
Nothing beats a trip to the movies. Walking down the dimly lit aisle to find your seat and judging the upcoming releases based on their trailers is all part of the experience. As you fling your first handful of popcorn in your mouth and the lights fade to black, in that moment, nothing else matters. In fact, for the next hour or two, you find yourself completely engrossed in the movie’s enthralling storyline as it unfolds in front of your very eyes. The hairs on the back of your neck stand to attention as the film’s spine-tingling sound effects and breathtaking scores flood through the movie theater. Sure, you could watch a movie from the comfort of your couch, but cinemas in San Diego offer a magical cinematic experience that just can’t be replicated anywhere else.
As the cherry on top of your viewing experience, many of these movie theaters offer food and beverages with full table service, so you can get treated like one of the stars while watching them on the big screen. Whether you want to go all out at a luxury cinema or keep the fanfare to a minimum with a box of popcorn and a standard movie ticket, the city has plenty of cinemas at your disposal. From independent movie theaters to snazzy outdoor picture palaces, these cinemas in San Diego have all you need to enjoy a little escapism at the movies.
1. Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas, Del Mar
Boujee movie buffs are in for a real treat at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas. Reclining leather seats, a bar and restaurant and full waiter service at the push of a button make this movie theater the perfect spot for those who appreciate the finer things in life. For $14.50 per drink, staff will serve up pink palomas and mango flavored margs straight to your seat.
If you’re anything like us, then you’ll appreciate luxury on a budget, and this place offers just that. They have happy hour every week day until 6 PM, and all day on Tuesdays. What about the weekend? $6 Bloody Marys & Mimosas until 3PM on Saturday and Sunday!
📍12905 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130
2. Rooftop Cinema Club, Marina
Rooftop Cinema Club take the typical evening at the movies to new heights thanks to their location perched on top of the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Their doors open hours before the movie is scheduled to begin, so you can enjoy superb skyline views of the city, get a great snap at golden hour and watch the sunset with a beer or cocktail in hand. As the venue’s lights dim, sit back under the twinkling night sky and enjoy Hollywood classics such as Fight Club and She’s all that as well as the newest releases from your favorite film studios.
Aside from the outdoor element, the best thing about this movie theater is the wireless headphones they give out to every moviegoer. Thanks to these nifty gadgets that provide state-of-the-art sound and block out any surrounding noises, being disturbed by the incessant slurping on soda and the constant munching on popcorn is now a thing of the past.
📍Manchester Grand Hyatt, 1 Market Pl, San Diego, CA 92101
3. THE LOT, Liberty Station & La Jolla
THE LOT is a fabulous movie theater fitted with a full-service restaurant, cafe and bar which can all be enjoyed under one roof. Indulge in a delicious cup of craft coffee and an artisan pastry at an early morning showing or start the night as you mean to go on with a burger and a beer while watching one of Hollywood’s latest offerings. Not only does this place screen indie films, new releases and cinematic classics, but they also show annual television features, too. So, if you’re sick and tired of dealing with the big clean up after hosting an Oscars or Super Bowl viewing party at your humble abode, then this cinema has you covered.
📍2620 Truxtun Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
📍7611 Fay Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037
4. AMC La Jolla 12, La Jolla
At AMC La Jolla 12, they’re big on loyalty. Cinemagoers can sign up to their AMC Stubs scheme and enjoy a whole bunch of perks and discounts. Every time you watch a movie here, you’ll be awarded a load of points that you can save up and use to purchase snacks, drinks and even tickets to see another film. Points mean prizes, and at this movie theater, there’s a lot of them. We’re talking collectible merchandise, icy slushies, gigantic buckets of popcorn, hazelnut churros, finger-licking chicken wings and more. If you love a good deal, every day before 4 PM movie tickets are 25% off the evening base ticket prices.
Celebrating a birthday soon? You may want to stop off at this cinema to watch a movie before blowing out your candles. AMC Stubs members get a free box of popcorn and a drink of their choosing on their special day, so we recommend signing up to their loyalty scheme before you complete your next trip around the sun.
📍8657 Villa La Jolla Dr #129, La Jolla, CA 92037
5. UltraStar Cinemas, Mission Valley
Located inside Hazard Center, UltraStar Cinemas like to keep their prices cheap and cheerful. On Thursdays, all tickets are 50% off and popcorn is half price, too.
Thanks to the cinema’s super cool D-Box motion seats, movie lovers wanting to take their cinematic experience to the next level need look no further. The seats’ motion effects are in perfect harmony with the on-screen audio and video so that you can feel as if you were part of the action happening in the film.
📍7510 Hazard Center Dr #100, San Diego, CA 92108
6. Digital Gym Cinema, East Village
Digital Gym Cinema showcases the very best independent films from around the world. From acclaimed directors to promising young actors, some of the industry’s brightest talents are put on full display here. This place also loves a good throwback and they regularly screen cult classics like RoboCop, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Warriors. What’s more, the movie theater puts on monthly series that celebrate all sorts of film genres, from thrilling action films to fantastical sci-fi epics. Stuff your face with endless amounts of popcorn and enjoy some of the finest films ever made at this cinematic haven located in the heart of the vibrant East Village.
📍1100 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101