4 drive-in experiences you're about to see everywhere this summer
Stay-at-home orders are lifting around the world, and we're gradually making our way toward a new normal defined by social distancing guidelines. For some people, this might look like a trip back in time.
Yes, this is the summer of booking all your fun in advance, but it's also set to be a summer of road trips, weekend getaways and both classic and creative drive-in attractions that will take you back at least a few decades. After all, there's no better way to hit the road and see the sights while maintaining your distance from others than in your car.
Take, for example, drive-in movie theaters. According to the Hollywood Reporter, there are about 320 drive-in movie theaters across the country that have been steadily reopening as states lift stay-at-home orders.
Ticket sales in the U.S. have been steady — "not spectacular" — the Hollywood Reporter added. But this could be due to a lack of new Hollywood movies available for viewing. Elsewhere, such as in South Korea and Germany, drive-in ticket sales are booming. In both countries, new drive-ins are being set up in public parks and parking lots.
If you ask us, we'd say we're seeing a very similar trend take off here in the U.S. In fact, it's already begun. Here are some of our favorite drive-thru experiences popping up around the country so far.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
Take me out to the ... concert
Play ball! While it's still not clear when games will resume, Yankee Stadium in New York City is being turned into a drive-in concert and movie theater venue this summer, Time Out reported.
Every weekend in July, it will host Uptown Drive-In, a drive-in movie and live music concert experience featuring local artists. You'll also be able to grab a bite thanks to some of New York's famous street vendors — car-side, of course. There will also be raffles, games and giveaways. While prices are not yet available, tickets will be sold on a first come, first served basis. You can register for the waitlist here.
The Hard Rock Stadium, home to the Miami Dolphins, also plans to turn the home field into one of the largest drive-thru movie theaters in history. Here, up to 230 cars can enjoy content from the team's 54-year history, movies and even commencement ceremonies.
Related: How to get to New York on points and miles
Diners and drives
Someone tell Guy Fieri: There's a diner in Queens that's giving new meaning to "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives."
Bel Aire Diner in Astoria, Queens is hosting drive-in movie nights in their parking lot, Time Out also reported. It's using a 25-foot screen that allows between 30 to 40 cars to sit back, relax and enjoy the show. You'll just have to stay put in your car and tune into the audio on the radio.
Past features have included "Grease" and "Dirty Dancing." Keep an eye on their Instagram page for the upcoming schedule. And maybe order some pancakes or a grilled cheese sandwich while you're at it.
Related: Stuck at home? Stream these 12 movies to cope with travel wanderlust
Safari in your car
Up in Chittenango, New York, things are getting pretty wild. The Wild Animal Park delayed its opening this year due to the global health crisis, but has opened up to tourists as a drive-thru.
In a recent Facebook post, the zoo announced it will operate seven days a week, and guests will enjoy the wildlife safely, from the comfort of their own vehicle. Snow leopards, mountain lions and giraffes can all be seen roaming around in the large enclosure. For more information, you can follow along on the dedicated Facebook page for drive-thru safaris.
Drive-thru Rosé
One of the Hampton's premier wineries, Wölffer Estate Vineyard, is taking the drive-thru one step further. The Hamptons, located on Long Island, is currently in phase one of New York Gov. Cuomo's "New York Forward" plan, meaning food and beverages are still only available for pickup and delivery.
At the vineyard's rosé drive-thru, you can safely pick up a bottle of Wölffer's famous "Summer in a Bottle" without having to touch anything. We'll drink to that.
Related: 8 easy New York City escapes you can get to in three hours or less
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees