First time here it's a nice vibe! Staff very friendly! Will definitely come again!!!! read more

Smith's Ranch Drive-In - Such a cute little vibe first time here everything was amazing! Staff very friendly!! Definitely will come again! - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Twentynine Palms, California

Smith's Ranch Drive In brought back so many memories! We were visiting Joshua Tree and found this little gem. Everyone there was amazing and we had a wonderful evening under the stars. read more

Smiths Ranch is a must for everyone. They sell tickets on site or you can pre purchase online. read more

See all

Such a cute experience! I've never been to a drive-in before and I'll definitely be going now. They open the ticket box at 6PM but people started lining up beforehand - to try to get a good spot. We arrived about 15 min before and there were 2-3 cars in front of us. THE TICKET BOX IS CASH ONLY. $10 per person. This experience is dog friendly - we had ours in the car with us. They have a snack shop with popcorn, pretzels, hot dogs, sno cones, candy, drinks, etc. They take card here. It's obviously super cold, so bring blankets. We sat in our trunk with blankets and had the car on for audio. Some cars sat head first in their cars, others parked backwards like us, and some even brought chairs! If you're new - FYI the iPhone apps can't pick up the FM channel so you'll have to get an actual radio or have it going from your car. I was scared of my car dying, but the workers were super friendly and offered to jump the car if it did die - which it didn't. Highly recommend if you're in the area. Their Facebook page has posts of the movies they're showing the week of, or you can message them! read more

Smith's Ranch Drive-In - menu - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Twentynine Palms, California

See all

Omg such a fun experience and such a slept on vibe! Really easy in and out. Affordable and a great date night experience

I LOVE the prices, the food selection and people who work there and the fact that DRIVE-IN MOVIES ARE FUN! But the projection is DARK! A standard movie screen is supposed to be lit to 16 foot-lamberts. This is measured with a meter. I worked in the film industry for 38 years and checked screens regularly and without a meter, I would say their screen is about 8 foot-lamberts. It's at least a stop dark. We went to see Ghostbusters Frozen Empire at Smith's Ranch and couldn't tell what was happening in some dark scenes. This weekend, we saw Thunderbolts* at Smith's Ranch and the beginning of the film showcases a battle between the main characters in a locked room. We couldn't follow the storyline because the projection was so dark. There were just so many shots where there was NO detail in the actor's faces! We left after about half and hour, following another car that also decided to find something better to do. Last night, we went to see the same movie at the Paradigm Cinema in Yucca Valley. I think even their projectors run a tad dark but they were MUCH better than the drive in. We could SEE what was going on and there were many plot points we had missed while trying to see something...anything at Smith's Ranch. Today's digital projectors have stackable lamp houses, allowing theaters to increase brightness to adjust for the size of their screens. But instead of investing in more light, the management at Smith's Ranch tried to make the image smaller, so it doesn't fully fill the screen, but this is a DRIVE-IN, where the image needs to be BIG. I know it can't be easy running a drive-in these days. But if they spend a little more money on the display, I think people will stay for the show and come again. In the meantime, I can only recommend this theater for animated films and musicals. Don't waste your time seeing something like a horror film at Smith's Ranch. You'd get a better scare just staying home and turning off all the lights! read more

Was very nice and enjoyable for a cute date with my lover only downside I had was I could barely see the screen and didn't know what was happening since it wasn't completely dark read more

Great experience in 29 Palms. Who would have thought? We spent the night in 29P because we were going to hit Joshua Tree the next morning. We found this great little Drive In just a few miles from our hotel. Drove in, parked where we wanted, got some snacks and waited. Several more people pulled in and there was plenty of room for a Thursday night. Once the movie started a few people couldn't figure out how to turn all their might out. I especially grateful that the staff here goes to cars with their lights on and has them turn them off. Keep up the good work. No one wants lights in their eyes. I think we'll probably go back to 29P again just so we can see another movie at Smith's. Oh yeah, and the employees were handing out little glow bracelets and trinkets for the kids. Nice touch. read more

See all

Big screen, ample space, nice snack bar and clean bathrooms! All in all a wonderful experience for $10 per person, would definitely visit again read more

What a fun activity to do after a day of hiking in Joshua tree National park. The movies are great and current! The selection of snacks is great! The popcorn is way better than standard movie theater popcorn in my opinion! The staff is super kind and friendly, offering up free pen flashlights, covering your car lights, and jumpers if your cars battery dies. Highly highly recommend Smiths Ranch Drive - in! read more

Firstime experience the drive in movie and i love it,,, they have few snacks to choose from but u can also bring ur own, entrance fee is $10 cash only,,, check their website or call them to know what showing on the day u r coming read more

See all

Okay don't be fooled by the photos on this page. I was hesitant Because it looks like someone individual Instagram account with all those selfies. This place is fantastic. It's cheap, it's hip, great for the family, wow I'm so glad I can take my family here or even come alone and enjoy it. I wish I could stay awake for the double feature but I wake up early and can't. I recommend this for dates and family bonding time. The audio works through the radio Long story short, go here. Eat the snacks, the popcorn is awesome. read more

Smith's Ranch Drive-In - Drive in movie theatre - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Twentynine Palms, California

This is really a "you get what you pay for" experience. 5 bucks a head for two movies. Great value! But do you like the following.... Being at the mercy of the elements? Poor lighting? Half hour lines for popcorn? Screaming kids? Chatty adults? People on Yelp reviewing during a movie? Ringing phones (not mine, it's on silent)? The smell of smoke? The scent of car exhaust? Blocked views? Crappy pizza? Freshly popped popcorn that somehow also comes out stale? Often inconsiderate drivers? Sub-par audio quality? If you're okay with all of this, then 5 bucks is a deal. However, if you value personal comfort and quality, go to a real theater. "But Daniel," I hear you say, "there's no theater in 29 Palms." Then drive to Yucca. "But Daniel," you whine, "aren't you there right now writing a yelp review when you should be watching the lion king?" Yes, but the screaming kid whose saying they won't leave and the sound of a car engine kinda took me the experience. "But Daniel," and now I firmly believe you're trying to piss me off, and it's working, "you're at a kids movie, what do you expect?" No, it's every Marvel Movie, every Star Wars Film, it was Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and every other major motion picture that parents brought their kids to. Also, during major films, if you want a decent spot, you need to show up at least half an hour early, and get ready to sit in your car. This place fills up fast. So, bring an extra bottle of water and a book because it's gonna be This place is not without merit. It's still only 5 bucks a head, and can be a delight if things work out for you. Unlike a traditional theater you can easily bring in a large pizza and 12 pack of coke. While it's not advised, their staff is so limited there's no one there to stop you. Same with alcohol. As long as you're not ruining the movies for anyone else, they don't have enough staff to prevent you from cracking open a few beers (just make sure you have a designated driver). They don't allow it, but they logically can't stop you. Just like Area 51. THEY CAN'T STOP US ALL! The staff is also super friendly. It just the quality of the films and the experience sucks. You have 5 bucks and you don't care? Great! Are you on a budget and want to take the kids out? Cool! However if you're expecting to watch a movie that deserves your full attention, pass on this place. read more

Smith's Ranch Drive-In - A decent portion of the screen blocked by a car. - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Twentynine Palms, California

See all

LOVED our experience here and will definitely be coming back. Staff is very friendly and prices are AFFORDABLE for families. What a great family outing!!! read more

Me and my family are new to the area, and saw that Smith's was playing Avengers End Game all weekend long. We got there early to line up, and quickly paid and were able to find a parking spot. Cheap tickets & affordable popcorn along with great quality sound & picture made this family movie outing memorable! I think next time we'll park the SUV backwards, make a bed out of the trunk, and rent out a radio for our next movie outing! read more

This is a hidden gem! I just discovered it and we've gone twice in the past month. There is only one screen, so one movie at a time, but it runs about 2-3 weeks then changes to something else. Now that the weather is turning hot down here in the Coachella Valley, we are looking forward to cool nights in the high desert, kicking back in lounge chairs, enjoying the old-timey feel of a drive-in movie. Bring a radio if you can, so you don't have to run your car if you don't want to. But if you do happen to drain your battery, there are LOADS of helpful people willing to give you a jump. :) read more

Always love to watch a movie here....one of the best things to do in the desert :) Very reasonable prices and a great snack bar read more

Really neat place they got running here. It is very rare now in these days to find a drive in movie theatre. Plus considering there is not much things in the city of Twentynine palms California it is even more extraordinarily to find such a place like this here in Twentynine palms California. It is only five United States dollars that is an amazing deal to see a movie at a drive in movie theater let alone a movie theatre. Plus they have two movies for that price so it is like paying two dollars and fifty cents. Amazing wonderful deal right. Oh and don't get me started on the bargain prices at the concession stand come check it out for your welds everyone. read more

See all

The waypoint is a vintage drive-in sign complete with bright single bulb banner lights outlining the "Drive-In" copy. After a short jaunt down a rather bumpy driveway you're greeted by a friendly attendant at the front gate who quickly collects your payment and welcomes you to the Smith Ranch Drive-In. After making your grand entrance, no doubt, blinding a few of the already present patrons with your high beams you forgot to shut off, you arrive at the parking areas for viewing pleasure. Each row has the traditional style "Row Bumps" to elevate your vehicle for a better viewing angle. And no drive-in would be complete without the still remaining vintage steal poles once used to hold the wires & speakers for 1940's-1970's cars, so guests might hear what they're watching. A tribute to the days long before now. The concessions stand & bathrooms at MOST drive-ins leave something to be desired, but that's far from true here. From ice in the urinals to help keep a clean smell & look in the bathrooms to the friendly greeter in the concession stand, they've done a great job presenting a friendly atmosphere and theme appropriate environment. When I entered the concession stand I was greeted by a friendly older chap who asked how many were in my party and then offered me a pen light so I might "....write home" and "see my way out there". A thoughtful gift, something I would never expect. Now onto the food. The gate price was $5 per person, something I might have seen in highschool for a rate, if ever it was that low! After the $5 entry I expected they'd make up for it in their concessions pricing, but was pleasantly surprised. Their prices were extremely reasonable, I purchased a large popcorn, extra butter, Reeses Pieces, and a Large Coke and it all came to $7.25. If you can find prices like that, at a movie theater or drive-in, ANYWHERE on the east coast I'll send you $5. Overall the environment was appropriate, well it was outdoors, but I'm referring to the concession stand and overall layout/feel. I'd rate environment at a 5 star, if it wasn't for the driveway, so I'm going to give it 4.5 stars, because everything else was amazing. The atmosphere is setup from the moment you enter the property with the first hello to the super friendly greeting both visits in to the concession stand. A feat of courteous management leading to courteous employees, it's pretty obvious without needing to see the backend operations. Further, they were on brand as movie establishment with current and old timey posters in the concessions area. So 5 stars for atmosphere. Food Quality, well this category I normally leave for restaurants, but thought it was appropriate since they did serve some edible items. The popcorn was perfect, none old and stale and the butter was real butter. The candy selection was on par and the sodas had the right concentration balance, and no I'm not talking about focusing on the soda. Soda machines can be adjusted to save on syrup and leave a less than "coke" flavor, they didn't do such a thing, it was perfect. So food gets 5-stars. Price, well as I said when I first started this review, the prices are unbelievable, so much so make sure to visit soon before they decide to raise their rates! Overall 5 stars! Well done creating and maintaining a piece of history that continues to entertain the generations, and hopefully more to come. read more

I have not seen an operating drive in movie in years. I don't know how many are left. But right in the middle of Twentynine Palms is a real drive in movie theater. WOW. Go now. We were there to see Joshua Tree and stayed in Twentynine Palms and came across Smith's Ranch Drive-In. It is family owned. The line to get in with your car starts about 20 minutes before the movies, so get in line. The movies are not new, maybe you have seen them, the sound is not great. Who cares, it is a drive-in. They have cheap hot dogs and pop corn, you won't pay 10$ for a hot dog. Each lane has a ramp so you can see the movie/s. When we were there, you used your AM radio station in your car to get sound. If you don't have that, you can open your windows and you will hear, there are speakers on the ground. It is an old place. Just a big old white screen and part dirt, part pave for the cars. It is safe and fun. Take your now wife or husband and make out, or rap the kids in PJs and go. I can't promise you it will be there next year. Go now. read more

Great evening with the family. Arrive early and enjoy the concessions; reasonably priced, nice selection. We brought sandwiches and still bought sodas, candy, and popcorn. Be prepared for distractions and little kiddos being excitedly loud, but that adds to the ambiance IMO. Many people brought camping chairs and folding tables for comfort - don't forget bug spray. CASH ONLY at entrance. read more

This is the ultimate date & movie watching experience, if you're lucky enough to make it on a clear night with perfect weather. My wife and I were staying in Joshua Tree for the weekend, and thought it would be an ideal place & time to enjoy some outdoor flicker show viewing. And it certainly was. We saw "Twilight", meh, OK movie. But with shooting stars & meteor showers going on in the starry sky behind the screen, it was too awesome to deny how special it was. If you're in the area and are looking for something to do in the evening, I would highly recommend it. $5 a person for two movies...can't beat that! read more

We were in the area in December and decided to go on a Sunday night. It was my first experience with a drive in and I loved it. We only had one movie not two. It was $10 for both of us and another $5 for snacks. So much fun to experience a movie this way. Great thing to do at night after a long day of hiking in Joshua Tree. I highly recommend if in the area. I wish there were more drive ins or I lived here to experience it more often. read more

My husband and I came here for the first time last night and even though the movie was god awful we had a great night overall and definitely plan on coming back soon! Tickets are only $10 a person and the snack bar is super reasonable too! They have lots of options, popcorn, snow cones, a good selection of candy, nachos, ice cream, soft pretzels, and I'm sure a few other things I can't think of. We even brought our dog with us who hung out in our car with us! Definitely recommend coming here for a fun night out! read more

The movies are current, and the sound is just fine because it is sent to your car radio. The snack bar is good as well. The problem is that the screen is so dark that it's difficult to see well. Still it's a good & inexpensive evening, especially with kids so go fo it. read more

This place has ALWAYS been a favorite of mine since I was a child. I'm so glad it has remained open all these years! And you can't beat the price! 2 movies for $5 a person! Last night I watched Wonder Woman and King Arthur! Both movies were awesome choices! They're open Thursday-Sunday. Showtimes can be different depending on when it gets dark so call ahead just to make sure for showtimes. They normally show 2 movies. They don't have the built in radio stand so you have to use your car or bring your own radio. I would bring a radio so you don't have to use your car. Tip: It's annoying when you're sitting outside watching the movie and the car next to you has their motor running LOUD off and on throughout the movie!! I think it's more enjoyable sitting outside (when the weathers right)The desert sky is beautiful! How can you enjoy the experience if you sit in your car? Unless you're trying to get cozy with someone.. then I guess I see your point. ;) tip: bring comfortable chairs, sit in the bed of a truck, or open the back end of your car. (But hopefully by opening your trunk you're not blocking someone else's view) Tip: bring jumper cables just in case you don't turn your car on and off and it dies when you want to leave. They also have a snack bar with a variety of good candies, popcorn, hot dogs, pizza, and mmm cheese dog . Tip: bring your own snacks! It helps to save! They do have bathrooms located by the snack bar too. Be courteous and pick up your trash! They have a big dumpster near the snack bar, throw out your trash when your heading out! Don't leave it for someone else to pick up! So If your in the hi-desert and want to watch a drive inn movie to take the kids, or a date, or just go by yourself! This is the perfect place! read more

Smith's Ranch Drive-In - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Twentynine Palms, California

It's a drive in theater so it's more about hanging out and snacking in your car than having a perfect cinematic experience. You'll have to deal with cars showing up late and shining their lights on the screen and in your face, but at 5 bucks for a double feature you'll tolerate it. They staff were great and even did us the solid of announcing there were bonus scenes in the credits of one if the movies so we didn't drive off early. Now that's service. read more

I must say, the screen quality was better than expected sound quality just as good and for a first time takeing my children to a drive in theater, it was a memory well made, we will be returning. Thank you Smith's Ranch Drive-In Theater. read more

Support your local drive in! Views, tamarisk trees, super fair prices. Their popcorn is delicious too.

Love this plAce, the marquee board out front wIll most likely be outdated so it's best to use Facebook or phone recording to hear the movie lineup for the night. They sell yummy popcorn, drinks, hotdogs and many more snacks inside! They rent out boom box of you don't want to risk your car battery dying on you. (2movies a night) Enjoy this gem! Bring the whole fam and make some memories here! read more

I know it's been years... wait, let me stress that some more... YEARSSSSSSSS... since I've been here but this place was my favorite place to go to when my ex and I lived at MCAGCC. I mean, who doesn't like a drive-in movie theater? And they always played two movies, the eats were cheap, and I accumulated some of the best memories here. Like smelling weed creep from another car in the proximity of my vehicle. And then locating who was smoking it. They gave me that 'deer in the headlight look'. And I sorta smiled, nodded my head, and said, "Yes. I know." Now THAT was priceless. read more

Can't say enough good things about this place! We have a toddler and we can actually go see movies without it costing a billion dollars for babysitters and food and admission! $5 per person, 3 and under are free and that covers two movies. The concessions are priced really well and the portions are usually pretty big. The concession workers are always friendly and seem to be in a great mood. The downsides: the movies start pretty late in the summertime bc it gets dark later and the weather is HOT here. Nothing smiths ranch can control though. We just adore this place! read more

I had no idea that drive-in's still existed until I came here! During the summer a group of us used to get out the folding chairs and the coolers, fire up the bbq's, and sit out under the stars. The movies are always a couple weeks old but you can't beat $5, especially when they have double features! read more

On the good side, the price is cheap. Five dollars for two features and although they aren't shown the week they are released, they aren't months old either. The food is good and prices really reasonable! Very friendly staff too. My issue is the quality of projection. We've been there at least 10 times and every movie we have seen has a dozen scratches throughout. It's probably a matter of just cleaning the projector, but they can't seem to fix that. The screen is also dark. That's common nowadays, because theaters can save on electricity by lowering the voltage on the bulb. When I complained to the manager, he said something to the effect that "most movies look good here". Maybe a comedy, but a film with a lot of night scenes will be really hard to see. It's a shame because I'd give them five stars if they could just address these issues. read more

My family LOVES this place. It was so refreshing to find a little piece of home when we got stationed here. Not many places have a drive in anymore so when we seen this place we were so excited. They have amazing prices on not only the tickets but also the snacks. read more

My Son and I went last Sunday. The man and woman working were so very helpful and kind. The popcorn was hot and buttery. You can add real butter for the small fee of$.50. The hot chocolate was rich and delicious. The restroom was clean and tidy. This is a great and inexpensive way to have quality time with your children . Again I can't express how friendly , kind and helpful the employees were. I highly recommend this place. read more

We love the Drive In! It is cheap, convenient, and the staff is all friendly. The chili cheese hotdogs are so good! You may get a whiff or two of exhaust or something else, but you are at an outside venue, what more can you expect? read more

Smith's Ranch Drive-In - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Twentynine Palms, California

Very cheap for two movies and everyone loves the drive-in! The parking spaces are good, positioned so that no one is really too badly in anyone else's line of sight. I was impressed with the clarity of the screen even through my windshield. Most drive-ins are pretty blurry, and don't get me wrong, this one's not exactly HD but good enough. The snack stand is always pretty packed so I'd bring your own food ahead of time. It really is fun and such a gem for 29 Palms. read more

This place is great!! $5 a person for two movies! Workers there are super nice and the vibe is very mom and pop! Can't wait to go again! read more

Smith's Ranch Drive-In - This drive-in rocks!! - Drive-In Theater Near Me - Twentynine Palms, California

This place is great ! Its a little like going back in time. A real drive in movie like the ones we would go to when I was a kid. Really cool. Got to check it out and see a movie under the starts. read more