24 Cheap And Fun Date Ideas Near USC
Going on a date doesn’t mean it has to be fancy or expensive or far away. Great dates don’t have to be high energy either. Being in LA is advantageous because there numerous places to go to or things to do around USC. Keep reading for 25 cheap and fun date ideas near USC!
This is a collaborative piece by: Bonny Pennell and Hannah Tan
1. Go to one of their favorite restaurants!
Going out to breakfast, lunch, or dinner to your date’s favorite restaurants. Brunch is also an option on the weekends. It may seem boring or old fashioned, but it works. Food is one of few things that brings everyone together. This is perfect for your date if they consider themselves to be foodies. Downtown LA has a wide variety of places you can go to.
2. A trip to The Last Bookstore.
This store is known for its interesting interior design. On the second floor, there is section where every book is $1. In the other sections books are organized by genre. You can also sell or donate any extra books of your’s. There are a few small shops you can browse as well. It is located on 453 S Spring St – Ground Floor Los Angeles, CA 90013.
3. Check out the view from Skyspace LA.
It is a glass slide with a view of downtown LA. This is for the more adventurous. You will need to buy tickets which will be at their website. It is easily the most Instagram worthy of all date ideas near USC! It is located on 633 W 5th St, Los Angeles California.
4. Visit all of the museums.
Yes, people still go to those and they’re free. There are actually multiple ones in LA. There is one next to USC and you can find more in downtown LA. They range from sports to Asian American history.
5. Explore Little Tokyo!
Fans of Japanese animation, you can head to Little Tokyo via the blue and the red or purple line on the metro train. You can get more traditional Japanese cuisine here. There is also the Kinokuniya bookstore and small boutiques. Karaoke is another option here as well.
6. See a concert at LA Live.
LA Live hosts a variety of shows such as concerts. You can get those tickets from Live Nation and Ticketmaster, so make sure you plan ahead.
7. Party at Exchange LA.
People who are more into clubbing can go here. It is also located in downtown LA at 618 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90014
8. Visit the downtown art galleries.
LA also has numerous art galleries, which will be found in downtown LA.
9. Go shopping!
An option for those who like to spend. There is a shop for everyone in downtown LA.
10. A night at the movies!
For those who don’t have much energy because of classes, you can’t go wrong with a movie. There are small independent theaters and chain theaters in downtown LA. Keep in mind tickets are cheaper earlier in the day.
11. Rent out a Pedal Boat at Echo Park
SoCal weather is truly unbeatable, so take advantage and spend a day admiring it. These pedal boats are such a quirky staple to an LA date. At $10 per person for an hour, you’ll have enough time to get to know each other while enjoying the company of beautiful weather.
12. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Museum dates are so unbeatable, and you can take a super cute photo with your S.O. at LACMA’s iconic light sculpture. L.A. residents can even get free admission after 3 PM on weekdays, so take advantage and admire the diverse artwork at this landmark.
13. The Original Farmer’s Market at The Grove
Nothing beats a Sunday spent at the farmer’s market. Enjoy some authentic ice cream with your S.O. Maybe even share a scoop if you feel like being extra frugal (and romantic!)
14. Getty Center
If you’re an Art History buff and wanna show it off, then there can’t be a better place than the Getty Center. The view is unbeatable, and admission is free.
15. Hit the best dessert places.
Yeah, those food-filled, Insta pages? A lot of them are in L.A. Maybe California Donuts if you’re feeling some super cool-looking and delicious donuts, or maybe Milk if you’re both craving some unique and yummy ice cream sandwiches?
17. The Exposition Park Museums
You might have been distracted during game days, but don’t forget about these gems literally across from campus! From the California Science Center or the Natural History Museum, spend a whole day museum hopping. Admission is either free or super affordable.
18. Take a stroll at the Venice Canals.
A romantic stroll: L.A. style. Get lost in the beautiful scenery and spend the day talking about anything and everything.
19. Drive up to Mulholland
Celeb houses and an awesome view? Put on some romantic music while you’re on your way there. Apart from gas money, this adventurous date is totally free.
20. Go to a Griffith Observatory Show at Samuel Oschin Planetarium
Besides the fact that this has landmark has been seen in numerous movies, the Griffith Observatory has amazing shows for a college-student friendly price. Feel like you’re in outer space with their show Centered in the Universe perhaps?
21. Unlimited KBBQ
Because why not? A super affordable and delicious place is Bud Namu in Korea Town for $12.99 all you can eat.
22. Have a coffee date at a local café.
Sometimes, you just can’t avoid the reading and midterms. Have a study and coffee date at Nature’s Brew just walking distance from campus.
23. Discover new artists with a live concert at Amoeba.
Another iconic landmark. Impress your music-loving S.O. by going to some concerts at this legendary record store.
24. Pink’s Hotdogs
You haven’t actually lived in L.A. unless you’ve tried one of these. Super affordable and scrumptious, and it was started out of love by Paul and Betty Pink in 1939.
And those are 25 cute date ideas to do around USC. Just remember to enjoy your date and everything should go smoothly. Fight on Trojans.
What are your favorite date ideas near USC? Comment below and share the article!
Featured photo source: favim.com and timeout.com
