Summer is here, which means you'll find plenty of outdoor movie screenings in San Diego. Here's a guide to some local favorites, along with tips for the best movie experience:
Film in the Garden
Balboa Park, free
Every Monday in August, the San Diego Museum of Art screens films themed around its art exhibits.
Schedule: "How to Make an American Quilt" on Aug. 1; "Spring in a Small Town" on Aug. 8; "Belle" on Aug. 15; "The Venice Project" on Aug. 22; and "The Big Sleep" on Aug. 29.
Details: Movies are free and screen near the Botanical Garden, east of the museum, at 7:45 p.m. Arrive early; spots fill up quickly. Small picnic items will be available for purchase from Panama 66. More details.
Summer Movies in the Park
Various San Diego County locations, free
This family-friendly series presents movies at community parks and recreation centers throughout San Diego.
Highlights: "Mary Poppins" at Waterfront Park on June 24; "Field of Dreams" on July 2 and "Top Gun" on Sept. 4, both aboard the USS Midway.
Details: All movies are free and begin 15 minutes after sunset. Many people arrive early to picnic and find a good viewing spot. Check their web site for location and movie schedule.
Flicks on the Bricks at The Athenaeum
La Jolla, $22
Every Thursday in August, classic films are paired with wines and appetizers.
Schedule: "The Prince and the Showgirl" paired with bubbles on Aug. 4; "To Have and Have Not" paired with French wines on Aug. 11; "Our Man in Havana" paired with Spanish wines on Aug. 18; and "To Catch a Thief" paired with Italian Riviera wines on Aug. 25.
Details: Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the series is open to audiences ages 21 and older. Tickets are $22 or $80 for the entire series. Find tickets and details.
Stone Liberty Station Movie Nights
Liberty Station, free
Stone Brewing screens popular movies on its patio every Tuesday through Aug. 30.
Highlights: "Office Space" on June 21; "Raising Arizona" on July 5; "Fight Club" on Aug. 2; "Labyrinth" on Aug. 9; "The Jerk" on Aug. 16; and "Sixteen Candles" on Aug. 23.
Details: The 8:30 p.m. screenings are free, but these fill up quickly. A tip is to arrive at 5:30 p.m. for dinner so you can set up your spot on the lawn. See the complete schedule.
Dive-In movies at the Pearl Hotel
Point Loma, free
Modern favorites are screened by the pool and cocktails and bar snacks are served.
Highlights: "Ghost Busters (1984)" on July 13; "Star Wars: Episode V: Empire Strikes Back" on July 19; "Star Wars: Episode VI: Return of the Jedi" on July 20; "Point Break" on Aug. 24; "Fast Times at Ridgemont Hight" on Sept. 7; and "The Goonies" on Sept. 21.
Details: The free movies begin at 8 p.m., and food is served until 10 p.m. This series is for audiences ages 21 and up only. See the complete schedule.
Cinema Under the Stars
Mission Hills, $16 to $18
This favorite outdoor venue screens a mix of classic and cult films and has a patio that offers reserved seating.
Highlights: "Muriel's Wedding" on July 9 and 10; "The Big Sleep" on July 21 and 22; "Blazing Saddles" on Aug. 25 and 26; "Roman Holiday" from Sept. 1 through 4; "Raiders of the Lost Ark" from Sept. 8 through 10.
Details: Films screen Thursdays through Sundays at 8 p.m., but you can reserve a seat starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $16 at the door or $18 to reserve online. A small concession stand sells drinks, popcorn and candy. See the complete schedule.
Summer Movies on the Lawn
Coronado, free ($15 reserved seating)
The Hotel del Coronado turns its ocean-front lawn into an outdoor movie theater, screening a selection of summer favorites.
Highlights: "The Wizard of Oz" on July 1; "The Princess Bride" on July 8; "The Sandlot" on Aug. 19; "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" on Sept. 3.
Details: Admission is free, but you can reserve VIP Adirondack seating for $15. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the movie begins at 8 p.m. More information.
Cine Carretera
City Heights, free
The San Diego Latino Film Festival presents an free outdoor film series screened right off I-15 and El Cajon Boulevard.
Schedule: "Un Gallo Con Muchos Huevos" on July 16; "Cesar Chavez" on July 23; and "Ladrones" on July 30.
Details: Movies begin at 8 p.m. There will be live entertainment, outdoor games and food vendors starting at 7 p.m. The location address is 4050 El Cajon Blvd. More information.
Viejas Movies in the Park
Alpine, free
Across the street from the Viejas casino, you can watch popular classics and new features.
Highlights: "Avengers - Age of Ulton" on June 26; "Top Gun" on July 3; "Furious 7" on July 24.
Details: Movies begin at 8 p.m. Admission is free, remember to bring a sweater. More information.
Little Italy Summer Film Festival 2016
Little Italy, $5
Every Saturday night through Aug. 27, you can catch an Italian film with English subtitles in Little Italy's Amici Park Amphitheater.
Schedule includes: "Buongiorno Papa (Hello Dad)" on June 25; "Torneranno I Prati (The Meadows Will Return)" on July 2; "Noi E La Giulia (The Legendary Giulia and Other Miracles)" on July 30; and "Anche Se'e Amore Non Si Vede (It May Be Love But It Doesn't Show)" on Aug. 13.
Details: Movies begin at 8 p.m. There's a $5 suggested donation. Amici Park Amphitheater is located at State and Date streets. See the complete schedule.
Movies by the Lake at Santee Lakes
Santee, $10
Family movies are screened at this picturesque location, plus there are food trucks, inflatables and performances before the show.
Schedule: "the Peanuts Movie" on June 24; "The Princess Bride" on July 15; and "Ghostbusters (1984)" on Aug. 12.
Details: The picnic area opens at 4 p.m., games and contests begin at 7 p.m., film at 8 p.m. $10 per carload; additional details.
Liberty Station Family Movie Night
Liberty Station, free
Grab some dinner or picnic items at the new Liberty Public Market and catch a free movie on the lawn right next door.
Schedule: "Ghostbusters (1984)" on July 2; "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" on July 30; "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" on Aug. 20.
Details: Movies are screened after sunset (around 8 p.m.) on the North Promenade, next to Comickaze Comics Books and More. Show up early to save a spot. The "Harry Potter" screening is a release party for the new book, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child."
South Bay Drive-In Theatres
West Otay Mesa, $9
Being in a car may not technically count as being outside, but if you overlook that, this is a budget-friendly option to watch current blockbusters. Admission is good for two movies playing on the same screen.
Highlights: Official dates haven't been announced but expect to see "Independence Day: Resurgence," "The BFG," "Suicide Squad," "Star Trek Beyond" and more.
Details: First film begins at 8:30 p.m. daily. Admission is $9 for adults and $1 for kids ages 5 to 9. You can bring your own food, but the snack bar has tacos and other Mexican treats. Get there early because the lots fill up before 8 p.m. Details and directions.
