San Jose Theater | Drive-in Movies

San Jose theater usually means watching a movie in a crowded theater where stale popcorn and a flat soda will cost you more than $10 (after you pay more than $9.50 per person entry). Many people in the Bay Area are not aware that San Jose theater also offers another choice for movies; one that is much more budget friendly: The Capitol 6 Theater for outdoor movies.

The Capitol drive in movie theater is a great place to watch a new release in the comfort of your own car. The Capitol Drive In Theater is one of the last remaining drive ins in the US. Drive in movies were always popular years ago when the entire family would pile in the family station wagon armed with homemade popcorn, thermos jugs of Kool Aid, and kids dressed in PJs.

The Capitol 6 Drive in Theater in San Jose opened seventy years ago when the United States entered WWII, Joe DiMaggio topped off his 56 game hitting streak, and Frank Sinatra became a teen idol. This was the same year that the West Wind Drive Inns--operators of the Capitol 6 theater--showed its first films on the big screen, according to westwind.com.

Surprisingly, many in the area do not know going to the movies outdoor is still possible, yet many come from all over the San Francisco Bay area to watch a drive in movie. Every night at dusk the drive in sparks up six of the largest movie theater screens in North America (65 feet) showing new releases to often sold out crowds. Each movie is a double feature, giving you twice the viewing for your money.

If you want a great way to entertain all the kids for a family fun night, taking them to the drive in movies in San Jose is an inexpensive form of entertainment year round. The cost for kids ages 5 to 11 is just $1.00 each and children under 5 are free!

Things to know about going to the San jose Theater at Capitol Drive-In:

--They only accept CASH at the entrance and at the snack bar (they have an ATM in the snack bar)
--Admission price-Adults are $6.75, Kids 5-11are $1 and Under 5? Free!
--Tuesday nights are family fun night and adults cost only $4.25 each
--Snack bar menu available at reasonable prices (compared to other San Jose Theaters)
--Sound is through your auto radio. Bring a boom box with AM/FM if there is a concern about your car battery dying
--Multiple lanes allow entrance to all screens
--You can bring any food and drinks you want but no alcohol is allowed
--Security walks around the lot

Tips and manners - San Jose Theater Drive-in:

--Turn off your lights as soon as you park and if you leave during a show...realize you are blinding everyone
--Turn off your engine as soon as you park--your fumes are choking the neighbors
--Get there early for center parking
--When you pay, you will get a number- this number indicates the number to tune into on the radio for your movie
--65 foot wide screens with elevated viewing (be careful if your car in low to the ground)
--Movies start at around 8:30 in summer and 7:00 in winter. A double feature in winter is better if you want to get out before 1:30 am
--Bring jumper cables if you think your battery may die
--Lawn chairs are OK
--Dogs are OK but there is no "doggie area"

Downside to going to the drive in theater in San Jose:

--The theater is next to a train track so it can be a little loud at times
--The San Jose airport is close by making planes a little loud overhead
--Some people forget they are in a public place and might behave inappropriately

Overall, for going to the movies outdoor, the drive in theater in San Jose is a great way to spend the evening (especially on a tight budget) anytime of the year. This blast from the past is something everyone in the Bay Area should take advantage of. Where else can you take the entire family for less than $20? San Jose Capitol Drive In is the only place to make this happen.