Smith's Ranch Drive-In

In a day and age when outdoor movie theaters are a dying breed, Smith's Ranch Drive-In continues to treat audiences to first-run blockbusters under the stars. Recent showings have included Surf's Up, True Grit, and The Fighter, among others, with new titles screening every Friday for a run that includes Saturday, Sunday and Thursday; dark on Monday through Wednesday.

Although Smith's Ranch Drive-In has only one screen and does not have the capacity for showing the latest 3-D films, the audiences do not seem to mind at all. Many patrons bring along folding chairs to watch the features outside their vehicles in the desert air. A few have reported seeing shooting stars in the night sky as nature competes for viewers' attention.

Refreshments are served at the Smith's Ranch Drive-In snack bar. Popular treats include large buckets of fresh popcorn, chocolate bars, and other confections. The soft drinks are served in big, old-fashioned plastic collectors cups. Patrons report that the staff is friendly and the prices are excellent.

Smith's Ranch Drive-In is located at the southwest corner of Raymond Way and Adobe Road off California State Route 62. The address is 4584 Adobe Road, Twentynine Palms, California 92277. The cost of admission is $5 per person, and children under the age of three years old are free of charge. The box office opens at 6:30pm and shows start at 7pm.