169. FREE Tuesday Night Cafe

Support your local artists in Downtown LA!
Yup, it's Tuesday again, which means Tuesday Night Project shares performing art again with the public, such as music, poetry, theatre, comedy improv, dance, karaoke and more. Tuesday Night Cafe (TNC) is a FREE event at 7:30 PM every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month between April and October. Of course, donations are always appreciated! This outdoor performance is usually held at the Aratani Courtyard in Little Tokyo, which is family-friendly and dog-friendly (that's a rare find!). For directions, tonight's line up and updates, click HERE.

IMG_4161
Originally uploaded by waxstyles

TNC has been teetering between #1 and #2 spot for Yelp LA Nightlife (click HERE to read Yelp reviews). Either way, this is something worth checking out. Street parking is free after 8 PM. The cheapest paid parking lot is at Joe's on 2nd St between Central and San Pedro. Come early to find parking and grab a seat. Otherwise, bringing your own chair and blanket would be a smart idea to stay comfortable for 2 hours outdoors. No drinks and food are served here, so feel free bring something or stop into Little Tokyo Cafe next door before the show.

If prefer to watch from the comfort of your own home or are out of town, watch the performances LIVE online (yes, streaming live at 7:30 PM PST). If you miss it or simply want to rewatch it, no worries! TNC is on YouTube too! As of this moment, there are at least 16 previous shows at your fingertips. Enjoy!

UPDATE 05/11/10: For ease of reference, the future show dates are: 5/18, 6/1, 6/15, 7/6, 7/20, 8/3, 8/17, 9/7, 9/21, 10/5 and 10/19. Mark your calendars!


UPDATE 05/17/10: Last minute change of venue due to chance of rain: Senor Fish at 7:15p at 422 E 1st St, Los Angeles.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @tnproject

161. Montage Resort, Laguna Beach

Enjoy a 5-star beach-front resort for free!
The Montage Resort in Laguna Beach has been recommended by several friends. Actually, one of my friends got engaged there. I've been once but definitely want to come back again during the Celebration of Earth Day (or long weekend is more like it). Honestly, you don't really need an excuse like Earth Day or an engagement to come to the Montage!

DSC08492 Montage resort -Laguna Beach
Originally uploaded by AQTran

Free activities for the Earth Day Celebration are planned every day between Thursday April 22nd and Sunday April 25th, which include:

• Spa Beach Nature Walk: Only on 4/22 at 9 AM
• Tide Pool Education on Treasure Island Beach
• Falconer Education on Mosaic Pools Lawn
• Click HERE for the detailed schedule

When you're a local to Orange County or Los Angeles, it's difficult to justify spending $595-1600 per night at a 5-star luxury hotel. However, if you are looking to hang out a nice beach-front resort, you've come to the right place! Granted, the Montage is not exactly a cheap date but nothing is holding you back from bringing a picnic and enjoying the beach here. Valet parking is normally $10, but drops to $5 with validation - a great excuse to get a drink or app at the pool-side bar or in the lobby lounge area, all of which have breathtaking views. No matter what you do here, it's a winner for a romantic date idea. If you like Laguna Beach, come back for their free monthly Art Walk (see Cheap Date Idea #95).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $5 Validated Parking + Drinks/Apps.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @LagunaBeachDude and @PlacesCA

145. FREE Long Beach Harbor Cruise

Free harbor cruise = Classy day date idea!
Enjoy a free 90-minute cruise around Long Beach Harbor in May to September. Free online reservations may be made one month in advance starting on the first work day at 8 AM. For example, tickets for the May cruises will be available on April 1st. Even though I lived in LB, I've never heard about this until now. The Port of Long Beach offers these free harbor tours every year!

Long Beach
Originally uploaded by KM&G-Morris

Parking is conveniently located at Dock 9 at Shoreline Village in Downtown Long Beach. The first 2 hours of parking is validated for $1 with every additional 20 minutes at $2. When you get back to shore, hang out at the Shoreline Village for drinks and apps. Parker's Lighthouse restaurant has an awesome view, very romantic but it's not a cheap date. The Yard House is always a hot spot, especially for happy hour, but reservations are highly recommended.

For more fun on a boat, check out these other date ideas:

• A weekend getaway in San Diego (Cheap Date Idea #71)
• Whale watching in Dana Point (Cheap Date Idea #66)
• Sunday Champagne Brunch in Marina Del Rey (Cheap Date Idea #85).

UPDATE 04/01/10: Tickets for Saturday, May 1st, at 10 AM are already sold out, but you can sign up for stand by online. The capacity is 110-120 per boat. Tuesdays at 2 PM on 5/11 and 5/25 are open. The website says there is a limit of 6 tickets per tour, but only 5 tickets may be selected per reservation online (you can also call 562-590-4121). Click HERE to get your free tickets.

UPDATE 04/22/10: A new cruise date has been added to the schedule for Wednesday, May 19th. Click HERE to get your free tickets NOW.

UPDATE 04/27/10: Cruise tickets become available on the first work day of the month. For June, that will be Monday, May 3rd, at 8 AM sharp! Also, only one group reservation may be made by an individual each year, meaning you can only go once per year. That is unless, your date signs up for it next time and drags you!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $1 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $46 Total (when compared to other cruises).
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @EverythingLB

138. Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza

Train rides, paddle boats and tandem bikes, oh my!
Both kids and adults can jump on the train at the Irvine Park Railroad every day of the week starting at 10 AM until 5 PM on weekends and 4 PM on weekdays. Train tickets are normally $4 per person, but click HERE to print a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) coupon. Bring a date and enjoy the 12-minute train ride through the Irvine Regional Park. Other fun things to do here year round are:

Irvine Park Railroad Easter Eggstravaganza
Originally uploaded by Irvine Park Railroad

• Paddle boats for $12/hour
• Tandem bikes for $15/hour
• Horse rentals for $40/hour
• Orange County Zoo for $2 per person
• Free walking/hiking (7 trails, 1-4 miles each, see wild flowers too)

For this season, you can also enjoy the Easter Eggstravaganza, open daily until April 3rd because it's closed on Easter Sunday. Admission is free but the family-friendly activities are $4 each, which include an Easter egg hunt (kids only), moon bounce, hay ride, cookie decorating (and eating), and carnival games. Bring a camera to take a silly photo at the free picture stands.

Parking is $3 on weekdays and $5 on weekends. Click HERE for  and more info. Check the website for other fun activities throughout the year.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $4 Train ticket w/BOGO coupon + $3-5 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $13 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @DealsDiva and @AAASoCalNews

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.

Dancing 퀸
Originally uploaded by wukaiyuan

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.

130. FREE St. Patrick's Day Festival - 3/17

Tomorrow is the only day of the year it's ok to drink green beer!
The weather will be beautiful tomorrow to hang out outdoors for the FREE St. Patrick's Festival inside Nokia Plaza at LA Live in Downtown LA. If you are lucky to not work, come check out the free live music between 11 AM - 3 PM. All the bands will be "irish-inspired" to help set the jolly mood on St. Patrick's Day. If you have never been to LA Live, it's a cool place to hang out and people watch.

St. Patrick's Day Cocktails
Originally uploaded by pattie74_99

Stay into the evening or simply pop in after work to watch a free boxing match (7-10 PM). Enjoy more green beer at the beer garden. For maps, parking and more info, click HERE. For something bigger to do, check out the shamROCK Block Party in San Diego tomorrow (see Cheap Date Idea #118). Or simply stay at home and put green food dye into your own beer. Be safe and have fun whatever you do!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission + Drinks & Food + Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

128. Escondido Waterfalls

Hikes are ok, but waterfall hikes are awesome!

Hiking in California is a day date idea good for anytime, but the best time for hiking with waterfalls is during springtime or "rainy" season. As you can see in the photo on the right here, the Escondido Waterfalls were quite amazing last month. I'm not fond of rain but it does provide 2 good things: waterfalls and rainbows. Unfortunately (depending on how you see it), no rain is expected in the next 10 days in the Malibu area.

the top fall
Originally uploaded by Gabriel Gets

According to Yelp reviewers, this is a 4.2-mile hike round trip at easy-moderate difficulty with half of the trail covered in concrete. That is unless of course you are the adventurous type and want to scramble to the top of the falls. The trail head starts 1 mile from the parking lot and then go left at the first split. Also, don't stop at the first waterfall (50-feet lower fall), because the 150-feet upper waterfall (biggest one of Santa Monica Mountains) is up ahead. Plan to spend at least 2 hours or more here, but I'd make it at least a half-day trip.

I think I have been here a long time ago (there are a few in Santa Monica Mountains), but it was during summertime, so I need to go back again for the waterfalls (hint hint to my man if he is reading my blog). I was originally going to blog about a fellow Tweeter's suggestion, Millard Canyon Falls, but learned that it was closed down until the Fall 2010 due to mudslide damage (future date idea!). I did discover an interesting website that is all about waterfalls, World of Waterfalls. This site covers different parts around the world and even has a section dedicated to Southern California AND a personalized Google Map for local waterfalls (click HERE). If Escondido Falls is not within reach, check out that site for other hiking spots near you.

For maps and reviews of Escondido Falls, here is a list of resources at your fingertips:

• LAMountains.com (see trail map)
• LocalHikes.com
• World of Waterfalls
• Yelp.com

As with all outdoorsy date ideas, make sure to bring sunblock, bottled water, sunglasses, a hat and a camera (that's optional, but how can you not at this panoramic spot?). Obviously, proper shoes would be smart for crossing the creek a few times and trekking through muddy trails during rainy season and. Packing a picnic would be a romantic yet practical thing to do for this date idea. Have fun!

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

127. Grunion Run 2010

This is something worth doing at least once...
The grunion are back to spawn on our California beaches again, like they do every March - August (closed season is April and May). These silvery fish are up for grabs in 2-hour windows around 11 PM - 1 AM on designated days. If you have never done this before, it's worth checking out at least once. When I was a teenager, we went and caught them for dinner in San Diego. It's not my cup of tea, but I can say that I've been there, done that.

Originally uploaded by
Birch Aquarium at Scripps

For a learning experience, come out earlier at 8 PM at the (almost) semi-monthly events at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium on: 3/17, 3/31, 4/30, 5/15, 5/28, 6/14, 6/28, 7/13, and 7/27. Click HERE for the schedule and more info, including some videos showing the laying and hatching of the eggs. CMA does charge $5 per person or you can hit one of the beaches on your own for free, but Cabrillo Beach is supposed to be a good spot.

Watching this spectacular act of nature is free, but technically anyone over 16 years needs a fishing license if you "fish" with bare hands and take your catch home. Since it's still nippy out, make sure to bundle up and bring a flashlight and a camera. Waterproof shoes or boots would be good too. For more aqua adventures, check out the free tide pool tours (click HERE) or go on Cheap Date Idea #6. If San Pedro is too far from you, the grunion are running up and down the coast, so check it out a beach near you.

UPDATE 03/30/10: RSVP is not required, but you can on Cabrillo Aquarium's Facebook page for tomorrow's event 3/31 8-11 PM, click HERE.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $5 pp at CMA but FREE otherwise.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

126. FREE Beehive Festival - 3/13-14

Playing laser tag at a charity event can be a fun date idea!
The Beehive Expo and Fair is a 2-day charity event this weekend at the OC Great Park in Irvine. No, there will be no bees there, as far as I understand (the beehive represents family, I believe). The fun starts at 10 AM each day, ending by 7 PM on Saturday 3/13 and 5 PM on Sunday 3/14. This family-friendly festival will be full of free activities and live entertainment, including carnival rides, laser tag, arts & crafts and expo booths by 200+ vendors. Click HERE for a list of vendors and more info.

Freeze
Originally uploaded by visit my site 
majedphotos.com V2

General admission is FREE with 2 cans of non-perishable food (or $5). Sounds like a good excuse to do some "spring cleaning" of your kitchen pantry, no? All donations go to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Although normally free, parking at the OC Great Park is $10 for this special event. Click HERE for map and directions.

While you're down at the park, enjoy a free helium balloon air ride too (see Cheap Date Idea #11).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission w/2 cans per person + $10 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @dippindotwoman

124. Anza-Borrego Wild Flowers

The flowers are here, the flowers are here!
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a nice day trip, less than 3 hours away from LA/OC. The blooming season for the wild flowers is short, so make sure to go before the end of March (UPDATE: blooming expected til at least April 12th). Take advantage of the great weather and go on a hike too. When we go on our "cheap date", I want to go on the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail, which leads to a waterfall and the 3rd largest palm oasis in California. If you want to stay longer, camping is available. Click HERE for directions and more info.

anza borrego wild flowers
Originally uploaded by mandar_mulherkar

Since the park is open from dawn til dusk, leave early in the morning to beat LA traffic and enjoy the flowers all day. The visitor center is open 9 AM - 5 PM every day through the end of March. As with all outdoors activities, bring plenty of bottled water, a hat, sunscreen, sunblock and a camera. For a day trip, pack a picnic or pick up something to eat on the way, because there's not much available at the desert.

If you miss Anza-Borrego in March or simply adore flowers, check out the Flower Fields in Carlsbad (see Cheap Date Idea #117), which is open through May. For more ideas on spring trips, check out Sunset Magazine's list online.

UPDATE 03/22/10: Not only is admission FREE, parking is FREE too! I just went to Anza-Borrego last weekend on Saturday 3/20. The wild flowers should be blooming for at least 2 more weeks. It took exactly 3 hours with no traffic when we left at 9 AM from Huntington Beach. I found out that this is the only State Park where you can camp anywhere you want without a permit or reservation (but if you want running water, this is not for you). This is a really cheap date idea! Although the visitor center may close at 5 PM, you should stay past 7 PM in order to enjoy the sunset with a 360-degree panoramic view at Fonts Point. Parking was a bear at noon, but just drop off a friend to pick up a flower map while you do a loop around the parking lot. If you've got a 4WD vehicle, take it so that you drive into hard-to-reach areas, thus avoiding the crowds. I'll post my photos from our trip soon.


UPDATE 03/29/10:  Click HERE to check out my photo slideshow from our trip to Anza-Borrego. The wild flowers are expected to bloom until April 12th, so go before it's too late!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + FREE Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @snellsrv & @AAASoCalNews

122. Kayak though Naples Canals

You don't have to go to Venice to enjoy a romantic day date on the water.

Enjoy a romantic excursion around Naples Canals, a hidden gem in the City of Long Beach. At Kayaks on the Water, the rentals are $8 per person for either a single or a double kayak.  If you are a newbie or simply want to be romantic, take a double kayak. Or make it a group date and race with friends on single kayaks. I've done it both ways and prefer a double so that I can "share" the work of paddling, if you know what I mean.

Jellyfish around Naples Isle, Long Beach
Originally uploaded by JennyOC

With weather permitting, Kayaks on the Water is usually open every day at 9 AM until 1 hour before sunset in April-September and then only on weekends for the rest of the year. The rental is 1 hour minimum and then prorated thereafter, so go at your own pace and simply row yourself back whenever. In my opinion, 1-2 hours is plenty of time unless you take time to admire all the waterfront homes and stop off at one of the 6 allowed spots for restaurants, Starbucks, Jamba Juice and even an ATM. Tip: Pack a small picnic with bottles of water.

Kayaking is a fairly easy to moderate outdoor activity within the harbor here (except when it's a bit windy). Note: This is NOT ocean kayaking, so you don't have to worry about waves and besides these kayaks are too hard to flip over anyway. There is one rule: you have to know how to swim even though everyone is required to wear a life vest. Recommended attire is anything you don't mind getting a little wet in: a swimsuit, board shorts and flip flops/water shoes. Some other helpful items would be a waterproof camera, sunglasses, sunblock, a hat, a ziplock bag for your keys and valuables, a towel, and dry clothes for changing afterward. Metered parking is limited to 2 hours, so come earlier to find free street parking in the neighborhood.

When we went kayaking years ago, there was a nice little surprise on our aqua-adventure: Jellyfish! In a special cove area, those amazing creatures floated right up next to our kayak (just like in the photo on the right here). According to Kayaks on the Water, you can touch these seasonal "moon-jellies" because they do not sting. Heck you don't need to go to an aquarium for sea life: see jellyfish in Long Beach, then go whale watching in Dana Point (see Cheap Date Idea #120). If you enjoy the Naples Canals, check out the ones in Venice on Cheap Date Idea #47. For the land lovers who prefer to stay dry, Meetup offers many outdoor activities, such as free group hikes on Cheap Date Idea #78, or check out FREE Shark Lagoon Nights on Cheap Date Idea #15.


UPDATE 05/14/10: A fellow cheap date "kiss & told" me that they enjoyed Cheap Date Idea #122 on Wednesday, click HERE to see JDB's blog post with photos.


UPDATE 05/21/10: For the folks in Orange County, free kayaking demos are available once per month on Saturday mornings in Newport Beach, click HERE for details.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $30-32 Total.

120. Festival of Whales Dana Point

Did you know grey whales migration from Alaska to Mexico is over 5,000 miles?
Being proud that 40-50 whales pass them every day, the City of Dana Point wants to celebrate with the public by hosting the Annual Festival of Whales. In a nutshell, this event is family-friendly and nice for a casual day date idea.

The fluke of a whale as it dives
Originally uploaded by B℮n

It will be a "whale" of a time with tons of activities (paid and free) organized for the next two weekends (March 6, 7, 13, and 14), including a parade, street faire and more. Here's one interesting romantic activity: take a 30-minute sailing ride with your partner (up to 3 people per boat) and learn how to steer and sail for a mere $15 per sail boat. Free shuttles from the nearby parking lots are available all day during the events 10 AM - 4 PM. Check online for a complete schedule of events and shuttle map.

Unfortunately, there is a 60% chance of rain tomorrow and Sunday, but the weather is expected to be perfectly sunny next weekend (click HERE for the 10-day weather forecast of Dana Point). Hopefully the parade won't be rained out tomorrow. I'd mark your calendars for doing this cheap date idea next weekend due to the weather, but maybe the weather bunny will change it's mind again. If you would rather go on a whale watching excursion to see the whales up close and personal, check out the half-price tickets on Cheap Date Idea #66 (click HERE). Have fun!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @ocdeals

117. Carlsbad Flower Fields are open again!

Who wants a dozen flowers when you can enjoy a whole FIELD?
As of yesterday, the famous Carlsbad Flower Fields are officially back in season. This work of nature is worth the 1-2 hour drive to the northern part of San Diego, perfect for a day trip or day date idea. The 50+ acres are available for the public's enjoyment every day of the week 9 AM - 6 PM through Mother's Day (Sunday, May 9th). According to the FAQ section, the best time to go is mid-March to mid-April, but blooming is dependent on the weather conditions, as you know. Although this is an outdoor event, no pets and no smoking are allowed on the grounds. Tip: Check the 10-day weather forecast online before making the trek.

tourist tractor at the carlsbad flower fields
Originally uploaded by rlonas

Various events are scheduled for the next 2 months, which are included with the cost of admission (AKA FREE). Check the website for details, but here are some highlights:

• 4/10 Bluegrass Day with live music
• 4/10-4/11 & 4/17-18 Arts & Crafts
• 4/18 FREE Canon Macro Photography Workshop

Tickets are available online for $10 with no service fee. However, AAA members can save $1 at the door. Parking is always free. For a short thrill, the wagon ride through the fields is another $5 per person (see photo on right). But I personally enjoy strolling along the rows and rows of flowers and think it's good for your body and soul (hmm, sounds like a milk commercial).

Dr. Chris & Dr. Kris Engagement
Originally uploaded by NixieMichelle

By the way, last year there were 2-for-1 coupons available at the local libraries in Carlsbad (Georgina Cole Library Branch and Dove Library). I'm in the process of finding out if new coupons are available for 2010. This would make it a really cheap date idea! If you absolutely love flowers that much, the season pass is worth the $20, where the break even point is only 2 visits.

A camera is a must here. The last time I went was before I had a digital camera (about a decade ago), but it's definitely worth going to visit again! Maybe next month at one of the special events... This place not only is picturesque in itself, but also serves as a perfect backdrop for a Kodak Moment with your sweetheart (see second shot on right). Enjoy!

UPDATE 05/03/10: Click HERE to print a BOGO coupon (2-for-1), so now it's a really cheap date! Remember that the last day is Sunday on Mother's Day.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $20 Total.

78. FREE Meetup Hiking in Griffith Park

Wanna do something FREE & active outdoors this weekend?
Well, grab a hiking buddy tomorrow morning and call it date! So far over 30 folks (with 22 maybes) are headed to Griffith Park. RSVP online on Meetup.com (click HERE). Of course, with that many people, this will be more of a "group date" idea (a newly added category for date ideas!). Not only will this be an opportunity to meet other new people, but also less pressure on each other. If this Saturday is too soon, there is always something happening on Meetup.com.

Griffith Observatory Sunrise
Originally uploaded by rianklong

This hike is for advanced beginners with the ground mostly level except for the part near the golf course and zoo. Plan to arrive early since the hike starts promptly at 9:30 AM. The rendezvous point is the Parking Lot #2 past the merry-go-round, not the fire ranger station. Bring enough water to last 2 hours. The weather bunny predicts partly cloudy with the rain returning on Monday, so this weekend should be a good time to do something outdoors. Sunblock and camera are always on my list of recommendations for outdoor activities. Lastly, this event is dog-friendly with leashes.

Don't end your date at 11:30 AM. Stick around and head to the Griffith Observatory too while you're in the area. Admission and parking are FREE too. By the way, the 2010 schedule for the FREE Public Star Parties at the Observatory are posted online now. See Cheap Date Idea #4 for more info.

Based on the photo here, the view of The Griffith Observatory against Downtown LA looks spectacular. The only other place with a comparable shot may be The Getty Center for Cheap Date Idea # 32 (actually it's yet another free date idea).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @CentrdinLA

57. Tide Pools at Abalone Cove

Explore nature at the beach = free yet quite romantic!

Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a hidden gem in The City of Ranchos Palos Verdes right off Portuguese Bend. Here you can find 2 beaches (Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove), tide pools, bluff top viewing areas, 2 long yet easy hiking trails, and apparently fighting hermit crabs (see photo on right).

Pick On Someone Your Own Size
Originally uploaded by Nick Carlson

Sea anemones and star fish are also easily visible from the shoreline, but sadly abalone are nonexistent nowadays. A convenient parking lot is available for a mere $5 unless you can snag a spot along Palos Verdes Drive South and don't mind a 5-minute walk from the neighborhoods.

This place gets my vote for one of the best date ideas because it hits 5-in-1 categories: free, day date, romantic, outdoors and active. The park is open daily from Noon - 4 PM on weekdays and 9 AM - 4 PM on weekends, but is closed for some holidays. Make sure to stick around to enjoy the spectacular view of the ocean and Catalina Island during sunset, which is less than an hour after closing during this time of year. If you were not aware, the best time to go is during low tide, so that the most sea life will be exposed. The lowest tide of the year is expected on New Year's Eve around 2 PM. If you want to learn fun facts and don't mind the trek, take advantage of the FREE tide pool tours at Crystal Cove in Laguna Beach (next one is scheduled on 12/31, see Cheap Date Idea #44).

UPDATE 01/09/10: Point Vicente Interpretive Center offers a FREE monthly 2-hour activity, which includes tide pool tours of of Abalone Cove Shoreline Park. Any parking fees at PVIC are waived for 30 minutes before and after the event. Click HERE for a map of PVIC and more info. The schedule for 2010 include the following tide pool tours:
Feb 27th at 1 PM
May 22nd at 10 AM
Sept 18th at 9 AM
Nov 20th at 1 PM
Dec 18th at 12:30 PM.


UPDATE 04/05/10: "A Los Angeles Love" went on Cheap Date Idea #57 last month (read their blog post HERE).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE + $5 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map

43. Jump on the Xmas Train, choo choo!

Wanna be a kid again?
Head over to the Irvine Park Railroad this month (or any month since it's open all year round).

Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch -
Orange, CA (Orange County)
Originally uploaded by Irvine Park Railroad

The special schedule for the Christmas Train will be daily every day until 8 PM for Dec 11th-23rd. The ticket prices are $8 per person. For the this special event, the tickets are available for purchase online in advance with a one-time service fee of $7.50 or a limited number of same-day use tickets for the end of the day will be available at the railroad (check the schedule online to see if that day is sold out). I suggest going on a weekday after 5 PM for free parking, otherwise it's $3 during weekdays and $5 over the weekends.

Want FREE tickets for next time? Make sure to...

10. Adventures at Point Dume Beach

As a California State Park, Point Dume in Malibu offers a variety of options for activities at one location: rock climbing (Level 5.9 and easier according to this website), easy hiking, swimming, surfing, scuba diving, tide pool viewing, and more. In the north end of Santa Monica Bay, nothing beats the panoramic view from the top of the bluff. No eateries are available on this beach, so bring a blanket or towel and pack yourself a nice picnic, but there are several tasty seafood restaurants along the scenic drive up Pacific Coast Highway. Unless you are lucky to find a spot along the beach for free, general parking is $7 per car. Have fun!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $7 parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map

6. 360° Ocean View Aquarium

Shark Attack in Manhattan Beach
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

The Roundhouse Aquarium is located at the very end of the Manhattan Beach Pier, which makes it quite unique. It's open to the public free of charge all year round! Donations are kindly accepted of course. According to a recent article in the local paper, Daily Breeze, Manhattan Beach celebrated the 30th Birthday of the aquarium on October 8th, 2009. However, the Roundhouse building is actually a historical building born in 1922 (read more history on Roundhouse Aquarium Blog). Don't let the small and cozy size of the building fool you, there are many different types of creatures to inspect and even touch with your bare fingers! Gentle fingers are permitted in the "touch tank" but not in the 3,500 gallon shark tank for obvious reasons. The hours are 3 PM to Sunset on weekdays and 10 AM - Sunset on weekends. I suggest heading down at least 2 hours before Sunset to visit the aquarium, take a stroll on The Strand and enjoy the sunset at Manhattan Beach. There is a small restaurant at the Roundhouse if you want a bite to eat. Or you can always bring your own brown bag and take a seat on the bench next to the folks casting lines (watch out for fish hooks). You can't beat this 360 degree ocean view at this price.

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