If you’re searching for unique outdoor activities to shake up date night or simply try something different, consider watching a film under the stars. We’ve rounded up some standout venues that offer outdoor movies, perfect for film lovers.
1. Rooftop Cinema Club
Rooftop Cinema Club is a fantastic idea for all types of filmgoers! The venue is in the fabulous Manchester Grand Hyatt. When you arrive, you’ll see a beautifully arranged screening with comfy deck chairs and personal headphones. They offer a food menu and a full bar featuring delicious cocktails, beer, and wine. You can also grab your favorite movie snacks like candy or popcorn. Before the film starts, you and your friends can play a round of giant Jenga with a refreshing cocktail in hand, like famous The Dude. This cinema has love seats too, so it’s perfect for date night.
Rooftop Cinema Club’s standard screenings are 18+; however, they have family-friendly Saturday and Sunday screenings, and Teen viewings too (various week days). There are also specials this summer, such as Pride-related screenings.
To make sure you can catch your favorite titles, get tickets in advance – sometimes they sell out fast. Head here for a premium experience where you enjoy iconic films along with outstanding San Diego views.
2. Cinema Under the Stars
This intimate outdoor movie theater in Mission Hills is a fantastic movie night venue, as the name says, under the stars. It features a 20-foot screen with HD projection and THX surround sound to bring fabulous pictures to life. The open-air space has many seating options such as single & double zero-gravity recliners, love seat cabanas, or deck chairs with ottomans. They also provide cozy blankets and pillows. We can’t forget about the snacks, now can we? Cinema Under The Stars has all of the classic movie snacks like popcorn, candy, and beverages – just $3 each!
Cinema Under The Stars features classic films, cult favorites, as well as recent releases. Before every film, there is a brief introduction and a classic cartoon. The movies begin at 8 PM. Tickets are $17 for members, $18 for non-members, and $20 when reserved online.
3. Summer Movies in the Park
This beloved event series began in 2007 as part of a ‘take back our parks’ initiative. It has given local residents a reason to visit their local parks for a free and safe evening event. Summer Movies in the Park is a fun and relaxed movie night, perfect for a group of friends, a family-night out, or for date night. We recommend you get there early and pick out the perfect spot. Movies begin 15 minutes after sunset, and you can find the full schedule here. This is the only spot where you can watch outdoor movies for free.
4. Movies on the Beach
Movies on the Beach are screenings held under the stars on Del Beach at Hotel Coronado. The hotel is actually part of Hollywood history, having been the location for the iconic Some Like It Hot film! This family-friendly movie night comes with a private bonfire, s’mores galore, and it’s the perfect ending to an unforgettable summer day. Check their website for 2025’s outdoor movies.
5. Flicks On The Bricks (TBD)
The Anthenaeum is one of our favorite spots in San Diego. It’s one of the most unique libraries, as it’s actually a music & arts library. Since its founding in 1899, they have provided library resources in the arts with over 200 programs and cultural events all over San Diego. This includes their popular film series, Flicks on the Bricks, which usually returns every year in August. When live, you can enjoy a balmy summer’s night from their beautiful outdoor patio as you sit back and watch classic cinema al fresco. We don’t know the schedule for 2025 yet, but we’ll update the article when more info is available.