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

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

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

168. Tsunami Teppanyaki Dinner

One of my favorite style of cooking is teppanyaki, a Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food. The word is derived from teppan (iron plate) and yaki (grilled, broiled or pan-fried). Besides always being delicious, teppanyaki is like a dinner show (see onion volcano picture on right). The only downer is the price of this all-inclusive meal, which does include soup, veggies and rice.

Teppan Yaki Onion Volcano
Originally uploaded by bitsmart

However, Tsunami Steakhouse and Sushi Bar in Huntington Beach makes it an affordable "cheap date" with the following dinner specials on weeknights:

• Tightwad Tuesday: $13-18 Teppan specials (Regularly $19-23), $3 Coors Light, 1/2 Off Sushi Rolls.
• Flatbroke Wednesday: 2-for-1 (BOGO) Dining & Teppan.
• Anniversary Party on May 20th: $9.95 Teppan specials, $2 Coors Light, $5-7 Special Sushi Rolls. Click HERE for details.

Regular entrees are normally $16-28, so it's a great deal at half-off, $8-16 per person (click for menu online here). As much as I love Benihana Restaurant (see Cheap Date Idea #148), you can't beat this BOGO deal for teppan at Tsunami. Parking is free here, but the lot is small. Thankfully, this restaurant offers free valet parking (a tip is always appreciated). It's first come, first serve (no reservations), so come earlier to check in and then enjoy the sunset (around 7:30 pm) at the beach right across the street from the restaurant. You can either walk along the beach or enjoy an easy hike around the Bolsa Chica Wetlands (AKA an ecological reserve, a hidden gem in north Huntington Beach).

UPDATE 05/18/10: I came here for 1/2 off sushi rolls, which are generous in size, so don't order too many at first like I did. There is plenty of teppan dining space, so reservations are not really required, but it will probably be quite busy for the $9.95 teppan. I'm definitely coming back on Thursday!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = As low as $8 pp + Tip + Tax.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.

List: Cheap (and Free) Laughs

Comedy shows are good ice breakers and great for group dates!
Laugh for free or cheap at any of these comedy clubs in Los Angeles & Orange County:

Originally uploaded by uhoh over

• Hollywood Improv: Free-$4 via Goldstar.com or Hollywood Improv (sign up for their e-newsletters), dates vary (see Cheap Date Idea #55)
• The Comedy Store in Hollywood: Free admission anytime with Twitter coupon (see Cheap Date Idea #77)
• Jon Lovitz Comedy Club at CityWalk: Free-$10 on Sunday and Wednesday evenings (see Cheap Date Idea #92)
• UCB Theatre: Free on Sunday and Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm or $1 with Jeff Garlin on Sundays at 6 PM, plus it's BYOB! (see Cheap Date Idea #114)
• Downtown Independent Theatre: Free every other Tuesday evening, no 2-drink minimum (see Cheap Date Idea #137)

Got any recommendations for other cheap laughs? Please do kiss & tell by leaving me a comment.

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

137. Holy F*ck FREE Comedy

No joke, it's 100% free to laugh here, no 2-drink minimum either.

Come enjoy 2 hours of free laughter tonight at the Downtown Independent in Downtown LA. If you miss it, Holy F*ck is there every other Tuesday at 8-10 PM. Come early and enjoy a drink beforehand (optional). Beer and wine are $4-6 each. I haven't been here yet, but it is on my list of cheap date ideas to do! But seriously, it's free! Comedy shows are also a great idea for a group date, especially when it's free.

Street parking is free and easy after 6 PM on Tuesdays. For the line up and more info, click HERE. For directions and venue info, click HERE. If you love cheap laughs, then you should also check out: Cheap Date Idea #114 at UCB Theatre or Cheap Date Idea #92 at Universal CityWalk.

UPDATE 04/05/10: Tomorrow's free comedy show is 9-11 PM on April 6th.

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

132. Cheap Movie Date Night = $10 Total

Wow, movies CAN be a really cheap date idea!

And I'm not talking about DVD movies either! Watching movies are not usually a cheap date idea anymore.... Except a few special secret spots offer movie tickets at ONLY $2-3 per person ($5 for 3D). Boy, I don't remember movies being this cheap even when I was a kid! So you might say, "Sure, the movie tickets might be cheap, but the food and drink add up to a pretty penny." Well, how about 10 bucks total for a Movie Date Night? Yes, only $10 for 2 movie tickets, 2 popcorns AND 2 sodas. That's one for each of you, no sharing required, even though it's more romantic that way in my opinion.

365 - 238 - in the movies
Originally uploaded by the brownhorse

Here is a list of the special secret spots for cheap movie theatres:

(1) 4 Star Cinemas in Garden Grove

• $3 every Tuesday and Thursday all day 11 AM - 9 PM
• $5 for 3D, only 2 bucks more on Tuesdays and Thursdays

-and-

(2) Regency Theatres every day at multiple locations

• $3 EVERY day ANYTIME in Huntington Beach or Ventura
• $2 before 6 PM at the Pasadena location (even on weekends, AKA matinee)
• $3 after 6 PM in Pasadena
• $10 Total for the Movie Date Night Special on Wednesday nights only after 6 PM in Pasadena or Ventura
• Click HERE to find a Regency Theatre near you

In order to be more affordable, the films typically have been out for awhile in theatre. But now you can watch The Hurt Locker, award winner of 6 Academy Awards, and don't have to wait for it on DVD. I personally recommend Sherlock Holmes and It's Complicated playing at Regency Theatres. I might have to drag my man to see Alice in Wonderland in 3D (which is still a fairly new release) for only $5 at 4 Star Cinemas. I don't think anything can beat this deal besides a free movie like Cheap Date Idea #125. Enjoy!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $3 pp or $10 Total for the Movie Date Night Special.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $16-40 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @OCDeals & @mamimaria

114. Cheap (& FREE) Laughs at UCB Theatre

Cheap date = cheap laughs and it's BYOB!

For a whole $1 (or 4 quarters), you can laugh with (or at) Jeff Garlin from Curb Your Enthusiasm (see photo on right) on Sundays at 6 PM at the Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB) Theatre in Hollywood Hills. Bring cash and get your tickets same day, but the shows have been known to sell out fast. Making advance reservations are highly recommended. For "Jeff Garlin's Combo Platter", you can pay online through paypal as soon as the line up is announced, usually 1-3 days in advance (Thurs-Sat).

UCB-LA | Jeff Garlin's Combo Platter | 10.18.09
Originally uploaded by liezlwashere

FREE shows are available at 7:30 PM on Sundays and Tuesdays. Unfortunately, reservations are not accepted for these free shows, so plan to get in line early (30-45 minutes is recommended). Otherwise, UCB Theatre offers at least 3 different shows every day of the week for a mere $5 or 8. As for the paid shows, improv on Wednesday nights at 9:30 PM looks hilarious where they randomly select 2 people from the crowd to publicly examine their Facebook pages. Needless to say, this particular one is not for the shy folk out there.

The doors usually open 15 minutes beforehand, but come early to get seats as this place is on a first come, first serve basis. Beer and soda are available in the lobby for $1 each. Here's the best part: It's BYOB. Yes, you heard me: NO corkage fee and NO 2-drink minimum here unlike all the comedy clubs, so this is truly a cheap date! As for parking, valet here is cheap at $5, not a bad deal for Hollywood. If you want more cheap laughs, check out Cheap Date Idea #92.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $1 on Sundays, sometimes Free, otherwise usually $5 or $8 per person + $5 Valet Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @LAhappenings

108. Wii, Karaoke, Guitar Hero Nights, What Else?

Don't be a couch potato at home, so come out and play!

Wii Nintendo is not just for kids! Playing games with your partner can bring out the competitiveness and hopefully teamwork spirit between the two of you, especially when playing against other couples. After investing some money into the gaming system itself (AKA capital), then it's a FREE date idea after that. Invite friends over for a group date night.

Or better yet, head out to Barney's Beanery for some fun on a weeknight. There are 4 bar locations from which to choose across Los Angeles: West Hollywood (WeHo), Burbank, Santa Monica (SM) and Pasadena. These make for good late date night since the start time is usually 8, 9, or 10 PM (check their Google Calendar online for updates at each specific location). One of these weekly themed activities should tickle your fancy:

Wii Tennis: Their Own Enemies (Part Deux)
Originally uploaded by geeky artist librarian

• Bingo Night - Something easy to do on Mondays in WeHo
• Comedy Night - Laughing is always good for the soul on Mondays in Pasadena.
• Wii Sports Night - Feel like you are IN the game with their 10-foot wide big screen on Tuesdays in SM (Wii Sports game include bowling, tennis, golf, baseball and boxing)
• Karaoke Night - Perfect for serenading your partner on mostly Wednesdays everywhere, sometimes Sundays and Tuesdays
• Trivia Night - Show off your useless knowledge on Wednesdays in Burbank and Thursdays in Pasadena
• Guitar Hero Night - Make it a group date night on Thursdays in SM

If weeknights are "school nights" for you, Happy Hour either on weekdays at all locations OR Weekend Happy Hour at the original WeHo Barney's (yes, every Saturday and Sunday!) may work for you, always 4-7 PM. Keep yourself entertained with air hockey tables, pool tables, foosball tables, arcade games, shuffleboard- what else can you ask for? By the way, I've never seen an extensive menu like the one at Barney's Beanery. Seriously, there is something for everybody's palette, plus breakfast is served 24/7!

Or if you prefer to stay at home altogether, try the couple's challenge by EA Active. Click HERE for more info. Thanks to @normzrib for sharing the DIY cheap date idea.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = Free Admission + Food & Drinks

Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless

101. $30 Date Night at The Grove

As we all know, dinner & movies are not really cheap dates.
Well, The Grove is making it more affordable with this special deal, $30 Date Night on weeknights (Mon-Thurs). At $30 per person, you get a 3-course meal for two, movie passes for two, and complimentary valet parking for you (which means pick up your date and carpool).

I Love Popcorn
Originally uploaded by Daveblog

Bring your appetite since a 3-course meal is from start to finish: an appetizer, a main entree, and a dessert. The menus are available online for the 7 participating restaurants, which include places such as The Cheesecake Factory and Morels French Steakhouse & Bistro.

For a current listing of the movies showing at the Pacific Theatres at The Grove, click HERE. I personally recommend...

89. Free Day at La Brea Tar Pits

Fossils, dinosaurs, tar pits, oh my!
If you enjoy all of that, head over to the Page Museum (AKA La Brea Tar Pits) in LA. Go for free on the first Tuesday of every month (save $7 pp!). If you cannot make it that day, the museum is open daily 9:30 AM - 5 PM, but be forewarned that this place can be like a zoo with kids on weekends. According to some Yelp reviewers, an hour is more than enough time to stroll through the museum. If speed walking is your thing, admission is free for the last 30 minutes to closing.. The tar pits on the outside is free for the public to roam, so you might want to check that out beforehand while there's daylight, especially around sunset (see photo on right).

La Brea Tar Pits
Originally uploaded by Menetnashté

Metered street parking is available on 6th Street but read the signs carefully for no parking during week day rush hours, 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM. Otherwise, the convenient parking lot is $7 with museum validation during weekdays or flat on weekends.

Don't end your date at the tar pits! After 5 PM, walk on over to the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA) for discounted museum admission (Cheap Date Idea #80). Or go to the LACMA on the second Tuesday of the month for free and then the tar pits. Either way, double the fun in culture and history! This is something different to do at least once in your life, at least a step up from watching The History Channel for a date night...

UPDATE 05/26/10: While you're in the area, stop by the sister museum, Natural History Museum, which is ALSO free on First Tuesdays (see Cheap Date Idea #186).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = FREE + $7 Parking.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $14 Total.

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

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.

70. 2 Buck Bowling, Beers & More

Yes, $2 on weekdays, Mondays through Thursdays, after 6 PM.

At Irvine Lanes, it's only $2 for each of the following: bowling games, rental shoes, draft beers, well drinks, chili dogs, and nachos! Don't forget to sign up for their email newsletter online to get free coupons on your birthday and more. I'm not a bowling expert by no means but have found that it's something easy (unless you are competitive, of course) and casual to do. Funny moments are bound to happen in any bowling alley.

Bowling for Beer
Originally uploaded by trigger.is

If you love bowling AND breakfast buffets, then you might want to go bowling AGAIN on Sundays (check out Cheap Date Idea #61). It's only $11 total per person with special $2 mimosas. Concourse Entertainment Center in Anaheim also offers a similar 2-buck deal in the evenings for Sunday Fundays.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $4 Per Person + Food & Drink.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $8 Total + Food & Drink.

Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @OCdeals

66. Dolphins & Whales at Dana Point

The first grey whale of the season was spotted on Monday!
Dana Point Harbor boasts a 85% success rate in sighting sea mammals (dolphins and whales). That's not bad for spending 2 hours on a catamaran and $14.50 per person plus $4 Service Fee (tickets are regularly $29 pp). If you are not sure about this, more than 200 people have survived so far and rated this excursion 3 out of 4 stars and another 1,340 reviewers on Zerve.com gave it an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars.

Blue Whale Watching @ Dana Point
Originally uploaded by Jordan Colley Photography

Did you know that Grey Whales swim south to Baja California, passing by Dana Point every year between November through April, while Blue Whales, May through October? The cruises depart daily three times per day, but you can get cheap tickets through Goldstar.com for every weekend this month of January, Fri-Sun at 2 PM. If you prefer weekdays, half-price tickets are available directly through Dana Wharf for Tuesdays throughout the season or on Wednesdays during the last month of the whale watching season, April 2010.

Make sure to be at the dock at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Parking is easy and free for 4 hours. Food and drink are available for sale on the boat. Even though the weather is expected to be partly cloudy and sunny for the next 10 days, make sure to bundle up and wear sunscreen. Don't forget your camera and bring binoculars! Just something cheap and different to do in the OC... outdoorsy and family friendly too!

UPDATE 01/27/10: More dates added for the month of February! Go on Valentine's Day!!

UPDATE 03/11/10: Buy 1/2 price tickets directly on Zerve.com for any Tuesday through April and also on Wednesdays during April at 10 am, Noon, or 2 PM. Zerve's service fee is a little cheaper at $2 per ticket. Dana Wharf guarantees that you will see a whale or come back again for free. Thanks to @DealsDiva for sharing this discount.


UPDATE 03/31/10: This is even a cheaper date! Click HERE for a $15 coupon (regularly $30) for whale watching with Davey's Locker in Newport Beach. Reservation is required, but at least there is no processing fee. Coupon expires May 15th. Say thank you to @SoCalCoupons!

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $18.50 Per Person.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $58 Total.
Kiss & Tell Date Idea by @GoldstarOC

16. Champagne, Sparklers & Bubbles, Oh My!

Champagne, Sparklers and Bubbles, Oh My!
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Bristol Farms offers something more than a simple wine tasting. For a set price ($23 plus tax), they serve you while you sit at a table and enjoy 6 wine tastings PLUS a light meal (bread, soup or salad, and a main entree with one or two sides, AND a dessert). Considering the value, this may not be the cheapest date idea, but perhaps a first date idea. You can't order any more or any less (besides a tip), so sticking to a budget will be easy. Depending on the location, the wine tastings are on either Tuesdays or Thursdays starting at 5:30 or 6 PM for 2 hours, with the theme changing every week (see schedule online). Please note that the wine tastings will end in 2 weeks but will resume after the new year. The last one of the year sounds fun, "Champagne, Sparklers, and Bubbles, Oh My!" on Thursday, Nov 12th, in Manhattan Beach or Redondo Beach or their other 6 locations. Due to the limited seating, advance reservations by phone is a must. If you're not a wine enthusiast, this is an easy way to try a few different ones locally without making the trek to Napa.

UPDATE 01/0710: Wine tastings will resume in February 2010, so check back for the schedule online.

UPDATE 06/02/10: The wine tastings are on sale right now with buy one and get one for 1¢ (yes, one cent), so that's $23.96 plus tax for two tastings with a light meal (or ~$12 pp). Reservations required.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $12 Per Person + Tax.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = $80 Total Minimum.
Click here for map

9. Tapas Tuesdays in Hermosa Beach

Mediterraneo in Hermosa Beach offers Happy Hour with 1/2 off tapas and $3 draft beer and house wine on week days from 5-7 PM, except tapas are 1/2 off all night on "Tapas Tuesdays". Reservations are highly recommended, especially for the outdoor patio seating during happy hours, sunset and summertime, but inside seating is just as lively. The atmosphere at Mediterraneo tends to be on the classy and trendy side compared to the other restaurant bars in Hermosa Beach.

Mediterraneo
Originally uploaded by « Joseph »

This place is ideal for a first date or a birthday party or simply a friendly gathering. Most tapas range $5-7 per plate, but the full menu is available online. A parking garage is available between Coffee Bean and Starbucks on Hermosa Ave for a $1 per hour but it does get full at the end of the day during summer and weekends. If you are lucky, some street parking in the neighborhood away from the pier is free since permits are not required after 5 PM during off-peak season (Sept-May). Click here for my review about Mediterraneo on Yelp.com.

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $25 depending on how much you order.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.
Click here for map

8. "Surf City Nights" Fair on Tuesdays

Surf City Nights
Originally uploaded by 365 Cheap Dates

Every Tuesday night 5-9 PM, downtown Huntington Beach (AKA Surf City USA) closes down Main Street for "Surf City Nights". FREE admission, live entertainment, Farmer's Market, international food booths, arts and crafts for sale, and more! As you can see by the Kodak Moment here, the little kids trying to pop large bubbles were amusing. Several restaurants will validate for parking (Tip: BJ's will validate even if you don't eat there). This is a great place for tasting different foods for only $3 each! The pupusas from El Salvador and empanadas from Argentina were yummy! Again, this is every Tuesday, but there is a special Halloween Fest on Saturday (see website for more info).

Approximate cost of creative date idea = $15.
Actual value of the cheap date idea = Priceless.