Drive-in movie theaters are making a big comeback in New York City as the standard movie experience has changed due to ongoing social distance guidelines.

The local AMC or Regal may be closed, but that doesn't mean you can't leave the house to see a movie on the big screen. With the weather changing, the nights getting warmer, and summer approaching, you're probably looking for more excuses to spend time outside. Or maybe you've already watched all the best movies on Netflix.

Either way, it's traditional for people to gather in large numbers with picnic baskets and blankets to watch outdoor movies in New York City parks on summer nights. However, public health and safety considerations still dictate audience size limits, making drive-in movie theaters a feasible alternative.

In a modern drive-in movie theater, the audience can park their car in front of a large projection screen, tune their FM radio to a specific station, and listen to the synchronized audio of the movie. This experience is a bit different from watching a blockbuster premiere, but it is retro socializing and entertainment.

Where are the best drive-in movie locations in New York City? Large parking lots and vacant lots make ideal outdoor movie theaters, but smaller movie theaters and restaurants are also getting in on the fun. You need to know where they are, how to secure tickets, and when to go.

Below are some places you can go to see a drive-in movie in New York City and how to find the nearest showing schedule. In most cases, you will need to wear something to cover your face when you are not in a car, so here are some places to buy face masks and how to make your own face mask at home.

According to News 12, Long Island drive-in movies will be shown throughout the summer. Some movie theaters have a pilot event scheduled for this weekend, and will continue to do so if moviegoers can adhere to the mandated social distancing measures.

The Coach Meeting House in Oyster Bay offers an upscale drive-in-and-dine experience in its parking lot every weeknight. Tickets must be purchased in advance and sell out quickly, so bookmark the schedule for a chance to see a movie at this pub-cum-movie theater.

Sayville will open a pop-up drive-in movie theater in a semi-permanent location in June, but for now locals can park their cars at the Village Idiot Irish Pub on select Thursdays. Check the restaurant's schedule of events for reservations.

Every Thursday through Sunday, the Pine Grove Inn in East Patchogue shows movies in its parking lot. The steakhouse offers a drive-in dinner served on disposable trays to attendees. For reservations, call 516-885-8827.

Further east, the Southampton Arts Center is hosting its first drive-in movie night in the Cooper's Beach parking lot on Memorial Day Weekend. This screening is sold out, but the center's upcoming schedule can be found here.

New York City is not known for its parking lots, but there are many neighborhoods that are trying to make drive-in movie theaters a reality.

Right now, the most coveted for drive-in movie tickets in New York City is the Bel Air Diner in Astoria, where parking for 40 cars sells out in minutes and those who make it in time can order food via the diner's app or website. Follow the Bel Air Diner's social media accounts for ticket times and availability. Drivers license information is also required to attend.

Yankee Stadium will be hosting a drive-in festival this summer in a huge parking lot in the Bronx. Dubbed the "Uptown Drive-In," the ballpark will be open every weekend to host date and family events that can be enjoyed from inside the car.

Thanks to the vast expanse of upstate New York, there are many options for drive-in movies. Perhaps the most famous is the Warwick Drive-In in Orange County. The venue's big screen will show recently released films, including some that were never released theatrically, such as "Trolls World Tour."

The Fair Oaks Drive-In, not far from Warwick, will also be showing new films. Advance ticket sales are encouraged but not required.

The Overlook Drive-In and Hyde Park Drive-In in Poughkeepsie are affiliated drive-in movie theaters with jam-packed screening schedules. Dogs are welcome. First come, first served.

A little further north is the Unadilla Drive-In. Information on advance ticket purchase and show times can be found on their Facebook page.

There are over a dozen more drive-in movie theaters in upstate and central New York. Check out our list of places to see a movie anywhere in New York State:

For more entertainment from the comfort of your own home, here are the best shows on Netflix, the best shows you can miss, and the best board games for families.