New York City is one of the most cinematic places on Earth. From iconic movie locations around every corner to rooftop screenings, outdoor film festivals, and late-night premieres, our city has a way of making every summer evening feel like it’s straight out of a movie.
But sometimes, the best way to watch one is by leaving the skyscrapers behind. Just over an hour from NYC, you’ll find a slice of Americana that feels frozen in time: the oldest continuously operating drive-in theater in the United States.
Now, it’s earned another starring role after being named the best drive-in theater in the country—proving that sometimes all you need for the perfect summer night is a classic film, a car full of snacks, and a sky full of stars.
Why It Was Ranked the Best
Shankweiler’s Drive-In Theatre captured the top spot in USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards by perfectly capturing the magic of a classic cinematic tradition.
The theater has been on a meteoric, voter-fueled rise over the last few years, steadily climbing from the No. 5 spot in 2024 up to No. 2 in 2025, before officially clinching the No. 1 crown.
Its ultimate victory comes down to a flawless execution of the vintage drive–in experience.
Operating entirely year-round under passionate new ownership, Shankweiler’s pairs cutting–edge digital tech with an unpretentious, community-first atmosphere. A massive part of its modern-day appeal is the highly rated on-site snack bar, which keeps the nostalgic spirit alive with family favorites like fresh popcorn, burgers, and hot funnel cakes, while remaining intentionally inclusive by offering modern alternatives like veggie dogs and specialty ice cream.
The History
Shankweiler’s is a living piece of cinema history, holding the official Guinness World Record as the oldest operating drive-in theater in the world.
- 1934 (The Grand Opening): Wilson Shankweiler opens the theater behind his popular restaurant and inn. In its earliest days, the projection screen was famously described as little more than a “bedsheet hung between two poles.” It was only the second drive-in theater ever built in America.
- 1986 (Audio Innovation): Shankweiler’s becomes one of the very first drive-in theaters in the country to drop traditional, clunky window-hanging speakers and broadcast movie audio directly to cars via FM stereo broadcast.
- 2014 (Going Digital): To keep pace with Hollywood’s technological shift, the theater undergoes a massive upgrade, converting from traditional 35mm film reels to a state-of-the-art digital cinema projection system.
- 2026 (National Champion): After nearly a century of continuous operation through economic shifts, real estate booms, and streaming-service eras, it earns its title as the premier drive-in destination in the United States.
What to Know
- Location: 4540 Shankweiler Rd, Orefield, Pennsylvania 18069
- Contact & Tickets: (610) 481-0800 | shankweilers.com
- Operating Hours: Open year-round (rain, snow, or shine), showing double features on weekends and expanded weekday schedules during peak summer.
- Audio Setup: Broadcasted directly through your car’s stereo via FM radio.
- Tech Specs: Features modern, high-definition digital projection on their towering historic screen, seamlessly blending retro charm with crisp 21st-century quality.
How to Get There From NYC
Getting to Orefield, PA from New York City is a straightforward road trip that makes for a perfect weekend getaway or a dedicated late-night date trip.
- Step 1: Exit the City (~15-20 mins): Head west out of Manhattan through the Lincoln Tunnel to merge onto I-495 West into New Jersey.
- Step 2: The NJ Stretch (~1 hour): Follow signs to merge onto I-78 West. Stay on I-78 W for roughly 60 miles, crossing the scenic Delaware River directly into Pennsylvania.
- Step 3: Transition to the Lehigh Valley (~15 mins): Once in Pennsylvania, take Exit 54 for US-222 North toward Allentown/Route 309. Merge onto PA-309 North toward Tamaqua.
- Step 4: Arrive at the Marquee (~5 mins): Turn left onto Shankweiler Road in Orefield. The glowing neon of the historic box office and marquee will guide you right into the theater entrance. Total drive time is typically between 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on city traffic.