my favorite influencers, SnackQween.

From what I can tell, it's a lot like Taco Bell.  They've got 2 for $3 Mix-N-Match deals and are open late.

There are several Del Taco locations in Florida and the closest isn't that far from SWFL, it's in Bradenton.  There are two locations there, one on 14th Street W and the second on Manatee Ave.  That's a doable drive for sure, especially a great option as you make your way to Tampa or Orlando for summer road trips.