Let’s All Go to the Drive-In: A Retro Date Night Under the Stars
There’s something about a drive-in movie that feels like stepping into another time—back when neon signs buzzed over gravel parking lots, popcorn came in red-striped boxes, and a double feature was the best way to spend a Friday night. The beauty of it? You don’t need a time machine, just a set of wheels and a clear night.
Whether you’re looking for a creative date idea or just want to relive a slice of Americana, South Carolina still has a few drive-ins that keep the magic alive. Pull in, roll down the windows, and settle in for a night of movies, snacks, and starlit nostalgia.
Highway 21 Drive-In – Beaufort
Since 1978, this Lowcountry gem has been serving up double features with a side of funnel cakes and old-school charm. With three screens and a lineup of both first-run blockbusters and classic throwbacks, there’s always something worth watching. Bonus: Their snack bar is stacked with local favorites, including fresh popcorn, hot dogs, and hand-spun milkshakes.
Location: 55 Parker Dr, Beaufort, SC
Tickets: $7-$10 per person
Snack Bar: Funnel cakes, nachos, burgers, milkshakes
Movies: First-run films with occasional classics
Website: hwy21drivein.com
The Big Mo – Monetta
Built in 1951, The Big Mo is a true classic—one of the few surviving drive-ins from the golden age of cinema. The three-screen setup means multiple options on any given night, and while they focus on new releases, they occasionally throw in an old favorite. A seasonal operation, The Big Mo reopens in March, so plan ahead for spring nights under the stars.
Location: 5822 Columbia Hwy N, Monetta, SC
Tickets: $10 per person (kids 4-11 $5)
Snack Bar: Pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, candy
Movies: Mostly first-run films
Website: thebigmo.com
25 Drive-In Auto Theatre – Greenwood
This spot has been lighting up the screen since 1945, making it one of the oldest drive-ins in the region. To celebrate 80 years in business, they’re reopening on Valentine’s weekend (Feb. 14 & 15) with a special screening of Captain America. After that, they’ll be back in full swing come March. With three screens, a full kitchen, and a mix of blockbuster hits and retro films, it’s the perfect place for a date night that feels like a trip through time.
Location: 3109 US-25, Greenwood, SC
Tickets: $10 per person (kids 4-11 $5)
Snack Bar: Hand-pattied burgers, fries, popcorn
Movies: Mix of first-run and classic films
Website: 25drivein.com
How to Make Your Drive-In Date One to Remember
1. Get there early – Prime parking spots fill up fast. Show up before sundown and claim your space.
2. Bring blankets & pillows – February nights can get chilly, and nobody likes watching a movie while shivering.
3. Check the weather – A little drizzle is one thing, but a full-on downpour? That’s a date night dealbreaker.
4. Support the snack bar – Drive-ins survive on food sales, so grab a burger, load up on popcorn, and keep the tradition alive.
Drive-ins aren’t just a throwback—they’re an experience, a place where time slows down, and the world outside the car disappears for a few hours. Whether you’re on a first date, a longtime regular, or introducing the next generation to the magic of movies under the stars, South Carolina’s drive-ins are ready to light up the screen.
All that’s left? Pick a film, park the car, and let the nostalgia roll. For more fun things to do in South Carolina, check out guidetosouthcarolina.com/arts-entertainment.
