Top 8 Affordable Date Spots in Los Angeles

Finding the right date spot plays an important role in how fun your date is — and how your bank account looks afterward. Luckily, enjoyable date nights don’t have to take place in the fanciest restaurant, the most exclusive club, or the most high-end art museum. Memorable dates can happen with just a few bucks ⁠— or be completely free!

If you find yourself looking for new date ideas in the Los Angeles area and don’t want to break the bank, here are eight great date night spots to try out.

1. The Huntington Library 

A date at a library? Well, yes! The Huntington Library has collections of rare books that would impress any bookworm (including a Gutenberg Bible!). There are also art museums and beautiful botanical gardens on-site. After walking through acres of beautiful trails, head to one of three cafes for a light snack.

Cost

Once a month, this amazing getaway is free of charge. On other days, tickets are under $30 per person, which, considering the amenities, isn’t bad at all.

The Perfect Date If. . .

If you or your date love books, gardens, or tea, this is a great choice. With 2,000+ Yelp reviews, it’s clear that this is a beloved place for locals to escape to for a nice afternoon.

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2. Player One 

If you’ve ever watched a cyberpunk movie and wondered why you don’t have a hoverboard yet, Player One is the bar for you. It advertises itself as the “future we were all promised.” While there aren’t flying cars or holograms, there are pinball machines, light games, and air hockey to fill your time.

Most people who come to Player One are there for the “barcade.” In this 21+ space, you can relive your favorite arcade games from your childhood, preferably with a beverage in hand. A nice bonus, live DJs play old favorite hits.

Cost

There’s no cover charge, and the arcade games cost the same as they did in the ‘80s, making Player One an affordable and fun date night option. The beer and wine prices won’t cost you an arm and a leg either.

The Perfect Date If. . .

Player One is the ultimate spot for ‘80s and ‘90s nostalgia, especially if you or your date love games. For a bigger night, invite other couples you know for a group gaming date.

3. La Brea Tar Pits 

“Let’s go to the Tar Pits” isn’t exactly the most romantic thing you can say. However, the La Brea Tar Pits are a fun museum experience at an affordable price. While it’s hard to imagine, before there were skyscrapers in LA there were mammoths and saber-tooth tigers. At the Tar Pits, you can take a selfie with a mastodon or watch as workers continue to excavate fossils. Teams of scientists are still collecting and analyzing fossil specimens daily.

Cost

Tickets to La Brea Tar Pits are $15 per person.

The Perfect Date If. . .

If you or your date love history, or simply want to know more about LA’s paleontological past, the La Brea Tar Pits is a great place to visit.

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4. Golf n’ Stuff 

For a more active date, give Golf n’ Stuff in Norwalk a try. Located about an hour’s drive outside of Los Angeles, it offers mini-golf, bumper boats, arcades, go-karts, and all the theme park food you could ask for. Cotton candy, anyone?

Cost

If you are just going to Golf n’ Stuff for the golf, tickets are $13 per person. If you’re interested in the stuff, you can pay per ride or buy a two-hour wristband.

The Perfect Date If. . .

Whether you want to win your date a stuffed animal or beat them at mini-golf, this is a great way to flirt with your date and make some cherished memories.

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5. Juneshine 

Juneshine is an alcohol company that brews hard kombucha, and they have a tasting room open in Santa Monica. Their kombucha is sustainably sourced, and they’ve committed to being a carbon-neutral company. Their space in Santa Monica is open and airy, with comfy seating options and a great patio.

Cost

There is no cover at Juneshine, so you only have to pay for any drinks or food you order. With three drink sizes, and the option to choose a tasting flight, you can fit it into most budgets.

The Perfect Date If. . .

Is there anything that says “California” like sustainably sourced hard kombucha? If you or your date are environmentally-conscious people who also like a good drink, date night at a Juneshine tasting room may be in order.

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6. Wife and the Somm 

For a classic date night, you can’t beat Wife and the Somm. Billed as a “neighborhood wine bar and restaurant,” Wife and the Somm offers a well-curated selection of wines and appetizers to set the mood for an evening of romance.

Cost

For a wine bar with a menu that changes daily, Wife and the Somm is very reasonably priced, with plates that run from $15-29 dollars. For a fancy evening, you would be hard-pressed to find a better value.

The Perfect Date If. . .

If you want a romantic, classy night out, Wife and the Somm delivers. Period.

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7. The Original Farmers Market‌ 

The modern version of the farmer’s market was born right here in LA. The Original Farmers Market offers a huge variety of local produce and artisan foods. Support farmers and your local economy by buying fresh, right from their bakeries or fields. It’s a win-win.

Cost

The Original Farmers Market is free to enter, although you may have to pay for parking. Prices vary by vendor, but everything’s tempting, so come prepared to spend a few bucks.

The Perfect Date If. . .

If you and your date are foodies, you can have fun trying new foods together… or, if you just can’t agree on what to eat, the farmer’s market has plenty of variety for you to choose from.

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8. Secluded Beach Getaway 

Living in Los Angeles comes with its perks, and one of the best is its proximity to the ocean. If you don’t already know your spot, or you’re looking for inspiration, read this blog from a local to find the beaches tourists don’t know about.

Cost

Most beaches in or near Los Angeles are free to visit, but you might pay for parking.

The Perfect Date If. . .

A date on the beach is perfect for getting some sun, splashing around, and spending some good old quality time shoulder to shoulder.