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.
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
Showing posts with label newport beach. Show all posts
Showing posts with label newport beach. Show all posts
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Monday, May 31, 2010
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.
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
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.
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
Friday, May 28, 2010
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.
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
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.
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
Sunday, February 28, 2010
115. Wine & Dine for Only $10-20
Going out for a nice dinner is not usually a cheap date but...
I was strolling through the Fashion Island Shopping Center in Newport Beach on Friday with my best friend when I discovered one of the best "cheap date" dinner date ideas! My friend just informed me that the French 75 turned into Brasserie Pascal here. If it's anything like the French 75 in Burbank, the ambiance here is classy and the food, delicious. New menu options were recently introduced at a price point ($10-20), which is quite reasonable for a French Bistro. The best part is that this special is good anytime, any day of the week, any time of the day!
Where else can you get Surf & Turf for $20 per person!! Or you can "settle" for a filet mignon (or halibut or a specialty crepe) AND an appetizer or dessert- 2-course meal for just $15! One of you can get the appetizer with your entree and the other, dessert, then split it, or go for double the dessert. Every entree comes with fixed sides. There are at least 3 choices for each course. My best friend has personally tasted the filet mignon when it was part of the $10 menu and confirms that Brasserie Pascal is a great cheap (yet classy) date spot.
I took a photo of the meal-deal ad (see right), but check out the full menu online (click HERE). Reservations are available online through either their website or on OpenTable.com. Actually, this is good deal for large birthday parties or group dates, because the bill is easier to split with set prices. The restaurant must have picked up on this because the one limitation in fine print is the $15 deal is not good for parties over 6 guests. By the way, parking at Fashion Island is free and plentiful.
Looking for something more casual than dinner? Check out their happy hour 4-7 PM on weeknights (website says 5-7 PM, but I called to confirm that it does start at 4 PM). For a mere $5, you have the choice of several champagne cocktails, some house wine as well as all well drinks. Based on Yelp reviewers, the "Pascal Patchwork" sampler tray for 2 more people is worth it at $10 per person. I'm definitely going to ask my significant other to come back here with me!
UPDATE 05/11/10: The Le Parfait Deal is back for the months of May and June. For a mere $10, enjoy 3 special meals almost any time any day except for dinner on the weekends (after 5pm on Fri-Sat and after 4pm on Sunday). I'm not talking about sandwiches either, but rather 2 sides with a main entree of grilled filet mignon, sauteed halibut or plat du jour (French for chef's daily special). I'd love to come here on a weeknight for a nice early dinner during happy hour (hint hint if my better half is reading).
Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10-20 per person + tax + tip.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by Mrs. Roberts
I was strolling through the Fashion Island Shopping Center in Newport Beach on Friday with my best friend when I discovered one of the best "cheap date" dinner date ideas! My friend just informed me that the French 75 turned into Brasserie Pascal here. If it's anything like the French 75 in Burbank, the ambiance here is classy and the food, delicious. New menu options were recently introduced at a price point ($10-20), which is quite reasonable for a French Bistro. The best part is that this special is good anytime, any day of the week, any time of the day!
Where else can you get Surf & Turf for $20 per person!! Or you can "settle" for a filet mignon (or halibut or a specialty crepe) AND an appetizer or dessert- 2-course meal for just $15! One of you can get the appetizer with your entree and the other, dessert, then split it, or go for double the dessert. Every entree comes with fixed sides. There are at least 3 choices for each course. My best friend has personally tasted the filet mignon when it was part of the $10 menu and confirms that Brasserie Pascal is a great cheap (yet classy) date spot.
I took a photo of the meal-deal ad (see right), but check out the full menu online (click HERE). Reservations are available online through either their website or on OpenTable.com. Actually, this is good deal for large birthday parties or group dates, because the bill is easier to split with set prices. The restaurant must have picked up on this because the one limitation in fine print is the $15 deal is not good for parties over 6 guests. By the way, parking at Fashion Island is free and plentiful.
Looking for something more casual than dinner? Check out their happy hour 4-7 PM on weeknights (website says 5-7 PM, but I called to confirm that it does start at 4 PM). For a mere $5, you have the choice of several champagne cocktails, some house wine as well as all well drinks. Based on Yelp reviewers, the "Pascal Patchwork" sampler tray for 2 more people is worth it at $10 per person. I'm definitely going to ask my significant other to come back here with me!
UPDATE 05/11/10: The Le Parfait Deal is back for the months of May and June. For a mere $10, enjoy 3 special meals almost any time any day except for dinner on the weekends (after 5pm on Fri-Sat and after 4pm on Sunday). I'm not talking about sandwiches either, but rather 2 sides with a main entree of grilled filet mignon, sauteed halibut or plat du jour (French for chef's daily special). I'd love to come here on a weeknight for a nice early dinner during happy hour (hint hint if my better half is reading).
Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10-20 per person + tax + tip.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by Mrs. Roberts
Thursday, February 18, 2010
List: Cheap Dates Ideas at Tide Pools
To answer a Fellow Tweeter's question, what's my favorite cheap date idea?
I'd have to say that my fave ANYTIME date idea is tide pool exploration. Reason: I love discovering new creatures, like the Wavy Turban at Crystal Cove (see my photo below) and seeing what else my partner can find (yes, we are a bit competitive). Moreover, because it's F-R-E-E (usually) and anyone can do it anytime. Well, almost anytime, but it's better at low tide, speaking of which... Saturday, February 27th, marks the winter low-tide, which is expected to be a very popular day for tide pool exploration up and down the coasts.
It's staring at me!?
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates
Here's a list of tide pool areas that are offering tours next weekend. Click on each cheap date idea for more info, especially for parking suggestions and an updated schedule of tours..
44. Tide Pools at Crystal Cove: 2/27 2 PM in Newport Beach/Laguna Beach.
57. Tide Pools at Abalone Cove: 2/27 1-3 PM in Palos Verdes.
75. Tide Pools by Cabrillo Marine Aquarium: 2/27 1-2:30 PM in San Pedro.
Other options include Doheny State Beach: 2/27 1-4 PM in Dana Point (click HERE for more info).
Tips: Wear comfy shoes and pants (or shorts, if you like) that you don't mind getting wet and bring a towel to wipe down before getting back into your car. Water bottles, hat, sunglasses and sunblock would be helpful too.
Tips: Wear comfy shoes and pants (or shorts, if you like) that you don't mind getting wet and bring a towel to wipe down before getting back into your car. Water bottles, hat, sunglasses and sunblock would be helpful too.
If you know of any other tide pool tours in different areas, let me know! So I now throw the question back to @JasonWheeler and you, "What's your fave cheap date idea?"
Saturday, February 6, 2010
100. Active Date Ideas on Valentine's Day
Looking for something active to do on Valentine's Day?
Go on a FREE hike in Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach at 9 AM on 2/14 (or also go on the other Sundays, 2/7 and 2/27). Meet at the El Moro Visitor Center (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park). Parking is not cheap though at $15. Make sure to bring enough water (and sun block) for the 3-5 miles. The schedule online is updated every month for new activities, including FREE tide pool tours (see Cheap Date Idea #44).
If you prefer to stay in LA, how about a FREE yoga session at Lululemon in El Segundo. Make sure to get there early before it starts at 9:30 AM on Valentine's Day. ...Or make it an on-going date on almost every Sunday (2/7, 2/14, 2/21, check calendar online for updated schedule). Parking at the El Segundo Plaza is easy and free. I suggest bringing a bottle of water, a small towel, and your own yoga mat. Snacks are usually provided after the class, so you can socialize for a little bit afterward. If El Segundo is too far for you, check the website for a Lululemon near you for their calendar of events.
Looking for other things to do on that Sunday? Click HERE for a growing list of cheap and free things to do on V-Day in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE + Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Go on a FREE hike in Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach at 9 AM on 2/14 (or also go on the other Sundays, 2/7 and 2/27). Meet at the El Moro Visitor Center (PCH inland at stoplight School-State Park). Parking is not cheap though at $15. Make sure to bring enough water (and sun block) for the 3-5 miles. The schedule online is updated every month for new activities, including FREE tide pool tours (see Cheap Date Idea #44).
If you prefer to stay in LA, how about a FREE yoga session at Lululemon in El Segundo. Make sure to get there early before it starts at 9:30 AM on Valentine's Day. ...Or make it an on-going date on almost every Sunday (2/7, 2/14, 2/21, check calendar online for updated schedule). Parking at the El Segundo Plaza is easy and free. I suggest bringing a bottle of water, a small towel, and your own yoga mat. Snacks are usually provided after the class, so you can socialize for a little bit afterward. If El Segundo is too far for you, check the website for a Lululemon near you for their calendar of events.
Looking for other things to do on that Sunday? Click HERE for a growing list of cheap and free things to do on V-Day in Los Angeles and Orange County.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE + Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Friday, January 22, 2010
85. Champagne Brunch Cruise II
It's like a mini-romantic getaway in Newport Harbor!
If you missed out on Cheap Date Idea #65 in Marina del Rey earlier this month, you've got one more chance in Newport Beach this upcoming Sunday, Jan 24th, at Noon-2 PM. Or if you simply loved it so much, you want to go again! Hornblower Cruises does host the same excursion in multiple locations along the coast, including San Diego.
Boarding time starts 30 minutes before the boat disembarks. Once aboard, you two may enjoy a scrumptious brunch buffet plus free-flowing champagne for two full hours while cruising around Newport Beach. Enjoy your breakfast inside, then head outside to enjoy the ocean views with a glass of champagne in hand. Do remember to bundle up with sunblock and sunglasses (and a camera) to thoroughly enjoy your time together outdoors.
Get discounted tickets through Goldstar.com for $35 per person plus a $5 service fee. This does not include the gratuity, which will be suggested at $15 off the original price $55 pp, which is not abnormal to do ($16.50). The convenient parking lot is $8 or park across the way on PCH for free. Although this may not be quite the cheapest date idea yet, it's like a mini romantic getaway that's local and won't break the bank. It's just too bad that they are not offering the same deal for Valentine's. This Sunday is the last date available at the moment for the Champagne Brunch Cruise in Newport Beach, so stay tuned for schedule updates...
UPDATE 02/06/10: New cruise date has been added for Sunday, Feb 21st (unfortunately, not for Valentine's Day). Check Goldstar.com for more dates.
UPDATE 03/10/10: A special cruise for St. Patrick's Day has been added for Sunday, March 14th, at 6:30 PM (board at 6 PM and return by 8:30 PM). Buy tickets online at Goldstar.com by the Friday afternoon prior to the cruise. Please note that the $20 ticket price + $3.50 Service Fee does include complimentary appetizers, but not alcohol.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = $35 Per Person + $5 Service Fee + Tip (or $23.50pp on 3/14).
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $120 Total + Tip.
If you missed out on Cheap Date Idea #65 in Marina del Rey earlier this month, you've got one more chance in Newport Beach this upcoming Sunday, Jan 24th, at Noon-2 PM. Or if you simply loved it so much, you want to go again! Hornblower Cruises does host the same excursion in multiple locations along the coast, including San Diego.
Boarding time starts 30 minutes before the boat disembarks. Once aboard, you two may enjoy a scrumptious brunch buffet plus free-flowing champagne for two full hours while cruising around Newport Beach. Enjoy your breakfast inside, then head outside to enjoy the ocean views with a glass of champagne in hand. Do remember to bundle up with sunblock and sunglasses (and a camera) to thoroughly enjoy your time together outdoors.
Get discounted tickets through Goldstar.com for $35 per person plus a $5 service fee. This does not include the gratuity, which will be suggested at $15 off the original price $55 pp, which is not abnormal to do ($16.50). The convenient parking lot is $8 or park across the way on PCH for free. Although this may not be quite the cheapest date idea yet, it's like a mini romantic getaway that's local and won't break the bank. It's just too bad that they are not offering the same deal for Valentine's. This Sunday is the last date available at the moment for the Champagne Brunch Cruise in Newport Beach, so stay tuned for schedule updates...
UPDATE 02/06/10: New cruise date has been added for Sunday, Feb 21st (unfortunately, not for Valentine's Day). Check Goldstar.com for more dates.
UPDATE 03/10/10: A special cruise for St. Patrick's Day has been added for Sunday, March 14th, at 6:30 PM (board at 6 PM and return by 8:30 PM). Buy tickets online at Goldstar.com by the Friday afternoon prior to the cruise. Please note that the $20 ticket price + $3.50 Service Fee does include complimentary appetizers, but not alcohol.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = $35 Per Person + $5 Service Fee + Tip (or $23.50pp on 3/14).
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $120 Total + Tip.
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
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
24. Newport Beach Boat Parade (12/16-12/20)
The City of Newport Beach is throwing their 101st Christmas Boat Parade. This one is bigger than the one in Naples (see yesterday's post, Cheap Date Idea #23), but you can do both since Newport's is 5 days long, 12/16-12/20, running 6:30 - 9 PM every night (check online for the schedule and route) Newport Beach can get quite congested, so going during a weekday may be more enjoyable.
UPDATE 12/20: For the grand finale on Sunday, free fireworks go off at 9 PM near Balboa Pier.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free plus parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
UPDATE 12/20: For the grand finale on Sunday, free fireworks go off at 9 PM near Balboa Pier.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free plus parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
16. Champagne, Sparklers & Bubbles, Oh My!
Bristol Farms offers something more than a simple wine tasting. For a set price ($23 plus tax), they serve you while you sit at a table and enjoy 6 wine tastings PLUS a light meal (bread, soup or salad, and a main entree with one or two sides, AND a dessert). Considering the value, this may not be the cheapest date idea, but perhaps a first date idea. You can't order any more or any less (besides a tip), so sticking to a budget will be easy. Depending on the location, the wine tastings are on either Tuesdays or Thursdays starting at 5:30 or 6 PM for 2 hours, with the theme changing every week (see schedule online). Please note that the wine tastings will end in 2 weeks but will resume after the new year. The last one of the year sounds fun, "Champagne, Sparklers, and Bubbles, Oh My!" on Thursday, Nov 12th, in Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach or their other 6 locations. Due to the limited seating, advance reservations by phone is a must. If you're not a wine enthusiast, this is an easy way to try a few different ones locally without making the trek to Napa.
UPDATE 01/0710: Wine tastings will resume in February 2010, so check back for the schedule online.
UPDATE 06/02/10: The wine tastings are on sale right now with buy one and get one for 1¢ (yes, one cent), so that's $23.96 plus tax for two tastings with a light meal (or ~$12 pp). Reservations required.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = $12 Per Person + Tax.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $80 Total Minimum.
Click here for map
UPDATE 01/0710: Wine tastings will resume in February 2010, so check back for the schedule online.
UPDATE 06/02/10: The wine tastings are on sale right now with buy one and get one for 1¢ (yes, one cent), so that's $23.96 plus tax for two tastings with a light meal (or ~$12 pp). Reservations required.
Approximate cost of creative date idea = $12 Per Person + Tax.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $80 Total Minimum.
Click here for map