List: FREE Summer Date Ideas

I was putting together a list of FREE things to do this summer in Orange County and Los Angeles for myself since my future in-laws are coming to visit. I figured that I'd share this with y'all too! This list includes previous date ideas (numbered) plus some new ideas (un-numbered). I did throw in a few items that are $10 or less (AKA cheap). Click on each for more info.

Huntington Beach Pier
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

• 14. FREE Helium Balloon Rides - Thursdays - Sundays at Orange County Great Park.
• 50. Farmer's Market in Santa Monica - Every Sunday 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM.
• 80. Free at LACMA - Free live jazz concerts on Fridays and latin music on Saturdays.
• 91. LA Friday Night Skate - Every Friday night in Hollywood or Santa Monica and then lessons on the first Sunday of every month.
• 104. Shoot Arrows like Cupid - Free archerly lesson every Saturday morning in Pasadena.
• 122. Kayak though Naples Canals - Anytime for only $8 per person.
• 131. Saturday Nights at The Getty - Free outdoor concerts at the Getty Museum on Saturdays through August.
• 140. Last Friday on Main Street, Santa Monica - monthly.
• 146. First Fridays on Abbot Kinney - monthly.
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines at Saturdays and Sundays 1-3 PM or Fridays and Saturdays 7-9 PM.
• 181. Greek Fests 2010 - Usually free and once per month at various locations through summer.
• 182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings - Watch movies under the stars and picnic w/ BYOB & DJ on Saturdays only (not FREE, but only $10 pp).
• 183. Devil's Night Drive-In - Watch movies in a drive-in like good ol' times on Saturdays (not FREE, but only $10 pp).
• 191. Free Bands in the Sand - Free sunset concert at Newport Beach every Saturday through Summer.
• FREE Orange County Great Park Celebration, which includes an aerial show, laser light show, live music and more on Saturday, July 10th 3-9:30 PM). Make sure to combine it with the free helium balloon ride (see #14 above).
• FREE Shakespeare by the Sea outdoor play and picnic on weekends at various locations throughout the summer, dog-friendly too!
• FREE Summer Concert Series in Dana Point, Huntington Beach and throughout Orange County on Sundays and other days (via @JustSpottedOC).
• FREE Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts 7/5-8/31 (click HERE for more info).
• FREE OC Fair 7/16-8/15.
• FREE Movies in the Park at The Grove every Thursday through August.
• FREE Twilight Dance Series every Thursday through September at Santa Monica Pier.
• FREE Dance Downtown at the LA Music Center Plaza on various dates through September.
• FREE Grand Performances at the Cal Plaza every weekend through August.
• FREE Long Beach Sea Festival - Movies at the beach Tuesdays through Thursdays at various locations.
• FREE Jazz Concerts at Hollywood and Highland every Tuesday through summer with an optional $10 wine tasting with apps.
• FREE Pasadena Film Festival every weekend in July.
• FREE Summer and Music Events every weekend through August in Long Beach.
• FREE Concerts in the Park at Manhattan Beach Polliwog Park every Sunday through September, picnic & BYOB.
• FREE Outdoor Cinema Food Fest on almost every Saturday in July and August at Exposition Park plus a few special days at Grand Hope Park and La Cienega Park, showing FREE movies but no picnic required here because food trucks galore show up every time.

Since I am not posting regularly at the moment, this "master list" will be a living document to which I'll add. Feel free to kiss and tell me when you find something free and cheap to do too! Use the comment section below, or submit the Contact Me Form (see at the top menu bar of my blog), or send me a tweet @365CheapDates. Have fun whatever you do!

365 Cheap Dates is on hold

As you may have noticed, I've been MIA in the blogosphere. For the time being, I am taking a break from blogging in order to focus on a few important things in my life (wedding planning and job hunting). For those curious, the big day is set for 10.10.10 and hopefully I'll be back in the corporate world before then.

365CheapDates.com Icon
Originally uploaded
by 365 Cheap Dates

This is only temporary and I promise to make it up to y'all. I sincerely miss blogging about a new cheap date idea every day (yes, I'm a blogaholic). For upcoming and ongoing date ideas, frequent updates and reminders will still be sent out via Twitter. Please do keep in touch with me in the twitosphere (follow me @365CheapDates). In the meanwhile, feel free to peruse my blog for ongoing date ideas (see dating categories in the right menu bar). Stay tuned...

193. AVP Beach Volleyball Tourney

Do you need a reason to hit the beach?
As much as I love living by the beach, I'm not a volleyball fan. With that said, I do make a point to partake in the annual AVP Tour. Why? It's the beach scene that makes it a great day date idea, especially for a group date. Game tickets are not free, but walking around the vendor booths is! Some cool freebies include tote bags, frisbees, drinks, snacks and more. Afterward, hit the beach and/or local bars (do it early before everything gets packed).

AVP Hermosa Beach
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

For those who do enjoy professional volleyball tournament games, general admission is $20. For the upcoming game in Huntington Beach, buy tickets online now: (a) save 50% for Friday, June 4th, with a discount code AVPBOGO, so it'd be $10 each -OR- (b) save $5 for the rest of the weekend, $15 pp. More discounts may pop up closer to the other tour dates. By the way, sometimes you can watch the warm-up games for free (just look and ask).

The games bounce across the US beaches during summer, but here's the AVP tournament schedule for Southern California:

• June 3-6 Huntington Beach
• July 16-18 Hermosa Beach
• July 24-25 Malibu
• August 19-22 Manhattan Beach
• September 17-19 Hermosa Beach (finals)

However, if you don't like crowds, then you may want to avoid this event. Parking will not be easy, so carpool and come early. In my opinion, the AVP is worth checking out at least once this summer. As always, don't forget your sunblock, towel, hat, sunglasses, camera and whatever you need for fun in the sun. Click HERE for other free and cheap things to do this weekend, June 3-6th.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

List: Weekend Things to Do 6/3-6

Here are some free and cheap activities in LA and OC for this upcoming weekend, June 3rd - 6th.

Nature's Evening Show
Originally uploaded by Yobs

Thursday, June 3rd:

• 16. Champagne, Sparklers & Bubbles, Oh My! - BOGO 1¢ Wine tasting with light meal
• 95. FREE Monthly Laguna Beach Art Walk - Free wine at various art galleries.
• 188. Summer Sunset Cruise - Free appetizers.
• 189. Home Beer Brewing Class - Only $5 to learn something new.

Friday, June 4th:

• 80. Free at LACMA - Free live jazz concerts 6-8 PM.
• 146. First Fridays on Abbot Kinney - Sip, shop & stroll w/ DJ or live music, complimentary drinks at various shops.
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines - at 7-9 PM and come earlier for picnic before sunset.
• 186. First Fridays Concerts - Awarded LA's Best Museum Party Night, last one of the season.
• 193. AVP Beach Volleyball Tournament - Huntington Beach this weekend.

Saturday, June 5th:

• 32. FREE at The Getty Center - Enjoy Leonardo da Vinci at sunset w/ free parking after 5 PM.
• 44. Tide Pools at Crystal Cove - Free tour at 10 AM or go on your own before hitting #191.
• 80. Free at LACMA - Free live Latin music 5-7 PM in Hancock Park.
• 98. FREE Hawaii - Enjoy Oahu & Big Island at The Grove.
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines at 1-3 PM or 7-9 PM, so hit #32 in between.
• 182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings - Watch Casablanca under the stars and picnic w/ BYOB &DJ.
• 191. Free Bands in the Sand - Free sunset concert at Newport Beach.
• 193. AVP Beach Volleyball Tourney

Sunday, June 6th:

• 38. Find Peace at Lake Shrine - Near Malibu, so combine it with #96 and #179.
• 44. Tide Pools at Crystal Cove - Free wildflower hike at 9 AM.
• 50. Farmer's Market in Santa Monica - Stop by here in AM on the way to Malibu.
• 96. The Getty Villa in Malibu - Free online reservations required.
• 98. FREE Hawaii - Enjoy Oahu & Big Island at The Americana at Brand in Pasadena.
• 114. Cheap (& FREE) Laughs at UCB Theatre - See Jeff Garlin for $1 or other shows for FREE.
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines - at 1-3 PM.
• 193. AVP Beach Volleyball Tourney

List: Date Ideas for May

For easy reference, here's an outline of the free AND cheap things to do that I posted last month in May. Or feel free to check out my online calendar of dating ideas for any day of the year!

may_calendar
Originally uploaded by brandonplumplums

• 168. Tsunami Teppanyaki Dinner
• 169. FREE Tuesday Night Cafe
• 170. Santa Monica Festival
• 171. Rock Climbing Rockreation
• 172. Free Bowling at Lucky Strike
• 173. Free Wine Tasting, Venice
• 174. Free Dinner with Dave
• 175. Haagen-Dazs Scoop Day
• 176. OC Beer Fest
• 177. Crepes de Paris
• 178. 18th Annual Seal Day
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines
• 180. Fiesta Hermosa
• 181. Greek Fests 2010
• 182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings
• 183. Devil's Night Drive-In
• 184. $6 Angels Tickets
• List: Weekend Cheap Date Ideas
• 185. Free Malibu Beach Safari
• List: Top Romantic Cheap Date Ideas
• HOW TO: Add 365CheapDates.com to Your iPhone
• List: Memorial Day Weekend in LA
• 186. First Fridays Concerts - 6/4
• 187. The London Happy Hour
• 188. Summer Sunset Cruise $13
• 189. Home Beer Brewing Class
• 190. Free Jazz Concerts
• 191. Free Bands in the Sand

192. Free Yacht Party

Set sail and party at sea under the stars!
Why party at a bar, when you can party on a 3-story yacht in Newport Beach Harbor! This free weekly boat party offers not only a cool venue but also a DJ spinning while you rock out on the dance floor. There is no cover charge, but the parking structure is $10 unless you find a spot on PCH. Drinks on the yacht range $5-9 each, which is comparable to those on land. Please note: 21+ only, sorry not family-friendly. The next yacht party is tomorrow 6/2 and continues every Wednesday night through summer.

IMG_0054
Originally uploaded by LuthaaaLuthaaa!

If you don't want to be stuck at sea for 2 hours, this is a good option because the boat docks 3 times within the same night. You can stay on board to continue the fun or hop off and go bar hopping elsewhere in Newport Beach. The boat schedule involves 3 rounds of 30-min boarding (AKA party at the dockside) and 45-min sailing (AKA party at sea). Sail times are 8:45, 10:00 and 11:15 PM, but the best time to get on is 8 PM for pre-boarding partying (avoid the lines). Click HERE for directions and more info.

Another similar date idea is the $13 Sunset Cruise with an option for unlimited drinks (see Cheap Date Idea #188). At least, the total cost of that date is fixed (as we all know, alcohol can add up, AKA not a cheap date). For a free day cruise that's not a booze cruise, see Cheap Date Idea #145 in Long Beach (reservations required). Bon voyage!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission + $10 Parking + $5-9 Drinks.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Free.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @callmemochelle & @lafreebee

191. Free Bands in the Sand

FREE summer concerts are back in Newport Beach!
With the summer here, how do you decide which beach to hit? Well, the FREE concerts up and down the coast may sway you in one direction or another. Newport Dunes offer not only a wide range of water sport activities but also FREE musical entertainment. The Bands in the Sand Series run every Saturday between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend.

sailing
Originally uploaded by The FoxBox

The line up of bands includes 80's covers, California surfing and much more (click HERE for the weekly concert schedule). The live band plays 6-8 PM, which is just perfect timing right before sunset. Bring blanket or beach towels to claim a spot at least an hour in advance. Food and drink will be available for sale there but bring a picnic and make it romantic (and more affordable). Sunblock, sunglasses, hat are routine must-haves for outdoor activities. Admission is free but on-site parking is $10.

This Waterfront Resort and Marina does offer an Aquatic Park and other things to do, such as wind surfing, pedal boats and kayaking. The park's day pass is $25 pp, not cheap but it does look like fun. Personally, I am not sure if I'd really want to get in the water and then sit for 2 hours during an outdoor concert. Lastly, this is a great idea for a family-friendly date or a group date. Stay tuned for more free fun date ideas...

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $10 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @NewportBeach

190. Free Jazz Concerts

Listening to jazz and wine tasting = Classy & romantic!
Hollywood & Highland is offering their 7th Annual Wine, Jazz & Moonlight Series. On every Tuesday evening this summer (June 9th - August 31st), the band starts playing at 7 PM. While the musical entertainment is free to the public, the wine tasting is optional. By the way, 100% of the proceeds do benefit a good cause. The $10 donation in Hollywood seems quite reasonable for 2 glasses and an assortment of gourmet cheeses, crackers and fruit. Overall, this is a classy (yet cheap) date idea, especially for jazz music lovers. These free jazz concerts can work as a group date, first date, family-friendly date, whatever you want it to be.

Miles Davis
Originally uploaded by mwgrinnell

As with all free events, I'd arrive earlier to find parking and claim a spot in the Central Courtyard on the 2nd Level. Until the weather gets warmer, bundle up to enjoy this outdoor event for a minimum of 2 hours (7-9 PM). Bring a picnic and have dinner during the concert or eat at courtyard there (there's a crepe restaurant if my memory serves me right). Parking at H&H Center is only $2 for 4 hours with validation. Click HERE for the weekly concert schedule and more info.

If you can get into Hollywood in the afternoon, double the fun by stopping by Madame Tussauds, which is walking distance away (see Cheap Date Idea #54).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 pp + $2 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $22 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @_LosAngeles

189. Home Beer Brewing Class

How many people can say that they've brewed their own beer?
Well, now you can!! For 3 hours of fun, the cost is a mere $5! If you decide to continue the fun at home (hint hint: secure a second date with your brewing partner), this may be applied toward the purchase of a starter's kit. After brewing your own, one may discover a newfound appreciation for beer. Heck, make it a group date and then host a party with a friendly competition for the best home made brew. Just a thought for a DIY date idea and perhaps a new shared hobby. Learning something new can be a bonding experience.

Baby bottle of beer
Originally uploaded
by 365 Cheap Dates

Home Brewing Supply Company offers a Beginner's Home Brewing Class bi-weekly on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays (next one is June 3rd). Classes run 6:30-9:30 PM, so make sure to eat beforehand. Let's just say that you will be tasting more than $5 worth of their already made brews. Pretzels and nuts are a good pairing with beer, no? Just another idea. To reserve a seat, call in advance. Click HERE for class details and directions.

This is a personal recommendation by @LightsSoundLA (click HERE to read his blog post). Plus several Yelpers gave CCHBS a whopping 5-stars! Click HERE to read Yelp reviews. For another learning experience, check out the FREE cooking technique classes (see Cheap Date Idea #112). Cheers!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $5 Per Person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @LightsSoundsLA

188. Summer Sunset Cruise

Setting sail at sunset sounds soooooo romantic!
This might get my vote for top romantic yet cheap date idea! At 50% off (like a BOGO deal), you have 2 cruise options in Newport Beach: either free appetizers OR an unlimited drink package. For my fellow cheap dates in LA, there is a cruise in Marina del Rey too. Seriously, we are so lucky to live by the water because this date idea won't work everywhere.

Spirit of Tasmania I
Originally uploaded by WilliamBullimore

Option A: 90-Min Cruise with Unlimited Drink Option
WHEN: 5:30 PM Fiesta Cruise or 7:30 PM Sunset Cruise.
WHERE: Newport Beach.
HOW: Buy your voucher now (deal expires 5/31) online via SwoopOff.com and use anytime until 12/30/10, reservation required via CruiseNewportBeach.com.
COST: Only $13 Flat ($26 Regularly).
BONUS: Enjoy all-you-can-drink for a mere $15pp more! Decide later and pay on board. Let me put it this way: How much do you spend on drinks within 90 minutes anywhere else in LA & OC?

Option B: 2-Hour Cruise with Complimentary Appetizers
WHEN: Thursdays 6:30 - 8:30 PM (June - September).
Where: Newport Beach.
HOW: Buy tickets online with 50% discount code EMA42 via Hornblower.com.
COST: $14pp + tax = $16.58pp total ($28pp Regularly).

Option C: Same cruise as Option B but in Marina del Rey.
WHEN: Wednesdays 6:30-8:30 PM.
WHERE: Marina del Rey.
HOW: Buy tickets at least 24 hour in advance on Goldstar.com.
COST: $18pp + $4 fee = $22 total ($28 Regularly).

The SwoopOff deal sounds like the best because you can buy it now and use it later. That's 7 months to plan your romantic yet cheap date! More importantly, it will be a fixed total cost on the beverages, which can easily add up elsewhere and end up not being a cheap date.  Just make sure to buy your $13 voucher on SwoopOff before the deal ends (or worse- sells out)! By the way, these vouchers make for a great gift for a birthday or anniversary too. However, if you prefer free food (apps) over drinks, check out Hornblower but I'm not sure when the 50% discount code will expire. For either cruise, boarding begins 30 minutes, so make sure to arrive early or the boat will leave you! For a free cruise in Long Beach Harbor (no free apps or all-you-can-drink option), check out Cheap Date Idea #145. Have fun!

UPDATE 06/19/10: Bad news: Option-A is no longer available. Good news: Here's a good deal for another sunset cruise BUT better because it's offered on weekends, Thursdays-Sundays.

OPTION D: 90-Min Cruise with Unlimited Drink Option
WHEN: 7:00 - 8:30 PM Thursdays - Sundays with advance reservation by phone or web
WHERE: Newport Beach
HOW: Buy your voucher now online via @DealPerkOC and use later until Sept 30th (that's over 3 months to plan your cheap date).
COST: $12.50 pp (Regularly $25) + $8 Parking (Click HERE to buy voucher now)
BONUS: This deal includes complimentary chips and salsa. Enjoy all-you-can-drink for a mere $15 pp more! Decide later and pay on board.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $13-19 pp.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $52-61 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @swoopoff & @newportbeach

187. The London Happy Hour

Be fabulous at a classy happy hour at The London!
The London Hotel offers two full hours of happiness on weekdays (5-7 PM) from now until the end of June. Not only is this a classy spot for a happy hour, but Gordon Ramsay is famous for his fine dining. It's not normally a cheap date, but the "London After Five" special makes it affordable with $5 specials starting at 5 PM. Plus to celebrate the sequel's release, the happy hour theme is in honor of the Sex and The City 2.

@foodphotos Martini Collage
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

The "London After Five" specials are:

• $5 Specialty cocktails with 5 choices inspired by the 5 characters of Sex and the City
• $5 Sake or Champagne
• $5 Tasty appetizers, including a mini lobster burger, kebabs & more
• $5 Valet parking with validation ($10 regularly; street parking is possible but not likely due to limited space)

If you are in that part of LA (WeHo), you must stop by here, especially if you're going to watch SATC2. Why you may ask? Because you deserve 2 hours of happiness. That is at least happiness on any weekday at The London from now til the end of June. I'm sure tomorrow will be crazy with it being Friday and the start of a long holiday weekend. For more happy hour date ideas, click HERE. Be a fun cheap date and be safe!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $15 minimum.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TheLondonWeho

186. First Fridays Concerts - 6/4

The adults come out to play at LA's Best Museum Party Night!
Last year, the Natural History Museum of LA won a Best of LA Award for their Museum Party Night. On First Fridays for the first half of the year (Jan-June), NHMLA offers a sophisticated event for adults to enjoy culture and music. The fun begins with DJs and a free guided museum tour at 5:30 PM and the party continues until 10:30 PM. For the line up at the next (and sadly last) FF on June 4th, click HERE.

FIN WHALE!!
Originally uploaded by First Fridays @ NHM

The FF tickets are $15 pp, which not only gets you into the concert hall but also the museum. Regular museum admission is $9, so that's a mere $6 more for a night of fun. As for parking, the lot across the way is $10 unless you get lucky with street parking. Purchasing tickets in advance online is highly recommended because the event usually sells out early. Note: June 4th is the last FF event of the year. I'm so sad that I'll be out of town, but other fun events are brewing at NHMLA.

Lines start forming at 7:30 PM with the doors of the performance hall opening up at 8:30 PM for the opening act and then the headliner goes on at 9:45 PM. The hall capacity is 500 but you can also watch the performance on projected screens throughout the Grand Foyer. To capture the fun, 3D photos are taken by NHMLA and posted on their Flickr (see example on right here). Bring your own camera and smiles! If you can come earlier and beat traffic to Downtown LA, bring a picnic too and enjoy the sunset with dinner in the middle of Exposition Park, which is right next door to NHMLA.

If you miss this event, mark you calendar for monthly FREE Museum Day at NHMLA on the first Tuesday of the month (next one is June 1st). While you're in the area, get free admission to the sister museum too, La Brea Tar Pits on Cheap Date Idea #89. Now that's called back-to-back FREE date ideas!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $15 pp.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @CourtneyLTucker

List: Memorial Day Weekend in LA

Looking for something to do this long holiday weekend in LA?
The real question is how are you going to fit this all in? Click on each link for event details.

Memorial Day And The Soldiers Out to War
Originally uploaded by pappajohn1969

Friday, May 28th:

• 9. Happy Hour Tapas in Hermosa Beach
• 80. Free Live Jazz Concerts at LACMA
• 97. 100¢ Cocktail Night at The Edison
• 127. Grunion Run - Unique idea, must do at least once
• 140. Last Friday on Main Street, Santa Monica - Monthly event to sip, shop & stroll with music
• 143. The London Happy Hour - Five After Five
• 154. XIV Happy Hour by Michael Mina
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines - kick off event, perfect for picnic
• Click HERE for more things to do on Fridays

Saturday, May 29th:

• 32. FREE at The Getty Center - Enjoy the sunset & Leonardo da Vinci plus free parking after 5 PM.
• 104. Shoot Arrows like Cupid for FREE - Beginner archery lesson
• 154. XIV Happy Hour by Michael Mina
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines - perfect for picnic
• 180. Fiesta Hermosa - Twice per year festival with live music, arts & crafts & beer/wine garden
• 182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings - watch North by North with picnic & BYOB
• Click HERE for more things to do on Saturdays

Sunday, May 30th:

• 38. Find Peace at Lake Shrine - Free hidden gem near Malibu
• 50. Farmer's Market in Santa Monica - Every Sunday
• 112. FREE Cooking Classes - at a Williams-Sonoma near you
• 114. Cheap (& FREE) Laughs at UCB Theatre
• 122. Kayak though Naples Canals
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines - day time only, perfect for picnic
• 180. Fiesta Hermosa
• 182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings - watch Purple Rain with picnic & BYOB
• Click HERE for more things to do on Sundays

Monday, May 31st:

• 9. Happy Hour Tapas in Hermosa Beach
• 80. Free Holiday Mondays at LACMA - music & entertainment, family-friendly
• 122. Kayak though Naples Canals
• 143. The London Happy Hour - Five After Five
• 154. XIV Happy Hour by Michael Mina
• 172. Free Bowling at Lucky Strike
• 180. Fiesta Hermosa
• Click HERE for more things to do on Mondays

For another resource at your fingertips, check out my Google Calendar. Whatever you do, have fun and be safe!

HOW TO: Add 365CheapDates.com to Your iPhone

Want anytime access to 365CheapDates.com at your fingertips on your iPhone? Follow these simple instructions on how to add an icon on your home screen for 365CheapDates.com (or any website you desire). It's like bookmarking a favorite website, but better because you skip the step of launching the Safari web browser. I love being efficient.

365 Cheap Dates iPhone screenshot
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Instructions:

1. While on your iPhone, launch Safari and type the URL 365CheapDates.com (or just click HERE).
2. Click the Favorites (+) button at the bottom of the Safari screen.
3. Click "Add to Home Screen" (see my screenshot photo on the right here).
4. Type a name for the icon that will appear on your home screen, such as 365 Cheap Dates.
5. Click the "Add" button.
6. You will find an icon for my blog on your homescreen, like mine (see screenshot photo on the top right here).
7. For help, click HERE for the original source of these instructions.

Now that you have my blog at your disposal at any time of the day, how about adding my Google Calendar? Click HERE to view my calendar with instructions on syncing it to yours. You can set up reminders too by email and SMS! I have also created a Google Map just for you, showing cheap dates ideas by location in LA & OC. If you think of any other tools to help me help you, I'd love to hear it!

List: Top Romantic Cheap Date Ideas

Finding cheap date ideas is not so hard, but finding romantic cheap date ideas is not so easy. To make your dating life easier, I've tagged the date ideas here by various categories, such as romantic (see at the bottom of each post or click HERE to view all romantic ideas).

Originally uploaded by Kevin H.

If I had to rank my favorite romantic things to do in Los Angeles & Orange County, here's my list in chronological order (click on each link for details):

• 4. Star Gazing at Griffith Observatory
• 44. Tide Pools at Crystal Cove
• 131. Saturday Nights at The Getty
• 148. Benihana Dinner for Two = $37
• 183. Devil's Night Drive-In Theatre

Mind you that these are "anytime" ideas (good to do throughout the year). Stay tuned for more Top Lists, especially during special weekends or seasons (or click HERE to view all of my past lists). If you have your own favorites, please do kiss & tell in the comment section below.