15 South California Date Night Ideas For $15 Or Less That Aren't Just A Walk In The Park

We all know the feeling of waiting for that direct deposit to hit. But what do you want to do when bae is set on going out the Saturday before? Don’t sweat it, get creative. We’re here to help you out with the best cheap south California date ideas under 15 dollars.
No, they’re not just a walk in the park. Here are the top 15 date ideas for under 15 bucks.
The Getty Villa Museum
Price: Free
Hours: Open 7 days a week except for Tuesday from 10 am to 5 pm
Address: 17985 Pacific Coast Hwy, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Why You Need To Go: It’s like stepping back in time to a beautiful Roman villa. There’s amazing world-famous art inside, and it’s free to visit.
Melrose Place Farmer’s Market
Price: Varies by what you purchase
Hours: Every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm
Address: 8400 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90069
Why You Need To Go: This year-round adorable farmer’s market is the perfect place to take a Sunday stroll. You can buy a beautiful bouquet for your SO for less than $10.
The Venice Canals
Price: Free
Hours: Open 24 hours
Address: Venice, CA 90292
Why You Need To Go: You can take a scenic stroll through this hidden gem in LA. It’s the perfect place to spend an early morning, coffee in hand. It’s also beautiful at night with all the reflections on the water.
Anaheim Packing House
Price: Varies by what you order
Hours: 7 days a week 9 am to 11 pm
Location: 440 S Anaheim Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92805
Why You Need To Go: You can get dessert or coffee for under $15 at this upscale historic warehouse converted into a food court with local vendors and bars.
Huntington Beach Bonfires
Price: Free
Hours: 7 days a week from 6 am to 10 pm
Location: Huntington Beach Bike Trail, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Why You Need To Go: You can watch the sunset while roasting marshmallows and cooking a campfire dinner. All you need to bring are the wood, fire starters, your favorite foods and drinks, and a cozy blanket to share.
Concert at the Observatory
Price: Varies by artist and date. But you can score some tickets for super-cheap.
Hours: Varies by concert
Location: 3503 S Harbor Blvd, Santa Ana, CA 92704
Why You Need To Go: Up and coming artists play at this super intimate small venue in Santa Ana. The 1975 once played here for only $10.
Newport Beach Balboa Peninsula
Price: Varies by purchase
Hours: Open 24 hours
Location: Balboa Island, Newport Beach, CA
Why You Need To Go: You can walk around this historic part of Newport Beach and explore. There are so many things to do and see. You can lounge on the beach, share a chocolate-covered banana, ride the Ferris wheel at the fun zone, and more.
Camelot Golfland
Price: $10.79 per person for an 18-hole golf game
Hours: Monday - Thursday 11 am to 10 pm, Friday 11 am to midnight, Saturday 9 am to midnight, Sunday 10 am to 10 pm
Location: 3200 E Carpenter Ave, Anaheim, CA 92806
Why You Need To Go: It’s the largest miniature golf course in the country.
Explore Downtown Disney
Price: Free
Hours: 7 days a week from 7 am to 2 am
Location: 1580 Disneyland Dr, Anaheim, CA 92802
Why You Need To Go: It’s super romantic at night.You can watch the fireworks go off at 9 pm and explore all the hidden shops. There are some affordable sweet treats you can share too.
Shakespeare In the Park
Price: Free (donations are optional)
Hours: Coming May through August 2020
Location: 3191 Casitas Ave Ste 130, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Why You Need To Go: You can watch classic and beloved Shakespeare plays outdoors with your SO.
Huntington Library Botanical Gardens
Price: Free on the first Thursday of every month. It requires an online reservation and tickets sell out quickly.
Hours: Open from 10 am to 5 pm every day, except onTuesday.
Location: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
Why You Need To Go: This serene botanical garden stretches 120 acres and includes 16 gorgeous themed gardens.
Griffith Park Observatory
Price: Free
Hours: Tuesday - Friday from 12 pm to 10 pm, Saturday - Sunday 10 am to 10 pm
Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Why You Need To Go: It’s not only a great place to hike around, but it also offers spectacular views of LA day and night. There are free science exhibits that offer amazing planetary and light shows, and it’s only $7 a person. You will need advance tickets for the show.
Echo Park Lake Swan Boats
Price: Hourly pricing is $11 per adult
Hours: Monday - Friday 9 am to 10 pm, Saturday - Sunday 9 am to 11 pm
Location: 751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026
Why You Need To Go: You can take an LED-lit giant swan pedal boat out on Echo Park Lake to view the city lights. It's beautiful by day too.
Explore Tidepools at Treasure Island Beach
Price: Free
Hours: The best time to go is in the early morning.
Location: Wesley Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Why You Need To Go: If you’re in the mood to go to the beach and want to see some sea creatures up close, this is the perfect date. Plus, it’s free.
The Noguchi Garden
Price: Free
Hours: 8 am to midnight seven days a week
Location: 611 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Why You Need To Go: This hidden sculpture garden by the South Coast Plaza is so beautiful. Think garden art, hidden benches, trees, and a small river. It’s the perfect place to stop and have a picnic.
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.