Santa Cruz History: Landmark's Del Mar Theatre

Located at 1124 Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz, Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre offers a historic movie-going experience. Its marquee, instantly-recognizable, lights up with both local films and international blockbusters, making it a diverse experience tailored to both casual movie watchers and die-hard cinephiles. Or, Die Hard cinephiles.

Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre: A History

Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre resides in a beautiful Art Deco style building, which was first constructed in 1936, and has been a, well, landmark of the Santa Cruz downtown for just as long. Though the building has changed and gone through maintenance and renovations, it has retained many of its original features. Its last major renovation was completed in 2002. 

The theater itself has also passed through various hands in regards to management, with Landmark Theaters being its current owner. Founded in 1974, Landmark Theaters has several locations across California, including San Diego and Palo Alto.

Landmark Theatres is also celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 

Features At The Theatre

With 3 screens, plush seating, and exceptional sound quality, the theater showcases both local films and big box-office hits, with specialty midnight screenings every week. On some nights, the theater hosts special events or shows. Additionally, the theater also provides subtitles for their non-English language films, as well as accessible seating and hard of hearing devices.  Food includes the typical cinema fare and cocktails, but the popcorn is organic. 

Landmark Membership allows for additional discounts (such as reduced ticket prices, rewards points, bundles and special offers, and upgrades) for avid movie fans—and a membership card is absolutely free. And for those who love to snack or dine at the movies, Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre has monthly deals on certain food items.

Why So Popular?

It may be a bit difficult to pinpoint one factor for the theater’s popularity. Perhaps it is the range of films being screened, or maybe it is the historic decor. Some have cited the screen size and comfy seating (though this is a point of contention for sure!) as reasons why they keep coming back, whilst others have been attending the theater for years—and aren’t going to stop any time soon. 

Showings: Past & Future

One of the most popular events at Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre is the midnight screenings of older, classic (meaning both cult classics of the 70s, 80s, and 90s, but also the Old Hollywood Classics) films. In the past, the theater has screened The Rocky Horror Picture Show, The Big Lebowski, The Addams Family Values, Spellbound, Donnie Darko, Mean Girls, and many, many more. 

Landmark’s Del Mar Theatre is also screening the short films nominated for the 2024 Oscars, in both the animated and live action categories. Upcoming midnight movies include Galaxy Quest, Fargo, and Reservoir Dogs, whilst regular screenings include Oscar-nominated films and the popcorn flicks that everyone knows and loves.

And shh! The theater also hosts the Secret Film Festival—an all-night, single ticket event where all movies (6 in total!) are kept secret from movie-goers beforehand. Of course, there is sort of a selection process, as those who participate must see the first and last film, but then have a choice between two theaters for each the next four.

Ready to make the move to the Santa Cruz metro area? Contact Lauren Spencer online or call 1.800.226.4717 today to get started with your home search.