Stars, Cars, and Memories: The Sad Closure of The Santee Drive-In

For more than six decades, the Santee Drive-In wasn’t just a place to watch movies—it was a time capsule of American nostalgia. Families, friends, and film lovers gathered under the stars, soaking in the magic of outdoor cinema. But on Dec. 31, 2023, the screen went dark for the last time, marking the end of an era. nbcsandiego.com

A Community Landmark

Since opening in 1958, the Santee Drive-In has been a beloved fixture in San Diego County. Parents introduced their kids to the joy of drive-in movies, couples shared first dates beneath the glow of the big screen, and families packed blankets and snacks for an affordable night out. From the crackle of radio audio to the scent of buttery popcorn and the thrill of a double feature, it wove itself into the fabric of the community.

As one of the last remaining drive-ins in Southern California, it stood as a cherished link to an era when drive-ins were an integral part of American culture. Its closure wasn’t just the loss of a business—it was the fading of a shared experience.

The History Behind the Screens

Founded by business partners John Forte and Walt Long, the Santee Drive-In opened in 1958 on 13 acres of land. With experience operating drive-ins in Stockton and La Verne, the duo built the original 50×100-foot screen by hand, hammering it together with wood and nails. The venue quickly became a local favorite, offering 1,060 parking spots.

In 1972, a second screen was added, creating a double-feature experience. Though smaller at 30×70 feet, it still accommodated 360 cars. Over time, Forte bought out Long’s share, though Long stayed on as manager, keeping it a family-run operation for decades. Even after 63 years, the Long family’s retirement signaled the beginning of the drive-in’s final chapter.

A Bittersweet Goodbye

News of the closure hit longtime patrons hard. One San Diego resident summed up the shared sentiment: “It’s really sad it’s closing. It’s kind of like the end of an era.” nbcsandiego.com

Hoping to preserve the drive-in’s legacy, UC San Diego student Gage Swaner launched a petition to have it designated as a historical landmark. “I want to take the lead to try and turn this into a community hub for Santee… There’s so much potential here,” he said. 10news.com

His efforts reflect a growing movement to preserve drive-ins as cultural sites, as rising land values and changing entertainment habits have put many at risk.

The Final Curtain Call

On Dec. 7, 2023, it was announced that a Los Angeles-based developer had purchased the drive-in property, with plans to replace it with an industrial complex. The last film rolled on Dec. 31, 2023. bcsandiego.com

While the Santee Drive-In is gone, its impact lingers. The nostalgia of watching a movie beneath the stars, the hum of car radios, and the glow of the big screen live on in the memories of those who experienced it. Though its screens have gone dark, its story is far from forgotten.

Sources

NBC San Diego – Santee Drive-In Ends 65-Year Run
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/santee-drive-in-ends-65-year-run/3380951/

NBC San Diego – Santee Drive-In Movie Theatre Closing After 65 Years
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/santee-drive-in-movie-theatre-closing-after-65-years/3374827/

10News San Diego – Petition Aims to Turn Santee Drive-In into a Historical Landmark
https://www.10news.com/news/east-county/theres-so-much-potential-here-petition-aims-to-turn-santee-drive-in-into-a-historical-landmark

Debbie L. Sklar is a long-time contributing editor to the Times of San Diego. For more historical stories about Hollywood’s Golden Age visit here.