193. AVP Beach Volleyball Tourney

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

AVP Hermosa Beach
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

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

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

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

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

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

181. Greek Fests 2010

Opa!! It's time to eat and dance with the Greeks!
The Greek Festivals are coming!! I love watching the live music, Greek dancing & lessons (see my picture below), arts & crafts and (the best part in my opinion) Greek food & desserts (baklava, yum!). In general, these events run all weekend, Friday to Sunday, starting at 5 PM on Fridays and noon on Saturdays and Sundays, while closing up at 10 or 11 PM every night. Click on the links below for details and directions about each one. Admission ranges from FREE to $5 while kids under 12 are free at most festivals. Parking is free at all these locations and some provide free shuttles too.

Greek Fest
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Wow, there's practically one every month through summer. I've updated my Google Calendar, so click HERE if you would like to add these event(s) to yours too:

• May 21-23: OC Greek Fest in Anaheim, $3 at the door (or FREE with this coupon).
• June 25-27: Irvine Greek Fest, $3 except free on Saturday Noon-5 PM or print their Facebook coupon for free admission.
• July 9-11: South Bay Greek Festival in Redondo Beach, $2 but a coupon for free admission will be coming soon.
• Labor Day Weekend (to be confirmed): Long Beach Greek Fest, $3 but a coupon for free admission may be available later on the website.
• Sept 10-12: LA Greek Fest, $3 (day) or $5 (evening) but sometimes it's free on Fridays and watch out for a coupon in the future.
• For a complete list of Greek Festivals between LA and OC, check out GoLosAngeles.com.

I usually get a big group of friends to go (i.e. group date!) and have been to both the LA and South Bay Greek Fests. I may have to check out the others on the list now, but the SB one has been rated the highest on Yelp. According to the UrbanDictionary.com, opa is a word that Greek people use for no apparent reason at all and is used to describe a jubilant emotion of/during celebration. Opa, opa , opa!!!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free - $5 Admission + Food & Drink.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by my Greek Goddess, @CPAsally

180. Fiesta Hermosa 5/29-31

Arts & crafts, live music, beer garden by the beach.
Fiesta Hermosa is back again! Actually it happens twice per year on the weekends of Memorial Day and Labor Day. So mark your calendar for Sat 5/29 - Mon 5/31, 3 days of fun under the sun (10 AM - 6 PM). I usually go once or twice per year since this is in my old stomping ground, Hermosa Beach. The arts and crafts are always interesting to see. As for the food booths, the freshly roasted corn is my personal fave. If you have kids, the carnival rides (not free) look like fun too.

Fiesta Hermosa
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

In my opinion, the best part of the festival is the live music at the 2 stages: Main Stage at Pier Plaza & Strand (family-friendly) and Beer Garden Stage at 11th Street & Beach Drive (21+ up). Click HERE to see the full lineup. Some tables and seating are available, otherwise be prepared to mix and mingle through the crowds. A small open area is available for rocking out in front of the stage in the beer garden (good spot for people watching). Drink tickets are usually $5, good for either beer (5 microbrews on tap) or red and white wines. Admission is free to either stage, but the line at the beer garden can get a bit long at times either due to ID check or overcapacity. In that case, the line does move, so check out the rest of the festival and go back when the line dies down.

Admission to all of this is free, but the food and drink can add up. As usual by the beach, parking is limited here. Knowing that, the City of Hermosa Beach offers complimentary off-site parking AND shuttle buses between 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM. For the environmentally-friendly, FREE valet bike parking is being offered 10 AM - 6:30 PM at 11th Street and The Strand. Click HERE for directions and more festival info. If you miss it this time, Fiesta Hermosa will be back in September.

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

179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines

Wine + live music = romantic date idea, even a first date idea!
Starting Memorial Weekend, the Summer Live Music is back at the Malibu Wines tasting room! The winery, Malibu Family Wines provides live music for free starting May 28th until October 24th by night (Fri-Sat 7-9 PM) or day (Sat-Sun 1-3 PM). This is definitely something worth checking out at least once in the next 5 months, especially when the weather is perfect for an outdoorsy activity. The property is family-friendly during the day, so the kids and adults can enjoy the mid-day concerts (1-3 PM) on Saturdays and Sundays. After 6 PM, it's adults only for the evening concerts (7-9 PM) on Fridays and Saturdays.

Drink, drink and be merry!
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

My friend took us here last summer since it's her favorite spot and then we were pleasantly surprised (as you can tell by my photo here) by a live band coming onto stage. There is one requirement for admission: a purchase of at least one bottle of wine by each group. That is unless you catch the wine tastings before it ends at 6 PM, however sharing a bottle is more cost-effective. Invite your friends to share a bottle (or two or three) and make it a group date! Bottles range $14-27, so that could be as cheap as $3.50pp on a double date! As for parking, it's free along Mulholland Highway, but carpool and come early as these events get packed. Bring a picnic and a blanket, otherwise some food is available for purchase there and tables are reserved for minimum purchases.

While you're up in Malibu, make it a full day of fun by combining it with one of these other things to do:

• Cheap Date Idea #96: The Getty Villa offers free museum admission but reservations are required.
• Cheap Date Idea #38: Lake Shrine is a beautiful spot for a day date plus it's FREE.
• Cheap Date Idea #10: Point Dume State Beach is a nice beach with lots of activities, including rock climbing.

Whatever you decide to do, have fun!


Approximate cost of creative date idea = $14-27 per bottle.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by Miss W., @stephschneider & Derek @malibufmlywines

178. 18th Annual Seal Day

If you appreciate sea life and want to support a good cause, come out to the 18th Annual Seal Day on Sunday, May 16th. Enjoy a full day of fun (11 AM - 5 PM), including family-friendly games and activities PLUS live music and a free movie screening of "Sea Lions" (a documentary by a dear friend @RioFilms). The event is only one day, but all year round the Marine Mammal Care Center rescues, rehabilitates and releases seals, while allowing the public to view these creatures of nature anytime for free. It's not a big facility, but it's one with a big heart. Event admission is free but donations are always appreciated. For those who do, you will receive a VIP tour and a raffle ticket for their "Getaway" drawing. Click HERE for details.

18th Annual Seal Day - 5/16
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

If you miss out, this animal shelter is open for free every day 10 AM - 4 PM. Based on Yelp, this organization is rated a 4 out of 5, something worth checking out in San Pedro, especially if you have kids and a heart. One Yelper shared an excellent reason to come back: To witness the release of a seal back into the wild. How cool is that? Better yet, how about volunteer here for a philanthropic date idea! While you're in the neighborhood (less than 1 mile away), double the fun at Cabrillo Marine Aquarium for grunion run events (Cheap Date Idea #127) and free tide pool tours (Cheap Date Idea #75).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea (and adorable photo) by @riofilms

177. Crepes de Paris

Ooh la la, a romantic "French" date without the plane ticket!
I've had crepes before and it's not typically a cheap date idea. However, DealPerkOC.com is currently offering a $20 value voucher for 1/2 price at a mere $10. Buy your voucher online now and use anytime until 10/26/10 at Crepes de Paris, so that's plenty of time to plan your date (5+ months to be exact). Although up to 5 may be purchased, only one voucher may be used per visit. There are 4 locations between LA and OC, but this offer is only good for the creperie in Irvine. I just bought mine, so I'll have to post a follow up once I've enjoyed this scrumptious French food!

para dos
Originally uploaded by NicaMom

In case you don't know, there are 2 types: savory and dessert. The more well-known one is the dessert crepe, which is usually covered in a sweet sauce like chocolate or nutella and whip cream. Savory simply means non-sweet, so those are the ones you can have as a meal. For example, there are breakfast crepes with eggs and bacon, or if you fancy meat, get the chicken with the mushrooms and spinach in a nice wine sauce. The menu is not limited to crepes though. The price of crepes ranges at $5-12, while the rest of the menu at $5-8: sandwiches, soup, salad and omelettes. According to reviews, the coffees are worth ordering ordering just to see the art on the frothy foam. Bon appetit!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 + Tip.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $20 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @DealPerkOC.

176. OC Beer Fest

Unlimited beer of 98 varieties in 3 hours for only $20?!
Like I said on Cheap Date Idea #170, the festival season is upon us. Next up: @DrinkEatPlay is hosting the Orange County Beer Festival on this Saturday, May 15th, 1-4 PM. The OC Beer Fest is not usually a cheap date ($40 regularly), but discount tickets are available online today only at a mere $20! Considering how much you'd spend on drinks within a 3-hour span at a typical bar in LA or OC, this qualifies for a cheap date! Drink unlimited 4-oz pours of 98+ different beers while rocking out to a live 80's band under the sun. Food is optional but available at an additional cost (bbq and various food trucks).

BR2D2...beertooD2
Originally uploaded
by Lockwasher

With mostly sunny and a high of 74°F expected, invite your friends and make it an outdoorsy group date! Parking is only $5, but carpooling is always a good idea, especially since the event location is at Irvine Lake (not the city of Irvine, but rather in Silverado). If you don't have a DD, sober up by enjoying the lakeside by fishing (no license is required) or boating or sunbathing, or check out Irvine Lake website for more ideas. For fun under the sun, don't forget the essentials: sunblock, hat, sun glasses, water and a camera (the last one is optional, but makes it more fun).

Hurry and get your discounted tickets online today via LivingSocial.com. Otherwise, regular tickets are $40 til 5/14 and then it jumps to $60 at the door. For more information, refer to the event website, Yelp review and venue website.

Disclaimer: The photo here is intended for fun only and is not affiliated with the event. Sorry, there will be no special appearance by R2D2's cousin from The Netherlands.

UPDATE 05/13/10: The deal is over now. Wow, 533 passes were purchased. General admission is still available for purchase online until midnight tomorrow (5/14 11:59 PM) and then the price jumps to $60 at the door on the day of the event 5/15.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $20 Per Person + $5 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $85 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @drinkeattravel

172. Free Bowling at Lucky Strike

Free bowling is a great group date idea!
Lucky Strike at L.A. Live is offering a free game with free shoes on Wednesday, May 12th. All you have to do is show up and say the magic words, "Bangerang Bowling", in honor of the movie, Hook. The alley will be open at 11:30 AM til 1 AM (must be 21+ after 7 PM). Depending on when you go, games are about $6-7 and shoe rental is $5. If Wednesday doesn't work for you, pay for bowling on Monday 5/10 and get a free entree. If free bowling wasn't enticing enough, maybe free food will?

Originally uploaded by arnthora

If those days don't work for you, pick any day during the week! Their Lunch & Bowl special sounds like a pretty good deal too: Pay $7.95 for lunch and get a free game and shoes between 11:30 AM - 4 PM on Mon-Fri. If you prefer drink specials, then Lucky Hour is 4-7 PM daily (yes, including weekends!): $5 well drinks, $3 draft beer, $4 shots, $5 house wine by the glass and various food specials. Check out the website for other specials on Sundays and Tuesdays for 1/2 price bowling. As for parking, L.A. Live parking lot charges $5 for the first 2 hours.

If downtown LA is too far for you, check out these other bowling date ideas:

• Cheap Date Idea #61: Sunday brunch and bowling plus $2 mimosas!
• Cheap Date Idea #70: 2 Buck bowling, beer & more!
• Cheap Date Idea #72: Free bowling on your birthday and more!

UPDATE 05/26/10: The next FREE bowling day at Lucky Strike will be June 14th. To get a free game and shoes, the secret code is "The Dude sent me".


Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $22 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @LuckyStrikeLA and @Andres_ocon

170. Santa Monica Festival - 5/8

It's springtime, so the festival season is upon us.
Tomorrow, Saturday, May 8th, will be the 19th Annual Santa Monica Festival at Clover Park off Ocean Park Blvd. There will be 7 hours of nonstop FREE entertainment and activities starting at 11 AM. To highlight a few, you can learn (or watch) ballroom dancing, join the Zumba dance party, listen to live music, participate in hands-on workshops and more (click HERE for the complete schedule). This is a nice day date plus it's family-friendly, but I'm not sure if this event is pet-friendly. UPDATE 05/21/10: Per @LADogEvents, this IS a dog-friendly event!!

Clover Park
Originally uploaded by shishito

Not only is admission free, but parking is too. However, biking to the event is highly encouraged. As such, complimentary bicycle valet is being offered. That service seems to becoming more common but here's the bonus: all bikers can fill out a survey to be entered into a raffle to win a brand new bike! You and your date can roll up on your old bikes and may come away with a shiny new one. According to weather.com, it looks like it will be a perfectly sunny day tomorrow for a bike ride and festival in Santa Monica (63-67 degrees).

UPDATE 05/11/10: Click HERE to view photos of the event by @DrinkEatTravel.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = 100% Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @CitySearchLA

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

159. It's Just Lunch ($10 at Flemings)

Lunch date = Less pressure.
If you want something more casual than dinner, then lunch is your best bet. But the million-dollar question is where? If you are in the downtown area, Fleming's Steakhouse at L.A. Live is a nice date spot, but not usually a cheap date. With that said, I am delightfully surprised about their new lunch menu featuring 5 new affordable items: braised short rib sandwich, chicken salad sandwich, thai chicken salad, cajun chicken cobb salad and a steakhouse salad. You and your date can enjoy these for a mere $10 per plate on weekdays Mon-Fri 11:30 AM - 2 PM. For variety, get 2 plates and share family-style.

$10 Bill
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Fleming's does take reservations by phone (hint hint). Parking is $5 for the first 2 hours, but Flemings does validate, so it should be free unless you take an extended lunch. The best day to go would be this Thursday, April 22nd, for the Free Earth Fair. After lunch, enjoy free live music and entertainment at the Nokia Plaza at Noon - 6 PM. If you can't make lunch, happy hour runs 4-6 PM with 5 items at $6 each. For other "cheap eats", click HERE. Eat, drink and be merry!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 pp + Tip + Tax.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $26 Total.

157. Earth Day at SEA Lab - 4/24

Visiting aquariums is a nice day date idea anytime, especially on Earth Day!
Admission to the SEA Lab is free every day (closed on Mondays), but donations are always appreciated (recommended $4 for family and $2 for individual). This place is more than an aquarium because the SEA Lab's mission is to rescue animals. In doing so, we can enjoy these sea creatures up close and personal in the indoor and outdoor exhibits. Free tours are available upon request. The SEA Lab is a family-friendly spot, perfect for kids (like me in the photo below) who want to touch and feel *safely* at a touch tank.

SEA Lab Earth Day 2007
Originally uploaded
by 365 Cheap Dates

The best day to go is on the upcoming Earth Day Celebration on April 24th. From 10 AM - 2 PM that Saturday, several fun activities are planned:

• Shoe Collection: Bring your athletic shoes to be recycled into playground mats, running tracks and more.
• Clothes Collection Drive.
• Free Haircuts: On a first come, first serve basis, hair clippings will be turned into oil-absorbing hair mats for oil spills around the world.
• Bike Workshop: Donate it and get a 15% coupon for REI, or just bring your bike to help get it fixed.
• Exchange Your Plastic Bags: Trade in plastic grocery bags for a reuseuable tote bag made out of plastic bottles, while supplies last.
• Click for more info: Event Flyer and FaceBook Event Page.

Bonus: If you leave your car at home, then walk, ride your bike or use public transportation, you can get a free gift! Otherwise, bring quarters for metered street parking or there is a convenient pay-parking lot next door. According a Yelp reviewer, walk 1/2 mile away for free street parking.

Continue the fun by heading south to the Redondo Beach Pier, which is an easy 1-mile stroll, especially on a nice day. The Pier Shopping Area reminds me of a mini-Fisherman's Wharf from San Francisco. For more free aquarium fun, check out Cheap Date Idea #6 on Manhattan Beach Pier (only 5 min or 2 miles away) and Cheap Date Idea #15 in Long Beach. Better yet, click HERE for a list of FREE tide pool tours in LA & OC.

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

156. Free MoLAA Sundays

Free admission, Free parking, Free audio tour!
Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA) in Long Beach is open 11 AM - 5 PM on Wed-Sun. The best day to go is Sunday, so you can save yourself (and your date) $9 each on general admission (say thank you to Target!). The free Sundays are on the MoLAA calendar through the month of July 2010. Here's an interesting feature at this museum: FREE cell phone tour. You can simply dial the phone number next to each art piece and listen to the audio tour. No need to rent equipment. This works out nicely on Sundays when cell phone minutes are free anyways. For this upcoming Sunday 4/18, enjoy Venezuelan art, food and music too!

Cacti
Originally uploaded by W Daniels

Based on 51 kind reviewers on Yelp, MoLAA is rated a 4.5 out of 5 Stars. Several claim this is a must-see for both locals and tourist, so now it's on my list of cheap date ideas to do! In addition to the free audio tour, check out the free docent tours at 2-3 PM on most Sundays (check the calendar online for updates). Several museums offer free days, but this museum offers free parking too!

If Sundays don't work for you, there is a 2-for-1 (BOGO) coupon  good for any day in April (print HERE). For more cultural date ideas, click HERE. Or if you simply want something else free and cheap to do on Sundays, click HERE. Whatever you do, just enjoy your Sunday Fun Day!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission + Free Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $18 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @StealthWarp

155. Miracle Mile Art Walk - 4/17

Art Walks are a classy date idea!
It's that time of the year for the quarterly Miracle Mile Art Walk. Enjoy a full day of culture on Saturday, April 17th throughout the areas in Wilshire, Beverly and La Brea.

Miracle Mile Art Walk
Originally uploaded
by jesusskateboarding.com

Various artist/gallery talks and receptions run non-stop between Noon - 10 PM and are open to the public (a few require RSVP). Or take a self-guided tour through the 46 participating galleries, including the LA County of Museum of Art (AKA LACMA). Click HERE for the complete schedule and map. For more info about free or BOGO tickets at LACMA during other times of the year, see Cheap Date Idea #80.

LACMA is a good meeting spot, especially for a group date. The 6th Street parking garage east of Fairfax Avenue is $7 flat rate, but free after 7 PM if you prefer to come late to the "after parties". Otherwise, there are several parking options in the area. For more art walk date ideas, check out Cheap Date Idea #95 in Laguna Beach and Cheap Date Idea #146 in Venice.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE Admission + $7 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $24 Total.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @TheLAScene

153. FREE National Park Week - 4/17-25

Going to the park is always a nice outdoorsy date idea, but it's even better when it's FREE.
Visiting a park is usually a cheap date idea, but it's nice to save the entrance fee which typically ranges $5-20. There are 392 national parks, 100+ of which usually charge the entrance fee. Mark your calendars for the Annual Free Entrance Days during:

• National Park Week (April 17-25th)
• Public Lands Day (Sept 25th)
• Veteran's Day (Nov 11th). 

The slideshow above are pictures from our day trip to Joshua Trip exactly one year ago, just in time for the wild flowers. Here are a few of my personal favorites that are a good day trip or weekender from LA and OC. If you are a fan of hiking and camping, the first one on the list is an easy one to do.

• Cabrillo National Monument in San Diego (tide pools, Old Point Loma Lighthouse)
• Joshua Tree National Park (the wild flowers should be blooming again, great for rock climbing)
• Sequoia National Park
• Yosemite National Park
• Click HERE for the complete list of 100+ FREE national parks listed by state.

In addition to bringing a picnic or backpack with plenty of water, sun block, sun glasses, hats and a camera, walkie talkies are optional but useful for a group date. For other outdoorsy date ideas, check out Cheap Date Idea #117 at The Flower Fields until Mother's Day and Cheap Date Idea #124 at Anza-Borrego until mid-April. Have fun!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission.

Actual value of the cheap date idea = $5-20 Entrance fee per car.

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

143. Mad Hatter Tea Party

It's like being Alice in Wonderland at The London WeHo!

What a wonderful idea! Mad Hatter Tea Party is such a classy yet fun date idea in the Boxwood Cafe at The London Hotel in West Hollywood. Due to overwhelming popularity, this special menu will be extended through the month of April. Enjoy scrumptious desserts and tea (see photo on right by @TheLondonWeho) at 3-5 PM daily (yes, even on weekends!).

LWH Mad Hatter Tea Time
Originally uploaded by
365 Cheap Dates

On weekdays, stay for the "After Five" Happy Hour at 5-7 PM. Enjoy $5 champagne or sake, $5 bites and even $5 valet parking with validation. This is a great deal especially for a high-class hotel lounge in West Hollywood. The Mad Hatter Tea Party and the After Five Happy Hour make for good group date ideas too!

I've been to The London Hotel for a friend's birthday and a networking event, but definitely want to come back for the Mad Hatter Tea Party. I wonder if people dress up like in the movie... My fiance and I were Mad Hatter and Alice for last Halloween (see our photo), hmm...

UPDATE 03/31/10: Just found out the cost is $28 per person. Not quite cheap, but it is a unique experience. Call 310.358.7788 for reservations.

UPDATE 05/31/10: There's a new Happy Hour at The London, see Cheap Date Idea #187.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $5 Valet Parking + Food & Drink.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TheLAScene & @TheLondonWeho

142. Horseback Riding Tours $12.50

This is an easy & romantic way to explore Griffith Park.
Sunset Ranch Hollywood can take you and your partner all around Griffith Park to enjoy scenic views of the LA basin, the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. These guided tours are normally $25 for 1 hour or $40 for 2 hours. The ranch is open daily 9 AM - 2:30 PM but the best deal is on Tuesdays, breaking down to only $12.50 per person for 1 hour with BOGO coupon (print HERE). All day rides are first come, first serve.

Cowboy at Sunset
Originally uploaded by Wrayne

For something more special, the 2-hour Sunset Ride is $60 (reservation only). For another $25, enjoy the Sunset Ranch BBQ event on April 17th. This is not quite the cheapest date idea, but it's not bad for a romantic evening of 2 hours of horseback riding, music, food and fun. This could be a good group date idea too, especially for a birthday.

Afterward, continue the fun by hiking through Griffith Park (Cheap Date Idea #78) or star-gazaing at the Griffith Observatory (Cheap Date Idea #4).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $12.50 Per Person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $50 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @SoCalCoupons

List: FREE Date Ideas in LA & OC

Ok, there is no free beer (this time), but there is free wine tasting and so much more this weekend!

Free Beer Tomorrow Neon Sign
Originally uploaded by Lori Spindler

So many FREE things to do tonight 3/25:

• FREE Cocktail Party
• FREE Movie
• FREE Skating

AND more free things 2 do tomorrow 3/26:

• FREE Sunset Concert
• FREE Wine Tasting
• FREE Hiking
• FREE Archery Class
• FREE Tide Pool Tour
• FREE Balloon Ride

What else can you ask for?

141. Free Wine Tasting in Malibu - 3/27

A wine tasting + live music = cheap yet classy date!
Malibu Family Wines is hosting a release party at Saddle Rock tomorrow, Saturday, March 27th 3-6 PM. Enjoy complimentary wine tasting of the newly released wine as well as live music. This event is completely free, but reservations are required. Click HERE for more info.

DSC_0374
Originally uploaded by MalibuFamilyWines

When you are done tasting, double the fun and head to Malibu Creek for a FREE sunset concert (see Cheap Date Idea #134). Bring a picnic or pick up take out on the way there. Or click HERE for other cheap date ideas in the Malibu area. Malibu is just a nice quick and easy getaway spot in LA without the cost of a plane ticket. Have a great weekend whatever you do!

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