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.

136. FREE Movie: Hot Tub Time Machine

Free movies = great group date idea!
Get your 2 free tickets for the advance movie screening of Hot Tub Time Machine. Based on reviews, this comedy is worth watching for free.

Hot Tub Time Machine
Movie Poster
Originally uploaded
by mutineermagazine

As of this moment, tickets are still available for various locations across the US, including:

• Tues 3/23 in San Diego
• Wed 3/24 in San Diego and Burbank
• Thurs 3/25 in Orange

Click HERE to register and print your 2 tickets. A special request can be made for groups of 10, so make it a group movie date night! New advance screenings always become available across the US, so check the website for one near you. Hurry and get your free tickets now!

UPDATE 03/23/10: The 3/25 showing in Orange is sold out BUT tickets are still available for TOMORROW in Burbank.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $21 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @FreeIsMyLife

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

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.