Growing up in San Clemente, we had a (1920s era) theater like this one that now, sadly remains closed and decaying. The La Paloma Theatre is a wonderfully enchanting trip back in time. There are stunning Art Deco touches everywhere. Frankly I was thrilled just to be allowed inside to look around. To be able to view an iconic film, (such as Jaws) here, was really just the icing on the cake! What an amazing night! Please continue to support this beautifully historic theater so that others may enjoy it for many years to come.
This is the coolest movie theatre ever!! They always play the most awesome movies here. The ice cream sandwiches and popcorn are the best.
The Lost Boys. @The Duckbox 1 Start Review below.. Your lack of appreciation for the La Paloma is rediculious.Kudos to you for staying open, if your repainted or changed in anyway it wouldnt have the same vibe! Were coming back Thursday!
Came here for the first time to see “Fantastic Fungi” for a Saturday matinee. Historic theater with a throwback ambiance. The fact that they only accept cash and seemed to have just j ok new employee working as cashier for tickets and all concessions, and he probably flipped the projector on too. In sum, enjoyed the experience and would definitely come again. ($12 entry free)
Last week was my wife and I first trip to this beautiful iconic theater. Came in to see Night of the Living Dead from 1968.We loved this theater. The owner sold us our tickets and concessions. A very nice guy. We loved the 2 hours we spent here at the La Paloma. Theres only a few theaters like this left in the country. A theater like this is to be cherished and appreciated. Im very happy one of them is here in Encinitas. We look forward to years of visits to come.Greg & De De Main
This place looks like a dumpster fire if I’m being honest please paint your walls I do not want to see that
Beautiful theater with a great history. I have seen MANY movies here, as well as The Rocky Horror Picture Show (more than 200 times). Always an enjoyable visit.
We love going to La Paloma--date night!!. Its historic, reminds us of the theatres we went to as kids for Saturday matinees. Its such a cool vibe, worth waiting the 2 months or so passed when a film is released. Consistently a great documentary (or 2 or 3) is playing. Love going into downtown before (or after) showtime to grab a bite or drinks and an appetizer.
Lovely historic single screen theater. Lots of character. Its cash only, so be prepared. We parked in the back at the park and ride. No problems.
I love this theatre! Been there many times over the years. I love the more obscure films youll see here. I love the vibe. I can be warm and there seems to be no air conditioning on hot summer days, just fyi. Check it out, cash only!
I wish I could give 0 stars. My sister who has a fear of dogs went to this theater with her kids. There was a dog running around the aisles, when my sister ask the owner to leash the dog his answer was Nope this is my dog if you dont like it leave. I am not afraid of dogs, but I also do not like dogs near me and if I had been in that theater I would had also ask the owner to leash the dog. Unprofessional rude owner you will never get my business.
They bring the best movies, it is easy to get to and ticket prices are reasonable. Mostly local people come, feels friendly like a local club and I don’t mind the old seats. Love the place.️
I used to skate in the late 80s with Guy Mariano from the Bones Brigade and Blind. I also liked the H Street team. H St had a premier party at this theater in 1990. I wasnt there.
Visited La Paloma and attended a Volcom event/movie showing on a random weekend night years ago. Tons of fun. Great energy. Wouldn’t expect anything fancy or posh, but La Paloma is a local historical theater with a lot of character. Encinitas wouldn’t feel the same without it.
Went with a friend for the midnight showing of Rocky Horror picture show and it was definitely a experience. Only issue was the midnight part. Was exhausted but good and fun experience with a good cast
It can be quite cold during certain months so dress warmly and bring a blanket. I love going there. Great atmosphere and old-fashioned popcorn. Come and enjoy.
Cool little old movie theater that takes you back in time. Don’t expect any fancy thing nor 21st century reclining seats, but just being there it transport you to the 40’s.Very decent sound and viewing. Again, if you want to watch hi res image movie, go to the AMC or any movie big chain.... this is a last of a kind movie theater out there. Worth the trip, love it!
Wonderful theater. Its a bit cold in there so be prepared to bring a cardigan or a sweater.
Such a cute little place. Fun to patronize a local establishment that has a real history. Fun date night location.
Old old fashioned theatre . Reasonable tickets and good vibe.
Delightful ambience of the old days. Saw sweet movie with no technical issues. Funky unrestored but functional operation.
A wonderful theater to have in Encinitas; rich in history and community. The seat upholstery is very worn, but I cant take away any stars because Im so thankful to have this theater in my neighborhood. I hope it stays open for decades to come.
I love it. Very old, charming theater that will make you feel like you’re in old Europe. I also enjoy the Rocky Horror Picture Show which they do every Friday. It’s a very special, memorable place.
Beautiful old time movie theater with old time but comfortable seats. Showing thoughtful & classy films. Old time popcorn and candy counter (no nachos and lattes).
A wonderful gem and great theater. It is kind of old but it definitely has its charm. I have watched several movies / documentaries here and it has been nothing but great.
Its a wonderful hometown theater! We love watching movies with the whole family here!
Awesome place to go really fun
Adorable! Comfy chairs. Great for a date or solo night out.
This is an absolutely incredible place, I really enjoyed visiting. I was there for a midnight showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show, and the obvious history of this venue fit right in with the show. Im definitely coming back for other shows!
Stopped by for the Rocky Horror Picture Show midnight live showing last week, and wow - what an experience! Wasnt quite exactly what I thought itd be. It was loud, hard to watch, and fairly distracting. But thats not the point. Youre supposed to know the movie, not watch it for the first time. Its not about that. What La Paloma offers is a fun, exciting, engaging way to pick up on the unique, remarkable energy of a cult classic film! And thats just what you get. You dance, throw things, and listen to avid fans throw out remarks affiliated with whats on the screen. Its a good time and different, something Im always looking for, and its cool because its a real late night. Putting a four just for the fact that its not for everyone. P.s. - La Paloma is a beautiful, historic theatre thats cool in itself.
Once beautiful but now smelly and decrepit. Fix it or close it.
Stepping back in time -great seating and screen
Old school experience 35mm heaven
The movies and selection are great; they have every month the Italian Film Festival, which I never miss. The owner and his staff are very friendly and very generous and they work hard to keep such a Historical landmark open. Encinitas is proud to have the La Paloma theater...
It is a nice place to watch movies.
Awesome theatre! I love seeing Rocky Horror here on Fridays.
I love going to the movies here .my service dogs
Stepping into La Paloma Theater is like stepping into the past. Its obvious that the place is kept open because of the historic nature of the place rather than to be a modern entertainment palace. The seating is horribly uncomfortable like an old western. Still, for all the drawbacks, it is a fun place to go see a movie and enjoy the spirit of community and family.
I absolutely love the charm of this theatre. I would rather see a movie here than in one of the movie chain theatres. Those who attend this theatre for the first time must remember that it was built a very long time ago. Nothing fancy here....quaint, charm and old fashioned....with GREAT movies!!!! Fresh popcorn too!!!
The vintage setting here was refreshing and providing a welcome contrast to the hyper-modern, over done and over priced cinemas that seem to be the standard these days. Also, the selection of documentary and indie films provide great alternatives to the normal Hollywood stuff.
Place is badly in need of renovation.The seats are uncomfortable with tears and holes in the upolstery.The screen has blotches and several visible vertical seams that are distracting to say the least.The only redeeming factor is the location in downtown Encinitas.
Historic theater showing its age.
Great place to watch movies. Takes me back to what theatres were like when I was a kid.
Theater falling apart, though they often play good films.
Seats badly need of reupholstering. Otherwise a fun experience.
Love this little gem. Not great seats though.
Ambiance to boot. Glad they are open.
Nice casual movie experience. Rocky Picture Show is also pretty fun
Visiting La Paloma is like stepping back in time. The Spanish Colonial architecture might not be immediately evident from the exterior but it sure is inside. I can only speak to having seen movies here, but this theater is known to host live music and other events. As far as movie watching goes: Check the La Paloma theater website for showings and times and DO NOT rely on just Google results as they have proven inaccurate, whereas if I had referenced the official theater website I would have avoided showing up for a flick not playing. Also be aware that if you come here to see a movie, dont expect the luxury and latest technological cinema experience--come for the experience of a movie in a vintage setting. Although they use a digital protector and have outfitted the theater with digital surround sound, the acoustics are nothing like an IMAX theater. The screen is smaller than modern-day screens and audio booms and echoes off walls, meaning I wouldnt recommend seeing a flicks with heavy dialogue thats critical to understanding or appreciating a story as youll likely strain to pick out whats being said at times. If you choose the right movies to see here and come for an experience greater than just what is on the screen, youll have a good time.
Always the best theatre ever.
Charming movie theater with a really good sound system.
Great place to see Free Solo. Cash only. Intermittent passing train noise to add to the atmosphere.
I love the architecture here. Its way old school but a nice place to go if you wanna remember what it felt like to be in the 80s.
Family run. $10 ticket! Two movies like the old days.
Great old theatre for artsy movies. Local gem. Bring cash for your tickets.
Pretty cool theater, Its very historic so worth checking out. I came here to watch the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Its an interesting place but needs upkeep. The seats are warn out and everything probably needs to be sanitized...
Went to a friends premiere at the La Paloma,. The popcorn was stale. Inquird about holding a premiere for a film I am producing, prices were a bit steep for an old theater. Not extremely comfortable seats , they must have been the original seats. Pretty architecture, but that was about the only thing I liked about it. Staff could have been friendlier.
A great old theater. Just needs a lot of renovation.
Cool location. And a great price!
My experience at this movie theatre was very negative for one reason, the volume level. The movie was far too loud, and Im not usually that sensitive to that. Im sure my ears have been damaged even though I had to plug my ears throughout the movie. It was literally like being in the front row of a heavy metal concert if the singer is screaming the entire show. It was terrible. Now, the movie I watched was an old school movie, so maybe there is a problem controlling the volume when using old school film (if they do in fact use actuall film). But seriously, you guys have to fix this in order to make an enjoyable movie experience. It is a cool place and I appreciate the historic side of it, but really tone the volume down a bit. Until they fix this, I urge you not to go here unless you want permanent hearing loss.
Saw a good movie at a decent price in a classic theater.
Seriously you only take cash! Love the old school vibe, but get with it.
Classic movie theater. Must do to show your kids and grandkids what going to see a movie used to like. Popcorn is always fresh..
Go enjoy yourself
Sticky, old, and rotten seats, the sound system is poor and the screen isnt the best, but besides all that... the atmosphere is great! The craftsmanship on the walls and ceilings are sheer artwork. I love seeing movies here!
OK, lets be honest... it was and old dive when I was a kid and it hasnt gotten better with age. Would I go back? Only if someone paid me. Sorry.
Great old theater. Worth going to a movie or live event there sometime
90th year anniversary! Such a fun community theatre.
Quirky old cinema with maybe not the best seats, but the old decor and the good vibes definitely make up for that. This cinema is one of the only places that shows the quirkier/alternative/independent films in the area so its awesome that its here
Local treasure rich in historical significance and grandeuer. Blessings to Allan for care-taking...
Old theatre with lots of character, love meeting friends for flicks here, especially surf flicks
An older theater that shows current movies at a reasonable price.
Nice little theater. I come hete every year for the Banff Film Festival showings. Bring cash for snacks.
Cool venue there but there is a plague of fleas willing to munch on you for the duration of the movie. I have been itching my legs for 2 weeks straight; they are the worst bug bites I have ever gotten.
Encinitas original theater. Even my Grandma use to go here. I do wish it was better maintained.
Historic dive theater, 2 mangy dogs running around, gotta luv that. Threadbare seats and anemic sound but I like it anyway... Go figure
Loved the old theater vibe and atmosphere.
Classic neighborhood theatre with lots of history and character offering movies, film festivals, and good times
Every friday night at midnight, this place puts on a showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show with a live shadow cast. Amazing experience, everyone should go at least once in their lives.
Really cool old place, follow them on FaceBook to find out whats playing. Enjoy the atmosphere and dont judge it for being something its not
Best place to watch Banf
Favorite old time movie house.
I love the La Paloma Theatre - and not only because it is my hometown, Encinitas movie theater! The building and theatre are historic landmarks and retain the charm that is gone from the movie-going experience at multi-plex movie venues.The screen is big, the popcorn is fresh (and real!) and it is located in downtown Encinitas, where it is easy to walk from the theatre to any number of restaurants, shops and the beach.The La Paloma is also one of the few movie theaters that screens independent and foreign films. The San Diego Italian Film Festival has found a second home at La Paloma, bringing films to North County audiences that have not screened elsewhere in San Diego. And, of course, surf film premiers and occasional live music shows.
Cool theater. Good prices too.
Good place to watch a foreign film. The seats are uncomfortable and the theater needs better ventilation.
A perfect vintage experience!
An Oldie and always a Goodie. A timeless treasure of a Theater.
When I think of La Paloma I merely think of Paloma the drink, but apparently it means Pigeon. Being one of the older buildings in Encinitas, or at least feeling that way from lack of renovations, I would think Encinitas was once known for a pigeon population, like Capo being known for Swallows with the name.I generally come here for small, limited releases or local stuff. Belgian Waffle Ride, Reel Rock Film Tour.It’s old school, but the seats are surprisingly not totally uncomfortable and the concessions are offering, cash only for most events since they are small independently run. Bathrooms are meh, cleanliness is meh. Somewhat nostalgic feeling back to the 80’s when all theaters were like this. Lots of earth tone colors.The stage is the sort of standard high school theater sized and set up. There are windows in the back that when they dim the lights don’t backlight the experience keeping things nice and dark.The coolest part of the place is the stage left and right exits that drop you off street side on D Street, so you exit behind D Street Bar
A delightful experience. We always make it a point to come by when we are in town.
I saw What the Health here and it was a great event.
Classic old theater, the way things used to be. Outstanding!
Encinitas old theater from 70s.
I love to see foreign movies and enjoy the atmosphere.
Not many single theaters around any more its a real treat and a classic place to see surf films.
This place is iconic in Encinitas and hosts awesome premiers.
- Address:471 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024, United States
- Site:http://www.lapalomatheatre.com/
- Phone:+1 760-436-7469
- Movie theater
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance:Yes
- Food:Yes
- Good for kids:Yes