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.

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.

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

118. shamROCK Block Party - 3/17

Do you like block parties and live entertainment?
Then the shamROCK 2010 will be the place to be on March 17th, Saint Patrick's Day. The block party starts early at 4 PM and run through midnight. I think it lasted longer when we went since this Irish holiday fell on a weekend. In addition to general admission for the block party, the wristband gets you into 20+ local bars and clubs at no additional cover charge. We had fun simply roaming the streets between the 3 stages filled with live music by various bands and DJs. This is not the cheapest date idea because it can add up, but it's something worth experiencing at least once.

ShamRock Block Party
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Advance tickets are available online for $20 per person with a $2.50 service fee or you can avoid that fee by paying cash at Irish pub/restaurant in downtown San Diego called The Field. Tickets go up to $25pp (cash only at the doors) on the day of the event. With the event falling on a Wednesday, I doubt that this event will pull a crowd of 20,000+ this time, but I'd still buy tickets in advance to avoid the lines. Bring extra cash for the beer gardens and food booths. I suggest taking the trolley into the event to avoid the hassle of parking. Bonus: They are offering the designated driver program again: FREE rides home anywhere in SD County to anyone with a ShamRock wristband. We personally got a hotel so that we both can fully enjoy the evening. For more St. Patty's Day activities in San Diego, check out SanDiego-Romantics.com.

For a weekend festivity that's more casual and local in LA, check out Cheap Date Idea #116 in Hermosa Beach on Saturday, March 13th. Have fun whatever you do!

UPDATE 03/11/10: Save $3 online with discount code ROCK or buy tickets in person for only $15 at The Field today 4-6 PM.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $20 pp + $2.50 fee pp.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @sdRomantics

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.

106. Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp - 2/16

You don't have to go to New Orleans to celebrate Fat Tuesday.
Join the block party on Tuesday, February 16th, 6:00 - 11:55 PM, in part of Downtown San Diego, called the Gaslamp District. Mardi Gras is a great event for people watching (bring your camera). This is not the place to be for any bashful types and definitely not a first date idea, but it does work for a group date for those looking for a crazy time. I'm personally not into the bead tradition, so bring your own if you got 'em.

Marty Gras masks
Originally uploaded by Marilyn M

The 2 parades are are scheduled for 7:30 and 10 PM on 5th Avenue. In between, enjoy live music outdoors at various stages and lounges. Just to name a few... Check out the G Street Skate Fever where experienced skaters will be showing off their tricks and dance moves on skates.The Market Street Cirque (AKA circus) will also be lively with performances by aerial acrobats, fire eaters, puppets and more. Don't miss out on Carnivale Alley on Island Avenue, where you can play some carnival games with all proceeds going to charities. The complete list of performances and showtimes is available online.

Buy advance tickets online for $15 per person ($16.78 Total after convenience fees) in order to avoid the long lines. For this large event, parking may be a nightmare but thankfully there are several options, including taking the San Diego Trolley. Click HERE for directions, maps and tips. Needless to say, arrive early, dress warmly and wear comfy shoes. Have fun and be safe.

UPDATE 02/15/10: Advance tickets are still available online today for $15 but the price goes up to $20 tomorrow on the day of the event. If you miss it this year or want more fun, save the date for March 8, 2011.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $16.78 Total per person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @HappyHourMagOC

99. 1/2 Off Cirque du Soleil Kooza

Wow, only $20-30 pp for Cirque du Soleil in California?!
Cirque du Soleil is not the cheapest date idea, but it can be a cheap yet classy date when it's buy one get one (BOGO) free, especially when the performance comes to your neck of the woods. Consider it saying yourself two plane tickets to Las Vegas (even though I do think "O" Show at the Bellagio Hotel is worth doing at least once in your life).

kooza contortion
Originally uploaded by maimerd

The regular admission price for the Irvine show is $60-100 per person depending on the seating level. At this moment, tickets as cheap as $30-32.50 pp are available online for Thursday 2/11 through Valentine's Day. There are typically two show times per day at 4 or 8 PM, except on that Sunday it's at 1 or 5 PM. Going to a performance on Valentine's Day for $32.50 each is not a bad deal in my opinion. Please note that there is a $8 convenience fee per person and a one-time $5 e-ticket fee, so the fees do add up. Parking at the OC Great Park for this event is $10 cash.

While you're at the OC Great Park, take advantage of the other FREE things to do, including ice skating (see Cheap Date Idea #90) and helium balloon rides (see Cheap Date Idea #14).

If you can't make it to the Irvine showing this month, Kooza moves down to San Diego next month. Right now, you can buy advance tickets online for weekdays between March 2-12 for as cheap as $20 pp!! If you can make the trek, then this can be quick getaway for a cheap date idea. Check back later on the website for updates about the parking situation at the Del Mar Fair Grounds in San Diego. By the way, I do believe that you have to buy your tickets for the March shows by Valentine's Day.


UPDATE 03/10/10: Additional discounted tickets are available via Goldstar.com for almost every day during March 14-28.


UPDATE 03/22/10: Discounted tickets are still available for the last weekend at the San Diego location, 3/25-28, as low as $27 per person.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $30 pp in Irvine or $20 pp in San Diego + $8 Convenience Fee pp + $5 E-ticket Fee + $10 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $151 Total.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @SparkOC

83. 1/2 Off Lift Tickets at Snow Valley

Are you addicted to skiing or snow boarding?
Then head to Snow Valley every day for 1/2 off! Why go solo though? Drag a date and call it a 2-for-1 deal if you need a reason for a date... Just an idea! This is an even better deal than going once per week on Tuesdays at Mountain High (see Cheap Date Idea #81),

Not bad for a Dummy
Originally uploaded
by ski_snow_valley

Buy your tickets online with the discount code RUN1. Or be spontaneous, and simply bring 1 printed coupon (click HERE to print). The coupons are good the whole season through March with a few black out dates AND good for 6 people, so it can be a "group date" if you want to triple the fun. This skiing resort is about 30 minutes before Big Bear, so it's a bit of a drive from LA and OC, but at least the coupon is good anytime, even on the weekends. If you are addicted, I assume you've got the equipment and this is a pretty cheap date idea for you!

UPDATE 02/18/10: Click HERE to download the new coupon with ZERO black out days! Say thank you to @Snow_Patrol!


UPDATE 03/24/10: Snow Valley is still open for 2-for-1 skiing and snow boarding! Lift tickets only $27 per person and only $22 midweek!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $27 Per Person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $108 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @Snow_Patrol

81. Mountain High Skiing 2-for-Tuesdays

What are you doing after the holiday?
Grab your sweetheart and go skiing and snow boarding at Mountain High tomorrow! If not tomorrow, this buy-one-get-one free (BOGO) deal is good every Tuesday through the end of March. However, you do need to buy your 2-for-1 lift tickets in advance online and bring the voucher with you. The lift ticket is good for 8 hours of fun in the snow. Bring your own equipment or rent some on-site for $30-35 per person depending if you're skiing or snow boarding.

Snow Sunset
Originally uploaded by ms4jah

Mountain High is a quick 90-minute ride from LA and OC, so it's a nice day trip compared to Big Bear. If you can't get away during the day, run over there after for for some weeknight skiing. You can buy "The Quad" Night Tickets for $79 (4 tickets break down to $19/ticket). These tickets are fully-transferable, so you can share it with a date or split it with friends on a double date. You can buy it at your local sports specialty shop (click HERE for more info).

If you're new to this sport like me, then take advantage of the "3-Peat for Success" Beginners Package. For $129, you can get 3 days of lessons, including rental equipment and lift tickets (4 total lift tickets), which is an awesome deal. That breaks down to $43 per day for everything! This deal is available only for first-timers at Big 5 Sport Goods stores, so buy it before you head to the snow.

For those born in January, February, and March, go skiing or snow boarding for FREE on your birthday! You can either go to Mountain High again or go somewhere else like Big Bear Mountain (check Cheap Date Idea #74 for more info). Just remember to bring a photo ID on your actual birthday.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free + $55 Day Pass + $30-35pp Equipment Rental..
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $110 Lift Tickets + $60 Rental.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @OCdeals

79. Spa Day at Glen Ivy Hot Springs

Only $19 pp for a relaxing day at the spa with your sweetie?!?!

Glen Ivy Hot Springs is extending their special offer for 1/2 off on Wednesdays as well as 2-for-1 on Tuesdays and Thursdays through the month of February (UPDATE 03/04/10: Offers extended through the end of March!). Regular admission during the "cool" season is $38 on weekdays and $49 on weekends and holidays. Based on photos, it looks like that some areas are co-ed, so this can be a day of pampering with your sweetheart. Too bad Valentine's Day doesn't fall on a weekday this year, but you can always celebrate early (hint hint). There is one year-long promotion for a free spa day on your actual birthday, so I might hold off until my birthday on a Sunday during summertime. Click HERE for more info about all the promotions.

Glen Ivy
Originally uploaded by vancouvergirl

Being open daily 9:30 AM - 5 PM during the winter, this spa day may be more of a "day trip" depending on where you live. I don't think it will be hard to find a place to relax within the 11 acres with 15 areas from which to choose. Let's just say that I was sold after seeing the property map (click HERE). However, if the hot springs in Corona is too much of a trek, there are 2 smaller facilities called "Glen Ivy Spas" in Valencia and La Brea. Unfortunately, these 2 locations only offer the birthday promotions at the moment.

Per the website, the "admission price includes: parking, use of all pools, sauna, steam rooms, Roman Baths, red clay mud bath and Wafa, towels and lockers. Please bring your own swimsuit, beach towel, robe and an old swimsuit for the red clay mud bath. Individual spa treatments and The Grotto are additional to admission rates." Whatever you do, wherever you go, whenever you go, just relax because you deserve it!

UPDATE 03/04/10: Offers extended through the end of March!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $19 Per Person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $72 Total.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @OCDeals

74. FREE Birthday Skiing Bear Mountain

Were you born with skis on?
Skiing is not quite the cheapest activity out there, but skiing on your birthday is F-R-E-E at Big Bear Mountain Resorts. The free birthday pass is good all day for skiing or snow boarding on both Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. Don't forget to bring a photo ID on your birthday! Depending on your birth date, the pass is worth as much as $53 during the regular season or $66 on holidays and weekends. If you don't borrow or own already, rental gear will run you $30 pp. Either way, you're saving a whopping $53-66 on the birthday boy/girl!

Bear Mountain 006
Originally uploaded by dik426

Being only 2-hours from LA, Big Bear makes for a good day trip or a day date idea. The slopes are open daily from about 8 or 8:30 AM to 4 or 5 PM on both mountains through late March. Check online for weather updates and more info. This can be a nice birthday treat for yourself or better yet a pleasant surprise for an avid ski partner. Unfortunately for me, my birthday is in August. Happy Birthday!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = 1 FREE Day Pass + $53 Day Pass + $30 Each Equipment Rental.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $166 Total.
Kiss & Tell Idea by @OCDeals

71. Day Trip: San Diego Harbor Cruise

Taking a cruise is a classy day date idea anytime!
Get 1/2 off tickets for a cruise around San Diego Harbor in January and February through Goldstar.com:
a) 1-Hour Cruise for only $10 Admission plus $3.50 Service Fee (Regular Admission $20 pp), or
b) 2-Hour Cruise for 3 bucks more at $12.50 Admission + $4 Service Fee (Regularly $25 pp).
There are 13 cruise times from which to choose between the 1-Hour and 2-Hour Cruises, daily starting at 10 AM. I suggest reserving the last one of the day at 4:15 PM or 5:30 PM, just in time to enjoy the sunset, which is typically the first one to sell out.

Cruising at dawn
Originally uploaded by boiani

Taking a cruise is a classy day date idea anytime, especially on Valentine's! Yes, this special deal is available every day, including Sunday, February 14th. I'm sure those tickets will sell out soon. If you want to splurge for your loved one, Hornblower Cruises is offering special brunch and dinner cruises that Sunday for $63-175 per person. Just some non-so-cheap romantic date ideas. More cheap date ideas to come, so stay tuned...

Parking is not too bad during weekdays and early on Sundays. Alcohol and snacks are available for sale on the boat, but you can bring your own snacks. Don't forget to bundle up, bring sunscreen and a camera. By the way, over 1,000 members have rated Hornblower Cruises at 3.3 out of 4 Stars.

Before the cruise, stop by La Jolla on the way for a hike through Torrey Pines State Beach and Park (more info at Cheap Date Idea #59). However, if you prefer to stay local in Orange County, check out Cheap Date Idea #66 in Dana Point. Whichever cruise you do, have fun!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $13.50-16.50 Per Person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $40-50 Total.

59. Day Trip: Torrey Pines Hiking

Christmas Eve was a good day for hiking today in San Diego!
California is blessed with places, such as Torrey Pines State Park in the beautiful city of La Jolla (the "Jewel"). This is my first date idea outside of LA and OC! San Diego is usually a quick and easy day trip or weekend getaway, only 1-2 hours drive without traffic depending on where you live in So Cal.

Torrey Pines on Xmas Eve
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

You can park for free along the coast on North Torrey Pines Road in the North Beach and South Beach areas (see my photo on right), but you will be competing with the surfers. Otherwise, the Park Reserve offers parking for $10 with 4 available lots, which provide convenient access to the hiking trails. The state park fee includes a free map guide showing the parking lots, trails, and overlook points.

The 6 trails range from 0.5 to 1.2 miles each. Most of the trails are fairly easy except for the two which descend 300 feet in steps to the beach level. If you like a challenge hiking uphill, park at the first lot near the park entrance. Otherwise, you can save your energy by parking at the last 2 lots at the top of the hill. By the way, no food is allowed in the reserve, but picnicking at the beach is ok. This means you can bring water bottles on the trails, but you can carry food to the beach (no eating on the way).

Torrey Pines State Park offers FREE nature walks on weekends and holidays at 10 AM and 2 PM. Park hours are 8 AM to sunset, which varies 4-8 PM (during winter right now it's before 5 PM). I suggest going early or later in the day, especially during summer when it can be hot. If you take Beach Trail or Broken Hill Trail, cool down down at the end of a hike by taking a dip in the ocean. Stick around to enjoy the sunset across a panoramic ocean view by sitting on a bench at one of the many overlook points.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free or $10 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.