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West Wind Capitol Drive-In
3630 Hillcap Ave, San Jose, CA 95136, United States
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An
Review №1

The drive-in has been a favorite place of my family for a long time. Now, I enjoy it with my date. We are able to get out of the house and see a movie in our vehicle where we feel safe. As far as I know the concession stand was open with modifications & the restrooms were also open.

Je
Review №2

Definitely worth experiencing at least once. Try to park in an area at the back to ensure that cars behind you don’t ruin your experience when they turn their headlights on.Bring your own snacks. It’s cheaper and more convenient.

Ch
Review №3

My family and I really LOVE the drive-ins, especially during the pandemic. The lowered rating I give is for the lack of security and enforcement of general decency among moviegoers. Its happened several times in the past, but the other night we went to see Croods: A New Age where a pair of cars parked together were being extremely loud and obnoxious throughout the entire film, smoking pot, getting drunk, and letting their kids swing glow sticks around. Our screen was close enough to the box office that I am certain the staff must have heard them (again, they were BEYOND loud). The choice presented to the rest of us trying to watch the movie is to either confront the group and risk a physical altercation or leave our family to report them and miss the movie. I understand that times are tough, and its hard to find good help, but I cant expose my kids to yahoos like this so we may have to rethink West Wind as an option in the future.

Mi
Review №4

Glad we were able to enjoy the drive ins just like I did when I was a kid. 8.50 per ticket. The you just pick your parking spot and tune your radio station. Ticket attendant seemed friendly enough. Given this was mid November, so we were sure to bring some extra blankets. We also parked a little closer to the back for a quick exit. With other movie theaters being closed, this was a nice alternative. Great way to spend a Friday night.

Ch
Review №5

Old school fun. Arcade is down due to covid-19. Missing the old school commercials for the snack bar. Difficult to leave at end of show. Definitely will do again.

矽谷
Review №6

Tuesday is family day. You can just drive in and enjoy the movie with only $5.5 for an adult. The sound is great. It is way beyond our expectation. We would like to go again.

Lu
Review №7

Ive been coming here for years it has provided my family entertainment numerous times. I am disappointed that they have allowed the homeless people to take over a part of the drive-in campus it is filled with tents litter and smells like pee. It has remained open through the pandemic which has been a relief for the people to get some outside of their home entertainment considering all other movie theaters are closed.

Jo
Review №8

Good service. Good shows. I Always take my family here, even during the pandemic.

Ph
Review №9

Good place to see a movie during a pandemic. Would be nice if they had fewer horror movies but all in all a fun experience.

M
Review №10

Ive been here at least 10 times over the past 3 months. Overall, it has been great. A few screens have some minor inconveniences - distracting light(s) in the background or less optimal FM station but overall its a great way to catch even a new release without the current worries of being indoors. Lots of kid-friendly movie options, though I find it late for my own kids. And the price is right!!!

Ni
Review №11

Great place to spend time during quarantine, fair spacing & fair prices on food but you can also bring your own

Ma
Review №12

Nostalgia ultra. I appreciate that old drive-ins like this still exist. Its Like stepping into a time capsule. Nothing glamorous to mention, its like visiting an old dive bar thats broken in and thats the draw.

Li
Review №13

We had a very pleasant time. There was enough space to not park next to others. The concessions were reasonable priced and felt safe and well managed from a social distancing point of view.The picture quality was good. My first time at the drive-in there. I think it is the safest way to have a night at the movies so Im very likely to go back.

D
Review №14

Amazing retro vibe in the heart of the city. You cant find relics like these anymore. Plenty of screens and space. Great for family nights or just something different. There is also a great snack bar. With that being said it is in the city there is the occasional airplane above head, train tracks that run right next door and also the large roads are a popular street racer location so sometimes there is a ton of noise but just crank that stereo up youll be fine.

Review №15

We are living in weird times, and I miss watching movies and going out with my for some bonding time. I haven’t been in years and this past Saturday I decided to surprise my mom by taking her to the drive-ins. She was excited. When we got there it was packed, rows and rows of cars, and even the movie we wanted to see was sold out, so we got what was still available. I was very surprised and excited as well. I drove in, found the perfect spot, reversed my rav4, opened the back, pulled my seats down flat, and laid on a cushy sleeping bag. We were ready!! We both had a blast and want to make it a tradition to go every Saturday, honestly, for me it’s not even about the movie it’s about spending time with my family.

Se
Review №16

Better than expected. FM audio was great (model 3). Video was good, but sometimes will have car headlights obstruct part of screen for short durations. Indoor restrooms close to theaters. Inclined parking spots so you can see better. Actively look for shorter lines when buying tickets. Best come 30 minutes before to lineup and find a good spot.

Li
Review №17

Great place to watch a movie! Especially now during the pandemic. I might even like it even better than a regular theater. You can talk during the movie, you can bring your own snacks, you cant hear others, etc etc.Its pretty busy right now as the regular theaters are closed, so get there in time. The movie we wanted to watch was full so we had to pick a different one. We also didnt know the concessions stand was closed when we went, so we werent prepared with snacks. Restrooms are open however.The price is great, much cheaper than a regular theater, especially if you stay for a double-feature.Wear a mask, stay in your vehicle and enjoy!

M
Review №18

As someone who enjoys going to the movies, appreciate that this is available during the pandemic. However, a few things to say: 1. Went to the snack bar (which felt truly apocalyptic) for the first time tonight. Online app payment didnt work. Had to go inside. Ended up throwing out the stale nachos and disgusting pretzel. 2. Sounds quality varies... e.g., screen 5 today was very good, but another screens station (from another visit) had a lot of static. 3. They need to work on getting people out of there safely. It is a bit chaotic as people are trying to leave. They need more structure and people to ensure safety (e.g., people are walking while people are driving out in the dark). They need more people directing and lanes for cars (perhaps glowing or reflective tape). 4. They report that they want cars 10 feet apart (every other space basically), but they are not enforcing that and are clearly selling tickets without this in mind.

Ka
Review №19

Great place to get out and watch big screen movies. My outing brought back childhood memories. Also leaving the venue was smoothly directed. I will go again!

Mi
Review №20

We had a great time watching Rocky Horror Picture Show. They could do a better job of directing cars to the correct screen. Its hard to see the screen numbers while driving in the dark.

Cy
Review №21

I saw Tenet here on a weekend night - it was pretty easy to get tickets online, but there was an awful line even arriving 30 minutes early (I think we had to wait for all the previous shows cars to leave before we could get in). We got in just in time for the movie to start. Would recommend getting there 45 minutes early and bring some snacks if youre coming on a weekend!

Ar
Review №22

During Covid-19, it is nice to have somewhere to go for a little relaxing time.

M
Review №23

Good typical movie fare. Decent pricing (compared to regular movies). Social distancing easy...but boy do people NOT know their drive in ettiquette! People driving past other cars 20 mins into movie (with their lights on) and opening their trunk doors so they can sit in back and blocking views! The theater was good but I would give the people there (attending the movie) a minus 2. Also watch the New Mutants at home....not worth the ticket but loved having movie popcorn for first time in 6 plus months!!

Jo
Review №24

First time at a drive-in ever. Got in and out much faster than I expected! Ok quality screen, great spot for my car

Li
Review №25

Probably one of my favorite activities to do since covid hit.

No
Review №26

My first experience ever in a drive-in theater and I enjoyed it very much. You time in to the appropriate frequency for the movie and enjoy it from the comfort of your car, inside or outside as you take your chairs and enjoy it. Long line but several booths with entrances help bringing line down. Definitely will go back!

Ch
Review №27

I grew up going to the drive-in, so it was really cool to share this experience with my own kiddos. They had a lot of fun just laying in the back of our SUV to watch. Wish we could stream radio signal through phone since our car has a push button start and would shut off after some time. Id have to turn it on and with it the lights, so that sucked for anyone facing us.Snack bar had goid selection and the incline parking makes it easy to see the screen. The weather was a bit cool but not too bad consideribg its early November. Look ling forward to doing this again. Im thinking Wonder Woman 84 would be cool. Reminds me of when my parents took us to watch Superman with Christopher Reeves.What was even cooler, someone was having a party and they were watching E.T. talk about a total trip down memory lane.

Cl
Review №28

We’ve been coming here for awhile and it used to be great. But lately it’s been getting more difficult. For instance, we went to a Halloween movie tonight and the radio station was 101.3. That’s also StarFM. During the entire movie, we had to sit through a different radio station cutting in and playing songs. Totally ruined the experience. We will still be back and hopefully the next times are more like how it used to be.

ki
Review №29

Driving theaters are vanishing. Only few left in the bay area before it becomes history. Its always familys fun night out movie experience, sound quality has improved compared to old days. Still, its bargain to enjoy movies with low budget. Go and enjoy the movies before its gone.

An
Review №30

Still enjoy watching a movie outside at the drive ins. Also, going to the snack bar is fun with a variety of snacks to choose from. They even have tacos, yum!

Ti
Review №31

Great selection of movies, they range from classics to childrens to marvel to newly in theaters. Cheap tickets pay for 2 movies, all films are double features. Spaces available for yearly rent! Snack shack closed during corona awareness but will be back and running soon. Bathrooms are open, child playground is also there but closed same as snack shack. Security patrols constantly, no smoking or pets welcomed. You can also bring in your own food and drink which is another bonus. Sounds plays on select radio stations through your car speakers. Highly recommend.

Jo
Review №32

Its like diving back into time when we use to gather and make new friends.You can watch a blockbuster or enjoy a classic. Just make sure to tune into the correct radio station and turn it up!

Sa
Review №33

Its great if you stay in your car. Plenty of people not wearing masks or not wearing them correctly. The food was awful (pizza, nachos) except the popcorn and drinks. However, they way overfill the popcorn bucket so open it outside of your car. I recommend bringing your own snacks.

An
Review №34

First, I wasnt even aware that the Capitol drive-in still existed. We took the kids to see Madagascar. Very funny movie. I was also surprised to see so many people there. It was a pretty cool night out! Due to social distancing still in effect, cars are expected to remain 10 ft apart so there was no over crowding and even easier to leave without heavy traffic. I have to say that I did enjoy it and I think that drive-in movies should make a comeback. A !

Th
Review №35

Awesome way to get out and see a movie, under the stars. Warm summer night, top down, snacks, your best friend and a movie.…what else could you need?! Ok, well, it would be nice if they changed the movies every so often. But there is a Pandemic going on, so we get it, LOL. Luckily, the owners have thought of creative ways to use the DI: for graduations, birthday parties and weddings! All in the safety of your own car!! LOVE it. We will return, again and again! Even after things get back to normal.

Er
Review №36

Great! A must for these pandemic times. Just wear a mask, park far enough apart and respect the bathroom policies that way everyone can enjoy safely! I might like this more than a theater tbh.

Ja
Review №37

Ive been here twice now, I love this place! The bathrooms are decent all things considered and their snack menu is pretty close to indoor theatres. Its a little far from me but Ill be happy to come back!

Mi
Review №38

Dont even consider it getting food from here. It wasnt just bad, it was disgusting. Best if you know your way around because people were getting lost trying to find the right place for their theater and departing. Sound was terrible lots of static. Would not go back.

fa
Review №39

Great place where you can enjoy a movie all cozy in the car bring your own food and snacks...

Ra
Review №40

Wonderful experience for family. Best ticket prices. Well organized box office and screens. Clean restrooms with socially distanced items. I actually didnt have to use my cars battery because I used the zoeetree FM portable stereo speaker I bought for 16 bucks, so I can say the FM transmission of the movie here is also good. On the other hand, I definitely recommend management to provide safety reflector jackets(orange or bright green ones) to their security team as they are not seem to be seen in the dark when cars line up from different screens to merge while returning back. It seems too dangerous as drivers cannot see which direction the security is diverting them to reach exit

Ni
Review №41

This place is great for social distancing and you bring your own car. The screen is also big so you can see it well. They may not be as good as movie seats but. I would totally go again.

Fa
Review №42

Great experience. A fun activity to do that is safe during COVID.

MI
Review №43

It is a good place to watch movies at affordable prices. However, they have an airport nearby which causes noise from airplanes. Also, they have a train rail near so you hear the train noise sometimes too.

Ya
Review №44

Its always amazing there! great for the family, low cost admission, and safe! highly recommended

P
Review №45

So glad theyre open. Great time during covid hell

Ow
Review №46

Arrive 20 minutes early to get a good spot. The traffic is chaotic. The screens and projectors need to be updated. Good for physical distancing during TrumpVirus.

Al
Review №47

We’ve been going here every week during covid for the drive in movies. It’s so much fun, you can bring your own popcorn, snacks and drinks and if you have an suv you can convert your back trunk into a pillow fort!

Ro
Review №48

Had a great time. Deffenitley want to bring a battery powered fm radio. Great deal money wise as well

Cu
Review №49

Best time to enjoy a Movie at the drive-in with new movies coming out. :)

ju
Review №50

They had one new movie playing and considering we cant do nothing else it was good enough.

Me
Review №51

Pretty gross but its the only drive in that exists in the area. Good for a once a month family night. Also, the admission fee has increased quite a bit.

Di
Review №52

It is a great option to.go.with family and friends for fun.It is a little chaotic the first times. It doesnt have proper signals to know where to go or to use the proper line. But overall is great. We didnt feel unsafe at any time or had any accident.For the pandemic the snack bar is closed to you can buy pop corn at the entrance and there are some people walking around with candies and sodas.I would totally go back again!

Ja
Review №53

Super crowded at weekend night. Remember to come at least half hour for the movie. No limit for each screen but parking lot is small. Also the railroad is right behind the screen...I definitely won’t come again...

we
Review №54

The capital drive ins always bring oldschool healthy fun memories. Covid 19 made us appreciate it even more

St
Review №55

Went to get outside and see a friend. Realized, I miss the drive-in experience. Nice to be able to watch a double feature for the price of one movie. Bring your own snacks for now with the pandemic restrictions, but they do have a concessions location just not open, yet. It was a blast from the past to relax and not worry about distancing from anyone

An
Review №56

I prefer drive throughs over movie theatres because you get fresh air and can bring a bunch of blankets. Easy to navigate and people are generally polite:)

Mi
Review №57

Easy and convenient. Not too many people on a Wednesday night. Decent movie-going experience.

Be
Review №58

Spotty radio reception. Nice snack bar. Skip the porta poties, yuck! Cleanish bathrooms. Nice attendants.

Jo
Review №59

Great for seeing movies during covid lockdown.

Al
Review №60

Layout is a tiny bit confusing but the movies are good, the lots are nice and you cant beat a covid-19 safe way to enjoy big screen movies!Be sure to check their website for movies and show times, they rotate very often.

Ri
Review №61

It was a great idea but unfortunately the FM station for screen 6 would not play audio. But it did receive audio for another screen on a different channel. Screen 6 was 101.3 FM.

Lu
Review №62

No complaints! Cars are well spaced and lines move quickly. Exiting the drive-in is confusing and a little dangerous.

Fr
Review №63

Great place for drive in movies just expect mid range facilities. Bring your own snacks!

Th
Review №64

I literally sat in this longgggg line over 35 mins waiting for them to set up there computers because they had some type of error ect... by the time I got to the front they said cash only .. because they are using emergency tickets. Okay first off since the pandemic started we were all required as a nation to use ur debit card more safe and clean rather then cash as a pregnant woman with covid being here i dont feel safe carrying cash. They literally couldnt say sorry other then um just card. Nothing the less since it was there mistake they should have considered letting people in regardless since it was there mistake. Wasted my time for nothing.

Ro
Review №65

A great choice for a blast-from-the -past, Covid-safe option. Get there early if you want a prime spot for a popular movie - about 90 minutes should suffice. Bring chairs & a picnic dinner & make a fun evening out of it.

Mc
Review №66

Cool, got sent to the wrong movie but it was fine. Audio was good too!

Mi
Review №67

Small local outdoor drive-in theaters... convenient frugal entertainment for the family. Great idea, which abides by social distancing guidelines!!!

Co
Review №68

Watches peninsula, good movie, they have one screen where a third of it is missing when they should discount any film being shown on that one. Besides that, its usually a visit I go home more than pleased.

Aa
Review №69

Perfect place for a date I highly recommend it especially if you have limo tints

Ca
Review №70

Had a really good time with the family here last night. The concessions were closed due to the current covid-19 situation but it was still nice to be able to get out of the house and watch a movie under the stars. Audio steam and video quality were both very good.

Pr
Review №71

Very entertaining well setup outdoor theater. A nice experience especially during these times where actual theaters are closed down

Jo
Review №72

One of the few traditional summer treats one can do amid this pandemic.Great value for families too, just get there with time to spare before your movie starts.

j
Review №73

So fun! they also had an emergency car battery jumper for just in case.

Rr
Review №74

If you are going to get upset off people coming in late or the that it the lights from the neighbor business light is on this isnt for you. If you are ready to enjoy the movie with family or someone special or movie night critic, you will love the Drive in. Good ol days.

MA
Review №75

It was nice! It was my first time to watch in a drive in movie.

Al
Review №76

The young man at the box office was rather rude and sarcastic, but that wasnt a big deal. The people in the snack area were nice. The only reason I am giving 2 stars is because while watching the movie there was a couple trucks next to each other sitting outside and being unbearably loud and vulgar, drinking a lot of alcohol. The smell of weed was so bad. We had to leave halfway through.

Ro
Review №77

Bring your own food, concessions closed right now.

cr
Review №78

Still live drive ins, happy this is open and a movie option. Plus the prices are great, especially for double features

ja
Review №79

Ive loved coming here as a kid, but the fact that if gives a sense of normalcy during this unbelievably crazy time makes it so much better. Plus, theres always a variety of movies to choose from!

Da
Review №80

Okay, so I just moved here and it was my first time coming here! Let me tell you for the drive in movie theaters during a global pandemic, this place was pretty cool. I did love the idea of an old school drive in theaters and made it into a date night.One thing I will say is that right before our movie ended, there was smoke ventilating into our car when our windows were rolled down. As someone who already has a hard time with breathing and has an inhaler, this ruined the moment of pure bliss.Anyways, I did see a lot of people wearing their masks and families being distanced with each other. I may have to come back for the flea market when Covid kind of goes away.

Na
Review №81

Came on Halloween & learned that kids trick or treat in the drive ins, that was cool!

Ed
Review №82

Great place to get out and watch a movie while social distancing. The reason for the 3 stars is mainly that people are involved in the equation. Meaning that people kept turning on / off their headlights. People parking in front of you and opening the trunk of their SUVs blocking a portion of screen from your view. The dark scenes in the movies are hard to see. Maybe the staff should be tasked with ensuring the quality of the experience for everyone. You can bring your own snacks, so thats a big plus.

si
Review №83

I had fun with my wife thanks for staying in business during covid

Jo
Review №84

Great place to take the family. My only complaint is how much static plays through the radio during the movie.

Dr
Review №85

Cool way to see movies safely during that pandemic

Ch
Review №86

It was really nice to go see a movie but the line to get in was crazy

Jo
Review №87

Saw Ghostbusters classic was awesome brought my kid too

Li
Review №88

The video quality is excellent considering the old school projection style with the huge screens (sound quality is reliant upon the individual(s) speakers). Most of the movie choices are a little dated but still enjoyable. Families, daters and babysitters can find appropriate options for all age groups.The only annoying aspect of the Drive-In are the rude people who leave head lights on during the show. Like hello!! Cant see! Were in a movie theater here!! (Same kind of peoples who answer cellphones DURING a flick INSIDE the theater in the middle of an important part. Frustrating! Even the back break lights can ruin a movie experience. I wish some were more mindful and considerate to act accordingly in a theatre).The double (2 for the price of 1) feature option only works if the two movies you want are being shown on same screen.. otherwise they charge you another ticket price, which kinda sucks. Trying to scramble to get to another screen while NOT ruining other movie-goers movie(s)is proven difficult. Totally worth the price if youre lucky and get the double feature while avoiding other oblivious patrons. Having your own crafted concessions with privacy is an amenity that makes this a popular spot for nighttime activity for all ages. Cost friendly and COVID-19 compliant.

MA
Review №89

Try to find a spot with no static in the radio. And get your own snacks and drinks :))

Hi
Review №90

So so great and very easy to social distance

Fa
Review №91

Awesome family night spot, date night, friend hangout, or even catch a flick by yourself. Plenty of space, snacks, and large screens.

Sk
Review №92

Great service and love that they are taking wearing masks seriously and enforcing it. Just found out that doordash offers food delivery there and you can get normal snacks from 7/11 highly recommend for dates or family

Ai
Review №93

Such a great experience even with Covid. Everything super organized, not very packed and reasonably priced on a Tuesday

El
Review №94

You can take your own food or buy popcorn and junk food there. Good place to hang out for the evening during Covid. Feel like you go back in time. Affrodable.

Di
Review №95

First time in a drive in, enjoyed it a lot.

Me
Review №96

Its a whole lot cheaper than a walkin movie theater. Its a great experience for the family when it comes to watching the movie. But the location is a bit rundown and dirty. I would recommend a deep clean of the entire place and remodel of the buildings and booth.

Ju
Review №97

Great fun for the young ones and young at heart. Too close to the expressway. At times, loud latenight car racers rumble by that one cant hear the movie dialogue. Planes fly overhead, too, once in a while. Some car owners dont know how to manually turn off automatic headlights.

An
Review №98

Really cool and fun experience! also a covid friendly date idea. its better than a real theater since you can talk over the movie and stuff if you want.

Br
Review №99

A little unorganized ( its covid season everyone is at the drive in) and they could have a talk with the gas station next door with the VERY bright lights, but over all a great experience. Id recommend it to anyone

je
Review №100

Its a generation after generation hand down playground full of fun activities, and entertainment! For everyone Family and Friends alike.

Information
100 Photos
100 Comments
4.4 Rating
  • Address:3630 Hillcap Ave, San Jose, CA 95136, United States
  • Site:https://westwinddriveins.com/theaters/capitol.htm
  • Phone:+1 408-226-2251
Categories
  • Movie theater
  • Drive-in movie theater
  • Outdoor movie theater
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating:Yes
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet:Yes
Offerings
  • Assisted listening devices:Yes
  • Food:Yes
Amenities
  • Good for kids:Yes
Crowd
  • Family friendly:Yes
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