The Sunset Drive-In offers a classic style drive-in movie experience. They have one screen and plenty of parking. For the price of the admission you get to see a double-feature. Bring your own snacks/drinks or purchase them at their concession stand. 

INFO

255 Elks Lane, San Luis Obispo

(805) 544-4475

https://www.facebook.com/sunsetdrivein/

History

The Sunset Drive-In was the idea of owner Charles Pasquini of Santa Maria, who also financed the Park-Aire Drive-In at Santa Maria in 1949.¹ He hired Maino Construction Company the contract to build the theater, and construction started November 28, 1949.²  The project was constructed next to the recently completed Freeway 101 and the old highway 101, on Sunset Lane, at a cost of $100,000. The site covered 270,000 square feet of parking area and could accommodate 512 automobiles, with the "latest design in-car sound units."³ The theater's grand opening was held May 2, 1950, and the first films included "Davy Crockett, Indian Scout," and two color cartoons, and a technicolor featureatte "Trailing West."⁴

References:

1. "First Drive-In Theater Here Opens Gateways Tomorrow," San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune, May 1, 1950, pg. 12.

2. "Maino to Build Sunset Drive-In," San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune, December 2, 1949, pg. 2.

3."First Drive-In Theater Here Opens Gateways Tomorrow," San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune, May 1, 1950, pg. 12.

4. "First Drive-In Theater Here Opens Gateways Tomorrow," San Luis Obispo Telegram-Tribune, May 1, 1950, pg. 12.