List: FREE Summer Date Ideas

I was putting together a list of FREE things to do this summer in Orange County and Los Angeles for myself since my future in-laws are coming to visit. I figured that I'd share this with y'all too! This list includes previous date ideas (numbered) plus some new ideas (un-numbered). I did throw in a few items that are $10 or less (AKA cheap). Click on each for more info.

Huntington Beach Pier
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

• 14. FREE Helium Balloon Rides - Thursdays - Sundays at Orange County Great Park.
• 50. Farmer's Market in Santa Monica - Every Sunday 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM.
• 80. Free at LACMA - Free live jazz concerts on Fridays and latin music on Saturdays.
• 91. LA Friday Night Skate - Every Friday night in Hollywood or Santa Monica and then lessons on the first Sunday of every month.
• 104. Shoot Arrows like Cupid - Free archerly lesson every Saturday morning in Pasadena.
• 122. Kayak though Naples Canals - Anytime for only $8 per person.
• 131. Saturday Nights at The Getty - Free outdoor concerts at the Getty Museum on Saturdays through August.
• 140. Last Friday on Main Street, Santa Monica - monthly.
• 146. First Fridays on Abbot Kinney - monthly.
• 179. Summer Live Music at Malibu Wines at Saturdays and Sundays 1-3 PM or Fridays and Saturdays 7-9 PM.
• 181. Greek Fests 2010 - Usually free and once per month at various locations through summer.
• 182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings - Watch movies under the stars and picnic w/ BYOB & DJ on Saturdays only (not FREE, but only $10 pp).
• 183. Devil's Night Drive-In - Watch movies in a drive-in like good ol' times on Saturdays (not FREE, but only $10 pp).
• 191. Free Bands in the Sand - Free sunset concert at Newport Beach every Saturday through Summer.
• FREE Orange County Great Park Celebration, which includes an aerial show, laser light show, live music and more on Saturday, July 10th 3-9:30 PM). Make sure to combine it with the free helium balloon ride (see #14 above).
• FREE Shakespeare by the Sea outdoor play and picnic on weekends at various locations throughout the summer, dog-friendly too!
• FREE Summer Concert Series in Dana Point, Huntington Beach and throughout Orange County on Sundays and other days (via @JustSpottedOC).
• FREE Laguna Beach Festival of the Arts 7/5-8/31 (click HERE for more info).
• FREE OC Fair 7/16-8/15.
• FREE Movies in the Park at The Grove every Thursday through August.
• FREE Twilight Dance Series every Thursday through September at Santa Monica Pier.
• FREE Dance Downtown at the LA Music Center Plaza on various dates through September.
• FREE Grand Performances at the Cal Plaza every weekend through August.
• FREE Long Beach Sea Festival - Movies at the beach Tuesdays through Thursdays at various locations.
• FREE Jazz Concerts at Hollywood and Highland every Tuesday through summer with an optional $10 wine tasting with apps.
• FREE Pasadena Film Festival every weekend in July.
• FREE Summer and Music Events every weekend through August in Long Beach.
• FREE Concerts in the Park at Manhattan Beach Polliwog Park every Sunday through September, picnic & BYOB.
• FREE Outdoor Cinema Food Fest on almost every Saturday in July and August at Exposition Park plus a few special days at Grand Hope Park and La Cienega Park, showing FREE movies but no picnic required here because food trucks galore show up every time.

Since I am not posting regularly at the moment, this "master list" will be a living document to which I'll add. Feel free to kiss and tell me when you find something free and cheap to do too! Use the comment section below, or submit the Contact Me Form (see at the top menu bar of my blog), or send me a tweet @365CheapDates. Have fun whatever you do!

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.

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.

sailing
Originally uploaded by The FoxBox

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

190. Free Jazz Concerts

Listening to jazz and wine tasting = Classy & romantic!
Hollywood & Highland is offering their 7th Annual Wine, Jazz & Moonlight Series. On every Tuesday evening this summer (June 9th - August 31st), the band starts playing at 7 PM. While the musical entertainment is free to the public, the wine tasting is optional. By the way, 100% of the proceeds do benefit a good cause. The $10 donation in Hollywood seems quite reasonable for 2 glasses and an assortment of gourmet cheeses, crackers and fruit. Overall, this is a classy (yet cheap) date idea, especially for jazz music lovers. These free jazz concerts can work as a group date, first date, family-friendly date, whatever you want it to be.

Miles Davis
Originally uploaded by mwgrinnell

As with all free events, I'd arrive earlier to find parking and claim a spot in the Central Courtyard on the 2nd Level. Until the weather gets warmer, bundle up to enjoy this outdoor event for a minimum of 2 hours (7-9 PM). Bring a picnic and have dinner during the concert or eat at courtyard there (there's a crepe restaurant if my memory serves me right). Parking at H&H Center is only $2 for 4 hours with validation. Click HERE for the weekly concert schedule and more info.

If you can get into Hollywood in the afternoon, double the fun by stopping by Madame Tussauds, which is walking distance away (see Cheap Date Idea #54).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 pp + $2 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $22 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @_LosAngeles

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.

Spirit of Tasmania I
Originally uploaded by WilliamBullimore

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

185. Free Malibu Beach Safari

Let's go on a Malibu Beach Safari!!
Going to the beach is a not a "special" date idea, especially when one lives by the beach. On the other hand, going on a "Malibu Beach Safari"... now that kicks it up a notch! On Sunday, May 23rd, the LA Urban Rangers will help you discover secret but public beach spots along the 20-mile coastline of Malibu. For FREE, learn how to find, park, walk, picnic and sunbathe legally and safely. The 1.5-hour tours are scheduled for 9 AM, 11:30 AM and 2 PM, but the first one of the day is the best to easily find free street parking. Reservations are not required, but it is first come, first serve and the tours start on time. Click HERE for safari details and directions.

Kenya Safari and beach holiday
Originally uploaded by 1denela

Ever since I learned about this activity last year through @unhipLA (click for blog post & Yelp review), I've been waiting for it start up again this summer. To my dismay (because I am already booked), this Sunday's safaris will be the last ones closing the 3-year project. Nevertheless, I am blogging about it now because it sounds like an awesome cheap (actually, it's free) date idea that YOU can go on and then kiss & tell me about it later (Read: please use comment box below). Then you can come back again as a group date and take your friends to areas other than the overcrowded Zuma and Surfrider.

As with all outdoorsy activities, bring sunblock, bottled water, comfortable clothes, snacks, a beach towel and a camera (optional for kiss and tell). If you miss out on Sunday like I will, click HERE for a free downloadable map to go on your own safari another time.

Disclaimer: The photo used here does not represent Malibu, but it just looked cool for my blog post.

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

184. $6 Angels Tickets

Take me out to ball game for only 6 bucks?!
If you are fan of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (long name, I know) or simply like cheap yet fun things to do, get 1/2 off tickets when they play the Toronto Blue Jays early next week, May 24-26th. The Monday and Tuesday games start at 7 PM, so it's doable for a weeknight date. Invite friends and family to make it a group date or family-friendly activity. The weather should be good for an outdoor game, but bundle up since the temperature will drop to 66F on that night.

Angels are #1!
Originally uploaded by sfam

Regular tickets range $12-33, so with a 50% discount, your date can be as cheap as $6 per person! Click HERE to buy your tickets now. Select the game day and enter the promo code TRAVEL. As of this moment, the cheapest tickets that I could find were $6 for "Upper View" and $14-16.50 for "Best Available". As with all online tickets, there is a convenience charge of $2-3.25. Stadium parking is $8. Buy your discounted tickets online now!

If you are a fan of the Dodgers, sorry you missed out on Cheap Date Idea #162.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $8+ Total pp + $8 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $32+ Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TravelZooLA

183. Devil's Night Drive-In

Date night at a drive-in sounds more fun & romantic, no?
Did you know that a patent was issued for the first drive-in theatre exactly 33 years ago from this month? The first one opened in June 1933! At that time, it was 25¢ per car and 25¢ per person ($1 total maximum). Sounds like a cheap date, right? Well, the admission at Devil's Night Drive-in (formerly known as Angel City, ironically enough) is at least comparable to a regular movie theater ticket at $10 pp. Despite the price, many Yelpers have raved about this being a great date night idea (4.5 stars).

Drive-in-Theater - 1933
Originally uploaded by Origins of Business

For a guaranteed parking spot in front of the screen, pre-sale tickets are available online 1.5 weeks prior and until 2 PM on the day of the show. Due to limited capacity (60+ cars), come early to find this place on top of a 2-story parking structure in Downtown LA and settle in with a FM-transmitter. With a DJ to entertain, gates open 1.5 hours before show time, usually at 8 or 9 PM. No car is required though as walk-ins and bike-ins are welcome to sit and watch from a designated astroturf area. If you do, feel free to bring lawn chairs, blankets and bundle up. Like in the good ol' days (before my time), car hops on rollerskates go around to the cars offering popcorn, candy, hot dogs, soda, coffee and tea, all at non-theater prices. Here's the best part of Devil's Night: you can bring your own food and drinks (Read: BYOB).

On the 2nd and 4th Saturday of every month, get ready to watch some oldies but goodies on a 24'x18' projector screen (see website for tickets and updates):

• 5/22 Pretty in Pink
• 6/12 Labyrinth
• 6/26 Showgirls
• 7/10 Easy Rider
• 7/24 Pulp Fiction
• 8/14 People's Choice (vote online)
• 8/28 Rushmore
• 9/11 Indiana Jones

For another unique date night, you have to experience Cinespia screenings at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery (see Cheap Date Idea #182), which is also BYOB! If these spots are too much of a trek, check out OC Great Park, such as Cheap Date Idea #165. Or if you like the typical theater, go on Cheap Date Idea #132 for only $3. Drive-ins are rare nowadays, so if you know of another one in LA or OC, let me know.

UPDATE 05/22/10: Per the recommendation by the owner at @DevilsNight, after the movie, continue your date night at the local fave dive bar. Leave your car there (no extra parking fee) and walk over to @Bar107 with no cover, a dance floor and a 4-star rating on Yelp.com.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 pp.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $20 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @LAsnark & @estarLA

182. Cinespia Cemetery Screenings

Watching movies at the cemetery with wine & beer?!?!
I've watched movies in the park, but have yet to do it at a cemetery! Sounds creepy yet fun at the same time. The Cinespia at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery has a whopping 4.5 stars rating by 200+ Yelpers. From what I gather, part of the appeal that sets it apart from a movie theatre is that you can bring a picnic and drinks (yes, alcohol IS permitted) PLUS a DJ spins records before and after the screening. The $10 cash donation (for grounds keeping) is comparable to the price of a theater ticket nowadays, however the whole experience pales in comparison. This is a great idea for a group date, maybe even for a first date.

Tell 'em Large Marge sent ya!
Originally uploaded by daft or dangerous

Cinespia Cemetery Screenings is on it's 10th season of summer series (May - October). Screenings are usually on Saturday nights with bonus nights on holiday weekends on occasion. Here's the schedule for the first month:

• 5/15 - The Wizard of Oz
• 5/22 - The Thing
• 5/29 - North by North
• 5/30 - Purple Rain
• Check the calendar for monthly updates.

The cemetery gates open at 7 PM, so come early to park (free street parking or $5 on the cemetery grounds, best before 6 PM I heard) and claim your spot on the grass (bring blankets, short lawn chairs and pillows). This is first come, first serve (AKA no advance reservations required or tickets available). Show time is not until 8:30 PM, so eat, drink & be merry while the sun sets and the DJ spins music. Afterward, let the traffic die down by hanging out with more tunes by the DJ. If the Hollywood Cemetery is too much of a trek, the OC Great Park in Irvine offers free movies in the park throughout the year, such as Cheap Date Idea #165.

UPDATE 05/26/10: The screening schedule for June is posted! Click HERE for the calendar updates. Enjoy watching a movie under the stars on cemetery grounds - spooky yet romantic, right?

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $10 pp + $5 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $25 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @callmemochelle

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

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

173. Free Wine Tasting, Venice

WTF, did you say FREE wine tasting in Venice Beach?

In general, a wine tasting is a classy date idea, while FREE wine tasting is a classy and cheap date idea! Next Tuesday, May 18th, WTFLA is hosting a complimentary wine tasting on the rooftop of Hotel Erwin in Venice. Enjoy tasting of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Santa Maria wineries (Byron and Cambria). No reservations are required, but due to limited space, it's first come, first serve at 7-9 PM (AKA early birds get the wine). With the sun expected to set by 7:45 PM that day, what can be better than sipping on free wine on a hotel's rooftop lounge with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean at sunset? I think this cheap date idea has kicked it up a notch to romantic cheap date idea!

DSC04639
Originally uploaded by huliana90212

At first glance, I assume that WTF was an acronym for cursing, but in fact the these letters stand for Wine Tasting for Los Angeles. Now that's a brilliant and unforgettable name for an organization! The tasting is just the beginning of summer, so stay tuned for future events on the WTFLA website. As for parking, the hotel offers valet but the parking lots and street parking will be more cost effective (click HERE for map). Enjoy!

UPDATE 05/19/10: Street parking is free in Venice after 6 PM at most spots, so double check the signs. The event was interesting, but the venue was not the best set up for mixing and mingling at the High Rooftop Bar. Make sure to arrive early to WTFLA events so that you don't have to wait in line when it gets to capacity. You get (4) 1-ounce pours, but only one fill at a time so it's best to get back in line for another while enjoying the first one.

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

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

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

167. Grunion Party, Venice - 4/30

You have to do this at least once!
This is like Cheap Date Idea #127, so I'll keep this short and sweet! The Venice Oceanarium is hosting a Grunion Party TONIGHT, April 30th, at 11 PM, in Venice. It is late, but that's when the silvery fish come out to lay their eggs on our beaches. For details and directions, click HERE. You can do this on your own, but this is a fun group activity, especially for families.

Grunion Run
Originally uploaded by Jessierocks

The grunion are expected to be spawning 10:55 PM - 12:55 AM tonight. You can try catching them but have to throw them back in since it's closed season right now (see schedule online). To best watch and document the work of nature, bring a flash light and a camera. Make sure to bundle up but prepared to roll up your pants and wear flip flops.

Since the Grunion Party doesn't start until 11 PM, go "next door" to Santa Monica for their monthly event, Last Fridays on Main Street (see Cheap Date Idea #140). If you miss this party or Venice is too far, check out Cheap Date Idea #127 for other organized grunion runs in San Pedro.

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

165. Star Trek Movie in Park - 5/15

FREE movie in the park = Cheap yet romantic date idea!
If you missed it last year or are simply a Trekkie fan, come watch the movie, Star Trek (2009), on the lawn at the Orange County Great Park (OCGP) on Saturday, May 15th, at 8 PM. Admission AND Parking are free. Parking is plentiful and easy here in this part of Irvine. For more info, directions and to watch the trailer online, click HERE. Sure, you can buy or rent the DVD and watch it in the comfort of your own home, but it's cool to watch a movie on a big screen outdoors once in awhile. While you're at it, invite your friends and family too!

Star Trek (2009) Movie Poster
Originally uploaded by wongjp

Sunset on 5/15 will be at 7:45 PM, which is great timing for the 8 PM show time. Arrive early to claim your spot on the grass and bring a picnic for dinner or just bring popcorn and soda. The average temperature in mid-May is low 40's, so blankets are highly recommended. What a good excuse to cuddle, right? If sitting on the grass for 2 hours sounds too long (actually the run time is 127 minutes to be exact), lawn chairs are ok here.

While you're down at the OC Great Park, enjoy a FREE helium balloon ride too! Registration starts at 6 PM for 7-10 PM rides, but you'll want to be back on earth for the 8 PM movie. See Cheap Date Idea #11 for details. As the date nears, I'll keep you posted if the event gets rained out (or check HERE for weather updates).

UPDATE 05/27/10: If you missed Star Trek, the next free movie in the park is scheduled for Saturday, May 29th. Click HERE for details. Thanks to @kimpanzii for kissing & telling about this one!

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

162. Dodgers Baseball Game - $5 Tickets

Take me out to the ball game!
I am not a huge baseball fan but the Los Angeles Dodgers tickets at $5 per person is a cheap date that is hard to pass up. Baseball games make for a great group date idea, especially if you come early to tailgate in the stadium parking lot. For group dates, there is a limit of 29 tickets per household. As we all know, stadium food and drink are not cheap, so here it doesn't look like a cheap date if you bring a BBQ and food. Who doesn't love a tail gate party?

#1 Fans!
Originally uploaded by julieverive

If you don't like nosebleed seats, other tickets are available up to 55% off right now.

• Reserve = $5 (reg. $16)
• Lower Reserve = $10 (reg. $20)
• Infield Reserve = $15 (reg. $30)
• Field Box = $20 (reg. $50)
• Preferred Field Box, Baseline Field and Loge Box MVP $30 (reg. $70)

To buy tickets online, click HERE and then use the pull-down menu to select a game and use the code TZOO3 (letter "O"s, not number zeros, and say thank you to TravelZoo). Make sure to click on "Reserve" instead of Best Available if you want to only see $5 seats. Taxes and convenience fees ($1.50-2.75 per ticket) apply. The tickets are on sale today through April 29th for particular game dates on

• May 5-6 (Milwaukee Brewers)
• May 9 (Colorado Rockies)
• May 17 (Houston Astros)
• May 19-20 (SD Padres)
• June 1 (AZ Diamondbacks)
• June 7 (St. Louis Cardinals).

Parking is $15, so make sure to carpool (or take public transportation if you are not tailgating). Have fun!

UPDATE 04/26/10: Here's a tip by @LukeOdom: If you live near a rail line, take the Dodger Stadium Express for FREE from Union Station with a valid Dodger's ticket. Click HERE for more info. Thanks, Luke, and have fun at the game!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = As low as $5 pp + taxes + fees + $15 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $50 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @TravelZooLA

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

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.