dive-in-movies

Pool With a View

Cool off poolside while watching a classic film. It's summertime in the desert.

Kelley Huskey Attractions, Current Digital

dive-in-movies
Wet 'n' Wild in Palm Springs offers a dive-in movie every Friday night through July.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY KELLEY HUSKEY

There is no reason to stay cooped up indoors once the sun goes down this summer.

Lounging poolside now can include watching a film. Dive-in movies have replaced drive-in movies, popular in the 1950s and ‘60s. No longer are moviegoers crammed inside stuffy cars with limited leg room and poor sound quality. Now you can hop on a pool floatie in the open air, wade in the shallow end, or relax on a chaise lounge, all while watching the big screen with friends and family.

And in Greater Palm Springs, there is neither a better nor a more unique backdrop than the palm trees and and desert mountains in the distance.

Many local hotels and park facilities offer dive-in movies free of charge or for a nominal fee throughout the summer. Some films are great for the whole family while others are for adults only. Some are even Fido-friendly.

We’ve put together a handy list to save you some searching.

ARRIVE HOTEL

1551 N. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
Who: Open to the public, ages 21+
When: Last Friday of the month through October
Cost: Free admission, bar, firepit, chaise lounges, dog-friendly
Next Up: July 27, 8 p.m. - Risky Business; Aug. 31, 7 p.m. – Grease; Sept. 28, 7 p.m. - The Big Lebowski, and Oct. 26, 6 p.m. - The Lost Boys
Website: arrivehotels.com

arrivehotelmovie

Movies fans gather around the pool and spa at the Arrive Hotel.

Wet ‘n’ Wild

1500 S. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs
Who: All ages, kid-friendly
When: Every Friday through the end of July
Cost: Included with the price of admission, wave pool, cabanas, chaise lounges
Next Up: July 6, 8 p.m. – Jumanji; July 13, 8 p.m. – Coco; July 20, 8 p.m. - LEGO Ninjago, and July 27, 8 p.m. - Justice League
Website: wetnwildpalmsprings.com

Fritz Burns Pool

78107 Ave. 52, La Quinta
Who: Open to the public, all ages, free admission
When: One Friday in July, one Friday in August
Next Up: July 13, 7:30 p.m. - Early Man, and Aug. 17, 7:30 p.m. - A Wrinkle in Time
Website: laquintaca.gov

Riviera Palm Springs

1600 N. Indian Canyon Dr., Palm Springs
Who: Open to hotel guests of all ages
When: Every Saturday through September at sunset
Cost: Free admission, 1959-era movies, bar, chaise lounges
Next Up: Films vary but include Some Like it Hot, Pillow Talk, Sleeping Beauty, North by Northwest, Ben-Hur, and The Mummy
Website: rivierapalmsprings.com

rivierapoolmovies

Guests enjoy a Cary Grant movie at the Riviera Palm Springs.

Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort

41000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
Who: Open to hotel guests of all ages
When: Every night throughout July at sunset
Next Up: 7:30 p.m. July 6, family movie
Website: omnihotels.com

Palm Mountain Resort

155 S. Belardo, Palm Springs
Who: Open to hotel guests of all ages
When: Every Friday throughout Sept. 28 at 8 p.m.
Website: palmmountainresort.com or call 1-800-622-9451 for a schedule of upcoming movies