Harbor Drive-In
3251 National City Boulevard,
National City,
CA
91950
3251 National City Boulevard,
National City,
CA
91950
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Located in National City, to the north of Chula Vista and south of San Diego, CA. The 685-car capacity Harbor Drive-In opened November 3, 1948 with June Haver in “Scudda Hoo!, Scudda Hay!” & Dennis Morgan in “Cheyenne”. Tom P. Hunnington was the original owner. In March 1955 it was given a make-over and was enlarged to give a 1,100-car capacity. It was operated by Harbor Drive-In Corp. and Henry Slater. Sunday church services started in 1974. Due to some high tax liens, the swap meet helped cover the costs to keep the drive-in going. The swap meet later closed in 1999.
The Harbor Drive-In finally closed in 2003, “Spy Kids 3D” was one of the last films. The tower has been torn down and the lot now serves as a park and ride location.
Contributed by
Steve Swanson
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Recent comments (view all 8 comments)
The correct address is: E. 32nd St. & National City Blvd National City, CA, 91950
This $250,000 ozoner launched November 3, 1949 by Tom Huntington of the Vogue and Seville Theatres. The 70' high and 150' wide tower was impressive.
Boxoffice, Oct. 28, 1963: “Sam Russo of San Diego has taken over the Harbor Drive-In in Chula Vista.”
Adding another name, Boxoffice, Nov. 6, 1948: “Lou Berman and Tommy Huntington opened the Harbor Drive-In in Chula Vista November 3.”
According to Google Maps' city limits drawings, the Harbor site is actually in Chula Vista. Between 4th Avenue and San Diego Bay on the north side of the Sweetwater River, the Harbor’s outline is uniquely carved away from National City and retained by its neighbor to the south. Somebody did that on purpose.
Google Maps also uses National City as the site’s current mailing address, which means only that the 91950 post office services the site.
The snack bar still exists only now serves as an Amazon van depot!
The address for this former drive in is 3251 National City Blvd, National City, CA 91950. Please update. Fond memories. I can still envision the giant emerald screen and its green trimmings!😢☺😍
The Harbor Drive-in opened on November 3rd, 1948 (not 1949). Grand opening ad posted.
Boxoffice, March 29, 1955: “CHULA VISTA, CALIF. – A $60,000 remodeling and expansion program is being undertaken by Tom Huntington, owner of the Harbor Drive-In located between here and National City. The capacity will be increased from 700 to 1,100 cars and a 120-foot wide-vision screen replaced the old 60-foot screen.”