11 Cheap LA Date Ideas: A Local’s Guide to the Hidden Gems
Los Angeles is the perfect place to fall in love. Its picturesque beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse food scene make it a fun place to plan dates and build a deeper connection with that special someone. But it can also get expensive very quickly. That's why we're here to help.
Our baristas at Inicio Coffee Company have put together a list of the top 11 LA date ideas that are affordable, fun, and unique. Most are hidden gems you probably haven't heard of, while a few are classic favorites that are still well worth a visit. We've personally visited every spot on this list and can wholeheartedly recommend them for your next outing.
If you're looking to plan a memorable date without breaking the bank, keep reading to discover some of the best date ideas in Los Angeles—many of which only locals know about.
11 Free & Cheap Date Ideas in LA: The Spots Only the Locals Know About
Take a walk at Hansen Dam and stop for coffee at Inicio Coffee Company
The San Fernando Valley offers several hidden gems for a fun, cheap (or free) date in LA. One of those places is Inicio Coffee Company. Located just down the road from Hansen Dam, we’re a specialty coffee shop that locals love, and for good reason. At Inicio, we support anti-trafficking causes for a better world, so not only can you enjoy good coffee but you’ll also be supporting a greater cause when you stop by.
Start with a walk at Hansen Dam, which offers a 3.7-mile out-and-back dam route or trails below that feature lakes and river crossings. After you’ve walked, top off your date with a specialty coffee drink at Inicio. If you’re not sure what to order at our cafe, here are a few fan favorites you and your date can enjoy:
Sugar & Spice Latte: Our signature housemade Sugar & Spice syrup paired with espresso and your choice of milk for a cozy, lightly spiced drink.
Iced Matcha Latte: Premium -grade matcha poured over your choice of milk and ice for a smooth, earthy pick-me-up.
Iced Vanilla Latte: A classic made with a double shot of espresso, vanilla syrup, and your choice of milk.
Ohana Latte: A double shot of espresso blended with rich chocolate sauce and creamy macadamia milk for a taste of the islands.
We have seating inside, so you can both relax and get to know each other over a solid cup of coffee. If you want an extra treat, we also sell pastries in LA, including croissants, cinnamon twists, and gluten free banana bread. Check out our menu before heading over so you can have an order in mind while you walk the dam—the perfect motivation to finish the walk and reward yourself afterward. Visit Inicio Coffee for a casual, cheap date idea in LA.
2. Visit the Broad Museum
If you both love art, the Broad Museum is a free contemporary art museum that features rotating exhibitions. While it may not be a completely hidden gem, it’s worth putting on the list because of its unique artwork and rotating events like live music and artist workshops.
Make sure to stop by the permanent part of the museum’s collection, Yayoi Kusama’s “Infinity Mirrored Room—The Souls of Millions of Light Years Away.” You’ve probably seen this dazzling space on social media. It’s a dark, mirror-lined room with glowing, color-changing LED lights and a shallow pool of water that creates an optical illusion of an endless universe or starry night. Just a heads up: you need to reserve a spot at this exhibition before going because it’s so popular. The Japanese artist also has a similar space on a different floor of the museum called ”Longing for Eternity,” which doesn’t require reservations.
3. Drive out to El Matador State Beach for sunrise
While it has gained recent popularity due to social media, El Matador State Beach is still somewhat of a hidden gem, especially if you visit at the right time. Located on the coast of Malibu, this beach features a long stretch of sand, calm waves, beautiful caves, and massive rocks you can climb. It’s tucked under dramatic bluffs overhanging the Pacific, with a few picnic tables on the hilltop and a winding staircase leading to the beach. There is parking at the beach that’s available from 8AM to sunset, but if you get there earlier or if the parking lot is full, street parking is also available.
We recommend setting your alarm for a sunrise visit. While El Matador is a favorite sunset destination, mornings are much quieter. You’ll likely only see a few locals or the occasional tourist, making it an ideal spot for a romantic start to the day. Grab coffee along the way and a small breakfast to enjoy at one of the picnic tables or down on the shore for a date idea in LA that’s beautiful and peaceful.
4. Peruse one of the night markets in LA
LA night markets are vibrant, culturally-rich experiences with unique food, small businesses, and live entertainment. They’re cheap, fun, and a great place for a date. While there are bigger night markets like 626 Night Market in Arcadia or the 101 Night Market in Lake Balboa, there are smaller ones that are less crowded, including:
DS Night Market runs Friday–Sunday at 4–10PM in Chinatown, LA. It has Thai and international street food options along with live music and an energetic vibe.
Tiendaan Night Market runs around the last Saturday of every month from 5 to 9 PM in La Puente. It has over 30 street food vendors, local artisans, and small family-owned businesses, along with free live music for a fun night out.
818 Night Market happens every Saturday in Mission Hills 5–10 PM. It’s the Valley’s original night market with food vendors, retail pop-ups, handmade crafts, and live entertainment.
Since vendors rotate from event to event, you'll find a different mix of food, drinks, desserts, and handmade goods each time you visit, making every date feel a little different.
5. Visit LACMA for a free jazz night (May to October)
Los Angeles County Museum of Art is definitely not so hidden, but it’s a gem worth adding to your cheap date ideas in LA. Free to LA county residents on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday after 3 PM, it’s the perfect place to unwind and connect with each other over the arts. Visit the popular Urban Light exhibit for a fun photo op or see famous artwork pieces from Pablo Picasso, Diego Rivera, and René Magritte.
If you’re planning a date in the summer and fall, attend a free jazz night at LACMA night on Friday evenings (6 PM to 8 PM) from May to October or early November. You’ll indulge in live music, picnicking, and soaking up each other’s company on the LACMA grounds for a fun night out. The jazz nights have featured musicians like The Yellowjackets, Billy Childs, and Quincy Jones All-Star Orchestra with John Clayton. You’re truly in for a treat at one of these jazz nights, and the best part is that they’re free.
6. Go to Griffith Observatory to see the city lights
Another not-so-hidden gem on the list of date ideas in LA is Griffith Observatory. There are a few options you can do here:
Hike from Griffith Park to the observatory. Start on Fern trail with benches along the stream for a quiet walk. From there, Firebreak Trail leads you straight to the observatory with views of the city, the ocean, and the park.
Park at the Observatory and explore inside before taking in the views. You can park in the on-site metered lot or along the road leading up to the Observatory. Parking fills up quickly, especially on weekends and around sunset, so you may need to circle the lot or park along the street. If you do park on the road, be prepared for a short walk to the entrance. Griffith Observatory is completely free to visit, including access to its exhibits and public telescope viewings. The Samuel Oschin Planetarium offers immersive shows for an additional fee. But what truly steals the show are the panoramic views of Los Angeles from the Observatory's terraces.
7. Swim at the Aquatic Center by Hansen Dam
If you want to cool off in the summer heat or just crave a nice swim with your date, check out Hansen Dam’s Aquatic Center. Their pool spans 1.5 acres, making it the largest swimming pool in the US. It has a bench-style entry surrounded by sand, so you’ll both feel like you’re on the coast.
The space also has two waterslides, sand volleyball courts, and picnic areas for a fun date filled with activities. If you’re outdoorsy, this is a great date idea in LA. The best part is that it only costs about $4 for entry to the pool. If you’re going in the summer, the center sometimes hosts family-friendly movie nights that are free to the public. All in all, this is a hidden gem for couples looking to spend quality time together without breaking the bank. Whether you're swimming, racing down the waterslides, or relaxing with a picnic, it's an easy way to enjoy a fun summer day in Los Angeles.
8. Do a waterfall hike and picnic at Placerita Canyon Nature Center
The Placerita Canyon Nature Center is another free date idea in LA for nature lovers. It is home to a museum, wildlife educational facility, and many miles of trails that feature shaded oak groves, sycamore-lined streams, and other plant and animal communities.
If you want a fun hike at the center, the waterfall hike is a 4.8-mile out-and-back hike that takes about 2–2.5 hours to complete. It starts at the Nature Center and ends at a seasonal 15–25-foot waterfall. It’s a beautiful, fairly easy, dog-friendly hike that’s perfect for a day date in LA. Once you finish the hike, picnic near the center at one of the shaded tables.
9. Walk at Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is packed with food, thrilling rides, and breathtaking ocean views. If you really want to impress your date, take them here. If you want an adventurous date, take a ride on the Pacific Wheel, the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world. Board the steel roller coaster for ocean views or play a game of pinball or skee-ball at Playland Arcade.
For food, the pier offers corn dogs, burgers, and seafood. Really, the options are endless once you're here. Stand along the edge of the pier to watch surfers ride the waves or simply soak in the ocean views. Going at sunset is busy, but it's well worth it for the colorful sky and golden light reflecting off the water. Afterward, take a romantic stroll along the beach or wander down Third Street Promenade to end the evening with shopping, live music, or dessert.
10. Hike in Veterans Park
If you’re looking for something to do in the Valley, hiking at Veterans Park is an easy date idea to add to your list. Located on the north side of Veterans Park in Sylmar, this hidden gem is a favorite hiking spot among locals. The 2.2-mile loop features a moderately challenging 705-foot elevation gain, making it a great option for couples who enjoy getting outdoors. The views are what make the hike worthwhile—you'll overlook the entire San Fernando Valley, with sweeping vistas of the surrounding canyons and rolling hills.
After working up an appetite, stop by Inicio Coffee Company for a handcrafted drink and a light bite. It's the perfect place to relax, recharge, and spend a little more time getting to know your date.
11. Visit Grand Park in LA for the food trucks and rotating events
Grand Park is one of Downtown LA's best gathering places, offering more than just green space. It’s a 12-acre civic park, stretching from The Music Center to City Hall that’s the perfect spot for a fun, variety-filled date in LA. There’s always something happening at Grand Park. On weekdays, local food trucks line the park from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, making it an easy stop for a casual lunch date. Throughout the year, the park also hosts free community events like goat yoga classes, dance parties with a 21+ beer garden, cultural festivals, outdoor wellness activities, and seasonal celebrations.
Before you go, check the park's event calendar—you may discover a free concert, fitness class, or special event you want to take your date to.
Where Are You Going First on the List of Date Ideas in LA?
LA is no doubt a special place, and it’s an even better place to plan cheap, unique dates. Whether you decide to stop in at Inicio Coffee after a walk at Hansen Dam or try your hand at a game of skee-ball at Santa Monica Pier, there are plenty of affordable ways to spend quality time together throughout the city.
Before heading out on your next adventure, swing by Inicio Coffee Company for a handcrafted coffee, matcha, or pastry to fuel the day. We hope this list helps you discover a few new favorite spots—and maybe even creates a few unforgettable memories along the way.