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.
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
Showing posts with label monthly. Show all posts
Showing posts with label monthly. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
164. $15 Wine Tasting Course
2-Hours of fun + 8 wine tastings = $15 Cheap Date
Learning something new with your partner can be a good bonding experience. Or if you are not new to wine, think of it as a refresher course with 8 wine tastings. No matter what, this a fantastic deal at only $15 per person. Total Wine & More in Tustin normally charges $25 for this 2-hour wine tasting class with 8 tastings. With a Yelp rating of 4.5 out of 5 starts, this sounds fun as either a one-on-one date idea or a group date idea. Hurry and buy your voucher now on DealPerk.com before midnight on 4/27 (tomorrow night), but use any time until 10/26/10!
The voucher is good for any of the classes in the next 6 months, which are held monthly on a Thursday 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Here is the schedule:
Approximate cost of creative date idea = $15 per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $50 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @DealPerkOC
Learning something new with your partner can be a good bonding experience. Or if you are not new to wine, think of it as a refresher course with 8 wine tastings. No matter what, this a fantastic deal at only $15 per person. Total Wine & More in Tustin normally charges $25 for this 2-hour wine tasting class with 8 tastings. With a Yelp rating of 4.5 out of 5 starts, this sounds fun as either a one-on-one date idea or a group date idea. Hurry and buy your voucher now on DealPerk.com before midnight on 4/27 (tomorrow night), but use any time until 10/26/10!
The voucher is good for any of the classes in the next 6 months, which are held monthly on a Thursday 6:30 - 8:30 PM. Here is the schedule:
- 4/29 Green Friendly Wines
- 5/27 Tantalizing Wines of Tuscany
- 6/10 Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
- 7/15 Tour de France
- 8/19 California Dreaming (Napa and Sonoma)
- 9/16 Wines From Down Under
- 10/14 Beautiful Wines of Bordeaux
Approximate cost of creative date idea = $15 per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $50 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @DealPerkOC
Thursday, April 1, 2010
146. First Fridays on Abbot Kinney
Enjoy free live music, food, massage & yoga in Venice!
On the first Friday of every month, the stores along Abbot Kinney Boulevard stay open late (6-10 PM) with various activities. For April 2nd, enjoy live music & free munchies at several spots, including Altered Space Gallery, Aviator Nation and G2 Gallery. Also get a free 5-minute Thai massage at Lamai and your first free yoga class at YAS. For more info about this monthly event in Venice, check AbbotKinneyonline.com and AbbotKinneyNow.com.
I plan on going for my friend's birthday, so I'll post an update with my review. This does sound like a good group date idea. As for parking, street parking is probably the best bet near Abbot Kinney Blvd and Venice Blvd (zip code for Venice is 90291 in case you want to map it out). Plus it's free after 6 PM at most spots, so double check the signs.
For more fun, check out the sister event called the Last Fridays on Main Street in Santa Monica (Cheap Date Idea #140). Another fun thing to do in Venice is the Free Skate Practice on the first Sundays of every month in preparation for the weekly Free Friday Night Skate Night (see Cheap Date Idea #91 for more info).
UPDATE 05/17/10: Last month, Aviator Nation seemed to be the hot spot for free wine (by the glass) and free beer (by the 12-oz can). We missed the sangria at another place (name escaping me at the moment). Next time, I'm bringing my appetite and trying out one of the many food trucks lined up along Abbot Kinney (the line was wrapped around the BBQ truck). I wonder how the Last Fridays on Main Street in Santa Monica (Cheap Date Idea #140) compare to this First Fridays on Abbot Kinney in Venice, stay tuned!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by Pilates Princess
On the first Friday of every month, the stores along Abbot Kinney Boulevard stay open late (6-10 PM) with various activities. For April 2nd, enjoy live music & free munchies at several spots, including Altered Space Gallery, Aviator Nation and G2 Gallery. Also get a free 5-minute Thai massage at Lamai and your first free yoga class at YAS. For more info about this monthly event in Venice, check AbbotKinneyonline.com and AbbotKinneyNow.com.
I plan on going for my friend's birthday, so I'll post an update with my review. This does sound like a good group date idea. As for parking, street parking is probably the best bet near Abbot Kinney Blvd and Venice Blvd (zip code for Venice is 90291 in case you want to map it out). Plus it's free after 6 PM at most spots, so double check the signs.
For more fun, check out the sister event called the Last Fridays on Main Street in Santa Monica (Cheap Date Idea #140). Another fun thing to do in Venice is the Free Skate Practice on the first Sundays of every month in preparation for the weekly Free Friday Night Skate Night (see Cheap Date Idea #91 for more info).
UPDATE 05/17/10: Last month, Aviator Nation seemed to be the hot spot for free wine (by the glass) and free beer (by the 12-oz can). We missed the sangria at another place (name escaping me at the moment). Next time, I'm bringing my appetite and trying out one of the many food trucks lined up along Abbot Kinney (the line was wrapped around the BBQ truck). I wonder how the Last Fridays on Main Street in Santa Monica (Cheap Date Idea #140) compare to this First Fridays on Abbot Kinney in Venice, stay tuned!
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by Pilates Princess
Friday, March 26, 2010
140. Last Friday on Main Street, Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a cool place every day, especially on the LAST Friday.
The City of Santa Monica started a new tradition this year, Main Street Last Fridays. On that one day of every month, shops and restaurants/bars on Main Street stay open later than normal and hold special events. Here's a highlight: @TrunkShowLA will be offering complimentary cocktails while a DJ is spinning PLUS 10% off the entire store on 3/26 at 6-9 PM. If that's not enticing enough, click HERE for a complete listing of participating venues and special discounts.
While you're in the neighborhood, come earlier and check out the pier on Cheap Date Idea #84. Or double the fun and head to FREE Friday Night Skate Night in Santa Monica (see Cheap Date Idea #91).
As for parking, FREE bike valet is being offered at this event. Some merchants are offering extra special discounts for the environmentally-conscious bikers too! Otherwise, there are plenty of parking lots in the area with a flat rate of $3 after 6 PM. If you miss it tomorrow (sorry for the late notice), but luckily you can mark your calendar for next month. TGILF.
UPDATE 03/26/10: For more info about the free cocktail party today at the LA Trunk Show, click HERE for their Facebook event page.
UPDATE 04/27/10: LA Trunk Show will have complimentary drinks and a DJ again this Friday, April 30th, at 7-10 PM. There will be a food truck too! I won't be able to make it this time, so take pics for me!
UPDATE 04/28/10: Per @SMMainStreet: World Cafe's Happy Hour runs 11:30 AM - 7 PM, plus live music all night long.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $3 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TheLAScene & @TrunkShowLA
The City of Santa Monica started a new tradition this year, Main Street Last Fridays. On that one day of every month, shops and restaurants/bars on Main Street stay open later than normal and hold special events. Here's a highlight: @TrunkShowLA will be offering complimentary cocktails while a DJ is spinning PLUS 10% off the entire store on 3/26 at 6-9 PM. If that's not enticing enough, click HERE for a complete listing of participating venues and special discounts.
While you're in the neighborhood, come earlier and check out the pier on Cheap Date Idea #84. Or double the fun and head to FREE Friday Night Skate Night in Santa Monica (see Cheap Date Idea #91).
As for parking, FREE bike valet is being offered at this event. Some merchants are offering extra special discounts for the environmentally-conscious bikers too! Otherwise, there are plenty of parking lots in the area with a flat rate of $3 after 6 PM. If you miss it tomorrow (sorry for the late notice), but luckily you can mark your calendar for next month. TGILF.
UPDATE 03/26/10: For more info about the free cocktail party today at the LA Trunk Show, click HERE for their Facebook event page.
UPDATE 04/27/10: LA Trunk Show will have complimentary drinks and a DJ again this Friday, April 30th, at 7-10 PM. There will be a food truck too! I won't be able to make it this time, so take pics for me!
UPDATE 04/28/10: Per @SMMainStreet: World Cafe's Happy Hour runs 11:30 AM - 7 PM, plus live music all night long.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $3 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TheLAScene & @TrunkShowLA
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
131. Saturday Nights at The Getty
The Getty + FREE concert = Classy date idea!
The Saturday Nights at The Getty is happening again on April 17th. The free concert starts at 7:30 PM, just in time for the sunset (7:27 PM to be exact). ...So why not come a bit early, wander the art exhibits and then enjoy from the gardens overlooking Downtown LA? That's Cheap Date Idea #32! Parking is normally $15 but it's free after 5 PM every Saturday. Refreshments are available for sale at the concert. If my memory serves me right, a glass of wine was $7 each. Click HERE for a music sample of the band, Michachu and the Shapes. I don't personally go for the music itself, but it's just something to do and great for a group date. This could be a first date idea too.
Admission is free, but advance reservations are required. You can make reservations online or by phone starting Tuesday, March 23rd at 9 AM (I'll send out a reminder, but mark your calendar now if you want to go). These events happen about once per month during spring and summer and always sell out in advance. Feel free to check the calendar online for upcoming events. If you love The Getty Museum, check out The Getty Villa in Malibu (Cheap Date Idea #96).
UPDATE 03/24/10: Sorry, this event is already sold out as of yesterday.
UPDATE 05/23/10: There's a line up of free concerts starting May 2010 (I shall blog about it soon). Even when there is no free concert, Saturday evenings are the best time to go to the Getty because parking is free after 5 PM and it's awesome view of the city at sunset from the gardens area.
UPDATE 07/08/10: Saturdays off the 405 (AKA free outdoor concerts) are back! Enjoy it on Saturdays now through August. Check out the schedule online. Free admission, no reservations required, but make sure to come early because it gets full!
Approximate cost of the creative date idea = Free Admission + Free Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
The Saturday Nights at The Getty is happening again on April 17th. The free concert starts at 7:30 PM, just in time for the sunset (7:27 PM to be exact). ...So why not come a bit early, wander the art exhibits and then enjoy from the gardens overlooking Downtown LA? That's Cheap Date Idea #32! Parking is normally $15 but it's free after 5 PM every Saturday. Refreshments are available for sale at the concert. If my memory serves me right, a glass of wine was $7 each. Click HERE for a music sample of the band, Michachu and the Shapes. I don't personally go for the music itself, but it's just something to do and great for a group date. This could be a first date idea too.
Admission is free, but advance reservations are required. You can make reservations online or by phone starting Tuesday, March 23rd at 9 AM (I'll send out a reminder, but mark your calendar now if you want to go). These events happen about once per month during spring and summer and always sell out in advance. Feel free to check the calendar online for upcoming events. If you love The Getty Museum, check out The Getty Villa in Malibu (Cheap Date Idea #96).
UPDATE 03/24/10: Sorry, this event is already sold out as of yesterday.
UPDATE 05/23/10: There's a line up of free concerts starting May 2010 (I shall blog about it soon). Even when there is no free concert, Saturday evenings are the best time to go to the Getty because parking is free after 5 PM and it's awesome view of the city at sunset from the gardens area.
UPDATE 07/08/10: Saturdays off the 405 (AKA free outdoor concerts) are back! Enjoy it on Saturdays now through August. Check out the schedule online. Free admission, no reservations required, but make sure to come early because it gets full!
Approximate cost of the creative date idea = Free Admission + Free Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
121. Persian Festival of Norouz - 3/7
It's officially Spring Season tomorrow!
To celebrate this special moment of vernal equinox, join in the Persian Festival of Nrouz on Sunday, March 7th, at The Bowers Musuem in Santa Ana. Museum hours are 10 AM - 4 PM daily except for Mondays and a few holidays. For this particular festival, the celebration will be held Noon - 3:30 PM. Spend your Sunday afternoon immersing in Persian culture, including traditional Persian dance, music, food, art, face painting, etc. General admission is normally $12 per person but it's completely free tomorrow. The event is family friendly and a casual day date idea for a group.
If you can't make it this Sunday, come back on the first Sunday of every month in 2010 for FREE admission courtesy of Target. The festival theme changes every month. Here's a quick list for the rest of this year, but check the website for details about each event.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $24 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @mamimaria
To celebrate this special moment of vernal equinox, join in the Persian Festival of Nrouz on Sunday, March 7th, at The Bowers Musuem in Santa Ana. Museum hours are 10 AM - 4 PM daily except for Mondays and a few holidays. For this particular festival, the celebration will be held Noon - 3:30 PM. Spend your Sunday afternoon immersing in Persian culture, including traditional Persian dance, music, food, art, face painting, etc. General admission is normally $12 per person but it's completely free tomorrow. The event is family friendly and a casual day date idea for a group.
If you can't make it this Sunday, come back on the first Sunday of every month in 2010 for FREE admission courtesy of Target. The festival theme changes every month. Here's a quick list for the rest of this year, but check the website for details about each event.
- April 11 Silk Road Festival
- May 2 Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival
- June 6 Pacific Islands Festival
- July 18 Americana Festival
- August 1 Native American Festival
- September 5 Indian Festival of Lights/Diwali
- October 3 Italian Festival
- November 7 Mexican Day Festival
- December 5 International Holidays Festival
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $24 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @mamimaria
Friday, February 26, 2010
List: Cultural Date Ideas
Museums are always something easy and classy to do.
Check out the monthly FREE days and 2-for-1 deals at the following museums:
Check out the monthly FREE days and 2-for-1 deals at the following museums:
- 13. Huntington Botanical Gardens
- 32. FREE at The Getty Center
- 80. Free Holiday Mondays at LACMA
- 89. Free Day at La Brea Tar Pits
- 95. FREE Laguna Beach Art Walk
- 96. The Getty Villa in Malibu
- 102. Naked at the Museum Scavenger Hunts
- 111. Free Museum Day at MOCA
- 121. Bowers Museum Festivals
- 131. Saturday Nights at The Getty
- 155. Miracle Mile Art Walk
- 156. Free MoLAA Sundays
Monday, February 1, 2010
95. FREE Laguna Beach Art Walk
Looking for something cultural and FREE to do in the OC?
Head over to the Laguna Beach Art Walk on the first Thursday of every month 6-9 PM. This coming Feb 4th marks the 12th Anniversary of this ongoing event. For this particular Thursday, come an hour earlier at 5 PM for a reception at the Inn at Laguna Beach (see details on website). Check online for an updated schedule, a shuttle map and a complete list of participating galleries.
If you finish up early but want to continue having fun, light up a bonfire nearby before the beach closes at 10 PM (see Cheap Date Idea #34).
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @OCdeals
Head over to the Laguna Beach Art Walk on the first Thursday of every month 6-9 PM. This coming Feb 4th marks the 12th Anniversary of this ongoing event. For this particular Thursday, come an hour earlier at 5 PM for a reception at the Inn at Laguna Beach (see details on website). Check online for an updated schedule, a shuttle map and a complete list of participating galleries.
If you finish up early but want to continue having fun, light up a bonfire nearby before the beach closes at 10 PM (see Cheap Date Idea #34).
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @OCdeals
List: Date Ideas for January
Outline of creative date ideas posted this past month...
- 66. Dolphins & Whales at Dana Point
- List: Date Ideas for December & More
- 67. Professional Bullriding Championship
- List: Day Date Ideas in LA & OC
- 68. Jon Lovitz Comedy Club Universal Citywalk
- 69. FREE Film: Adventures of Robin Hood - 1/23
- 70. 2 Buck Bowling, Beers & More
- 71. Day Trip: San Diego Harbor Cruise
- 72. FREE Bowling on Your Birthday & More
- 73. Latte Love with Free Coffee
- 74. FREE Birthday Skiing Bear Mountain
- 75. Tide Pools by Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
- 76. FREE Coffee Bean Ice Blended Drinks - 1/14
- 77. Laugh for FREE at The Comedy Store
- List: 1 Month 'Til Valentine's Day
- 78. FREE Meetup Hiking in Griffith Park
- 79. Spa Day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs
- Calendar: January Date Ideas
- 80. Free Holiday Mondays at LACMA - 1/18
- 81. Mountain High Skiing 2-for-Tuesdays
- 82. Jamba Juice & $1 Oatmeal
- 83. 1/2 Off Lift Tickets at Snow Valley
- 84. Santa Monica Pier Aquarium
- 85. Champagne Brunch Cruise II
- 86. dineLA Retaurant Week is Back!
- 87. Pajama Night at Cafe 50's
- 88. Love Can Be Magical - 2/14
- 89. Free Day at La Brea Tar Pits
- 90. FREE Ice Skating at OC Great Park - 1/30
- 91. LA Friday Night Skate
- 92. FREE Meatballs of Comedy, CityWalk - 1/31
- 93. FREE Live TV Show Tapings
- 94. Scavenger Hunt on Bikes
Thursday, January 28, 2010
91. LA Friday Night Skate
Dust off your old roller skates and let's rock & roll!
Believe it or not, a group of 40-80 roller skaters (and don't forget the roller bladers) meet up every Friday, usually in Santa Monica and sometimes in Downtown LA and once in awhile in Hollywood. You don't have to be an expert, but prepared to boogie for 10 miles or so. For motivation, a skater will have a sound system strapped to his/her back playing 70's Disco and Funk music. Consider it a big rolling block party!
This isn't a new organization. It looks like FNS (Friday Night Skate) group leaders have been around since 1997 and 2000. I'm guessing this activity is a "locals" secret, but now I'm inviting you all from Los Angeles and Orange County to break out your old roller skates and have some fun! This is definitely a great group date idea!
Tomorrow on January 29th, skaters start gathering at 8:30 PM near Santa Monica Pier on the corner of Ocean and Colorado Ave, then start rolling by 9 PM (just look for other folks on wheels). If you can't make it, check online at www.FridayNightSkate.org for the schedule and more info, especially to find out when there will be a special theme. Since it's still "winter" time in LA, bundle up for a night of outdoor fun. It's BYOS (bring your own skates, or borrow your own skates). Oh, and don't forget knee pads and helmets (if you are clumsy like me).
UPDATE 01/30/10: @YoSantaMonica just informed me that FNS is starting a FREE skating practice on the First Sunday of every month at 11 AM in Venice. Don't be shy! That will give you 5 days to practice before the big night on Fridays. Good luck!
UPDATE 05/20/10: Skating will be in Hollywood tomorrow, May 21st.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @GoSantaMonica
Believe it or not, a group of 40-80 roller skaters (and don't forget the roller bladers) meet up every Friday, usually in Santa Monica and sometimes in Downtown LA and once in awhile in Hollywood. You don't have to be an expert, but prepared to boogie for 10 miles or so. For motivation, a skater will have a sound system strapped to his/her back playing 70's Disco and Funk music. Consider it a big rolling block party!
This isn't a new organization. It looks like FNS (Friday Night Skate) group leaders have been around since 1997 and 2000. I'm guessing this activity is a "locals" secret, but now I'm inviting you all from Los Angeles and Orange County to break out your old roller skates and have some fun! This is definitely a great group date idea!
Tomorrow on January 29th, skaters start gathering at 8:30 PM near Santa Monica Pier on the corner of Ocean and Colorado Ave, then start rolling by 9 PM (just look for other folks on wheels). If you can't make it, check online at www.FridayNightSkate.org for the schedule and more info, especially to find out when there will be a special theme. Since it's still "winter" time in LA, bundle up for a night of outdoor fun. It's BYOS (bring your own skates, or borrow your own skates). Oh, and don't forget knee pads and helmets (if you are clumsy like me).
UPDATE 01/30/10: @YoSantaMonica just informed me that FNS is starting a FREE skating practice on the First Sunday of every month at 11 AM in Venice. Don't be shy! That will give you 5 days to practice before the big night on Fridays. Good luck!
UPDATE 05/20/10: Skating will be in Hollywood tomorrow, May 21st.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @GoSantaMonica
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
89. Free Day at La Brea Tar Pits
Fossils, dinosaurs, tar pits, oh my!
If you enjoy all of that, head over to the Page Museum (AKA La Brea Tar Pits) in LA. Go for free on the first Tuesday of every month (save $7 pp!). If you cannot make it that day, the museum is open daily 9:30 AM - 5 PM, but be forewarned that this place can be like a zoo with kids on weekends. According to some Yelp reviewers, an hour is more than enough time to stroll through the museum. If speed walking is your thing, admission is free for the last 30 minutes to closing.. The tar pits on the outside is free for the public to roam, so you might want to check that out beforehand while there's daylight, especially around sunset (see photo on right).
Metered street parking is available on 6th Street but read the signs carefully for no parking during week day rush hours, 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM. Otherwise, the convenient parking lot is $7 with museum validation during weekdays or flat on weekends.
Don't end your date at the tar pits! After 5 PM, walk on over to the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA) for discounted museum admission (Cheap Date Idea #80). Or go to the LACMA on the second Tuesday of the month for free and then the tar pits. Either way, double the fun in culture and history! This is something different to do at least once in your life, at least a step up from watching The History Channel for a date night...
UPDATE 05/26/10: While you're in the area, stop by the sister museum, Natural History Museum, which is ALSO free on First Tuesdays (see Cheap Date Idea #186).
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE + $7 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $14 Total.
If you enjoy all of that, head over to the Page Museum (AKA La Brea Tar Pits) in LA. Go for free on the first Tuesday of every month (save $7 pp!). If you cannot make it that day, the museum is open daily 9:30 AM - 5 PM, but be forewarned that this place can be like a zoo with kids on weekends. According to some Yelp reviewers, an hour is more than enough time to stroll through the museum. If speed walking is your thing, admission is free for the last 30 minutes to closing.. The tar pits on the outside is free for the public to roam, so you might want to check that out beforehand while there's daylight, especially around sunset (see photo on right).
Metered street parking is available on 6th Street but read the signs carefully for no parking during week day rush hours, 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM. Otherwise, the convenient parking lot is $7 with museum validation during weekdays or flat on weekends.
Don't end your date at the tar pits! After 5 PM, walk on over to the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA) for discounted museum admission (Cheap Date Idea #80). Or go to the LACMA on the second Tuesday of the month for free and then the tar pits. Either way, double the fun in culture and history! This is something different to do at least once in your life, at least a step up from watching The History Channel for a date night...
UPDATE 05/26/10: While you're in the area, stop by the sister museum, Natural History Museum, which is ALSO free on First Tuesdays (see Cheap Date Idea #186).
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE + $7 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $14 Total.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
87. Pajama Night at Cafe 50's
Eat for FREE in your pajamas!
There's no need to dress up at The Cafe 50's because they will give your meal for free on the last Wednesday of every month. You do have to purchase a beverage with your meal, but it's still a great deal either way. Just something silly to do once in awhile...
To keep things "clean", they have hired their own "pajama judge" who will inspect your pajamas upon arrival and award you with a white token for wearing the proper traditional PJ's or a blue token for a decent attempt. The white token gets you 100% free meal, while the blue is like a second place prize with only 50% discount. So leave the sexy lingerie home for another date night.
Pajama Night is officially 6-10 PM, but breakfast is served all day, otherwise lunch and dinner meals are available too (see menu online). Cafe 50's is open from 7am til midnight daily or until 1 AM on weekends. There seems to be 3 locations according to Google Maps, but these specials apply to the one on Santa Monica Blvd right off the 405 Freeway.
Sign up for their frequent dining club, so you can enjoy perks, including FREE garlic fries and milk shakes, and also FREE meals on your birthday. Why go to Denny's, when you can support your local mom & pop shop? See you on Wednesday!
UPDATE 04/27/10: The definition of pajamas has evolved over time, but it's back to tradition at Cafe 50's with 2-piece button-down long sleeves and pantlegs with matching top and bottom with a collar. You may change into your PJ's at the cafe but the discount will be 50%, so wear your PJ's proudly into the joint and get your meal for FREE (with a purchase of a drink). For the complete rules for Pajama Night, click HERE.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = 2 Drinks + Tip.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Varies.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @SoCalCoupons
There's no need to dress up at The Cafe 50's because they will give your meal for free on the last Wednesday of every month. You do have to purchase a beverage with your meal, but it's still a great deal either way. Just something silly to do once in awhile...
come caffeina.
Originally uploaded by con Costanza
Originally uploaded by con Costanza
To keep things "clean", they have hired their own "pajama judge" who will inspect your pajamas upon arrival and award you with a white token for wearing the proper traditional PJ's or a blue token for a decent attempt. The white token gets you 100% free meal, while the blue is like a second place prize with only 50% discount. So leave the sexy lingerie home for another date night.
Pajama Night is officially 6-10 PM, but breakfast is served all day, otherwise lunch and dinner meals are available too (see menu online). Cafe 50's is open from 7am til midnight daily or until 1 AM on weekends. There seems to be 3 locations according to Google Maps, but these specials apply to the one on Santa Monica Blvd right off the 405 Freeway.
Sign up for their frequent dining club, so you can enjoy perks, including FREE garlic fries and milk shakes, and also FREE meals on your birthday. Why go to Denny's, when you can support your local mom & pop shop? See you on Wednesday!
UPDATE 04/27/10: The definition of pajamas has evolved over time, but it's back to tradition at Cafe 50's with 2-piece button-down long sleeves and pantlegs with matching top and bottom with a collar. You may change into your PJ's at the cafe but the discount will be 50%, so wear your PJ's proudly into the joint and get your meal for FREE (with a purchase of a drink). For the complete rules for Pajama Night, click HERE.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = 2 Drinks + Tip.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Varies.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @SoCalCoupons
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Calendar: January Date Ideas
Instead of reading every day, check out the calendar for date ideas by specific dates or days of the week or days of the month or whenever you are free...
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
44. Tide Pools at Crystal Cove
The lowest tide of the year is expected on Thursday, Dec 31st, at 2 PM. For this special event, you can go on a FREE guided tide pool walk to Little Treasure Cove, the north-most part of Crystal Cove (meet your guide at Pelican Point). What makes this State Park unique and interesting is the free offering of various docent-led tours every month (check the schedule online for updates). You may visit the tidepools on your own at anytime, but why not learn some new things about sea life for free? If the timing doesn't work, don't worry, most of the tours are normally on the weekends.
The activities at this 3-mile "underwater park" in... Laguna/Newport Beach are non-stop: surfing, scuba diving, skin diving, horseback riding (BYOH, bring your own horse), hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping (not beach camping though and not free). If camping is not your cup of tea, there are some beach-front cottages at various rates. Check the website for more information and online reservations (but it's better to call since these are usually booked way in advance). Enjoy!
UPDATE 12/21: If you love tidepools or the OC is too much of a trek, check out Abalone Cove in Palos Verdes (see Cheap Date Idea #57).
UPDATE 01/02/10: Here are some new FREE events for January 2010. Check back for updates on the calendar online.
UPDATE 04/16/10: The FREE tide pool walks in April are set for 1 PM on both Saturday 4/24 and Sunday 4/25. Click HERE for the full April calendar of free events.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $15 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map
The activities at this 3-mile "underwater park" in... Laguna/Newport Beach are non-stop: surfing, scuba diving, skin diving, horseback riding (BYOH, bring your own horse), hiking, biking, kayaking, and camping (not beach camping though and not free). If camping is not your cup of tea, there are some beach-front cottages at various rates. Check the website for more information and online reservations (but it's better to call since these are usually booked way in advance). Enjoy!
UPDATE 12/21: If you love tidepools or the OC is too much of a trek, check out Abalone Cove in Palos Verdes (see Cheap Date Idea #57).
UPDATE 01/02/10: Here are some new FREE events for January 2010. Check back for updates on the calendar online.
- Jan 10th 9 AM Winter at Crystal Cove
- Jan 16th 9 AM Grey Whale Twalk
- Jan 17th 3 PM Sunset Photo Walk
- Jan 24th 3 PM Tidepool Walk to Little Treasure Cove
UPDATE 04/16/10: The FREE tide pool walks in April are set for 1 PM on both Saturday 4/24 and Sunday 4/25. Click HERE for the full April calendar of free events.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $15 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map
Monday, November 2, 2009
New Tool: Google Calendar for 365 Cheap Dates
In addition to checking out 365 Cheap Dates by chronological list format (my blog) and by location or region (my Google Map), now you can plan your cheap dates by another tool, my Google Calendar!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
13. Huntington Botanical Gardens
Every month, The Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens gives away free tickets on the 1st of the month for visiting on the first Thursday of the next month, such as tomorrow Nov 1st for Dec 3rd. The free tickets go fast, so make sure to call 800.838.3006 or go online at 9 AM on the dot. The limit is 5 free tickets per request. You can choose tickets to come at morning entry (10:30 AM to Noon) or afternoon entry (1:30 - 3:00 PM), but please note that the closing time is 4:30 PM. You may be tempted to lay on the greenery in 1 of the 7 botanical gardens so bring something to sit on. Unfortunately, no food and picnicking are permitted, but you can enjoy something from their tea room and cafe. The tea room is popular, so reservations are recommended. If you miss the free tickets, admission is $15-20 for adults and parking is free. When I visited The Huntington, I was amazed at how something this serene yet grand was in the middle of Los Angeles (actually, it's in Pasadena).
UPDATE 01/09/10: Get your FREE tickets on February 1st at 9 AM sharp for use on March 4th. Check online for the exact dates of the monthly Free Days.
UPDATE 02/23/10: Get 2-for-1 admission ANYTIME through the end of March 2010. Click HERE for a printable coupon.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40.
Click here for map
UPDATE 01/09/10: Get your FREE tickets on February 1st at 9 AM sharp for use on March 4th. Check online for the exact dates of the monthly Free Days.
UPDATE 02/23/10: Get 2-for-1 admission ANYTIME through the end of March 2010. Click HERE for a printable coupon.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40.
Click here for map
Thursday, October 22, 2009
4. Star Gazing at Griffith Observatory
Go star gazing for free this Saturday, October 24th (or every one Saturday per month)! The Griffith Observatory hosts monthly "Public Star Parties". Amateur astronomers bring their gargantuan telescopes (and their passion) to share with the public on one Saturday per month from 2-10 PM. I recommend going right before sunset to see the contrast between the sun, moon, planets, and stars. There are plenty of grassy areas to have a nice picnic. Admission to the Observatory and parking are free, while $7 pp to see a show at the planetarium theater (dome-like screen in the ceiling). If you're lucky, you might be able to capture an image of the planet Saturn and it's rings with your digital camera peeking through a telescope! In case you can't make it this Saturday, check out the calendar online for the next one because it's usually one Saturday per month.
UPDATE 01/14/10: The 2010 Schedule for the FREE Public Star Parties is now posted online (click HERE): 1/23, 2/20, 3/20, 4/24, 5/22, 6/19, 7/16, 9/18, 10/16, 11/13, 12/11.
UPDATE 02/16/10: Rain is expected on Saturday, 02/20/10, so it will be an "indoor" Star Party (BYOB = Bring your own binoculars). I did receive an email that The Observatory is asking for $20 for non-member admission.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless and out of this world.
Click here for map
UPDATE 01/14/10: The 2010 Schedule for the FREE Public Star Parties is now posted online (click HERE): 1/23, 2/20, 3/20, 4/24, 5/22, 6/19, 7/16, 9/18, 10/16, 11/13, 12/11.
UPDATE 02/16/10: Rain is expected on Saturday, 02/20/10, so it will be an "indoor" Star Party (BYOB = Bring your own binoculars). I did receive an email that The Observatory is asking for $20 for non-member admission.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless and out of this world.
Click here for map